Christian ethicks, or, Divine morality opening the way to blessedness, by the rules of vertue and reason / by Tho. Traherne ...
         Traherne, Thomas, d. 1674.
      
       
         
           1675
        
      
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             Christian ethicks, or, Divine morality opening the way to blessedness, by the rules of vertue and reason / by Tho. Traherne ...
             Traherne, Thomas, d. 1674.
          
           [32], 577 p.
           
             Printed for Jonathan Edwin ...,
             London :
             1675.
          
           
             First ed. Cf. BM.
             Reproduction of original in Yale University Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Christian ethics -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           Christian
           ETHICKS
           :
           OR
           ,
           Divine
           MORALITY
           .
           Opening
           the
           WAY
           to
           BLESSEDNESS
           ,
           By
           the
           RULES
           of
           VERTUE
           AND
           REASON
           .
        
         
           By
           
             THO.
             TRAHERNE
          
           ,
           B.
           D.
           Author
           of
           the
           Roman
           Forgeries
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           
             Jonathan
             Edwin
          
           ,
           at
           the
           
             Three
             Roses
          
           in
           Ludgate-street
           ,
           1675.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           TO
           THE
           READER
           .
        
         
           THE
           design
           of
           this
           Treatise
           is
           ,
           not
           to
           stroak
           and
           tickle
           the
           Fancy
           ,
           but
           to
           elevate
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           refine
           its
           Apprehensions
           ,
           to
           inform
           the
           Judgment
           ,
           and
           polish
           it
           for
           Conversation
           ,
           to
           purifie
           and
           enflame
           the
           Heart
           ,
           to
           enrich
           the
           Mind
           ,
           and
           guide
           Men
           
           (
           that
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           help
           )
           in
           the
           way
           of
           Vertue
           ;
           to
           excite
           their
           Desire
           ,
           to
           encourage
           them
           to
           Travel
           ,
           to
           comfort
           them
           in
           the
           Journey
           ,
           and
           so
           at
           last
           to
           lead
           them
           to
           true
           Felicity
           ,
           both
           here
           and
           hereafter
           .
        
         
           I
           need
           not
           treat
           of
           Vertues
           in
           the
           ordinary
           way
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           Duties
           enjoyned
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           GOD
           ;
           that
           the
           Author
           of
           
             The
             whole
             Duty
             of
             Man
          
           hath
           excellently
           done
           :
           nor
           as
           they
           are
           
             Prudential
             Expedients
          
           and
           Means
           for
           a
           mans
           Peace
           and
           Honour
           on
           Earth
           ;
           that
           is
           in
           some
           measure
           done
           by
           the
           
             French
             Charron
          
           
           of
           Wisdom
           .
           My
           purpose
           is
           to
           satisfie
           the
           Curious
           and
           Unbelieving
           Soul
           ,
           concerning
           the
           reality
           ,
           force
           ,
           and
           efficacy
           of
           Vertue
           ;
           and
           having
           some
           advantages
           from
           the
           knowledge
           I
           gained
           in
           the
           nature
           of
           Felicity
           (
           by
           many
           years
           earnest
           and
           diligent
           study
           )
           my
           business
           is
           to
           make
           as
           visible
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           possible
           for
           me
           ,
           the
           lustre
           of
           its
           
             Beauty
             ,
             Dignity
          
           ,
           and
           Glory
           :
           By
           shewing
           what
           a
           necessary
           Means
           Vertue
           is
           ,
           how
           sweet
           ,
           how
           full
           of
           Reason
           ,
           how
           desirable
           in
           it self
           ,
           how
           just
           and
           amiable
           ,
           how
           delightful
           ,
           and
           how
           powerfully
           conducive
           also
           
           to
           Glory
           :
           how
           naturally
           Vertue
           carries
           us
           to
           the
           Temple
           of
           Bliss
           ,
           and
           how
           immeasurably
           transcendent
           it
           is
           in
           all
           kinds
           of
           Excellency
           .
        
         
           And
           (
           if
           I
           may
           speak
           freely
           )
           my
           Office
           is
           ,
           to
           carry
           and
           enhance
           Vertue
           to
           its
           utmost
           height
           ,
           to
           open
           the
           Beauty
           of
           all
           the
           Prospect
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           the
           Glory
           of
           GOD
           appear
           ,
           in
           the
           Blessedness
           of
           Man
           ,
           by
           setting
           forth
           its
           infinite
           Excellency
           :
           Taking
           out
           of
           the
           Treasuries
           of
           Humanity
           those
           Arguments
           that
           will
           discover
           the
           great
           perfection
           of
           the
           End
           of
           Man
           ,
           which
           he
           may
           atchieve
           
           by
           the
           capacity
           of
           his
           Nature
           :
           As
           also
           by
           opening
           the
           Nature
           of
           Vertue
           it self
           ,
           thereby
           to
           display
           the
           marvellous
           Beauty
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           light
           the
           Soul
           to
           the
           sight
           of
           its
           Perfection
           .
        
         
           I
           do
           not
           speak
           much
           of
           Vice
           ,
           which
           is
           far
           the
           more
           easie
           Theme
           ,
           because
           I
           am
           intirely
           taken
           up
           with
           the
           abundance
           of
           Worth
           and
           Beauty
           in
           Vertue
           ,
           and
           have
           so
           much
           to
           say
           of
           the
           positive
           and
           intrinsick
           Goodness
           of
           its
           Nature
           .
           But
           besides
           ,
           since
           a
           strait
           Line
           is
           the
           measure
           both
           of
           it self
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           crooked
           one
           ,
           I
           conclude
           ,
           That
           the
           very
           Glory
           of
           
           Vertue
           well
           understood
           ,
           will
           make
           all
           Vice
           appear
           like
           dirt
           before
           Jewel
           ,
           when
           they
           are
           compared
           together
           .
           Nay
           ,
           Vice
           as
           soon
           as
           it
           is
           named
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           these
           Vertues
           ,
           will
           look
           like
           Poyson
           and
           a
           Contagion
           ,
           or
           if
           you
           will
           ,
           as
           black
           as
           Malice
           and
           Ingratitude
           :
           so
           that
           there
           will
           need
           no
           other
           Exposition
           of
           its
           Nature
           ,
           to
           dehort
           Men
           from
           the
           love
           of
           it
           ,
           than
           the
           Illustration
           of
           its
           Contrary
           .
        
         
           Vertues
           are
           listed
           in
           the
           rank
           of
           
             Invisible
             things
          
           ;
           of
           which
           kind
           ,
           some
           are
           so
           blind
           as
           to
           deny
           there
           are
           any
           existent
           
           in
           Nature
           :
           But
           yet
           it
           may
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           made
           easily
           apparent
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           Peace
           and
           Beauty
           in
           the
           World
           proceedeth
           from
           them
           ,
           all
           Honour
           and
           Security
           is
           founded
           in
           them
           ,
           all
           Glory
           and
           Esteem
           is
           acquired
           by
           them
           .
           For
           the
           Prosperity
           of
           all
           Kingdoms
           is
           laid
           in
           the
           Goodness
           of
           GOD
           and
           of
           Men.
           Were
           there
           nothing
           in
           the
           World
           but
           the
           Works
           of
           Amity
           ,
           which
           proceed
           from
           the
           
             highest
             Vertue
          
           ,
           they
           alone
           would
           testifie
           of
           its
           Excellency
           .
           For
           there
           can
           be
           no
           Safety
           where
           there
           is
           any
           Treachery
           :
           But
           were
           all
           
           Truth
           and
           Courtesie
           exercis'd
           with
           Fidelity
           and
           Love
           ,
           there
           could
           be
           no
           Injustice
           or
           Complaint
           in
           the
           World
           ;
           no
           Strife
           ,
           nor
           Violence
           :
           but
           all
           
             Bounty
             ,
             Joy
          
           and
           Complacency
           .
           Were
           there
           no
           Blindness
           ,
           every
           Soul
           would
           be
           full
           of
           Light
           ,
           and
           the
           face
           of
           Felicity
           be
           seen
           ,
           and
           the
           Earth
           be
           turned
           into
           Heaven
           .
        
         
           The
           things
           we
           treat
           of
           are
           great
           and
           mighty
           ;
           they
           touch
           the
           Essence
           of
           every
           Soul
           ,
           and
           are
           of
           infinite
           Concernment
           ,
           because
           the
           Felicity
           is
           eternal
           that
           is
           acquired
           by
           them
           :
           I
           do
           not
           mean
           Immortal
           only
           but
           worthy
           to
           be
           Eternal
           :
           and
           it
           is
           
           impossible
           to
           be
           happy
           without
           them
           .
           We
           treat
           of
           Mans
           great
           and
           
             soveraign
             End
          
           ,
           of
           the
           Nature
           of
           Blessedness
           ,
           of
           the
           Means
           to
           attain
           it
           :
           Of
           Knowledge
           and
           Love
           ,
           of
           Wisdom
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           of
           Righteousness
           and
           Holiness
           ,
           of
           Justice
           and
           Mercy
           ,
           of
           Prudence
           and
           Courage
           ,
           of
           Temperance
           and
           Patience
           ,
           of
           Meekness
           and
           Humility
           ,
           of
           Contentment
           ,
           of
           Magnanimity
           and
           Modesty
           ,
           of
           Liberality
           and
           Magnificence
           ,
           of
           the
           waies
           by
           which
           Love
           is
           begotten
           in
           the
           Soul
           ,
           of
           Gratitude
           ,
           of
           
             Faith
             ,
             Hope
          
           ,
           and
           Charity
           ,
           of
           
             Repentance
             ,
             Devotion
             ,
             
             Fidelity
             ,
          
           and
           Godliness
           .
           In
           all
           which
           we
           shew
           what
           sublime
           and
           
             mysterious
             Creatures
          
           they
           are
           ,
           which
           depend
           upon
           the
           Operations
           of
           Mans
           Soul
           ;
           their
           great
           extent
           ,
           their
           use
           and
           value
           ,
           their
           Original
           and
           their
           End
           ,
           their
           Objects
           and
           their
           Times
           :
           What
           Vertues
           belong
           to
           the
           Estate
           of
           Innocency
           ,
           what
           to
           the
           Estate
           of
           Misery
           and
           Grace
           ,
           and
           what
           to
           the
           Estate
           of
           Glory
           .
           Which
           are
           the
           food
           of
           the
           Soul
           ,
           and
           the
           works
           of
           Nature
           ;
           which
           were
           occasioned
           by
           Sin
           ,
           as
           Medicines
           and
           Expedients
           only
           :
           which
           are
           
           Essential
           to
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           which
           Accidental
           ;
           which
           Temporal
           ,
           and
           which
           Eternal
           :
           with
           the
           true
           Reason
           of
           their
           Imposition
           ;
           why
           they
           all
           are
           commanded
           ,
           and
           how
           wise
           and
           gracious
           GOD
           is
           in
           enjoyning
           them
           .
           By
           which
           means
           all
           Atheism
           is
           put
           to
           flight
           ,
           and
           all
           Infidelity
           :
           The
           Soul
           is
           reconciled
           to
           the
           Lawgiver
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           taught
           to
           delight
           in
           his
           Commandements
           :
           All
           Enmity
           and
           Discontentment
           must
           vanish
           as
           Clouds
           and
           Darkness
           before
           the
           Sun
           ,
           when
           the
           Beauty
           of
           Vertue
           appeareth
           in
           its
           
           brightness
           and
           glory
           .
           It
           is
           impossible
           that
           the
           splendour
           of
           its
           Nature
           should
           be
           seen
           ,
           but
           all
           Religion
           and
           Felicity
           will
           be
           manifest
           .
        
         
           Perhaps
           you
           will
           meet
           some
           New
           Notions
           :
           but
           yet
           when
           they
           are
           examined
           ,
           he
           hopes
           it
           will
           appear
           to
           the
           Reader
           ,
           that
           it
           was
           the
           actual
           knowledge
           of
           true
           Felicity
           that
           taught
           him
           to
           speak
           of
           Vertue
           ;
           and
           moreover
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           not
           the
           least
           tittle
           pertaining
           to
           the
           
             Catholick
             Faith
          
           contradicted
           or
           altered
           in
           his
           Papers
           .
           For
           he
           firmly
           retains
           all
           that
           was
           established
           in
           the
           
           Ancient
           Councels
           ,
           nay
           and
           sees
           Cause
           to
           do
           so
           ,
           even
           
             in
             the
             highest
             and
             most
             transcendent
             Mysteries
          
           :
           only
           he
           enriches
           all
           ,
           by
           farther
           opening
           the
           grandeur
           and
           glory
           of
           Religion
           ,
           with
           the
           interiour
           depths
           and
           Beauties
           of
           Faith.
           Yet
           indeed
           it
           is
           not
           he
           ,
           but
           GOD
           that
           hath
           enriched
           the
           Nature
           of
           it
           :
           he
           only
           brings
           the
           Wealth
           of
           Vertue
           to
           light
           ,
           which
           the
           infinite
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           Power
           of
           GOD
           have
           seated
           there
           .
           Which
           though
           Learned
           Men
           know
           perhaps
           far
           better
           than
           he
           ,
           yet
           he
           humbly
           craves
           pardon
           for
           casting
           
           in
           his
           Mite
           to
           the
           
             vulgar
             Exchequer
          
           .
           He
           hath
           nothing
           more
           to
           say
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           Glory
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           the
           sublime
           Perfection
           of
           
             Humane
             Nature
          
           are
           united
           in
           Vertue
           .
           By
           Vertue
           the
           Creation
           is
           made
           useful
           ,
           and
           the
           Universe
           delightful
           .
           All
           the
           Works
           of
           GOD
           are
           crowned
           with
           their
           End
           ,
           by
           the
           Glory
           of
           Vertue
           .
           For
           whatsoever
           is
           good
           and
           profitable
           for
           Men
           is
           made
           Sacred
           ;
           because
           it
           is
           delightful
           and
           well-pleasing
           to
           GOD
           :
           Who
           being
           LOVE
           by
           Nature
           ,
           delighteth
           in
           his
           Creatures
           welfare
           .
        
         
         
           There
           are
           two
           sorts
           of
           concurrent
           Actions
           necessary
           to
           Bliss
           .
           Actions
           in
           GOD
           ,
           and
           Actions
           in
           Men
           ;
           nay
           and
           Actions
           too
           in
           all
           the
           Creatures
           .
           The
           Sun
           must
           warm
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           not
           burn
           ;
           the
           Earth
           must
           bring
           forth
           ,
           but
           not
           swallow
           up
           ;
           the
           Air
           must
           cool
           without
           starving
           ,
           and
           the
           Sea
           moisten
           without
           drowning
           :
           Meats
           must
           feed
           but
           not
           poyson
           :
           Rain
           must
           fall
           ,
           but
           not
           oppress
           :
           Thus
           in
           the
           inferiour
           Creatures
           you
           see
           Actions
           are
           of
           several
           kinds
           .
           But
           these
           may
           be
           reduced
           to
           the
           Actions
           of
           GOD
           ,
           from
           whom
           they
           
           spring
           ;
           for
           he
           prepares
           all
           these
           Creatures
           for
           us
           .
           And
           it
           is
           necessary
           to
           the
           felicity
           of
           his
           Sons
           ,
           that
           he
           should
           make
           all
           things
           healing
           and
           amiable
           ,
           not
           odious
           and
           destructive
           :
           that
           he
           should
           Love
           ,
           and
           not
           Hate
           :
           And
           the
           Actions
           of
           Men
           must
           concur
           aright
           with
           these
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           his
           Creatures
           .
           They
           must
           not
           despise
           Blessings
           because
           they
           are
           given
           ,
           but
           esteem
           them
           ;
           not
           
             trample
             them
             under
             feet
          
           ,
           because
           they
           have
           the
           benefit
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           magnifie
           and
           extol
           them
           :
           They
           too
           must
           Love
           ,
           and
           not
           Hate
           :
           They
           must
           not
           kill
           and
           murther
           ,
           
           but
           serve
           and
           pleasure
           one
           another
           :
           they
           must
           not
           scorn
           great
           and
           inestimable
           Gifts
           ,
           because
           they
           are
           common
           ,
           for
           so
           the
           Angels
           would
           lose
           all
           the
           happiness
           of
           Heaven
           .
           If
           GOD
           should
           do
           the
           most
           great
           and
           glorious
           things
           that
           infinite
           Wisdom
           could
           devise
           ;
           if
           Men
           will
           resolve
           to
           be
           blind
           ,
           and
           perverse
           ,
           and
           sensless
           ,
           all
           will
           be
           in
           vain
           :
           the
           most
           High
           and
           Sacred
           things
           will
           increase
           their
           Misery
           .
           This
           may
           give
           you
           some
           little
           glimpse
           of
           the
           excellency
           of
           Vertue
           .
        
         
         
           You
           may
           easily
           discern
           that
           my
           Design
           is
           to
           reconcile
           Men
           to
           GOD
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           fit
           to
           delight
           in
           him
           :
           and
           that
           my
           last
           End
           is
           to
           celebrate
           his
           Praises
           ,
           in
           communion
           with
           the
           Angels
           .
           Wherein
           I
           beg
           the
           Concurrence
           of
           the
           Reader
           ,
           for
           we
           can
           never
           praise
           him
           enough
           ;
           nor
           be
           fit
           enough
           to
           praise
           him
           :
           No
           other
           man
           (
           at
           least
           )
           can
           make
           us
           so
           ,
           without
           our
           own
           willingness
           ,
           and
           endeavour
           to
           do
           it
           .
        
         
           Above
           all
           ,
           pray
           to
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           Excellency
           of
           the
           Creation
           for
           upon
           the
           due
           sense
           of
           its
           Excellency
           the
           life
           of
           
           Felicity
           wholly
           dependeth
           .
           Pray
           to
           be
           sensible
           of
           the
           Excellency
           of
           
             Divine
             Laws
          
           ,
           and
           of
           all
           the
           Goodness
           which
           your
           Soul
           comprehendeth
           .
           Covet
           a
           lively
           sense
           of
           all
           you
           know
           ,
           of
           the
           Excellency
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           of
           Eternal
           Love
           ;
           of
           your
           own
           Excellency
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           worth
           and
           value
           of
           all
           Objects
           whatsoever
           .
           For
           to
           feel
           is
           as
           necessary
           ,
           as
           to
           see
           their
           Glory
           .
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           Contents
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             OF
             the
             End
             ,
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             which
             ,
             Vertue
             is
             desired
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             II.
             
          
           
             Of
             the
             Nature
             of
             Felicity
             ;
             its
             excellency
             and
             perfection
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             III.
             
          
           
             Of
             Vertue
             in
             general
             .
             The
             distribution
             of
             it
             into
             its
             several
             kinds
             .
             It
             s
             definition
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             IV.
             
          
           
             Of
             the
             Powers
             and
             Affections
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             What
             Vertues
             pertain
             to
             the
             estate
             of
             Innocency
             ;
             what
             to
             the
             estate
             of
             Grace
             ;
             what
             to
             the
             estate
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             V.
             
          
           
             Of
             the
             necessity
             ,
             excellency
             and
             use
             ,
             of
             Knowledge
             :
             Its
             depths
             and
             extents
             ;
             its
             Objects
             ,
             and
             its
             End.
             
          
           
             
             Chap.
             VI.
             
          
           
             Of
             Love
             and
             Hatred
             .
             The
             necessity
             and
             sweetness
             of
             Love.
             It
             s
             general
             use
             and
             efficacy
             .
             The
             several
             kinds
             of
             Love.
             Of
             the
             power
             ,
             inclination
             and
             act
             of
             Love
             ;
             its
             extent
             and
             capacity
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             VII
             .
          
           
             What
             benefit
             GOD
             himself
             does
             receive
             by
             his
             eternal
             Love
             :
             That
             when
             our
             Love
             is
             made
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             like
             his
             ,
             and
             the
             benefit
             of
             it
             will
             be
             eternal
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             Of
             the
             excellency
             of
             Truth
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             the
             object
             and
             cause
             of
             Vertue
             .
             The
             matter
             and
             form
             of
             Vertuous
             Actions
             .
             That
             their
             form
             is
             infinitely
             more
             excellent
             than
             their
             matter
             ,
             and
             the
             Heathen
             Morality
             infinitely
             defective
             and
             short
             of
             the
             Christian.
             
          
           
             Chap.
             IX
             .
          
           
             Wisdom
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             Will
             ;
             it
             attaineth
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends
             by
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Means
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             X.
             
          
           
             Of
             Righteousness
             ,
             how
             Wisdom
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             and
             right
             Reason
             are
             shut
             up
             in
             its
             Nature
             .
             
             What
             God
             doth
             ,
             and
             what
             we
             acquire
             ,
             by
             the
             exercise
             of
             this
             Vertue
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XI
             .
          
           
             Of
             Goodness
             natural
             ,
             moral
             ,
             and
             divine
             ;
             its
             Nature
             described
             .
             The
             benefits
             and
             Works
             of
             Goodness
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Holiness
             :
             Its
             nature
             ,
             violence
             and
             pleasure
             .
             It
             s
             beauty
             consisteth
             in
             the
             infinite
             love
             of
             Righteousness
             and
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XIII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Justice
             in
             general
             ,
             and
             particular
             .
             The
             great
             good
             it
             doth
             in
             Empires
             and
             Kingdoms
             ;
             a
             token
             of
             the
             more
             retired
             good
             it
             doth
             in
             the
             Soul.
             It
             s
             several
             kinds
             .
             That
             Gods
             punitive
             Justice
             springs
             from
             his
             Goodness
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XIV
             .
          
           
             Of
             Mercy
             .
             The
             indelible
             stain
             and
             guilt
             of
             Sin.
             Of
             the
             Kingdom
             which
             God
             recovered
             by
             Mercy
             .
             The
             transcendent
             nature
             of
             that
             duty
             ;
             with
             its
             effects
             and
             benefits
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XV.
             
          
           
             Of
             Faith.
             The
             faculty
             of
             Believing
             implanted
             
             in
             the
             Soul.
             Of
             Nature
             its
             Objects
             are
             .
             The
             necessity
             of
             Faith
             :
             Its
             end
             ;
             its
             use
             and
             excellency
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Mother
             and
             fountain
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XVI
             .
          
           
             Of
             Hope
             .
             It
             s
             foundation
             :
             its
             distinction
             from
             Faith
             ;
             its
             extents
             and
             dimensions
             ;
             its
             life
             and
             vigour
             ;
             its
             several
             kinds
             ;
             its
             sweetness
             and
             excellency
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XVII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Repentance
             .
             It
             s
             original
             ;
             its
             nature
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             purgative
             Vertue
             ;
             its
             necessity
             ;
             its
             excellencies
             .
             The
             measure
             of
             that
             sorrow
             which
             is
             due
             to
             Sin
             is
             intollerable
             to
             Sence
             ;
             confessed
             by
             Reason
             ,
             and
             dispensed
             with
             by
             Mercy
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XVIII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Charity
             towards
             God.
             It
             sanctifieth
             Repentance
             ,
             makes
             it
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             turns
             it
             to
             a
             part
             of
             our
             true
             Felicity
             .
             Our
             Love
             to
             all
             other
             objects
             is
             to
             begin
             and
             end
             in
             God.
             Our
             Love
             of
             God
             hath
             an
             excellency
             in
             it
             ,
             that
             makes
             it
             worthy
             to
             be
             desired
             by
             his
             eternal
             Majesty
             .
             He
             is
             the
             only
             supream
             and
             perfect
             Friend
             ;
             by
             Loving
             we
             enjoy
             him
             .
          
           
             
             Chap.
             XIX
             .
          
           
             Charity
             to
             our
             Neighbour
             most
             natural
             and
             easie
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             Innocency
             :
             Adams
             Love
             to
             Eve
             ,
             and
             his
             Children
             ,
             a
             great
             exemplar
             of
             our
             Love
             to
             all
             the
             World.
             The
             sweetness
             of
             Loving
             .
             The
             benefits
             of
             being
             Beloved
             .
             To
             love
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             beloved
             by
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             is
             perfect
             security
             and
             felicity
             .
             Were
             the
             Law
             fulfilled
             ,
             all
             the
             World
             would
             be
             turned
             into
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XX.
             
          
           
             Of
             Prudence
             .
             It
             s
             foundation
             is
             Charity
             ,
             its
             end
             tranquility
             and
             prosperity
             on
             Earth
             ;
             its
             office
             to
             reconcile
             Duty
             and
             Convenience
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             Vertue
             subservient
             to
             Temporal
             welfare
             .
             Of
             Prudence
             in
             Religion
             ;
             Friendship
             ,
             and
             Empire
             .
             The
             end
             of
             Prudence
             is
             perfect
             Charity
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXI
             .
          
           
             Encouragements
             to
             Courage
             .
             It
             s
             Nature
             ,
             cause
             ,
             and
             end
             .
             It
             s
             greatness
             and
             renown
             .
             Its
             ornaments
             and
             Companions
             .
             Its
             objects
             ,
             circumstances
             ,
             effects
             ,
             and
             disadvantages
             :
             how
             Difficulties
             increase
             its
             vertue
             .
             Its
             Victories
             and
             Triumphs
             .
             How
             subservient
             it
             is
             to
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
          
           
             
             Chap.
             XXII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Temperance
             in
             matters
             of
             Art
             ,
             as
             Musick
             ,
             Dancing
             ,
             Painting
             ,
             Cookery
             ,
             Physick
             ,
             &c.
             
             In
             the
             works
             of
             Nature
             ;
             Eating
             ,
             drinking
             ,
             sports
             and
             recreations
             :
             In
             occasions
             of
             passion
             ,
             in
             our
             lives
             and
             Conversations
             .
             It
             s
             exercise
             in
             Self-denial
             ,
             measure
             ,
             mixture
             and
             proportion
             .
             Its
             effects
             and
             atchievments
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXIII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Temperance
             in
             God.
             How
             the
             Moderation
             of
             Almighty
             Power
             ,
             guided
             in
             his
             Works
             by
             Wisdom
             ,
             perfecteth
             the
             Creation
             .
             How
             it
             hath
             raised
             its
             own
             Glory
             and
             our
             Felicity
             beyond
             all
             that
             simple
             Power
             could
             effect
             by
             its
             Infiniteness
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXIV
             .
          
           
             Of
             Patience
             .
             It
             s
             original
             .
             How
             God
             was
             the
             first
             patient
             Person
             in
             the
             World.
             The
             nature
             ,
             and
             the
             glory
             ,
             and
             the
             blessed
             effects
             of
             his
             eternal
             Patience
             .
             The
             Reason
             and
             design
             of
             all
             Calamities
             .
             Of
             Patience
             in
             Martyrdom
             .
             The
             extraordinary
             reward
             of
             ordinary
             Patience
             in
             its
             meanest
             obscurity
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXV
             .
          
           
             The
             cause
             of
             Meekness
             is
             Love.
             It
             respects
             the
             future
             beauty
             and
             perfection
             of
             its
             
             object
             .
             It
             is
             the
             most
             supernatural
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             .
             The
             reasons
             and
             grounds
             of
             this
             Vertue
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             Grace
             and
             Misery
             .
             It
             s
             manifold
             effects
             and
             excellenlencies
             .
             Of
             the
             Meekness
             of
             Moses
             and
             Joseph
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXVI
             .
          
           
             Humility
             is
             the
             basis
             of
             all
             Vertue
             and
             Felicity
             ,
             in
             all
             estates
             ,
             and
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             exercised
             .
             As
             Pride
             does
             alienate
             the
             Soul
             from
             God
             ,
             Humility
             unites
             it
             to
             him
             in
             adoration
             and
             amity
             .
             It
             maketh
             infinite
             Blessedness
             infinitely
             greater
             ,
             is
             agreeable
             to
             the
             truth
             of
             our
             condition
             ,
             and
             leads
             us
             through
             a
             dark
             and
             mysterious
             way
             to
             Glory
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXVII
             .
          
           
             That
             Contentment
             is
             a
             Vertue
             .
             Its
             causes
             ,
             and
             its
             ends
             :
             Its
             Impediments
             ,
             Effects
             ,
             and
             Advantages
             .
             The
             way
             to
             attain
             and
             secure
             Contentment
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXVIII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Magnanimity
             ,
             or
             greatness
             of
             Soul.
             Its
             nature
             .
             It
             s
             foundation
             in
             the
             vast
             Capacity
             of
             the
             Understanding
             .
             It
             s
             desire
             .
             Its
             objects
             are
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             .
             Its
             enquiries
             are
             most
             profound
             and
             earnest
             .
             It
             disdaineth
             all
             feeble
             Honours
             ,
             Pleasures
             
             and
             Treasures
             .
             A
             Magnanimous
             Man
             is
             the
             only
             Great
             and
             undaunted
             Creature
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXIX
             .
          
           
             Of
             Modesty
             .
             It
             s
             nature
             .
             It
             s
             original
             .
             Its
             effects
             and
             consequences
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXX
             .
          
           
             The
             excellent
             nature
             of
             Liberality
             .
             Rules
             to
             be
             observed
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             it
             .
             Regard
             to
             our
             Servants
             ,
             Relations
             ,
             Friends
             and
             Neighbours
             must
             be
             had
             in
             our
             Liberality
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             the
             Poor
             and
             Needy
             .
             How
             our
             external
             acts
             of
             Charity
             ought
             to
             be
             improved
             for
             the
             benefit
             of
             mens
             Souls
             .
             Liberality
             maketh
             Religion
             real
             and
             substantial
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXXI
             .
          
           
             Of
             Magnificence
             in
             God.
             Its
             resemblance
             in
             Man.
             The
             chief
             Magnificence
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             Spiritual
             .
             It
             is
             perfectly
             expressed
             in
             the
             outward
             life
             ,
             when
             the
             whole
             is
             made
             perfect
             ,
             and
             presented
             to
             God.
             God
             gives
             all
             his
             Life
             to
             us
             :
             and
             we
             should
             give
             ours
             all
             to
             him
             .
             How
             fair
             and
             glorious
             it
             may
             be
             .
          
           
             
             Chap.
             XXXII
             .
          
           
             Of
             Gratitude
             .
             It
             feeds
             upon
             Benefits
             ,
             and
             is
             in
             height
             and
             fervour
             answerable
             to
             their
             Greatness
             .
             The
             Question
             stated
             ,
             Whether
             we
             are
             able
             to
             love
             GOD
             more
             than
             our selves
             .
             It
             is
             impossible
             to
             be
             grateful
             to
             GOD
             without
             it
             .
             A
             hint
             of
             the
             glorious
             Consequences
             of
             so
             doing
             .
          
           
             Chap.
             XXXIII
             .
          
           
             The
             Beauty
             of
             Gratitude
             .
             It
             s
             principal
             Causes
             .
             Amity
             and
             Communion
             are
             the
             great
             effect
             of
             its
             Nature
             .
             The
             true
             Character
             of
             a
             grateful
             Person
             .
             Gods
             incommunicable
             Attributes
             enjoyed
             by
             Gratitude
             .
             All
             Angels
             and
             Men
             are
             a
             grateful
             Persons
             Treasures
             ,
             as
             they
             assist
             him
             in
             Praises
             .
             He
             sacrifices
             all
             Worlds
             to
             the
             Deity
             ,
             and
             supreamly
             delighteth
             to
             see
             him
             sitting
             in
             the
             Throne
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             An
             APPENDIX
             .
          
           
             Of
             Enmity
             and
             Triumph
             :
             Of
             Schism
             and
             Heresie
             ,
             Fidelity
             ,
             Devotion
             ,
             Godliness
             .
             Wherein
             is
             declared
             ,
             how
             Gratitude
             and
             Felicity
             inspire
             and
             perfect
             all
             the
             Vertues
             .
          
        
      
       
         
         
           To
           the
           Reader
           .
        
         
           The
           Author
           's
           much
           lamented
           Death
           hapning
           immediately
           after
           this
           Copy
           came
           to
           the
           Press
           ,
           may
           reasonably
           move
           the
           Readers
           charity
           ,
           to
           pardon
           those
           few
           Errata's
           which
           have
           escaped
           in
           the
           Printing
           by
           so
           sad
           an
           occasion
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           CHRISTIAN
           ETHICKS
           OR
           DIVINE
           MORALITIE
           .
           Opening
           The
           Way
           to
           Blessedness
           By
           The
           rules
           of
           Virtue
           and
           Reason
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               End
               ,
               for
               the
               sake
               of
               which
               ,
               Virtue
               is
               desired
               .
            
          
           
             IT
             is
             the
             Prerogative
             of
             Humane
             Nature
             to
             understand
             it self
             ,
             and
             guide
             its
             Operations
             to
             a
             Known
             End
             :
             which
             he
             doth
             wholly
             forfeit
             ,
             that
             lives
             at
             random
             ,
             without
             considering
             what
             is
             worthy
             of
             his
             Endeavors
             ,
             or
             fit
             for
             his
             Desires
             .
          
           
             THE
             End
             is
             that
             which
             crowns
             the
             Work
             ;
             that
             which
             inspires
             the
             Soul
             with
             Desire
             ,
             and
             Desire
             with
             a
             quick
             and
             vigorous
             Industry
             .
             It
             is
             last
             attained
             ,
             but
             first
             
             intended
             in
             every
             Operation
             .
             All
             Means
             which
             can
             be
             used
             in
             the
             Acquisiton
             of
             it
             ,
             derive
             their
             value
             from
             its
             Excellency
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             encouraged
             to
             use
             them
             only
             on
             the
             Account
             of
             that
             End
             ,
             which
             is
             attained
             by
             them
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             the
             Office
             of
             Morality
             to
             teach
             Men
             the
             Nature
             of
             Virtue
             ,
             and
             to
             encourage
             them
             in
             the
             Practice
             of
             it
             ,
             by
             explaining
             its
             use
             and
             Efficacy
             .
          
           
             THE
             Excellence
             of
             Virtue
             ,
             is
             the
             Necessity
             and
             Efficacy
             thereof
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Felicity
             .
             It
             consisteth
             in
             this
             ,
             Virtue
             is
             the
             only
             Means
             ,
             by
             which
             Happiness
             can
             be
             obtained
             .
          
           
             SINCE
             the
             Consideration
             of
             the
             End
             is
             that
             alone
             ,
             which
             does
             animate
             a
             Man
             ,
             to
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Means
             ,
             they
             that
             treat
             of
             Virtue
             do
             worthily
             propose
             the
             End
             in
             the
             beginning
             ,
             and
             first
             shew
             the
             Excellency
             of
             Bliss
             before
             they
             open
             the
             Nature
             of
             Virtue
             .
             For
             it
             is
             a
             vain
             thing
             to
             discover
             the
             Means
             ,
             unless
             the
             End
             be
             desired
             by
             those
             to
             whom
             the
             Nature
             and
             use
             of
             them
             ,
             in
             their
             tendency
             to
             that
             End
             ,
             is
             taught
             and
             commended
             ;
             for
             if
             the
             End
             be
             despised
             ,
             all
             endeavors
             are
             but
             fruitless
             ,
             which
             instruct
             us
             in
             the
             Means
             ;
             and
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             them
             
             vain
             ,
             if
             they
             never
             be
             used
             or
             improved
             .
          
           
             THAT
             Reason
             ,
             whereby
             Man
             is
             able
             to
             Contemplate
             his
             End
             ,
             is
             a
             singular
             Advantage
             ,
             wherein
             he
             is
             priviledged
             above
             a
             Beast
             .
             It
             enables
             him
             not
             only
             to
             examine
             the
             Nature
             and
             perfection
             of
             his
             End
             ,
             but
             the
             Equity
             and
             fitness
             of
             the
             Means
             in
             Order
             thereunto
             and
             the
             singular
             Excellency
             of
             his
             first
             Cause
             ,
             as
             its
             Glory
             and
             Goodness
             appeareth
             in
             the
             Design
             and
             Contrivance
             :
             Especially
             in
             making
             mans
             Happiness
             so
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             .
          
           
             THE
             Heathens
             ,
             who
             invented
             the
             name
             of
             Ethicks
             ,
             were
             very
             short
             in
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             Mans
             End
             :
             But
             they
             are
             worse
             then
             Heathens
             ,
             that
             never
             consider
             it
             .
          
           
             THE
             more
             Excellent
             the
             End
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             prone
             by
             nature
             we
             are
             to
             pursue
             it
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Means
             conducive
             thereunto
             are
             the
             more
             Desirable
             .
          
           
             REASON
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             formal
             Essence
             of
             the
             Soul
             of
             Man
             ,
             guides
             Him
             to
             desire
             those
             Things
             ,
             which
             are
             absolutely
             supreme
             .
             For
             it
             is
             an
             Eternal
             Property
             in
             Reason
             to
             prefer
             the
             Better
             ,
             above
             the
             Worse
             :
             He
             that
             prefers
             the
             worse
             above
             ●he
             Better
             acts
             against
             Nature
             ,
             and
             ●wervs
             from
             the
             Rule
             of
             Right
             Reason
             .
          
           
             WHATEVER
             Varieties
             of
             Opinion
             
             there
             are
             concerning
             Happiness
             ,
             all
             conclude
             and
             agree
             in
             this
             ,
             that
             Mans
             last
             End
             is
             his
             perfect
             Happiness
             :
             And
             the
             more
             Excellent
             his
             Happiness
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             ought
             his
             Soul
             to
             be
             enflamed
             with
             the
             Desire
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             inspired
             with
             the
             greater
             Industry
             .
          
           
             THE
             more
             perfect
             his
             Bliss
             is
             ,
             the
             greater
             is
             the
             Crime
             of
             despising
             it
             .
             To
             pursue
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Happiness
             is
             Divine
             and
             Angelical
             ;
             to
             pursue
             a
             Terrene
             and
             Sensual
             Felicity
             ,
             is
             Brutish
             ;
             but
             to
             place
             Felicity
             in
             Anger
             and
             Envy
             is
             Diabolical
             :
             the
             pleasures
             of
             Malice
             being
             Bitter
             and
             Destructive
             .
          
           
             TO
             live
             by
             Accident
             ,
             and
             never
             to
             pursue
             any
             Felicity
             at
             all
             ,
             is
             neither
             Angelical
             ,
             nor
             Brutish
             ,
             nor
             Diabolical
             :
             but
             Worse
             then
             any
             Thing
             in
             some
             respect
             in
             the
             World
             :
             It
             is
             to
             act
             against
             our
             own
             Principles
             ,
             and
             to
             wage
             war
             with
             our
             very
             Selves
             .
             They
             that
             place
             their
             Ease
             in
             such
             a
             Carelessness
             ,
             are
             of
             all
             others
             ,
             the
             greatest
             Enemies
             and
             Disturbers
             of
             themselves
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             Madness
             and
             folly
             to
             pursue
             th●
             first
             object
             that
             presents
             it self
             ,
             und●●●
             Notion
             of
             felicity
             :
             And
             it
             is
             〈◊〉
             to
             content
             ones
             self
             in
             the
             Enjoyme●●
             
             of
             a
             mean
             estate
             ,
             upon
             a
             suspicion
             there
             is
             no
             true
             happiness
             ,
             because
             the
             nature
             thereof
             is
             so
             much
             doubted
             in
             the
             World.
             The
             Disputations
             concerning
             its
             nature
             argue
             its
             existance
             .
             And
             we
             must
             cease
             to
             be
             Men
             ,
             before
             we
             can
             extinguish
             the
             desire
             of
             being
             Happy
             .
             He
             only
             is
             truely
             Generous
             ,
             that
             aspires
             to
             the
             most
             perfect
             Blessedness
             of
             which
             God
             and
             Nature
             have
             made
             him
             Capable
             .
          
           
             BY
             how
             much
             Greater
             the
             Uncertainty
             is
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             Heedful
             ought
             we
             to
             be
             ,
             lest
             we
             should
             be
             seduced
             and
             deceived
             ,
             in
             the
             Choice
             of
             Happiness
             :
             For
             the
             Danger
             is
             the
             Greater
             .
             And
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             Eager
             Men
             are
             in
             their
             Disputations
             ,
             concerning
             it
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             weighty
             is
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Theme
             to
             be
             presumed
             .
          
           
             HASTINESS
             in
             catching
             at
             an
             unexamined
             Felicity
             ,
             is
             the
             great
             Occasion
             of
             all
             the
             Error
             about
             it
             ,
             among
             the
             Vulgar
             :
             who
             are
             led
             ,
             like
             Beasts
             ,
             by
             their
             Sense
             and
             Appetite
             ,
             without
             discerning
             or
             improving
             any
             other
             faculty
             .
             The
             lip
             of
             the
             Cup
             is
             annointed
             with
             Hony
             ,
             which
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             they
             taste
             ,
             they
             drink
             
             it
             up
             ,
             tho
             the
             liquor
             be
             nothing
             but
             Gall
             and
             Poyson
             .
             Being
             deluded
             with
             a
             shew
             ,
             instead
             of
             Pleasure
             ,
             they
             rush
             hand
             over
             head
             on
             their
             own
             Destruction
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             as
             natural
             to
             Man
             to
             desire
             happiness
             ,
             as
             to
             live
             and
             breath
             :
             Sence
             and
             Instinct
             carry
             him
             to
             Happyness
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Reason
             :
             onely
             Reason
             should
             rectifie
             and
             direct
             his
             Instinct
             ,
             inform
             his
             Sence
             ,
             and
             compleat
             his
             Essence
             ,
             by
             inducing
             those
             perfections
             of
             which
             it
             is
             capable
             .
          
           
             THINGS
             Good
             in
             themselves
             ,
             when
             they
             stand
             in
             Competition
             with
             those
             that
             are
             better
             ,
             have
             the
             notion
             of
             Evil
             :
             Better
             Things
             are
             Evil
             ,
             if
             compared
             with
             the
             Best
             ;
             especially
             where
             the
             Choice
             of
             the
             one
             hinders
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             the
             other
             .
             For
             where
             Good
             ,
             Better
             ,
             and
             Best
             ,
             are
             subservient
             to
             each
             other
             ,
             the
             one
             is
             the
             better
             for
             the
             others
             sake
             ;
             but
             where
             they
             interfere
             ,
             and
             oppose
             each
             other
             ,
             the
             Good
             are
             bad
             in
             comparison
             of
             the
             Better
             ,
             and
             the
             Better
             worse
             than
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Cause
             why
             Reason
             cannot
             acquiesce
             in
             any
             Felicity
             less
             than
             the
             Supreme
             :
             which
             must
             needs
             be
             infinite
             ,
             because
             Almighty
             Power
             ,
             which
             made
             Reason
             active
             ,
             is
             illimited
             in
             its
             Operations
             ;
             
             and
             never
             rests
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             production
             of
             a
             Glorious
             Act
             ,
             that
             is
             infinite
             in
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             IF
             Felicity
             be
             infinite
             ,
             the
             Loss
             is
             as
             great
             ,
             that
             attends
             our
             Miscarriage
             ,
             and
             the
             misery
             intolerable
             ,
             that
             follows
             our
             Loss
             .
             For
             (
             our
             eyes
             being
             open
             )
             a
             Loss
             that
             is
             incomprehensible
             must
             needs
             produce
             a
             Greif
             unmeasurable
             ,
             an
             Anguish
             as
             infinite
             as
             our
             Damage
             .
          
           
             ALL
             inferiour
             felicities
             are
             but
             Miseries
             compared
             with
             the
             Highest
             .
             A
             farthing
             is
             good
             and
             pleaseth
             a
             Beggar
             in
             time
             of
             distress
             :
             but
             a
             piece
             of
             Gold
             is
             Better
             .
             An
             Estate
             of
             a
             thousand
             pounds
             a
             year
             is
             better
             than
             a
             Piece
             of
             Gold
             ;
             but
             our
             Ambition
             carries
             us
             to
             Principalities
             and
             Empires
             .
             An
             Empire
             is
             more
             desirable
             than
             a
             Province
             ;
             and
             the
             Wider
             ,
             the
             Richer
             ,
             the
             Better
             it
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             Desirable
             .
             But
             the
             Empire
             of
             all
             the
             Earth
             is
             a
             Bubble
             compared
             to
             the
             Heavens
             :
             And
             the
             Heavens
             themselves
             less
             than
             nothing
             to
             an
             infinite
             Dominion
             .
          
           
             PERFECT
             Felicity
             is
             not
             Dominion
             ,
             nor
             Pleasure
             ,
             nor
             Riches
             alone
             ,
             nor
             Learning
             ,
             nor
             Virtue
             ,
             nor
             Honour
             ;
             but
             all
             in
             Perfection
             .
             It
             requires
             that
             every
             Soul
             should
             be
             capable
             of
             infinite
             
             Dominion
             ,
             Pleasure
             ,
             Learning
             ,
             and
             Honor
             for
             the
             full
             and
             perfect
             attainment
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             IF
             all
             these
             be
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             in
             that
             Felicity
             which
             is
             prepared
             for
             Man
             ,
             those
             Actions
             are
             of
             inestimable
             Value
             ,
             by
             Virtue
             of
             which
             his
             Felicity
             is
             gained
             ;
             and
             it
             becomes
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Courage
             to
             suffer
             many
             Things
             for
             so
             noble
             an
             End
             :
             Especially
             if
             in
             this
             Life
             it
             may
             in
             any
             measure
             be
             thereby
             acquired
             and
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             THE
             Great
             Reason
             why
             GOD
             has
             concealed
             Felicity
             from
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             man
             ,
             is
             the
             enhancement
             of
             its
             nature
             and
             value
             :
             but
             that
             which
             most
             conceals
             it
             ,
             is
             the
             Corruption
             of
             Nature
             .
             For
             as
             we
             have
             corrupted
             ,
             so
             have
             we
             blinded
             our selves
             .
             Yet
             are
             we
             led
             by
             Instinct
             eagerly
             to
             thirst
             after
             things
             unknown
             remote
             and
             forbidden
             .
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             our
             Palates
             are
             vitiated
             ,
             and
             our
             Digestion
             so
             Corrupted
             ,
             that
             till
             our
             Nature
             be
             purified
             by
             a
             little
             Industry
             ,
             to
             make
             felicity
             Known
             ,
             is
             but
             to
             Expose
             it
             to
             Contempt
             and
             Censure
             .
             It
             is
             too
             Great
             and
             Pure
             for
             perverted
             Nature
             .
          
           
             THE
             Concealment
             of
             an
             object
             whets
             our
             Appetite
             ,
             and
             puts
             and
             Edge
             
             upon
             our
             endeavours
             ,
             and
             this
             carries
             some
             thing
             of
             Mystery
             in
             it
             ;
             For
             whereas
             the
             Maxime
             is
             
               Ignoti
               nulla
               Cupido
               ,
               All
               Love
               comes
               in
               at
               the
               Eye
               ,
            
             we
             affect
             an
             Object
             to
             which
             we
             are
             Blind
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             Blind
             we
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             restless
             .
             We
             are
             touched
             with
             an
             unknown
             Beauty
             which
             we
             never
             saw
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             our
             Ignorance
             are
             actuated
             with
             a
             Tendency
             ,
             which
             does
             not
             abate
             the
             value
             of
             our
             Virtues
             ,
             but
             put
             Life
             and
             Energy
             into
             our
             Actions
             .
          
           
             THO
             Felicity
             cannot
             ,
             perfectly
             be
             understood
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             incomprehensible
             to
             Men
             on
             Earth
             ,
             yet
             so
             much
             of
             it
             may
             be
             discerned
             ,
             as
             will
             serve
             to
             meet
             our
             Instinct
             ,
             and
             feed
             our
             Capacity
             ,
             animate
             our
             Endeavour
             ,
             encourage
             our
             Expectation
             (
             to
             hope
             for
             more
             then
             we
             enjoy
             )
             enable
             us
             to
             subdue
             our
             Lusts
             ,
             support
             us
             in
             temptations
             ,
             and
             assist
             us
             in
             overcoming
             all
             obstacles
             whatsoever
             .
          
           
             INFINITE
             Honors
             and
             Pleasures
             ,
             were
             there
             no
             more
             in
             Felicity
             ,
             are
             enough
             to
             allure
             us
             :
             but
             the
             fruition
             of
             all
             in
             the
             Best
             of
             Manners
             ,
             in
             Communion
             with
             God
             ,
             being
             full
             of
             Life
             ,
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             Perfection
             in
             himself
             ,
             and
             having
             the
             certain
             
             Assurance
             that
             all
             shall
             be
             included
             in
             his
             Bliss
             ,
             that
             can
             be
             thought
             on
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             Thing
             so
             Divine
             ,
             that
             the
             very
             Hope
             of
             it
             fills
             us
             with
             Comfort
             here
             ,
             and
             the
             Attainment
             with
             perfect
             Satisfaction
             hereafter
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             can
             enjoy
             all
             Things
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             needs
             not
             covet
             their
             fruition
             in
             a
             Baser
             Manner
             :
             Man
             was
             made
             in
             GODS
             Image
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             live
             in
             his
             Similitude
             .
          
           
             I
             am
             not
             so
             Stoical
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             all
             Felicity
             consist
             in
             a
             meer
             Apathy
             ,
             or
             freedom
             from
             Passion
             ,
             nor
             yet
             so
             Dissolute
             ,
             as
             to
             give
             the
             Passions
             all
             their
             Liberty
             .
             Neither
             do
             I
             perswade
             you
             to
             renounce
             the
             Advantages
             of
             Wealth
             and
             Honor
             ,
             any
             more
             then
             those
             of
             Beauty
             and
             Wit
             :
             for
             as
             a
             Man
             may
             be
             Happy
             without
             all
             these
             ,
             so
             may
             he
             make
             a
             Happy
             use
             of
             them
             when
             he
             has
             them
             .
             He
             may
             be
             happy
             with
             Difficulty
             without
             them
             ,
             but
             Easily
             with
             them
             .
             If
             not
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             yet
             certainly
             on
             Earth
             ,
             the
             Goods
             of
             fortune
             concur
             to
             the
             Compleating
             of
             
               Temporal
               Felicity
            
             ,
             and
             therefore
             where
             they
             are
             freely
             given
             ,
             are
             not
             to
             be
             despised
             .
          
           
             THAT
             which
             I
             desire
             to
             teach
             a
             man
             is
             ,
             How
             to
             make
             a
             Good
             use
             of
             all
             the
             Advantages
             
             of
             his
             Birth
             and
             Breeding
             ;
             How
             in
             the
             Increase
             of
             Riches
             and
             Honors
             ,
             to
             be
             Happy
             in
             their
             Enjoyment
             :
             How
             to
             secure
             himself
             in
             the
             temptations
             of
             Affluence
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             a
             man
             glorious
             in
             himself
             ,
             and
             delightful
             to
             others
             in
             Abundance
             :
             Or
             else
             if
             Affliction
             should
             arise
             ,
             and
             the
             State
             of
             Affairs
             change
             ,
             how
             to
             triumph
             over
             adverse
             Fortune
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             Happy
             notwithstanding
             his
             Calamities
             .
             How
             to
             govern
             himself
             in
             all
             Estates
             so
             as
             to
             turn
             them
             to
             his
             own
             advantage
             .
          
           
             FOR
             tho
             felicitie
             be
             not
             absolutely
             perfect
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             nor
             so
             compleat
             in
             Poverty
             ,
             as
             in
             a
             great
             and
             plentiful
             Estate
             ;
             you
             are
             not
             to
             believe
             that
             wealth
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             ;
             because
             sometimes
             it
             is
             requisite
             to
             forfeit
             all
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             Felicity
             .
             Nothing
             is
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             Bliss
             ,
             but
             Grace
             and
             vertue
             ,
             tho
             to
             
               perfect
               Bliss
            
             ,
             Ease
             and
             Honour
             be
             absolutely
             necessary
             .
          
           
             THERE
             are
             many
             degrees
             of
             Blessedness
             beneath
             the
             most
             Supream
             ,
             that
             are
             transcendently
             Sweet
             and
             delightful
             :
             And
             it
             sometimes
             happens
             ,
             that
             what
             is
             most
             bitter
             to
             Sence
             ,
             is
             pleasant
             to
             Reason
             .
          
           
           
             RATHER
             then
             make
             Shipwrack
             of
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             we
             must
             do
             as
             Mariners
             in
             a
             storm
             ,
             cast
             our
             riches
             over
             board
             for
             our
             own
             Preservation
             .
             It
             is
             better
             losing
             them
             ,
             then
             our selves
             .
          
           
             VERTUE
             is
             Desirable
             and
             Glorious
             ,
             because
             it
             teacheth
             us
             through
             many
             Difficulties
             in
             this
             Tempestuous
             World
             to
             Sail
             Smoothly
             ,
             and
             attain
             the
             Haven
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             II.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Nature
               of
               Felicity
               ,
               its
               Excellence
               and
               Perfection
               .
            
          
           
             THE
             Peripateticks
             ,
             so
             far
             forth
             as
             they
             contemplated
             the
             Nature
             and
             Estate
             of
             man
             
               in
               this
               World
            
             ,
             were
             Wise
             ,
             in
             defining
             the
             Goods
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             Soul
             and
             Fortune
             to
             concur
             to
             Mans
             perfect
             Happiness
             .
             For
             Difficulties
             and
             Conflicts
             are
             not
             Essential
             to
             the
             Nature
             of
             Bliss
             ,
             nor
             confistent
             with
             the
             fruition
             of
             its
             fulness
             and
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             THERE
             is
             the
             Way
             ,
             and
             the
             journeyes
             end
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             Way
             to
             Felicity
             many
             things
             
             are
             to
             be
             endured
             ,
             that
             are
             not
             to
             be
             desired
             .
             And
             therefore
             is
             it
             necessary
             ,
             to
             make
             a
             Distinction
             between
             the
             way
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             the
             Rest
             which
             we
             attain
             in
             the
             end
             of
             our
             Journey
             .
          
           
             THE
             Goods
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             are
             absolutely
             necessary
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Happiness
             ;
             the
             Goods
             of
             the
             Body
             are
             very
             convenient
             ,
             and
             those
             of
             Fortune
             Commodious
             enough
             .
             But
             the
             latter
             of
             these
             are
             not
             with
             too
             much
             eagerness
             to
             be
             pursued
             .
          
           
             THE
             Goods
             of
             the
             soul
             are
             wisdom
             ,
             Knowledg
             ,
             Courage
             ,
             all
             the
             Virtues
             ,
             all
             the
             Passions
             ,
             Affections
             ,
             Powers
             and
             faculties
             .
             And
             these
             you
             know
             are
             absolutely
             necessary
             .
          
           
             THE
             Goods
             of
             the
             Body
             are
             Health
             ,
             Agility
             ,
             Beauty
             ,
             Vivacity
             ,
             Strength
             and
             Libertie
             :
             and
             these
             shall
             in
             Heaven
             it self
             ,
             together
             with
             those
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             he
             enjoyed
             .
             By
             which
             you
             may
             discern
             that
             the
             Goods
             of
             the
             Body
             are
             real
             Parts
             and
             Ingredients
             of
             Happiness
             .
          
           
             THE
             Goods
             of
             Fortune
             are
             food
             and
             Rayment
             ,
             Houses
             and
             Lands
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             Honours
             ,
             Relations
             and
             Friends
             ,
             with
             all
             those
             convenient
             Circumstances
             without
             the
             Body
             ,
             that
             are
             subject
             to
             
             chance
             .
             By
             which
             vertue
             is
             assisted
             ,
             and
             of
             which
             a
             noble
             use
             may
             be
             made
             ,
             in
             Works
             of
             Justice
             ,
             Hospitality
             ,
             Courtesie
             and
             Charity
             ,
             which
             may
             redound
             to
             our
             greater
             Felicity
             here
             and
             in
             heaven
             .
          
           
             THE
             more
             Honor
             and
             pleasure
             we
             enjoy
             ,
             the
             Greater
             and
             more
             Perfect
             is
             our
             present
             Happiness
             :
             Tho
             many
             times
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             we
             are
             forced
             to
             quit
             all
             these
             ,
             for
             the
             Preservation
             of
             our
             Innocence
             .
          
           
             GALLANT
             Behavior
             in
             flighting
             all
             Transitory
             things
             for
             the
             Preservation
             of
             our
             Virtue
             ,
             is
             more
             conducive
             to
             our
             future
             Perfection
             ,
             then
             the
             greatest
             ease
             imaginable
             in
             our
             present
             condition
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             incumbent
             upon
             us
             ,
             as
             a
             special
             part
             of
             our
             Care
             ,
             to
             take
             heed
             ,
             that
             we
             be
             not
             ensnared
             by
             the
             easiness
             of
             Prosperity
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             do
             not
             set
             up
             our
             Rest
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Happiness
             ,
             nor
             deceive
             our selves
             in
             thinking
             the
             Goods
             of
             Fortune
             Essential
             :
             nor
             discourage
             our selves
             ,
             by
             thinking
             it
             impossiable
             to
             be
             Happy
             without
             them
             .
             Our
             Thoughts
             and
             Affections
             must
             be
             always
             disentangled
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             run
             ,
             with
             Alacritie
             the
             Race
             set
             before
             us
             ,
             and
             close
             with
             the
             Sublimest
             Perfection
             
             of
             Bliss
             ,
             as
             our
             only
             portion
             and
             Desire
             .
          
           
             FELICITY
             is
             rightly
             defined
             ,
             to
             be
             
               the
               Perfect
               fruition
               of
               a
               Perfect
               Soul
               ,
               acting
               in
               perfect
               Life
               by
               Perfect
               Virtue
               .
            
             For
             the
             Attainment
             of
             which
             Perfection
             ,
             we
             must
             ,
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             endure
             all
             Afflictions
             that
             can
             befall
             us
             .
             For
             tho
             they
             are
             not
             Parts
             of
             Felicity
             themselves
             ,
             yet
             we
             may
             acknowledge
             them
             great
             Advantages
             for
             the
             Exercise
             of
             Virtue
             ,
             and
             reckon
             our
             Calamities
             among
             our
             Joys
             ,
             when
             we
             bear
             and
             overcome
             them
             in
             a
             virtuous
             Manner
             ,
             because
             they
             add
             to
             our
             Honor
             ,
             and
             contribute
             much
             to
             our
             Perfection
             ,
             both
             here
             ,
             and
             hereafter
             .
          
           
             FOR
             this
             purpose
             we
             are
             to
             remember
             ,
             that
             our
             present
             Estate
             is
             not
             that
             of
             Reward
             ,
             but
             Labour
             :
             It
             is
             an
             Estate
             of
             Trial
             ,
             not
             of
             Fruition
             :
             A
             Condition
             wherein
             we
             are
             to
             Toyl
             ,
             and
             Sweat
             ,
             and
             travail
             hard
             ,
             for
             the
             promised
             Wages
             ;
             an
             Appointed
             Seed
             Time
             ,
             for
             a
             future
             Harvest
             ;
             a
             real
             Warfare
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             a
             Glorious
             Victory
             :
             In
             which
             we
             must
             expect
             some
             Blows
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             the
             Hazzards
             and
             Encounters
             we
             meet
             with
             ,
             because
             they
             will
             be
             crowned
             with
             a
             Glorious
             and
             joyful
             Triumph
             ;
             and
             attended
             
             with
             ornaments
             and
             trophies
             fa
             r
             surpassing
             the
             bare
             Tranquillity
             of
             idle
             peace
             .
          
           
             WHEN
             we
             can
             cheerfully
             look
             on
             an
             Army
             of
             Misfortunes
             ,
             without
             Amazement
             we
             may
             then
             freely
             and
             Delightfully
             contemplate
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Highest
             Felicity
             .
          
           
             ARISTOTLE
             never
             heard
             of
             our
             Ascension
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             nor
             of
             sitting
             down
             in
             the
             Throne
             of
             GOD
             ,
             yet
             by
             a
             lucky
             Hit
             (
             if
             I
             may
             so
             say
             )
             fell
             in
             point
             blanck
             upon
             the
             Nature
             of
             Blessedness
             .
             For
             a
             perfect
             fruition
             by
             perfect
             virtue
             ,
             is
             all
             that
             can
             be
             thought
             of
             :
             It
             implies
             our
             Objective
             ,
             and
             our
             formal
             Happiness
             .
          
           
             
               OBJECTIVE
               Happiness
            
             is
             all
             the
             Goodness
             that
             is
             fit
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             either
             in
             GOD
             or
             in
             his
             Creatures
             :
             while
             
               Formal
               Happiness
            
             is
             an
             active
             Enjoyment
             of
             all
             Objects
             by
             Contemplation
             and
             Love
             ,
             attended
             with
             full
             Complacency
             in
             all
             their
             Perfections
             .
          
           
             
               PERFECT
               Fruition
            
             implies
             the
             Perfection
             of
             all
             its
             Objects
             .
             Among
             which
             GOD
             himself
             is
             one
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Saints
             are
             next
             ,
             the
             World
             also
             with
             all
             the
             variety
             of
             Creatures
             in
             it
             ,
             the
             Laws
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             his
             wayes
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             his
             Eternal
             
             Counsels
             and
             Divine
             Attributes
             are
             other
             Objects
             of
             our
             Content
             and
             Pleasure
             .
             Unless
             all
             these
             be
             perfect
             in
             their
             Nature
             ,
             Variety
             ,
             Number
             ,
             Extent
             ,
             Relation
             ,
             Use
             and
             Value
             ,
             our
             fruition
             cannot
             be
             simply
             perfect
             ,
             because
             a
             Greater
             and
             more
             perfect
             fruition
             might
             ,
             upon
             the
             production
             of
             better
             Objects
             ,
             be
             contrived
             ,
             and
             no
             fruition
             can
             be
             truly
             perfect
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             conversant
             about
             the
             highest
             things
             .
             The
             more
             Beautiful
             the
             Object
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             pleasant
             is
             the
             enjoyment
             .
             But
             where
             Delight
             may
             be
             increased
             ,
             the
             Fruition
             is
             imperfect
             .
          
           
             A
             
               Perfect
               Soul
            
             is
             a
             Transcendent
             Mystery
             .
             As
             GOD
             could
             not
             be
             Perfect
             ,
             were
             it
             possible
             there
             could
             be
             any
             Better
             Essence
             then
             he
             ;
             so
             neither
             would
             the
             Soul
             be
             perfect
             ,
             could
             any
             more
             Perfect
             Soul
             be
             created
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             Soul
             in
             which
             no
             Defect
             ,
             or
             Blemish
             can
             be
             discerned
             ;
             perfect
             in
             the
             variety
             and
             Number
             of
             its
             Powers
             ,
             in
             the
             fitness
             and
             Measure
             of
             every
             power
             ,
             in
             the
             use
             and
             value
             of
             every
             Endowment
             .
             A
             perfect
             Soul
             is
             that
             whereunto
             nothing
             can
             be
             added
             to
             please
             our
             De●●re
             .
             As
             all
             its
             Objects
             are
             perfect
             ,
             so
             〈◊〉
             it self
             .
             It
             is
             able
             to
             see
             all
             that
             is
             to
             be
             seen
             ,
             to
             love
             all
             that
             is
             Lovely
             ,
             to
             
             hate
             all
             that
             is
             Hateful
             ,
             to
             desire
             all
             that
             is
             Desirable
             ,
             to
             honour
             all
             that
             is
             Honorable
             ,
             to
             esteem
             all
             that
             can
             be
             valued
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             all
             that
             is
             Delightful
             ,
             and
             to
             enjoy
             all
             that
             is
             Good
             and
             fit
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             .
             If
             its
             Power
             did
             fall
             short
             of
             any
             one
             Object
             ,
             or
             of
             any
             one
             Perfection
             in
             any
             Object
             ,
             or
             of
             any
             Degree
             in
             any
             Perfection
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             imperfect
             ,
             it
             would
             not
             be
             the
             Master
             piece
             of
             Eternal
             Power
             .
          
           
             
               PERFECT
               life
            
             is
             the
             full
             exertion
             of
             perfect
             power
             .
             It
             implies
             two
             things
             ,
             Perfection
             of
             Vigour
             ,
             and
             perfection
             of
             intelligence
             ,
             an
             activity
             of
             life
             ,
             reaching
             through
             all
             Immensity
             ,
             to
             all
             Objects
             whatsoever
             ;
             and
             a
             freedome
             from
             all
             Dulness
             in
             apprehending
             :
             An
             exquisite
             Tenderness
             of
             perception
             in
             feeling
             the
             least
             Object
             ,
             and
             a
             
               Sphere
               of
               activity
            
             that
             runs
             parallel
             with
             the
             Omnipresence
             of
             the
             Godhead
             .
             For
             if
             any
             Soul
             lives
             so
             imperfectly
             ,
             as
             to
             see
             and
             know
             but
             some
             Objects
             ,
             or
             to
             love
             them
             remisly
             ,
             and
             less
             then
             they
             deserve
             ,
             its
             Life
             is
             imperfect
             ,
             because
             either
             it
             is
             remisse
             ,
             or
             if
             never
             so
             fervent
             ,
             confined
             .
          
           
             
               PERFECT
               Fruition
            
             ,
             (
             as
             it
             implie●
             the
             Perfection
             of
             all
             objects
             )
             more
             nearly
             imports
             the
             intrinsick
             Perfection
             o●
             it
             s
             own
             Operations
             .
             For
             if
             its
             Object
             
             be
             never
             so
             many
             ,
             and
             perfect
             in
             themselves
             ,
             a
             Blemish
             lies
             upon
             the
             Enjoyment
             ,
             if
             it
             does
             not
             reach
             unto
             all
             their
             Excellence
             .
             If
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             one
             Object
             be
             lost
             ,
             or
             one
             Degree
             of
             the
             enjoyment
             abated
             ,
             it
             is
             imperfect
             .
          
           
             
               PERFECT
               Vertue
            
             may
             best
             be
             understood
             by
             a
             consideration
             of
             its
             Particulars
             .
             Perfect
             Knowledg
             is
             a
             thorow
             compleat
             understanding
             of
             all
             that
             may
             be
             Known
             .
             Perfect
             Righteousness
             is
             a
             full
             and
             adequate
             Esteem
             of
             all
             the
             value
             that
             is
             in
             Things
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Kind
             of
             Spiritual
             Justice
             ,
             whereby
             we
             do
             Right
             to
             our selves
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             other
             Beings
             .
             If
             we
             render
             to
             any
             Object
             less
             than
             it
             deserves
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             Just
             thereunto
             .
             Perfect
             Wisdome
             is
             that
             whereby
             we
             chuse
             a
             most
             perfect
             end
             ,
             actualy
             pursue
             it
             by
             most
             perfect
             Means
             ,
             acquire
             and
             enjoy
             it
             in
             most
             perfect
             manner
             :
             If
             we
             pitch
             upon
             an
             inferiour
             end
             ,
             our
             Wisdom
             is
             imperfect
             ;
             and
             so
             it
             is
             ,
             if
             we
             pursue
             it
             by
             feeble
             and
             inferior
             Means
             ,
             or
             neglect
             any
             one
             of
             those
             Advantages
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             attain
             it
             .
             And
             the
             same
             may
             be
             said
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             .
          
           
             
               NOW
               if
               all
               Objects
               be
               infinitely
               Glorious
               ,
               and
               all
               Worlds
               fit
               to
               be
               enjoyed
               ,
               
               if
               GOD
               has
               filled
               Heaven
               and
               earth
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               Spaces
               above
               the
               Heavens
               with
               innumerable
               pleasures
               ,
               if
               his
               infinite
               Wisdome
               ,
               Goodness
               ,
               and
               Power
               be
               fully
               Glorified
               in
               every
               Being
               ,
               and
               the
               Soul
               be
               created
               to
               enjoy
               all
               these
               in
               most
               perfect
               Manner
               ;
               we
               may
               well
               conclude
               with
               the
               Holy
               Apostle
               ,
               that
               we
               are
            
             the
             children
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             if
             Children
             ,
             then
             Heirs
             ,
             Heirs
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             joynt
             heirs
             with
             Christ
             ,
             if
             so
             be
             that
             we
             suffer
             with
             him
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             also
             be
             glorified
             together
             .
             That
             our
             light
             Affliction
             ,
             that
             is
             but
             for
             a
             Moment
             ,
             worketh
             out
             for
             us
             ,
             a
             far
             more
             exceeding
             and
             eternal
             Weight
             of
             Glory
             :
             That
             beholding
             as
             in
             a
             Glass
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             we
             shall
             at
             last
             be
             transformed
             into
             the
             same
             Image
             from
             Glory
             to
             Glory
             ,
             even
             as
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord.
             
               For
               all
               his
               Works
               ,
               of
               which
               the
               Psalmist
               saith
               ,
            
             They
             are
             worthy
             to
             be
             had
             in
             remembrance
             ,
             and
             are
             sought
             out
             of
             all
             them
             that
             have
             pleasure
             therein
             ,
             
               are
               like
               a
               Mirror
               ,
               wherein
               his
               Glory
               appeareth
               ,
               as
               the
               face
               of
               the
               Sun
               doth
               in
               a
               clear
               fountain
               .
               We
               may
               conclude
               further
               that
               Vertue
               ,
               by
               force
               of
               which
               we
               attain
               so
               great
               a
               Kingdome
               ,
               is
               infinitely
               better
               then
               Rubies
               ,
               all
               the
               Things
               thou
               
               canst
               desire
               ,
               are
               not
               to
               be
               compared
               to
               her
               :
               So
               that
               with
               unspeakable
               comfort
               we
               may
               take
               Courage
               to
               go
               on
               ,
               not
               only
               in
               the
               study
               ,
               but
               the
               Practice
               of
               all
               kind
               of
               Vertues
               ,
               concerning
               which
               we
               are
               to
               treat
               in
               the
               ensuing
               Pages
               .
               For
               as
               the
               Apostle
            
             Peter
             
               telleth
               us
            
             ,
             He
             hath
             given
             to
             us
             all
             things
             that
             pertain
             to
             Life
             and
             Godliness
             ,
             through
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             him
             that
             hath
             called
             us
             to
             Glory
             and
             virtue
             :
             whereby
             are
             given
             unto
             us
             exceeding
             great
             and
             precious
             Promises
             ;
             that
             by
             these
             you
             might
             be
             Partakers
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             having
             escaped
             the
             Corruption
             that
             is
             in
             the
             World
             through
             List.
             And
             besides
             this
             ,
             
               saith
               he
            
             ,
             giving
             all
             diligence
             ,
             adde
             to
             your
             Faith
             vertue
             :
             and
             to
             vertue
             ,
             knowledge
             ;
             and
             to
             knowledge
             ,
             temperance
             ;
             and
             to
             temperance
             ,
             patience
             ;
             and
             to
             patience
             godliness
             ;
             and
             to
             godliness
             ,
             brotherly
             kindness
             ;
             and
             to
             brotherly
             kindness
             Charity
             .
             For
             so
             an
             Entrance
             shall
             be
             Ministred
             to
             you
             abundantly
             into
             〈◊〉
             everlasting
             Kingdome
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Saviour
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
               Which
               Kingdom
               being
               so
               Divine
               and
               Glorious
               as
               it
               is
               ,
               we
               have
               need
               to
               bow
               our
               Knees
               ,
            
             to
             the
             GOD
             and
             father
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             of
             whom
             the
             whole
             Family
             in
             Heaven
             and
             
             Earth
             is
             named
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             grant
             us
             according
             to
             the
             Riches
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             to
             be
             strengthened
             with
             might
             ,
             by
             his
             Spirit
             in
             the
             inward
             Man
             ,
             that
             Christ
             may
             dwell
             in
             our
             Hearts
             by
             Faith
             ,
             that
             we
             being
             rooted
             and
             grounded
             in
             Love
             ,
             may
             be
             able
             to
             comprehend
             with
             all
             Saints
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             Breadth
             ,
             and
             Length
             ,
             and
             Depth
             ,
             and
             Height
             ,
             and
             to
             know
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             which
             passeth
             Knowledg
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             the
             fulness
             of
             GOD.
             
          
           
             TO
             be
             Partaker
             of
             the
             Divine
             nature
             ,
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             all
             the
             Fulness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             to
             enter
             into
             his
             Kingdom
             and
             Glory
             ,
             to
             be
             transformed
             into
             his
             Image
             ,
             and
             made
             an
             Heir
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             a
             joynt
             Heir
             with
             Christ
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             Union
             and
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             made
             a
             Temple
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ;
             these
             are
             Divine
             and
             transcendent
             things
             that
             accompany
             our
             Souls
             in
             the
             Perfection
             of
             their
             Bliss
             and
             Happiness
             :
             the
             Hope
             and
             Belief
             of
             all
             which
             is
             justified
             ,
             and
             made
             apparent
             by
             the
             explanation
             of
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             its
             Inclinations
             and
             Capacities
             ,
             the
             reality
             ,
             and
             greatness
             of
             those
             Vertues
             of
             which
             we
             are
             capable
             ,
             and
             all
             those
             objects
             which
             the
             Univers
             affordeth
             to
             our
             Contemplation
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Vertue
               in
               General
               .
               The
               Distribution
               of
               it
               into
               its
               several
               Kinds
               ,
               its
               Definition
               .
            
          
           
             BEfore
             we
             come
             to
             treat
             of
             particular
             Vertues
             ,
             it
             is
             very
             fit
             that
             we
             speak
             something
             of
             VERTUE
             in
             General
             .
          
           
             VERTUE
             is
             a
             comprehensive
             Word
             ,
             by
             explaining
             which
             we
             shall
             make
             the
             way
             more
             easy
             to
             the
             right
             Understanding
             of
             all
             those
             particular
             Vertues
             ,
             into
             which
             it
             is
             divided
             .
             Forasmuch
             as
             the
             Nature
             of
             Vertue
             enters
             into
             knowledge
             ,
             Faith
             ,
             Hope
             ,
             Charity
             ,
             Prudence
             ,
             Courage
             ,
             Meekness
             ,
             Humility
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             Liberality
             ,
             &c.
             
             Every
             one
             of
             these
             hath
             its
             essence
             opened
             in
             part
             ,
             by
             the
             explication
             of
             that
             which
             entreth
             its
             Nature
             ,
             which
             is
             VERTUE
             in
             General
             .
          
           
             THE
             Predicament
             of
             Quality
             contains
             within
             it
             either
             Natural
             Dispositions
             or
             Habits
             :
             Habits
             may
             be
             either
             Vertuous
             or
             Vicious
             ;
             Virtuous
             Habits
             are
             either
             
             
               Theological
               ,
               Intellectual
               ,
               Moral
            
             ,
             or
             Divine
             And
             these
             are
             branched
             into
             so
             many
             Kinds
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             as
             followeth
             .
          
           
             THE
             
               Theological
               Vertues
            
             are
             generally
             divided
             into
             Three
             ,
             
               Faith
               ,
               Hope
            
             ,
             and
             Charity
             :
             which
             are
             called
             Theological
             ,
             because
             they
             have
             GOD
             for
             their
             Principal
             Object
             ,
             and
             are
             ,
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             ,
             taught
             by
             his
             .
             Word
             among
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             Religion
             .
             To
             which
             we
             may
             add
             Repentance
             ;
             forasmuch
             as
             this
             Virtue
             ,
             tho
             it
             be
             occasioned
             by
             sin
             ,
             is
             chiefly
             taught
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             respects
             GOD
             as
             its
             Principal
             Object
             .
             For
             which
             reason
             we
             shall
             account
             the
             Theological
             Virtues
             to
             be
             four
             ,
             Faith
             ,
             Hope
             ,
             Charity
             and
             Repentance
             ,
             to
             which
             ,
             if
             we
             making
             them
             more
             ,
             we
             may
             add
             Obedience
             ,
             Devotion
             ,
             Godliness
             .
          
           
             THE
             
               Intellectual
               Vertues
            
             are
             generally
             reckoned
             to
             be
             five
             ,
             
               Intelligence
               ,
               Wisdome
               ,
               Science
               ,
               Prudence
               ,
               Art.
            
             Which
             ,
             forasmuch
             as
             the
             Distinction
             between
             them
             is
             over-nice
             and
             curious
             (
             at
             least
             too
             obscure
             for
             vulgar
             Apprehensions
             )
             we
             shall
             reduce
             them
             perhaps
             to
             a
             fewer
             number
             .
          
           
             INTELLIGENCE
             is
             the
             Knowledg
             of
             Principles
             ;
             Science
             the
             Knowledg
             of
             
             Conclusions
             .
             Wisdom
             ,
             that
             knowledg
             ,
             which
             results
             from
             the
             Union
             of
             both
             Prudence
             and
             Art
             ,
             have
             been
             more
             darkly
             explained
             .
             The
             Objects
             of
             Wisdom
             are
             alwayes
             
               Stable
               ;
               Prudence
            
             is
             that
             knowledge
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             guide
             our selves
             in
             Thorny
             and
             uncertain
             Affairs
             ;
             Art
             is
             that
             Habit
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             are
             assisted
             in
             composing
             Tracts
             and
             Systems
             ,
             rather
             then
             in
             regulating
             our
             Lives
             ,
             and
             more
             frequently
             appears
             in
             Fiddling
             and
             Dancing
             ,
             then
             in
             noble
             Deeds
             :
             were
             it
             not
             useful
             in
             Teachers
             for
             the
             Instruction
             of
             others
             ,
             we
             should
             scarce
             reckon
             it
             in
             the
             number
             of
             Vertues
             .
          
           
             ALL
             these
             are
             called
             Intellectual
             Vertues
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             Seated
             in
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             and
             chiefly
             exercised
             in
             Contemplation
             .
             The
             Vertues
             that
             are
             brought
             down
             into
             action
             ,
             are
             called
             Practical
             ,
             and
             at
             other
             times
             Moral
             ,
             Because
             they
             help
             us
             in
             perfecting
             our
             Manners
             ,
             
             as
             they
             relate
             to
             our
             Conversation
             with
             Men.
             
          
           
             THE
             
               Moral
               Vertues
            
             are
             either
             Principal
             ,
             or
             less
             Principal
             .
             The
             Principal
             are
             four
             :
             
               Prudence
               ,
               Justice
               ,
               Temperance
            
             ,
             and
             Fortitude
             .
             Which
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             the
             Hinges
             upon
             which
             
             our
             whole
             Lives
             do
             turn
             ,
             are
             called
             *
             Cardinal
             ,
             
             and
             are
             commonly
             known
             by
             the
             name
             of
             
               The
               four
               Cardinal
               Vertues
            
             .
             They
             are
             called
             Principal
             ,
             not
             onely
             because
             they
             are
             the
             chief
             of
             all
             Moral
             Virtues
             ,
             but
             because
             they
             enter
             into
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             as
             the
             four
             Elements
             of
             which
             it
             is
             compounded
             .
          
           
             THE
             
               less
               Principal
            
             Vertues
             are
             Magnificence
             and
             
               Liberality
               ,
               Modesty
            
             and
             
               Magnanimity
               ,
               Gentleness
               of
               behaviour
               ,
               Affability
               ,
               Courtesie
               ,
               Truth
            
             and
             Urbanitie
             ,
             all
             these
             are
             called
             
               less
               Principal
            
             ,
             not
             because
             they
             are
             indifferent
             ,
             or
             may
             be
             accounted
             useless
             ,
             for
             then
             they
             would
             not
             be
             Vertues
             :
             but
             because
             ,
             tho
             their
             Practice
             be
             of
             extraordinary
             Importance
             in
             their
             places
             ,
             they
             are
             more
             remote
             ,
             and
             less
             Avail
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             are
             more
             confined
             in
             their
             Operations
             .
          
           
             DIVINE
             Vertues
             (
             which
             we
             put
             instead
             of
             the
             Heathenish
             Heroical
             ,
             )
             are
             such
             as
             have
             not
             only
             GOD
             for
             their
             Object
             and
             End
             ,
             but
             their
             Pattern
             and
             Example
             .
             They
             are
             Vertues
             which
             are
             seen
             in
             his
             eternal
             Life
             ,
             by
             Practicing
             which
             we
             also
             are
             changed
             into
             the
             same
             Image
             ,
             and
             are
             made
             partakers
             of
             the
             Di
             
             Knowledge
             and
             
             Truth
             ,
             in
             the
             Sublimest
             Height
             we
             confess
             to
             be
             Three
             :
             but
             we
             shall
             Chiefly
             insist
             upon
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             Holiness
             .
             All
             which
             will
             appear
             in
             
               Divine
               Love
            
             ,
             in
             more
             peculiar
             manner
             to
             be
             handled
             .
          
           
             BESIDES
             all
             these
             ,
             there
             are
             some
             Vertues
             ,
             which
             may
             more
             properly
             be
             called
             Christian
             :
             because
             they
             are
             no
             where
             Else
             taught
             but
             in
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             ,
             are
             founded
             on
             the
             Love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             Vertues
             distinguishing
             a
             Christian
             from
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             of
             which
             sort
             are
             
               Love
               to
               Enemies
               ,
               Meekness
            
             and
             Humility
             .
          
           
             ALL
             these
             Virtues
             are
             shut
             up
             under
             one
             common
             Head
             ,
             because
             they
             meet
             in
             one
             common
             Nature
             ;
             which
             bears
             the
             name
             of
             Vertue
             .
             The
             Essence
             of
             which
             being
             ,
             well
             understood
             will
             conduce
             much
             to
             the
             clear
             Knowledge
             of
             every
             one
             in
             particular
             .
          
           
             VERTUE
             
               (
               in
               General
            
             )
             is
             that
             habit
             of
             Soul
             by
             force
             of
             which
             we
             attain
             our
             Happiness
             .
             
               Or
               if
               you
               please
            
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             Right
             and
             well
             order'd
             Habit
             of
             mind
             ,
             which
             Facilitates
             the
             Soul
             in
             all
             its
             operations
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             its
             Blessedness
             .
             
               These
               Terms
               are
               to
               be
               unfolded
               .
            
          
           
             1.
             
             
               VERTUE
               is
               a
               Habit
            
             :
             All
             Habits
             
             are
             either
             Acquired
             ,
             or
             Infused
             .
             By
             calling
             it
             a
             Habit
             ,
             we
             distinguish
             it
             from
             
               a
               Natural
               Disposition
            
             ,
             or
             Power
             of
             the
             Soul.
             For
             a
             
               Natural
               disposition
            
             is
             an
             inbred
             Inclination
             ,
             which
             attended
             our
             Birth
             ,
             and
             began
             with
             our
             beings
             :
             not
             chosen
             by
             our
             Wills
             ,
             nor
             acquired
             by
             Industrie
             .
             These
             Dispositions
             ,
             because
             they
             do
             not
             flow
             from
             our
             Choise
             and
             industry
             ,
             cannot
             be
             accounted
             Virtues
             .
             T
             is
             true
             indeed
             that
             vertuous
             Habits
             are
             sometimes
             infused
             in
             a
             Miraculous
             Manner
             ,
             but
             then
             they
             are
             rather
             called
             Graces
             then
             Vertues
             :
             and
             are
             ours
             ,
             only
             as
             they
             are
             Consented
             to
             by
             our
             Wills
             ,
             not
             ours
             by
             choise
             and
             acquisition
             ,
             but
             only
             by
             Improvement
             and
             exercise
             .
             Tho
             they
             agree
             with
             Virtues
             in
             their
             Matter
             and
             their
             end
             ,
             yet
             they
             differ
             in
             their
             Original
             and
             form
             .
             For
             as
             all
             Humane
             Actions
             flow
             from
             the
             Will
             and
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             so
             do
             all
             Vertues
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             rightly
             understood
             ;
             whereas
             we
             are
             Passive
             in
             the
             reception
             of
             these
             ,
             and
             they
             flow
             immediately
             from
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             AND
             it
             is
             far
             more
             conducive
             to
             our
             Felicity
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             conquer
             Difficulties
             in
             the
             attainment
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             
             study
             ,
             chuse
             ,
             desire
             ,
             pursue
             ,
             and
             labour
             after
             it
             ,
             acquire
             it
             finally
             by
             our
             own
             Care
             and
             Industry
             ,
             with
             Gods
             Blessing
             upon
             it
             ;
             then
             that
             we
             should
             be
             Dead
             and
             Idle
             ,
             while
             virtue
             is
             given
             us
             in
             our
             Sleep
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             GOD
             ordered
             our
             state
             and
             Condition
             so
             ,
             that
             by
             our
             own
             Labour
             we
             should
             seek
             after
             it
             ;
             that
             we
             might
             be
             as
             well
             pleasing
             in
             his
             Eys
             ,
             and
             as
             Honorable
             and
             Admirable
             in
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             vertue
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             Exercise
             and
             Practice
             of
             it
             .
             And
             for
             these
             reasons
             GOD
             does
             not
             so
             often
             infuse
             it
             ,
             and
             is
             more
             desirous
             that
             we
             should
             by
             many
             repeated
             Actions
             of
             our
             own
             attain
             it
             .
          
           
             GOD
             does
             sometimes
             upon
             the
             General
             Sloth
             of
             mankind
             inspire
             it
             ,
             raising
             up
             some
             persons
             thereby
             to
             be
             like
             salt
             among
             corrupted
             men
             ,
             least
             all
             should
             putrifie
             and
             perish
             :
             Yet
             is
             there
             little
             reason
             why
             he
             should
             delight
             in
             that
             way
             ,
             without
             some
             such
             uncouth
             and
             Ungrateful
             necessity
             to
             compell
             him
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             FOR
             any
             man
             to
             expect
             that
             GOD
             should
             break
             the
             General
             Order
             and
             Course
             of
             Nature
             ,
             to
             make
             him
             Vertuous
             without
             his
             own
             Endeavours
             ,
             is
             to
             Tempt
             GOD
             by
             a
             presumptuous
             Carelesseness
             ,
             
             and
             by
             a
             Slothful
             abuse
             of
             his
             Faculties
             to
             fulfil
             the
             parable
             of
             the
             unprofitable
             Servant
             .
          
           
             THE
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             are
             not
             vertues
             themselves
             ,
             but
             when
             they
             are
             clothed
             with
             vertuous
             Operations
             ,
             they
             are
             transformed
             into
             Vertues
             .
             For
             Powers
             are
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             just
             as
             Limbs
             and
             Members
             in
             the
             Body
             ,
             which
             may
             indifferently
             be
             applied
             to
             Vertues
             and
             Vices
             ,
             alike
             be
             busied
             and
             exercised
             in
             either
             .
          
           
             AS
             the
             Members
             are
             capable
             of
             Various
             Motions
             ,
             either
             comely
             ,
             or
             Deformed
             ,
             and
             are
             one
             thing
             when
             they
             are
             naked
             ,
             another
             when
             attired
             ,
             and
             capable
             of
             being
             modified
             with
             several
             Habits
             :
             so
             are
             the
             Powers
             and
             Faculties
             of
             the
             Soul.
             As
             they
             are
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             Man
             without
             Exercise
             ,
             they
             are
             void
             and
             Naked
             :
             But
             by
             many
             acts
             of
             Vice
             or
             Vertue
             ,
             they
             put
             on
             a
             Habit
             ,
             which
             seems
             chiefly
             to
             consist
             in
             an
             Inclination
             and
             Tendency
             to
             such
             Actions
             ,
             a
             Facility
             of
             Working
             ,
             an
             Aquaintance
             with
             them
             ,
             a
             Love
             to
             them
             ,
             and
             a
             Delight
             in
             them
             ;
             For
             by
             long
             Custome
             it
             turns
             to
             a
             second
             Nature
             ,
             and
             becomes
             at
             last
             as
             Necessary
             as
             Life
             it self
             ;
             a
             confirmed
             
             Habit
             being
             taken
             in
             and
             incorporated
             with
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             by
             frequent
             exercise
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             IN
             the
             second
             Definition
             we
             add
             ,
             that
             
               Vertue
               is
               a
               right
               and
               well
               ordered
               Habit.
            
             A
             Habit
             is
             something
             added
             to
             that
             ,
             which
             wears
             it
             ,
             and
             every
             Power
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             naked
             ,
             without
             the
             Quality
             wherewith
             long
             Custom
             cloaths
             it
             .
             Much
             of
             the
             
               Formal
               Reason
            
             of
             Vertue
             is
             shut
             up
             in
             those
             Words
             ,
             
               Right
               and
               well
               ordered
            
             .
             For
             confused
             ,
             irregular
             ,
             and
             careless
             Habits
             will
             be
             alwayes
             erroneous
             and
             Deformed
             ,
             and
             must
             consequently
             end
             in
             Dishonor
             and
             Miseries
             .
             He
             must
             aim
             at
             the
             Mark
             ,
             that
             hits
             it
             ,
             for
             only
             those
             actions
             that
             are
             well
             guided
             ,
             produce
             right
             and
             well
             order'd
             Habits
             ,
             which
             right
             and
             well
             orderd
             Habits
             alone
             can
             carry
             us
             to
             our
             Sovereign
             end
             .
          
           
             A
             Mind
             in
             Frame
             is
             a
             Soul
             clothed
             with
             Right
             Apprehensions
             :
             Thoughts
             and
             affections
             well
             ordered
             ,
             Principles
             and
             Contrivances
             well
             proposed
             ,
             Means
             and
             Ends
             rationaly
             consulted
             ,
             all
             considered
             ,
             and
             the
             Best
             chosen
             .
             [
             Long
             Custom
             in
             uring
             us
             to
             the
             Benefit
             and
             Excellence
             of
             these
             ,
             disposes
             the
             Soul
             into
             
               a
               right
               
               and
               well
               ordered
               Habit
               ,
               or
               Frame
               of
               spirit
               ,
            
             which
             regards
             that
             Glorious
             End
             for
             which
             we
             were
             created
             .
          
           
             BY
             
               force
               of
               which
               we
               attain
               our
               Happiness
               .
            
             Idleness
             and
             vertue
             are
             as
             Destructive
             to
             each
             other
             ,
             as
             fire
             and
             water
             .
             In
             all
             vertue
             there
             is
             some
             force
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             Force
             much
             action
             .
             A
             vertuous
             ,
             Habit
             ceaseth
             to
             be
             virtuous
             unless
             it
             actually
             incline
             us
             to
             virtuous
             Operations
             .
             As
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             when
             they
             are
             well
             exerted
             turn
             into
             Vertues
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             by
             that
             Exertion
             that
             we
             attain
             our
             Happiness
             .
             
               Vertue
               is
               that
               right
               and
               well
               ordered
               Habit
               by
               force
               of
               which
               we
               attain
               our
               Happiness
               .
            
          
           
             IT
             S
             force
             is
             never
             expressed
             but
             in
             exercise
             and
             operation
             .
             Yet
             even
             when
             we
             are
             asleep
             ,
             it
             may
             tacitely
             incline
             us
             and
             make
             us
             ready
             ,
             when
             we
             awake
             ,
             to
             be
             Vertuous
             .
             Perhaps
             the
             Habit
             Sleeps
             and
             awakes
             with
             the
             Body
             :
             But
             if
             the
             Habit
             and
             its
             Energie
             be
             the
             same
             thing
             ;
             it
             still
             sleepeth
             when
             its
             energie
             ceaseth
             :
             if
             they
             be
             Divers
             ,
             the
             Habit
             may
             continue
             for
             some
             time
             without
             the
             force
             of
             its
             Operation
             .
          
           
             BUT
             not
             to
             Divert
             into
             Blind
             and
             Obscure
             Corners
             :
             Whether
             the
             Soul
             
             of
             a
             man
             a
             sleep
             may
             be
             stiled
             Vertuous
             ●r
             no
             ;
             Whether
             the
             Habits
             continue
             in
             him
             at
             that
             time
             without
             their
             Acts
             ,
             is
             nothing
             to
             our
             purpose
             .
             It
             is
             Sufficient
             ,
             that
             when
             he
             is
             awake
             ,
             he
             ,
             that
             hath
             a
             Vertuous
             Habit
             ,
             is
             in
             all
             his
             Actions
             inclined
             and
             Carried
             to
             his
             own
             Felicity
             ,
             unless
             he
             falls
             into
             an
             oblivion
             worse
             ,
             than
             Sleep
             ,
             because
             without
             some
             such
             Damnable
             and
             vicious
             Lethargy
             ,
             he
             is
             always
             mindful
             of
             his
             Last
             End
             ,
             and
             tends
             towards
             it
             in
             a
             Direct
             Line
             .
          
           
             ALL
             his
             Actions
             derive
             a
             Tincture
             from
             the
             first
             Principle
             ,
             
               that
               Habit
               of
               Soul
               by
               which
               he
               is
               carried
               toward
               his
               own
               Felicity
               .
            
             All
             those
             Actions
             ,
             that
             Spring
             from
             that
             Habit
             tend
             to
             Bliss
             ,
             and
             by
             force
             of
             that
             Habit
             are
             made
             Vertuous
             ,
             and
             with
             facility
             performed
             .
          
           
             ALL
             the
             Difficulty
             is
             in
             the
             Begnining
             .
             Vertues
             in
             the
             beginning
             are
             like
             green
             fruits
             ,
             four
             and
             imperfect
             ,
             but
             their
             Maturity
             is
             accompanied
             with
             sweetness
             and
             delight
             .
             It
             is
             hard
             to
             acquire
             a
             vertuous
             Habit
             at
             first
             ,
             but
             when
             it
             is
             once
             gotten
             ;
             it
             makes
             all
             Virtue
             exceeding
             Easie
             ,
             nor
             Easie
             alone
             ,
             but
             Happy
             and
             delightful
             .
             For
             a
             virtuous
             Habit
             as
             certainly
             acts
             according
             to
             its
             own
             nature
             ,
             
             as
             the
             Sun
             shines
             ,
             which
             is
             light
             by
             Constitution
             .
             It
             acts
             freely
             ,
             yet
             when
             it
             does
             Act
             ,
             it
             must
             needs
             act
             Vertuous
             ,
             and
             can
             do
             nothing
             else
             .
             For
             it
             is
             no
             vertuous
             Habit
             ;
             but
             some
             other
             Principle
             that
             exerteth
             vicious
             and
             bad
             Operations
             .
          
           
             HAPPINESSE
             is
             with
             so
             much
             Necessity
             the
             end
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             take
             a
             Due
             Estimate
             of
             the
             Excellence
             of
             Vertue
             without
             considering
             the
             tendency
             which
             it
             has
             to
             Felicity
             .
             For
             as
             the
             Means
             are
             extravagant
             (
             and
             indeed
             no
             means
             )
             that
             have
             no
             Relation
             nor
             Proportion
             to
             their
             End
             :
             so
             would
             all
             the
             Vertues
             be
             inept
             and
             Worthless
             (
             no
             Vertues
             )
             if
             they
             did
             not
             in
             some
             Sort
             conduce
             to
             our
             Happiness
             .
             For
             Happiness
             is
             the
             adequate
             End
             ,
             which
             by
             nature
             we
             seek
             Wether
             it
             be
             Glory
             ,
             or
             pleasure
             ,
             or
             He
             nor
             that
             we
             design
             ,
             or
             wealth
             ,
             or
             Learning
             ;
             all
             that
             is
             Delightful
             ,
             and
             Grateful
             to
             our
             reason
             ,
             is
             comprehended
             in
             our
             Happiness
             .
             If
             we
             desire
             to
             glorifie
             GOD
             ,
             or
             to
             please
             the
             Angels
             ,
             or
             be
             grateful
             to
             men
             ,
             it
             is
             because
             we
             love
             our selves
             and
             delight
             in
             our
             own
             Happiness
             ,
             and
             conceit
             all
             those
             action
             whereby
             we
             so
             do
             ,
             either
             a
             Means
             ,
             or
             
             a
             part
             of
             it
             .
             So
             that
             in
             the
             Partition
             and
             Distribution
             of
             Vertues
             we
             must
             take
             another
             Course
             to
             display
             their
             Glory
             ,
             by
             exhibiting
             them
             in
             such
             a
             prospect
             ,
             as
             that
             is
             ,
             wherein
             their
             Place
             and
             office
             will
             appear
             in
             their
             Tendency
             towards
             mans
             last
             End
             ,
             his
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IV.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Powers
               and
               Affections
               of
               the
               Soul
               ;
               What
               virtues
               pertain
               to
               the
               Estate
               of
               Innocency
               ;
               what
               to
               the
               Estate
               of
               Grace
               ;
               what
               to
               the
               estate
               of
               Glory
               .
            
          
           
             TWO
             things
             in
             Felicity
             are
             apparent
             to
             the
             Eye
             ,
             Glory
             and
             Treasure
             ;
             and
             the
             Faculties
             of
             the
             soul
             do
             in
             a
             several
             manner
             affect
             both
             .
             The
             Understanding
             was
             made
             to
             see
             the
             value
             of
             our
             Treasure
             ;
             and
             the
             freedome
             of
             Will
             ,
             to
             atcheive
             Glory
             to
             our
             actions
             ;
             Anger
             ,
             to
             stir
             us
             up
             against
             all
             Difficulty
             ,
             and
             opposition
             ,
             that
             might
             stand
             in
             our
             way
             ;
             Appetite
             ,
             to
             pursue
             the
             Pleasure
             in
             either
             ;
             Fear
             to
             heighten
             our
             concernment
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             more
             dread
             the
             danger
             of
             losing
             that
             Happiness
             ,
             wherein
             
             no
             less
             then
             Glory
             and
             Treasure
             are
             infinitely
             united
             :
             Reason
             it self
             ,
             to
             compare
             Felicities
             and
             weigh
             which
             is
             the
             most
             perfect
             .
             Desire
             ,
             to
             covet
             it
             ;
             Hope
             ,
             to
             encourage
             us
             in
             the
             pursuit
             of
             it
             ;
             Aversion
             ,
             for
             the
             avoiding
             of
             all
             Temptations
             and
             Impediments
             ;
             Love
             ,
             to
             the
             goodness
             of
             it
             ;
             Joy
             ,
             for
             its
             fruition
             ;
             Hatred
             ,
             to
             keep
             us
             from
             the
             Misery
             which
             is
             contrary
             thereunto
             ;
             Boldness
             ,
             to
             attempt
             it
             ;
             Sorrow
             and
             Despair
             ,
             to
             punish
             and
             torment
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             fail
             to
             attain
             it
             .
             For
             these
             two
             ,
             being
             unpleasant
             affections
             ,
             serve
             to
             engage
             us
             in
             the
             pursuit
             of
             Happiness
             ,
             because
             we
             are
             loath
             to
             experience
             the
             Sence
             of
             such
             Troublesome
             passions
             .
          
           
             AMBITION
             and
             Covetousness
             are
             Inclinations
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             by
             the
             one
             of
             which
             we
             are
             carried
             to
             Glory
             ,
             by
             the
             other
             to
             Treasure
             .
             And
             as
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             so
             may
             these
             be
             made
             either
             Vertues
             ,
             or
             Vices
             .
             Vertues
             when
             they
             are
             Means
             conducive
             to
             the
             Highest
             end
             ;
             Vices
             when
             they
             distract
             and
             entangle
             us
             with
             inferior
             Objects
             .
          
           
             THE
             Inclinations
             and
             affections
             of
             the
             Soul
             may
             be
             Defective
             or
             excessive
             in
             their
             exercise
             towards
             Objects
             .
             In
             
             relation
             to
             the
             Highest
             Object
             there
             is
             no
             danger
             of
             excess
             .
             We
             can
             never
             too
             violently
             either
             love
             or
             desire
             our
             Supream
             Happiness
             ;
             our
             Hope
             can
             never
             exceed
             its
             greatness
             ,
             we
             can
             never
             too
             much
             rejoyce
             in
             the
             fruition
             of
             it
             ;
             Nor
             can
             we
             exceed
             in
             Anger
             or
             Hatred
             against
             those
             Things
             ,
             that
             would
             bereave
             us
             of
             it
             ;
             or
             too
             much
             fear
             the
             Misery
             of
             that
             Life
             ,
             which
             will
             be
             ever
             without
             it
             ;
             or
             be
             affected
             with
             too
             much
             Sorrow
             and
             Despair
             at
             the
             Losse
             of
             it
             .
             But
             if
             we
             look
             upon
             inferior
             Things
             ,
             which
             are
             meerly
             Accidental
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             Fe●icity
             ,
             such
             as
             the
             Favour
             of
             men
             ,
             Injuries
             ,
             Crosses
             ,
             Temporal
             successes
             ,
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             the
             goods
             of
             Fortune
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             ;
             our
             affections
             and
             passions
             may
             be
             too
             excessive
             ,
             because
             ●he
             good
             or
             evil
             of
             these
             is
             but
             finite
             ;
             whereas
             the
             Good
             of
             Sovereign
             Bliss
             is
             altogether
             infinite
             ,
             and
             so
             is
             the
             evil
             of
             Eternal
             Misery
             .
          
           
             WHEN
             our
             own
             Actions
             are
             Regu●ar
             ,
             there
             is
             nothing
             in
             the
             World
             but
             may
             be
             made
             ,
             conducive
             to
             our
             highest
             Happiness
             :
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             value
             in
             any
             Object
             ,
             or
             Creature
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             but
             ●s
             it
             is
             Subservient
             to
             our
             Bliss
             .
             No
             
             member
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             no
             sence
             or
             endowment
             of
             any
             Member
             ,
             no
             Inclination
             or
             Faculty
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             no
             passion
             or
             affection
             ,
             no
             Vertue
             ,
             no
             Grace
             ,
             no
             Spiritual
             Gift
             ,
             no
             Assistance
             ,
             no
             Means
             of
             Grace
             ,
             nothing
             (
             how
             great
             or
             Precious
             soever
             )
             can
             be
             of
             any
             Value
             ,
             but
             in
             order
             to
             Felicity
             .
             In
             real
             truth
             ,
             nothing
             without
             this
             can
             be
             Great
             or
             Estimable
             .
             Every
             Vertue
             therefore
             must
             have
             this
             ,
             in
             common
             with
             all
             the
             Laws
             and
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             Works
             of
             GOD
             ,
             they
             must
             all
             directly
             or
             Obliquely
             tend
             to
             our
             supreme
             Happiness
             ;
             upon
             this
             dependeth
             all
             their
             Excellency
             .
          
           
             SOME
             Vertues
             are
             necessary
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             Innocency
             ,
             some
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             Grace
             ,
             some
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             WITHOUT
             seeing
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             enjoy
             our
             Happiness
             ,
             or
             find
             out
             the
             Way
             unto
             it
             ;
             therefore
             is
             Knowledge
             necessary
             in
             all
             estates
             :
             without
             Loving
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             Delight
             in
             its
             Goodness
             .
             The
             Office
             of
             Righteousness
             is
             to
             render
             to
             every
             Thing
             a
             Due
             esteem
             ;
             And
             without
             this
             it
             is
             apparent
             that
             no
             Treasure
             can
             be
             to
             us
             ,
             (
             tho
             in
             it self
             never
             so
             great
             )
             of
             any
             value
             .
             Holiness
             is
             the
             
             conscience
             that
             we
             make
             of
             discharging
             our
             duty
             ,
             and
             the
             Zeal
             wherewith
             we
             avoid
             the
             Prophaness
             of
             its
             Contrary
             .
             Goodness
             is
             necessary
             ,
             because
             we
             our selves
             cannot
             without
             that
             be
             Amiable
             ,
             nor
             unless
             we
             be
             Delightful
             to
             others
             ,
             enjoy
             our selves
             ,
             or
             acquire
             Glory
             .
             The
             office
             of
             Wisdom
             is
             to
             chuse
             ,
             and
             pursue
             the
             Highest
             end
             ,
             by
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             means
             that
             can
             be
             chosen
             .
          
           
             THESE
             are
             Transcendent
             Vertues
             ,
             whereby
             even
             GOD
             himself
             doth
             enjoy
             his
             Felicity
             .
             They
             are
             incumbent
             on
             us
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             nature
             ,
             and
             so
             essentially
             united
             to
             our
             Formal
             Happiness
             ,
             that
             no
             Blessedness
             or
             Glory
             can
             be
             enjoyed
             without
             them
             .
             Therefore
             are
             we
             to
             look
             upon
             them
             as
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             Religion
             ,
             as
             Eternal
             Duties
             in
             all
             Estates
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             exercised
             .
             They
             are
             all
             Exercised
             in
             the
             very
             fruition
             it selfe
             ,
             as
             will
             more
             apparently
             be
             seen
             ,
             when
             we
             come
             to
             every
             one
             of
             these
             Vertues
             in
             particular
             .
             They
             were
             enjoyned
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             Innocency
             ,
             without
             any
             need
             of
             a
             positive
             Law
             ,
             by
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             GOD
             and
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             of
             things
             themselves
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             exercised
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Grace
             and
             will
             
             abide
             for
             ever
             in
             the
             State
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             THAT
             Vertues
             might
             be
             ours
             ,
             in
             being
             wrought
             by
             our selves
             ;
             and
             be
             Vertues
             indeed
             ,
             in
             being
             wrought
             with
             Difficulty
             ;
             that
             we
             might
             be
             so
             much
             the
             more
             Laudable
             and
             Glorious
             in
             our
             eternal
             Condition
             ,
             GOD
             gave
             us
             Liberty
             ,
             in
             the
             beginning
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             chuse
             what
             we
             would
             ,
             and
             placed
             us
             in
             such
             an
             Estate
             ;
             that
             ,
             having
             in
             us
             only
             the
             Seeds
             and
             Principles
             of
             all
             Vertue
             ,
             we
             might
             exercise
             our
             natural
             Powers
             of
             our
             own
             Accord
             ,
             for
             the
             Attainment
             of
             that
             actual
             Knowledge
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             wherein
             the
             Perfection
             of
             our
             soul
             consisteth
             ,
             and
             by
             which
             the
             Perfection
             of
             our
             Bliss
             is
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             .
             That
             being
             Naked
             by
             Nature
             ,
             tho
             Pure
             and
             clean
             ,
             we
             might
             cloath
             our selves
             with
             our
             own
             Habits
             ,
             attain
             the
             Glory
             of
             those
             Ornaments
             ,
             in
             our
             own
             Acts
             ,
             for
             which
             we
             were
             created
             ;
             And
             work
             our
             own
             Righteousness
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             Way
             as
             GOD
             had
             appointed
             .
          
           
             FOR
             the
             Glory
             which
             we
             were
             to
             attain
             ,
             is
             that
             Goodness
             which
             we
             are
             to
             shew
             in
             our
             own
             voluntary
             Care
             and
             obedience
             ;
             and
             that
             Goodness
             is
             chiefly
             expressed
             in
             the
             kind
             and
             Genuine
             Exercise
             
             of
             our
             own
             Liberty
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             tender
             of
             Displeasing
             him
             ,
             to
             whom
             we
             are
             Obliged
             ,
             and
             so
             Good
             as
             to
             gratifie
             his
             Desires
             ,
             tho
             we
             had
             no
             restraint
             upon
             us
             .
          
           
             TO
             make
             our selves
             amiable
             and
             beautiful
             ,
             by
             the
             Exercise
             of
             our
             own
             Power
             ,
             produces
             another
             kind
             of
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             ,
             than
             if
             we
             were
             compelled
             to
             be
             good
             by
             all
             his
             preventing
             Power
             .
             All
             Goodness
             is
             spoiled
             by
             Compulsion
             .
             Our
             own
             Actions
             ,
             springing
             from
             an
             interiour
             Fountain
             ,
             deep
             within
             the
             Soul
             ,
             when
             voluntarily
             and
             freely
             exerted
             ,
             are
             more
             acceptable
             ;
             and
             the
             Will
             ,
             whence
             they
             spring
             ,
             is
             more
             excellent
             and
             perfect
             .
             This
             I
             would
             have
             you
             to
             note
             well
             ,
             for
             the
             intrinsick
             Goodness
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             Soul
             consists
             in
             the
             Perfection
             of
             an
             excellent
             Will
             ,
             and
             without
             this
             it
             might
             be
             a
             piece
             of
             Dirt
             surrounded
             with
             Gold
             ;
             but
             no
             imputed
             or
             annexed
             value
             could
             make
             it
             a
             Jewel
             .
          
           
             THE
             Actions
             of
             GOD
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Angels
             ,
             or
             of
             other
             men
             towards
             it
             ,
             add
             no
             value
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             if
             it
             will
             do
             nothing
             of
             it self
             .
             If
             it
             be
             Idle
             or
             unactive
             ,
             the
             more
             excellent
             the
             Actions
             of
             GOD
             ,
             
             and
             of
             all
             other
             Creatures
             are
             towards
             it
             ,
             so
             much
             the
             more
             deformed
             and
             perverse
             is
             the
             Soul
             :
             nor
             will
             all
             the
             Glory
             of
             its
             Powers
             and
             Inclinations
             excuse
             it
             ,
             but
             the
             more
             Great
             and
             Divine
             they
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             abominable
             will
             it
             make
             it self
             by
             abusing
             them
             ,
             in
             frustrating
             their
             Inclinations
             .
          
           
             FOR
             the
             removing
             of
             all
             Constraint
             ,
             and
             the
             infusing
             of
             greater
             Excellency
             and
             Beauty
             into
             these
             holy
             Actions
             ;
             which
             he
             required
             from
             them
             ,
             it
             pleased
             GOD
             to
             make
             Men
             obnoxious
             to
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             having
             obstacles
             to
             overcome
             ,
             and
             disadvantages
             to
             strugle
             with
             ,
             Mans
             Righteousness
             might
             be
             more
             full
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             himself
             made
             capable
             of
             Victory
             and
             Triumph
             .
             For
             this
             End
             he
             seated
             him
             in
             a
             low
             Estate
             ;
             even
             in
             an
             Estate
             of
             Trial
             :
             wherein
             was
             the
             Occasion
             of
             Exercising
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             ,
             because
             his
             Felicity
             was
             distant
             from
             him
             :
             Faith
             in
             believing
             the
             Promises
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             Hope
             in
             waiting
             for
             the
             Accomplishment
             of
             his
             Bliss
             :
             He
             had
             Occasions
             for
             Fear
             also
             ,
             in
             in
             relation
             to
             Gods
             Power
             and
             Justice
             ,
             who
             was
             able
             to
             remove
             his
             Happiness
             ,
             upon
             the
             least
             offence
             ,
             and
             to
             bring
             upon
             
             him
             that
             Misery
             that
             was
             denounced
             for
             his
             Transgression
             .
             In
             this
             Estate
             of
             Trial
             ,
             Prudence
             ,
             which
             is
             conversant
             in
             nice
             Affairs
             ,
             was
             to
             watch
             ,
             and
             consider
             ,
             and
             direct
             his
             Behaviour
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             those
             Dangers
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             that
             might
             possibly
             be
             expected
             :
             His
             Temperance
             was
             to
             be
             exercised
             in
             the
             Government
             of
             his
             Appetite
             ;
             so
             that
             all
             inferiour
             satisfactions
             ,
             and
             sensual
             Pleasures
             might
             be
             limited
             and
             ordered
             ,
             as
             it
             most
             consists
             with
             his
             highest
             Happiness
             :
             Humility
             ,
             in
             the
             acknowledgement
             of
             his
             own
             Unworthyness
             ,
             who
             was
             taken
             out
             of
             Nothing
             ;
             and
             Gratitude
             in
             a
             kind
             of
             just
             Retribution
             to
             his
             Benefactor
             ,
             for
             all
             the
             Glory
             to
             which
             he
             was
             advanced
             .
          
           
             ALL
             these
             Vertues
             are
             in
             themselves
             Delightful
             ,
             and
             Easie
             in
             their
             Exercise
             ;
             they
             immediately
             respect
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             are
             by
             nature
             necessary
             to
             Mans
             enjoyment
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             consonant
             to
             Reason
             ,
             and
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Circumstances
             of
             his
             Happy
             Condition
             :
             His
             Fear
             and
             Humility
             ,
             which
             were
             in
             Paradise
             the
             severest
             ,
             were
             aided
             and
             comforted
             ,
             with
             a
             Transcendent
             Hope
             and
             Assurance
             ,
             that
             upon
             his
             Diligent
             Care
             ,
             he
             might
             
             be
             Eternally
             Blessed
             ;
             and
             with
             the
             Sweet
             Sence
             of
             his
             Happy
             Change
             ,
             and
             a
             Glorious
             Admiration
             resulting
             from
             the
             Comparison
             between
             his
             present
             Estate
             ,
             and
             the
             Estate
             to
             which
             by
             his
             Creator
             he
             was
             to
             be
             exalted
             .
          
           
             I
             will
             not
             say
             but
             there
             were
             more
             Vertues
             than
             these
             to
             be
             Exercised
             in
             Eden
             :
             But
             by
             these
             you
             may
             discern
             of
             what
             nature
             they
             all
             are
             ,
             and
             conjecture
             they
             must
             be
             such
             as
             obedience
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             Charity
             to
             one
             another
             .
          
           
             ALL
             Harsh
             and
             Sour
             Virtues
             came
             in
             by
             Sin
             :
             and
             we
             are
             to
             look
             upon
             them
             ,
             not
             as
             Vertues
             intended
             by
             God
             and
             Nature
             ,
             but
             occasioned
             afterwards
             ,
             because
             their
             Use
             and
             Existence
             is
             accidental
             .
          
           
             WHEN
             we
             fell
             into
             Sin
             ,
             we
             let
             Death
             and
             Misery
             into
             the
             World
             ,
             contracted
             shame
             and
             guilt
             upon
             our selves
             ,
             defiled
             our
             Nature
             with
             Deformities
             and
             Diseases
             ,
             and
             made
             many
             Things
             upon
             that
             Occasion
             ,
             necessary
             to
             our
             Happiness
             ,
             that
             before
             were
             not
             so
             :
             And
             whereas
             they
             have
             a
             Mixture
             of
             Bitterness
             and
             Advantage
             in
             them
             ,
             we
             may
             thank
             our selves
             for
             the
             Bitterness
             ,
             and
             GOD
             for
             the
             Advantage
             :
             For
             as
             
             we
             ,
             by
             Sin
             forfeited
             our
             Happiness
             ,
             so
             a
             new
             Obedience
             ,
             consisting
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             proper
             Vertues
             ,
             was
             necessary
             to
             recover
             it
             .
             Vertues
             ,
             whose
             Names
             and
             Natures
             were
             of
             another
             kind
             ,
             and
             never
             heard
             of
             before
             :
             All
             which
             we
             must
             look
             upon
             ,
             not
             as
             Food
             ,
             but
             Physick
             ,
             and
             considering
             them
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             Remedies
             ,
             not
             admire
             that
             there
             should
             be
             something
             in
             them
             Distasteful
             to
             Sence
             ,
             tho
             they
             are
             now
             ,
             when
             their
             Occasions
             are
             known
             ,
             infinitely
             agreeable
             to
             Reason
             .
          
           
             THEY
             are
             but
             an
             AEquivocal
             Off-spring
             of
             the
             Fall
             :
             Sin
             could
             never
             beget
             such
             beautiful
             Children
             ,
             as
             Meekness
             ,
             Repentance
             ,
             Patience
             ,
             Alms-Deeds
             ,
             Self
             Denyal
             ,
             Submission
             and
             Resignation
             to
             the
             Divine
             Will
             ,
             Fortitude
             ,
             Contentment
             in
             all
             Estates
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             WHILE
             there
             was
             no
             Sin
             ,
             there
             was
             no
             need
             of
             Penitence
             ;
             while
             there
             was
             no
             Pain
             or
             Misery
             ,
             no
             Patience
             ;
             Without
             wrongs
             and
             Injuries
             there
             is
             no
             use
             of
             Meekness
             ;
             nor
             place
             for
             Alms-Deeds
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             no
             Poverty
             :
             no
             Courage
             ,
             where
             are
             no
             Enemies
             .
             In
             Eden
             there
             was
             no
             ignorance
             ,
             nor
             any
             Supernatural
             Verities
             to
             be
             confirmed
             
             by
             Miracles
             ;
             Apostles
             therefore
             and
             Prophets
             ,
             Ministers
             and
             Doctors
             were
             superfluous
             there
             ,
             and
             so
             were
             Tythes
             and
             Temples
             ,
             Schools
             of
             Learning
             ,
             Masters
             and
             Tutors
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             unsavoury
             Duty
             incumbent
             on
             Parents
             to
             chastife
             their
             Children
             .
             For
             as
             all
             would
             have
             been
             instructed
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
             so
             had
             all
             been
             Innocent
             ,
             and
             Just
             ,
             and
             Regular
             :
             Whereupon
             no
             Magistrate
             had
             been
             needful
             to
             put
             any
             to
             Shame
             ,
             no
             Courts
             of
             Judicature
             ,
             nor
             Lawyers
             in
             the
             World.
             No
             Buying
             and
             Selling
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             no
             commutative
             Justice
             ,
             because
             the
             Blessed
             Earth
             had
             naturally
             been
             fertile
             ,
             and
             abounded
             with
             rich
             and
             Glorious
             Provisions
             :
             Nakedness
             had
             been
             the
             Splendor
             and
             Ornament
             of
             Men
             ,
             as
             it
             will
             be
             in
             Heaven
             :
             the
             Glorious
             Universe
             had
             been
             their
             common
             House
             and
             Temple
             ,
             their
             Bodies
             fited
             for
             all
             Seasons
             ,
             no
             Alien
             or
             Stranger
             ,
             no
             Want
             ,
             Distress
             ,
             or
             War
             ,
             but
             all
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Plenty
             ,
             and
             Prosperity
             ;
             all
             Pleasure
             ,
             and
             all
             Fellow
             Citizens
             throughout
             the
             World.
             Masters
             and
             Servants
             had
             been
             unknown
             ,
             had
             we
             continued
             in
             that
             Estate
             ,
             all
             had
             enjoyed
             the
             Liberty
             of
             Kings
             ,
             and
             there
             
             had
             been
             no
             Dominion
             ,
             but
             that
             of
             Husbands
             and
             Fathers
             ,
             a
             Dominion
             as
             full
             of
             sweetness
             ,
             as
             so
             gentle
             and
             free
             a
             Relation
             importeth
             .
             I
             can
             see
             no
             Use
             that
             there
             had
             been
             of
             Trades
             and
             Occupations
             ,
             onely
             the
             pleasant
             Diversion
             that
             Adam
             had
             in
             dressing
             the
             Garden
             ,
             and
             the
             consequents
             of
             that
             :
             I
             am
             sure
             there
             had
             been
             no
             Funeral
             Pomps
             ,
             no
             
               Sickness
               ,
               Physick
            
             ,
             or
             Physician
             .
             There
             had
             been
             no
             Faith
             in
             the
             Incarnation
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             because
             no
             occasion
             for
             that
             Incarnation
             ,
             no
             Ceremonial
             
               Law
               of
               Moses
            
             ,
             no
             Baptism
             ,
             nor
             
               Lords
               Supper
            
             ,
             because
             there
             were
             no
             supernatural
             Mysteries
             to
             be
             Typified
             ,
             but
             the
             clear
             Light
             of
             a
             Diviner
             Reason
             ,
             and
             a
             free
             Communion
             with
             God
             in
             the
             Right
             discharge
             of
             those
             Vertues
             ,
             Divine
             and
             Moral
             ,
             which
             naturally
             belong
             to
             the
             Estate
             of
             Innocency
             .
             All
             which
             Original
             and
             Primitive
             Vertues
             ought
             now
             to
             continue
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             the
             Face
             of
             Religion
             beneath
             that
             Mask
             or
             Vizor
             of
             Ordinances
             and
             new
             Duties
             ,
             which
             Sin
             and
             Corruption
             hath
             put
             upon
             it
             ;
             Tho
             we
             have
             forgotten
             the
             Vertues
             of
             our
             first
             Estate
             ,
             and
             are
             apt
             now
             to
             terrifie
             our selves
             with
             that
             Disguise
             ,
             wherewith
             
             we
             have
             concealed
             their
             Beauty
             ,
             by
             regarding
             only
             the
             Vertues
             ,
             that
             were
             occasioned
             by
             .
             Sin
             and
             Misery
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             great
             ,
             Error
             to
             mistake
             the
             Vizor
             for
             the
             Face
             ,
             and
             no
             less
             to
             stick
             in
             the
             outward
             Kind
             and
             Appearance
             of
             things
             ;
             mistaking
             the
             Alterations
             and
             Additions
             that
             are
             made
             upon
             the
             Fall
             of
             Man
             ,
             for
             the
             whole
             Business
             of
             Religion
             .
             And
             yet
             this
             new
             Constellation
             of
             Vertues
             ,
             that
             appeareth
             above-board
             ,
             is
             almost
             the
             only
             thing
             talked
             of
             and
             understood
             in
             the
             World.
             Whence
             it
             is
             that
             the
             other
             Duties
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             Soul
             of
             Piety
             ,
             being
             unknown
             ,
             and
             the
             Reason
             of
             these
             together
             with
             their
             Original
             and
             Occasion
             ,
             unseen
             ;
             Religion
             appears
             like
             a
             sour
             and
             ungratefull
             Thing
             to
             the
             World
             ,
             impertinent
             to
             bliss
             ,
             and
             void
             of
             Reason
             ;
             Whereupon
             GOD
             is
             suspected
             and
             hated
             ,
             Enmity
             against
             GOD
             and
             Atheism
             ,
             being
             brought
             into
             ,
             and
             entertained
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             FOR
             it
             is
             an
             Idea
             connatural
             to
             the
             Notion
             of
             GOD
             ,
             to
             conceive
             him
             Wise
             and
             Good
             :
             And
             ,
             if
             we
             cannot
             see
             some
             Reason
             in
             his
             Ways
             ,
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             suspect
             there
             is
             no
             Deity
             ,
             or
             if
             there
             be
             ,
             
             that
             he
             is
             Malevolent
             and
             Tyrannical
             ,
             which
             is
             worse
             then
             none
             .
             For
             all
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             are
             contained
             in
             Love
             :
             And
             if
             it
             be
             true
             that
             GOD
             is
             Love
             ,
             he
             will
             shew
             it
             in
             our
             Beings
             ,
             by
             making
             us
             Great
             and
             Excellent
             Creatures
             ;
             in
             his
             Gifts
             and
             Bounties
             ,
             by
             surrounding
             us
             with
             real
             and
             serviceable
             Treasures
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Laws
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             ,
             by
             consulting
             our
             Welfare
             in
             the
             one
             and
             in
             the
             other
             .
             And
             as
             he
             makes
             the
             World
             Glorious
             and
             Beautiful
             for
             us
             to
             dwell
             in
             ,
             so
             will
             he
             make
             such
             Actions
             and
             Vertues
             only
             needful
             to
             be
             exercised
             by
             us
             as
             are
             excellent
             and
             Divine
             :
             he
             will
             impose
             no
             Duties
             but
             such
             as
             are
             full
             of
             reason
             ,
             and
             lead
             us
             more
             Advantageously
             to
             Bliss
             and
             Glory
             .
          
           
             We
             are
             apt
             to
             charge
             our
             own
             Faults
             on
             God
             ,
             by
             confounding
             all
             things
             :
             and
             because
             we
             see
             not
             how
             Penitence
             ,
             and
             Meekness
             ,
             and
             Acts
             of
             Charity
             ,
             in
             rolieving
             the
             Poor
             ,
             directly
             and
             immediately
             bring
             us
             unto
             Bliss
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             repine
             at
             their
             Imposition
             .
             But
             when
             we
             see
             all
             these
             Virtues
             in
             their
             several
             Places
             and
             Offices
             ,
             their
             Objects
             and
             their
             Uses
             ,
             the
             Ends
             for
             which
             ,
             and
             the
             occasions
             on
             which
             they
             were
             introduced
             ,
             all
             are
             Delightful
             
             to
             the
             Reason
             of
             mans
             Soul
             ,
             and
             highly
             Eligible
             ,
             while
             GOD
             is
             adored
             and
             admired
             for
             the
             depth
             of
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             beloved
             for
             the
             Equity
             and
             Excellency
             of
             his
             Proceedings
             .
             For
             all
             these
             Occasional
             Vertues
             are
             but
             Temporary
             ,
             when
             our
             Life
             ,
             and
             this
             present
             World
             are
             past
             and
             gone
             as
             a
             Dream
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Joy
             ,
             and
             Gratitude
             will
             be
             all
             that
             will
             continue
             for
             ever
             ,
             in
             which
             Estate
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Knowledge
             ,
             Goodness
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             True
             Holiness
             shall
             abide
             ,
             as
             the
             Life
             and
             Glory
             into
             which
             the
             Souls
             of
             all
             that
             are
             Blessed
             will
             be
             transformed
             .
             Repentance
             shall
             be
             gone
             ,
             and
             Patience
             cease
             ,
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             be
             swallowed
             up
             in
             fruition
             ,
             Right
             Reason
             be
             extended
             to
             all
             Objects
             in
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             and
             Eternity
             in
             all
             its
             Beauties
             and
             Treasures
             ,
             seen
             ,
             desired
             ,
             esteemed
             ,
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             Let
             it
             be
             your
             Care
             to
             dive
             to
             the
             Bottom
             of
             true
             Religion
             ,
             and
             not
             suffer
             your
             Eyes
             to
             be
             Dazled
             with
             its
             Superficial
             Appearance
             .
             Rest
             not
             in
             the
             Helps
             and
             Remedies
             that
             it
             bringeth
             ,
             but
             search
             for
             the
             Hidden
             Manna
             ,
             the
             substantial
             Food
             underneath
             ,
             the
             Satisfaction
             of
             all
             Wishes
             and
             Desires
             ,
             the
             true
             and
             Coelestial
             Pleasures
             ,
             
             the
             Causes
             of
             Love
             ,
             and
             Praise
             ,
             and
             Thanksgiving
             founded
             in
             the
             Manifestations
             of
             Gods
             Eternal
             favour
             ,
             especially
             in
             the
             Ends
             ,
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             which
             all
             Helps
             and
             Remedies
             are
             prepared
             .
             For
             it
             is
             exceeding
             true
             ,
             that
             
               his
               Laws
               are
               Sweeter
               then
               the
               Hony
               and
               the
               Hony
               Comb
               ,
               and
               far
               more
               precious
               then
               thousands
               of
               Gold
               and
               Silver
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             V.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Necessity
               ,
               Excellency
               ,
               and
               Use
               of
               Knowledge
               ;
               its
               Depths
               and
               Extents
               ,
               its
               Objects
               and
               its
               End.
               
            
          
           
             KNOWLEDGE
             and
             Love
             are
             so
             necessary
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             that
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Enjoyment
             or
             Delight
             without
             them
             .
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             would
             be
             Dark
             and
             obscure
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             vain
             and
             unprofitable
             ,
             all
             the
             Creatures
             base
             and
             unserviceable
             ,
             Felicity
             impossible
             ,
             were
             there
             no
             Knowledge
             .
             Nay
             GOD
             himself
             ,
             without
             Knowledge
             and
             Love
             ,
             could
             not
             well
             exist
             ;
             for
             his
             very
             Essence
             is
             seated
             in
             infinite
             Knowledge
             .
          
           
             GOD
             is
             Light
             ,
             and
             in
             him
             is
             no
             Darkness
             
             at
             all
             ;
             He
             is
             Love
             by
             nature
             and
             there
             is
             no
             hatred
             in
             his
             Essence
             .
             His
             very
             Godhead
             is
             all
             Perfection
             ,
             by
             the
             infinite
             Knowledge
             and
             Love
             in
             his
             Nature
             .
          
           
             THE
             Original
             of
             our
             Knowledge
             is
             his
             Godhead
             ,
             His
             Essence
             and
             his
             will
             are
             the
             Fountain
             of
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             stream
             so
             excellent
             ,
             that
             in
             all
             Estates
             it
             is
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             continued
             ,
             as
             the
             Light
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             .
          
           
             THE
             understanding
             Power
             ,
             which
             is
             seated
             in
             Soul
             ,
             is
             the
             Matter
             of
             that
             Act
             wherein
             the
             Essence
             of
             Knowledge
             consisteth
             :
             Its
             form
             is
             the
             Act
             it self
             ,
             whereby
             that
             Power
             of
             knowing
             apprehendeth
             its
             Object
             .
          
           
             IT
             S
             nature
             is
             invisible
             ,
             like
             that
             of
             all
             other
             Spirits
             ,
             so
             simple
             and
             uncompounded
             ,
             that
             its
             form
             and
             matter
             are
             the
             same
             .
             For
             all
             Powers
             ,
             when
             transformed
             into
             Act
             ,
             are
             Acts
             themselves
             .
             And
             the
             faculty
             of
             understanding
             ,
             in
             a
             Compleat
             and
             Perfect
             Act
             of
             Knowledge
             attains
             its
             Perfection
             ,
             and
             is
             Power
             exerted
             ,
             or
             an
             Act
             in
             its
             Exercise
             .
             For
             every
             Act
             is
             Power
             exerted
             .
          
           
             THE
             Power
             of
             Knowing
             is
             vain
             if
             not
             reduced
             into
             Act
             ;
             and
             the
             Soul
             a
             melancholly
             and
             Dreadful
             Cave
             ,
             or
             Dungeon
             
             of
             Darkness
             ,
             if
             void
             of
             Knowledge
             .
             Had
             GOD
             himself
             a
             Power
             of
             Knowing
             Distinct
             from
             its
             Operation
             ,
             if
             he
             never
             exercised
             that
             Power
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             useless
             to
             him
             .
             His
             Glory
             and
             Blessedness
             are
             seated
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             that
             Knowledge
             ,
             whichto
             us
             upon
             Earth
             appeaeth
             Inaccessible
             .
          
           
             IF
             we
             would
             
               be
               perfect
               ,
               as
               our
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               is
               perfect
               ,
            
             our
             Power
             of
             knowing
             must
             be
             transformed
             (
             into
             
               Act
               ,
            
             )
             and
             all
             Objects
             appear
             in
             the
             interior
             Light
             of
             our
             own
             understanding
             .
             For
             tho
             all
             Eternity
             were
             full
             of
             Treasures
             ,
             and
             the
             Whole
             World
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Creatures
             in
             it
             transformed
             into
             Joys
             and
             our
             Interest
             to
             all
             never
             so
             perfect
             ;
             yet
             if
             we
             are
             Ignorant
             of
             them
             ,
             we
             shall
             continue
             as
             poor
             and
             Empty
             ,
             as
             if
             there
             were
             nothing
             but
             Vacuity
             and
             Space
             .
             For
             not
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             appear
             ,
             are
             the
             same
             thing
             to
             the
             understanding
             .
          
           
             WERE
             a
             Man
             a
             Seraphim
             by
             his
             Essence
             ,
             or
             something
             by
             nature
             more
             Glorious
             and
             Divine
             then
             the
             Highest
             Order
             of
             the
             most
             Blessed
             Angels
             ,
             nay
             the
             greatest
             Creature
             that
             Almighty
             power
             was
             able
             to
             produce
             ,
             his
             Soul
             and
             Body
             would
             signifie
             nothing
             ,
             if
             he
             were
             unknown
             to
             
             himself
             ,
             and
             were
             not
             aware
             of
             his
             Excellence
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             would
             have
             a
             solid
             Prospect
             of
             any
             Vertue
             ,
             you
             must
             understand
             ,
             that
             Vertues
             are
             Powers
             transformed
             into
             right
             ,
             wise
             ,
             and
             regular
             Acts
             ,
             avoiding
             all
             extremes
             of
             remissness
             on
             the
             one
             hand
             ,
             and
             excess
             on
             the
             other
             .
             The
             Extreams
             of
             Knowledge
             are
             Ignorance
             and
             Error
             .
          
           
             FOR
             ought
             you
             know
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             are
             as
             full
             of
             Treasures
             ,
             as
             Almighty
             Power
             was
             able
             to
             create
             them
             ,
             and
             you
             by
             Nature
             ,
             the
             best
             and
             highest
             of
             all
             possible
             Creatures
             ,
             made
             like
             GOD
             ,
             for
             the
             highest
             and
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends
             ,
             and
             called
             to
             live
             in
             Communion
             with
             him
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             fruitions
             :
             but
             being
             vilely
             corruptted
             ,
             you
             have
             lost
             the
             sence
             of
             all
             these
             Realities
             ,
             and
             are
             ignorant
             of
             the
             Excellences
             of
             your
             own
             Estate
             and
             Nature
             .
          
           
             I
             am
             sure
             that
             GOD
             is
             infinite
             in
             Wisedom
             ,
             Goodness
             and
             Power
             ,
             and
             nothing
             is
             wanting
             on
             his
             Part
             ,
             to
             perfect
             your
             Desires
             :
             But
             yet
             you
             may
             be
             blind
             ,
             and
             idle
             ,
             and
             ignorant
             ,
             and
             dead
             in
             a
             manner
             ,
             while
             you
             are
             wanting
             to
             
             your self
             ,
             and
             have
             need
             of
             nothing
             ,
             but
             clear
             and
             perfect
             apprehensions
             ,
             but
             because
             they
             are
             Sottish
             and
             Erroneous
             at
             present
             ,
             they
             may
             make
             you
             miserable
             ,
             and
             Poor
             ,
             and
             Blind
             ,
             and
             Naked
             .
          
           
             IF
             Sin
             had
             been
             like
             Circe's
             Cup
             ,
             and
             changed
             the
             shape
             of
             Mans
             Body
             ,
             to
             that
             of
             a
             Swine
             or
             Dragon
             ,
             the
             Depravation
             of
             his
             Nature
             had
             been
             plain
             and
             visible
             ;
             yet
             without
             knowing
             what
             kind
             of
             Form
             he
             had
             before
             ,
             it
             ,
             would
             not
             appear
             ,
             because
             we
             should
             be
             unsensible
             of
             his
             first
             Form
             ,
             and
             unable
             to
             compare
             the
             one
             with
             the
             other
             :
             But
             Sin
             is
             a
             
               Moral
               Obliquity
            
             ,
             and
             the
             change
             it
             produceth
             in
             the
             Soul
             is
             Spiritual
             .
             It
             makes
             a
             man
             to
             differ
             far
             more
             from
             himself
             ,
             than
             any
             alteration
             of
             Body
             can
             do
             ;
             but
             withal
             so
             blinds
             his
             Understanding
             ,
             that
             he
             does
             not
             remember
             what
             he
             was
             in
             his
             first
             Parent
             ;
             Tho
             the
             first
             Man
             (
             who
             had
             experience
             of
             both
             Estates
             )
             was
             able
             to
             compare
             them
             ,
             because
             in
             his
             Corruption
             ,
             he
             might
             possibly
             retain
             a
             Sence
             of
             that
             Nature
             ,
             and
             Life
             which
             he
             enjoyed
             in
             his
             integrity
             :
             Yet
             all
             his
             Posterity
             ,
             that
             are
             born
             Sinners
             ,
             never
             were
             sensible
             of
             the
             Light
             
             and
             Glory
             of
             an
             Innocent
             Estate
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             cause
             may
             be
             wholy
             ignorant
             both
             of
             GOD
             and
             themselves
             ,
             utterly
             unable
             to
             conceive
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             or
             of
             that
             Relation
             ,
             wherein
             they
             should
             by
             Nature
             have
             stood
             towards
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             impossible
             to
             conceive
             ,
             how
             great
             a
             change
             a
             slight
             Action
             may
             produce
             .
             It
             is
             but
             pressing
             the
             Wick
             a
             little
             with
             ones
             Finger
             ,
             and
             a
             Lamp
             is
             extinguished
             ,
             and
             Darkness
             immediately
             made
             to
             overspread
             the
             Room
             .
             The
             Glory
             and
             Splendor
             of
             the
             whole
             World
             would
             vanish
             upon
             the
             Extinction
             of
             the
             Sun
             :
             And
             one
             Instants
             Cessation
             from
             the
             Emission
             of
             its
             Beams
             would
             be
             its
             Extinction
             .
             A
             Soul
             is
             a
             more
             Glorious
             Thing
             than
             the
             Sun
             :
             The
             Sphear
             of
             its
             Activity
             is
             far
             Greater
             ,
             and
             its
             Light
             more
             Precious
             ,
             All
             the
             World
             may
             be
             filled
             with
             the
             splendor
             of
             its
             Beams
             ;
             Eternity
             it self
             was
             prepared
             for
             it
             !
             Were
             there
             but
             one
             Soul
             ,
             to
             see
             and
             enjoy
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             upon
             the
             suspension
             of
             its
             Light
             all
             the
             Creation
             would
             be
             rendred
             vain
             .
             Light
             it self
             is
             but
             Darkness
             without
             the
             Understanding
             .
          
           
             THE
             Existence
             of
             many
             Souls
             is
             so
             
             far
             from
             abating
             the
             value
             of
             one
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             by
             reason
             of
             their
             multitude
             more
             useful
             and
             Excellent
             .
             For
             the
             value
             of
             the
             Objects
             ,
             imputes
             a
             Lustre
             and
             Higher
             value
             to
             the
             Light
             wherein
             they
             are
             enjoyed
             .
             And
             if
             Souls
             themselves
             are
             more
             excellent
             than
             all
             other
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             arewith
             ,
             and
             above
             all
             other
             ,
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             that
             Power
             ,
             whereby
             this
             Soul
             is
             able
             to
             enjoy
             them
             ,
             is
             more
             to
             be
             esteemed
             ,
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             those
             Souls
             ,
             than
             for
             all
             the
             other
             Creatures
             ,
             which
             are
             made
             for
             the
             same
             :
             GOD
             himself
             and
             his
             holy
             Angels
             are
             Objects
             of
             the
             Understanding
             .
             Those
             Felicities
             and
             Glories
             ,
             which
             the
             Sun
             cannot
             extend
             to
             ,
             the
             Soul
             can
             comprehend
             .
             All
             which
             ,
             since
             their
             Fruition
             depends
             upon
             that
             Act
             of
             the
             Understanding
             by
             which
             they
             are
             considered
             ,
             reflect
             a
             Lustre
             ,
             and
             add
             a
             value
             to
             that
             Knowledge
             by
             which
             the
             Soul
             does
             attain
             them
             .
             Whereupon
             it
             follows
             that
             the
             infinite
             value
             of
             all
             these
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             intellect
             ;
             and
             as
             the
             Power
             ,
             so
             the
             Act
             of
             Knowledg
             ,
             on
             which
             their
             Fruition
             dependeth
             ,
             is
             of
             infinite
             use
             and
             Excellency
             .
             As
             the
             loss
             is
             infinite
             ,
             when
             the
             Soul
             is
             bereaved
             of
             them
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             
             mage
             ,
             which
             it
             suffers
             by
             failing
             of
             its
             Light
             ,
             whether
             that
             Defect
             be
             voluntary
             ,
             or
             imposed
             by
             some
             outward
             Impediment
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             the
             Use
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             it
             is
             apparent
             enough
             .
             For
             the
             Relation
             between
             the
             Use
             and
             Excellency
             of
             things
             is
             so
             near
             and
             intimate
             ,
             that
             as
             nothing
             Useless
             can
             be
             at
             all
             excellent
             ,
             so
             is
             every
             Excellence
             in
             every
             Being
             founded
             in
             its
             usefulness
             .
             The
             use
             of
             Souls
             is
             as
             great
             as
             their
             Excellency
             :
             The
             use
             of
             Knowledge
             as
             endless
             in
             Variety
             ,
             as
             in
             Extent
             ,
             and
             Value
             .
          
           
             KNOWLEDGE
             is
             that
             which
             does
             illuminate
             the
             Soul
             ,
             enkindle
             Love
             ,
             excite
             our
             Care
             ,
             inspire
             the
             mind
             with
             Joy
             ,
             inform
             the
             Will
             ,
             enlarge
             the
             Heart
             ,
             regulate
             the
             Passions
             ,
             unite
             all
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             to
             their
             Objects
             ,
             see
             their
             Beauty
             ,
             understand
             their
             Goodness
             ,
             discern
             our
             Interest
             in
             them
             ,
             form
             our
             Apprehensions
             of
             them
             ,
             consider
             and
             enjoy
             their
             Excellences
             .
             All
             Contentments
             ,
             Raptures
             ,
             and
             Extafies
             are
             conceived
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             begotten
             by
             Knowledge
             ,
             all
             Laws
             ,
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             are
             understood
             by
             Knowledg
             :
             All
             Vertues
             and
             Graces
             of
             the
             Mind
             are
             
             framed
             by
             Knowledge
             ,
             all
             Advantages
             are
             by
             it
             improved
             ,
             all
             Temptations
             discerned
             ,
             all
             Dangers
             avoided
             ,
             all
             Affairs
             ordered
             ,
             all
             Endowments
             acquired
             ;
             all
             the
             Ornaments
             of
             Life
             ,
             all
             the
             Beauties
             of
             the
             inward
             Man
             ,
             all
             the
             Works
             of
             Piety
             are
             affected
             by
             Knowledge
             .
             In
             the
             Light
             of
             knowledge
             all
             Pleasures
             arise
             ,
             and
             as
             Fruits
             and
             Flowers
             are
             begotten
             in
             the
             Earth
             by
             the
             Beams
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             so
             do
             all
             kinds
             of
             Joy
             spring
             from
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             are
             made
             ours
             ,
             by
             the
             help
             of
             that
             Knowledge
             ,
             that
             shineth
             on
             them
             ;
             its
             last
             Off
             spring
             are
             Eternal
             Thanksgivings
             and
             Praises
             .
             The
             Divine
             Image
             and
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Bliss
             are
             sounded
             in
             Knowledge
             ,
             GOD
             himself
             dwelleth
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             with
             all
             his
             Attributes
             and
             Perfections
             ,
             by
             Knowledge
             :
             By
             it
             we
             are
             made
             Temples
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             Partakers
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             it
             is
             that
             St.
             Paul
             prayeth
             ,
             
               That
               we
               might
               be
               filled
               with
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               his
               Will
               ,
            
             
             
               in
               all
               Wisedome
               and
               Spiritual
               Understanding
               ,
               that
               we
               might
               walk
               worthy
               of
               the
               Lord
               unto
               all
               pleasing
               ,
               being
               fruitful
               in
               every
               Good
               Work
               ,
               and
               increasing
               in
               the
               Knowledge
               of
               GOD
               ,
               
               strengthened
               with
               all
               Might
               according
               to
               his
               glorious
               Power
               ,
               unto
               all
               Patience
               and
               long-suffering
               ,
               with
               Joyfulness
               giving
               Thanks
               to
               the
               Father
               ,
               who
               hath
               made
               us
               meet
               to
               be
               Partakers
               of
               the
               Inheritance
               of
               the
               Saints
               in
               Light
               :
               who
               hath
               delivered
               us
               from
               the
               Power
               of
               Darkness
               ,
               and
               translated
               us
               into
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               his
               Dear
               Son.
               
            
          
           
             THE
             Sun
             is
             a
             glorious
             Creature
             ,
             and
             its
             Beams
             extend
             to
             the
             utmost
             Stars
             ,
             by
             shining
             on
             them
             it
             cloaths
             them
             with
             light
             ,
             and
             by
             its
             Rayes
             exciteth
             all
             their
             influences
             .
             It
             enlightens
             the
             Eyes
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             :
             It
             shineth
             on
             forty
             Kingdomes
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             on
             Seas
             and
             Continents
             in
             a
             general
             manner
             ;
             yet
             so
             particularly
             regardeth
             all
             ,
             that
             every
             Mote
             in
             the
             Air
             ,
             every
             Grain
             of
             Dust
             ,
             every
             Sand
             ,
             every
             Spire
             of
             Grass
             is
             wholly
             illuminated
             thereby
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             did
             entirely
             shine
             upon
             that
             alone
             .
             Nor
             does
             it
             onely
             illuminate
             all
             these
             Objects
             in
             an
             idle
             manner
             ,
             its
             Beams
             are
             Operative
             ,
             enter
             in
             ,
             sill
             the
             Pores
             of
             Things
             with
             Spirits
             ,
             and
             impregnate
             them
             with
             Powers
             ,
             cause
             all
             their
             Emanations
             ,
             Odors
             ,
             Vertues
             and
             Operations
             ;
             Springs
             ,
             Rivers
             ,
             Minerals
             and
             Vegetables
             
             are
             all
             perfected
             by
             the
             Sun
             ,
             all
             the
             Motion
             ,
             Life
             and
             sense
             of
             Birds
             ,
             Beasts
             and
             Fishes
             dependeth
             on
             the
             same
             .
             Yet
             the
             Sun
             is
             but
             a
             little
             spark
             ,
             among
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             that
             are
             made
             for
             the
             Soul
             ;
             the
             Soul
             ,
             being
             the
             most
             High
             and
             Noble
             of
             all
             ,
             is
             capable
             of
             far
             higher
             Perfections
             ,
             far
             more
             full
             of
             Life
             and
             Vigour
             in
             its
             uses
             .
             The
             Sphere
             of
             its
             Activity
             is
             illimited
             ,
             its
             Energy
             is
             endless
             upon
             all
             its
             Objects
             .
             It
             can
             exceed
             the
             Heavens
             in
             its
             Operations
             ,
             and
             run
             out
             into
             infinite
             spaces
             .
             Such
             is
             the
             extent
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             that
             it
             seemeth
             to
             be
             the
             Light
             of
             all
             Eternity
             .
             All
             Objects
             are
             equally
             near
             to
             the
             splendor
             of
             its
             Beams
             :
             As
             innumerable
             millions
             may
             be
             conceived
             in
             its
             Light
             ,
             with
             a
             ready
             capacity
             for
             millions
             more
             ;
             so
             can
             it
             penetrate
             all
             Abysles
             ,
             reach
             to
             the
             Centre
             of
             all
             Nature
             ,
             converse
             with
             all
             Beings
             ,
             visible
             and
             invisible
             ,
             Corporeal
             and
             Spiritual
             ,
             Temporal
             and
             Eternal
             ,
             Created
             and
             Increated
             ,
             Finite
             and
             Infinite
             ,
             Substantial
             and
             Accidental
             ,
             Actual
             and
             Possible
             ,
             Imaginary
             and
             Real
             ;
             All
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             Bliss
             and
             Misery
             ,
             all
             the
             Secrets
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Hell
             are
             Objects
             of
             the
             Souls
             Capacity
             here
             ,
             
             and
             shall
             be
             actually
             seen
             and
             known
             hereafter
             .
          
           
             WERE
             Almighty
             Power
             Magnified
             by
             filling
             Eternity
             with
             created
             objects
             ,
             and
             were
             all
             the
             Omnipresence
             of
             God
             full
             of
             Joys
             ,
             it
             is
             able
             ,
             when
             assisted
             by
             his
             Divine
             Knowledge
             ,
             to
             look
             upon
             all
             :
             and
             tho
             every
             one
             of
             them
             should
             have
             an
             infinite
             Depth
             within
             ,
             an
             Endless
             variety
             of
             Uses
             ,
             a
             Relation
             to
             all
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             were
             able
             to
             contract
             all
             its
             strengths
             ,
             from
             all
             the
             expansions
             of
             Eternity
             and
             space
             ,
             and
             fix
             them
             upon
             this
             Moment
             ,
             or
             on
             this
             Centre
             ,
             intirely
             beholding
             this
             alone
             ,
             in
             all
             its
             fulness
             ,
             can
             see
             its
             Original
             ,
             its
             End
             ,
             its
             Operations
             ,
             Effects
             and
             Properties
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             had
             nothing
             to
             consider
             but
             this
             alone
             ,
             in
             a
             most
             exquisite
             and
             perfect
             manner
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             not
             to
             be
             denied
             ,
             that
             every
             Being
             in
             all
             Worlds
             is
             an
             Object
             of
             the
             Understanding
             :
             nor
             can
             that
             of
             the
             Psalmist
             be
             doubted
             ,
             
               In
               his
               Presence
               there
               is
               fulness
               of
               Joy
               ,
               and
               at
               his
               right
               hand
               there
               are
               Pleasures
               for
               evermore
            
             :
             that
             is
             ,
             his
             Omnipresence
             is
             full
             of
             Joys
             ,
             and
             his
             Eternity
             of
             Riches
             and
             Pleasures
             :
             nor
             is
             it
             
             to
             be
             denied
             ,
             that
             the
             Soul
             is
             by
             its
             Creation
             intended
             for
             the
             
               Throne
               of
               GOD.
            
             For
             it
             is
             made
             capable
             of
             his
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaketh
             ,
             
               may
               be
               filled
               with
               all
               the
               fulness
               of
               GOD
               ,
            
             which
             fulness
             is
             adequate
             to
             the
             Immensity
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Power
             (
             of
             which
             you
             will
             see
             more
             in
             the
             Vertues
             of
             Love
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             Righteousness
             and
             Holiness
             :
             )
             This
             only
             is
             here
             to
             be
             noted
             ,
             that
             Nature
             never
             made
             any
             Power
             in
             vain
             ,
             but
             ever
             intendeth
             the
             Perfection
             of
             what
             it
             produceth
             ;
             and
             prepareth
             objects
             for
             the
             understanding
             ,
             the
             Perfection
             of
             which
             Power
             is
             the
             actual
             attainment
             of
             that
             Knowledge
             of
             which
             it
             is
             capable
             .
          
           
             THE
             principal
             objects
             of
             our
             Knowledge
             are
             GOD
             ,
             and
             a
             Mans
             self
             :
             The
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             ,
             his
             Laws
             and
             Works
             ,
             his
             Ways
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             his
             Counsels
             and
             his
             Attributes
             ,
             Mans
             Interest
             and
             Duty
             ,
             Transactions
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             Thoughts
             and
             Actions
             of
             Angels
             and
             Men
             are
             considerable
             ;
             which
             tho
             they
             may
             be
             stiled
             less
             material
             Objects
             of
             the
             understanding
             ,
             yet
             in
             relation
             to
             GOD
             and
             a
             Mans
             felf
             ,
             are
             of
             great
             Importance
             .
          
           
             GOD
             as
             he
             is
             the
             Life
             and
             fountain
             
             of
             all
             Felicity
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             all
             Perfection
             ,
             and
             the
             Creator
             of
             our
             Being
             ,
             Almighty
             in
             Power
             ,
             infinite
             in
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             Author
             of
             the
             universe
             ,
             and
             Lord
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             is
             most
             fit
             to
             be
             Known
             .
             Plato
             makes
             him
             the
             very
             Light
             of
             the
             understanding
             ,
             and
             affirms
             ,
             that
             as
             three
             Things
             are
             necessary
             to
             Vision
             ,
             the
             Eye
             rightly
             prepared
             ,
             the
             object
             conveniently
             seated
             ,
             and
             Light
             to
             convey
             the
             Idea
             to
             the
             Eye
             ;
             so
             there
             are
             three
             things
             required
             to
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             Intelligence
             ,
             an
             understanding
             Eye
             ,
             an
             Intelligible
             Object
             ,
             and
             a
             Light
             intelligible
             in
             which
             to
             conceive
             it
             :
             Which
             last
             is
             GOD.
             Nor
             is
             the
             Royal
             Psalmist
             and
             Divine
             Philosopher
             David
             far
             from
             the
             Notion
             ,
             while
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               In
               thy
               Light
               we
               shall
               see
               Light.
            
             For
             GOD
             is
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             understanding
             .
             His
             Nature
             is
             the
             Light
             of
             all
             the
             Creation
             .
             Therefore
             it
             is
             said
             by
             Christ
             himself
             that
             the
             
               Knowledge
               of
               GOD
               is
               Life
               Eternal
               .
            
             For
             his
             Light
             is
             the
             Life
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             without
             him
             we
             can
             do
             nothing
             .
             Till
             we
             Know
             his
             Nature
             ,
             we
             cannot
             apprehend
             the
             Excellency
             of
             his
             Works
             :
             For
             all
             their
             Goodness
             is
             derived
             from
             him
             ,
             and
             ends
             in
             him
             .
             His
             Love
             ,
             moved
             him
             to
             create
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             
             principal
             End
             for
             which
             it
             was
             made
             ,
             is
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             Creator
             in
             the
             Felicity
             of
             his
             Creatures
             .
             The
             Glory
             of
             the
             Creatures
             is
             seen
             in
             his
             .
             By
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             we
             are
             guided
             to
             the
             Hope
             ,
             and
             Investigation
             of
             their
             Excellence
             .
             His
             infinite
             bounty
             made
             them
             all
             our
             Treasures
             ,
             that
             for
             the
             Perfection
             of
             their
             Beauty
             and
             Worth
             we
             might
             celebrate
             his
             Praises
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             would
             not
             be
             a
             stranger
             to
             the
             Universe
             ,
             an
             Alien
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             a
             foreiner
             to
             himself
             ,
             must
             Know
             GOD
             to
             be
             an
             infinite
             Benefactor
             ,
             all
             Eternity
             ,
             full
             of
             Treasures
             ,
             the
             World
             it self
             ,
             the
             Beginning
             of
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             his
             own
             Soul
             the
             Possessor
             of
             all
             ,
             in
             Communion
             with
             the
             Deity
             .
             That
             the
             Business
             of
             Religion
             is
             Complacency
             in
             GOD
             ,
             and
             that
             GOD
             never
             laid
             aside
             his
             Wisdom
             in
             any
             Operation
             of
             his
             Power
             ,
             never
             forgot
             to
             make
             the
             least
             of
             his
             Works
             agreeable
             to
             his
             Goodness
             .
             Nay
             rather
             he
             is
             so
             perfect
             ,
             that
             his
             infinite
             Goodness
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             are
             exerted
             wholy
             and
             wholy
             Conspicuous
             in
             every
             Operation
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Beauty
             of
             Truth
             that
             maketh
             Knowledge
             of
             such
             infinite
             Value
             .
             For
             if
             all
             the
             Treasures
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Knowing
             
             be
             ordained
             for
             a
             Wise
             and
             Knowing
             Man
             ,
             if
             all
             Objects
             in
             the
             clear
             Light
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Eternity
             be
             laudable
             and
             Glorious
             ,
             if
             Divine
             Wisdome
             hath
             so
             far
             obtained
             ,
             that
             the
             number
             and
             Value
             of
             GODS
             Gifts
             is
             accurate
             ,
             and
             exactly
             answerable
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             its
             causes
             ;
             if
             every
             Soul
             ,
             that
             will
             live
             in
             his
             Image
             ,
             may
             be
             the
             friend
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             acquire
             the
             Empire
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             be
             Beloved
             of
             Angels
             ,
             and
             admired
             of
             Men
             ;
             if
             fruition
             be
             the
             End
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             all
             Things
             made
             that
             they
             may
             be
             enjoyed
             :
             Knowledge
             is
             the
             only
             Thing
             that
             enriches
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             
               the
               Knowing
               Man
               is
               the
               friend
               of
               GOD.
            
             The
             Exercise
             and
             Pleasure
             of
             this
             Divine
             Amity
             is
             the
             End
             of
             the
             Creation
             ,
             and
             the
             Perfection
             of
             the
             Soul.
             
          
           
             The
             Knowledge
             of
             a
             Mans-self
             is
             highly
             conducive
             to
             his
             Happiness
             ,
             not
             only
             as
             it
             gives
             him
             Power
             to
             rejoyce
             in
             his
             Excellencies
             ,
             but
             as
             it
             shews
             him
             his
             End
             ,
             for
             which
             he
             was
             created
             .
             For
             by
             Knowing
             what
             Inclinations
             and
             Powers
             are
             in
             his
             Soul
             ,
             he
             discerns
             what
             is
             agreeable
             with
             ,
             and
             fit
             for
             his
             Essence
             ;
             what
             objects
             and
             what
             Operations
             are
             couducive
             to
             his
             Welfare
             ,
             what
             means
             
             he
             is
             to
             use
             for
             the
             Attainment
             of
             his
             End
             ,
             and
             what
             that
             is
             ,
             wherein
             his
             Perfection
             consisteth
             .
             If
             the
             Powers
             of
             his
             Soul
             are
             illimited
             ,
             his
             Desire
             infinite
             ,
             and
             his
             Reach
             Eternal
             ,
             if
             he
             be
             able
             to
             see
             and
             enjoy
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             above
             all
             Worlds
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD.
             If
             his
             Ambition
             carry
             him
             to
             be
             Pleasing
             to
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             Glorious
             in
             the
             Eyes
             of
             all
             Kingdoms
             and
             Ages
             ;
             if
             his
             Abilities
             are
             indeficient
             for
             the
             fruition
             of
             all
             that
             is
             Excellent
             in
             eternity
             it self
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             token
             that
             he
             is
             ordained
             for
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             :
             and
             a
             wicked
             folly
             to
             restrain
             himself
             to
             the
             miserable
             Contentment
             of
             a
             Cell
             ,
             or
             Cottage
             ,
             and
             to
             delight
             in
             nothing
             but
             some
             fragments
             of
             the
             Creation
             ,
             that
             in
             Comparison
             of
             the
             whole
             are
             infinitely
             Defective
             .
          
           
             OF
             all
             other
             things
             I
             would
             have
             this
             most
             deeply
             engraven
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             that
             GOD
             hath
             exceeded
             all
             Imagination
             in
             the
             Works
             of
             his
             Hands
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             overcometh
             shall
             be
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             and
             inherit
             all
             Things
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             an
             infinite
             end
             why
             the
             secrets
             of
             all
             hearts
             shall
             at
             last
             be
             revealed
             ,
             that
             in
             Heaven
             all
             Thoughts
             and
             Things
             shall
             be
             
             Known
             ,
             that
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Heaven
             is
             so
             Glorious
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             blessed
             are
             Perfect
             Sovereigns
             ,
             every
             one
             the
             Possessor
             and
             End
             of
             it
             all
             :
             that
             all
             Things
             proceeding
             immediately
             from
             GOD
             ,
             are
             the
             Best
             that
             are
             possible
             :
             that
             the
             best
             and
             the
             worst
             things
             as
             ordered
             by
             him
             ,
             are
             perfectly
             amiable
             ,
             and
             subservient
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             that
             he
             himself
             alone
             hath
             a
             Proper
             Right
             to
             all
             that
             is
             excellent
             ,
             and
             that
             GOD
             is
             in
             every
             Thing
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             enjoyed
             only
             when
             his
             essence
             and
             his
             Works
             satisfie
             the
             Desires
             of
             perfect
             reason
             ,
             and
             exceed
             all
             Wishes
             in
             filling
             and
             delighting
             the
             soul
             :
             That
             having
             filled
             the
             soul
             with
             infinite
             Wisdome
             ,
             he
             has
             laid
             infinite
             Obligations
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             set
             infinite
             Rewards
             before
             us
             ,
             made
             Laws
             in
             finitely
             amiable
             ,
             and
             given
             us
             Duties
             infinitely
             Desirable
             :
             for
             which
             he
             deserves
             eternal
             Adorations
             and
             Thanksgivings
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Love
               and
               Hatred
               .
               The
               necessity
               and
               sweetness
               of
               Love.
               It
               s
               General
               use
               and
               efficacy
               .
               The
               several
               kinds
               of
               love
               .
               Of
               the
               Power
               ,
               Inclination
               and
               act
               of
               Love.
               Its
               extent
               and
               capacity
               .
            
          
           
             BECAUSE
             Love
             is
             the
             most
             Desirable
             Employment
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             Power
             of
             Loving
             is
             to
             be
             accounted
             the
             most
             High
             and
             Noble
             of
             the
             Faculties
             .
             It
             is
             not
             seated
             by
             it self
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             but
             attended
             with
             a
             mighty
             Proneness
             and
             Inclination
             .
          
           
             THERE
             is
             no
             Creature
             so
             unsociable
             and
             furious
             but
             it
             is
             capable
             of
             loving
             something
             or
             other
             .
             Wolves
             and
             Tygres
             live
             at
             peace
             among
             themselves
             ,
             Lions
             have
             an
             Inclination
             to
             their
             Grim
             Mistresses
             ,
             and
             Deformed
             Bears
             a
             natural
             Affection
             to
             their
             Whelps
             ,
             expressed
             in
             their
             Rage
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             bereaved
             of
             them
             .
             Things
             must
             either
             be
             absolutely
             Dead
             ,
             or
             live
             in
             misery
             ,
             that
             are
             void
             of
             love
             .
             Whatsoever
             is
             endued
             with
             Life
             and
             sence
             delights
             in
             easie
             and
             grateful
             
             Operations
             .
             Love
             is
             a
             necessary
             Affection
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             apprehend
             any
             thing
             Delightful
             ,
             but
             it
             must
             be
             pleasing
             ;
             and
             what
             is
             Pleasing
             must
             be
             Lovely
             .
             For
             to
             be
             Pleased
             ,
             and
             to
             love
             are
             the
             same
             thing
             .
             If
             there
             be
             any
             difference
             ,
             the
             pleasure
             we
             take
             in
             any
             Object
             is
             the
             root
             of
             that
             Desire
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             Love
             ;
             and
             the
             affection
             ,
             whereby
             we
             pursue
             the
             pleasure
             that
             is
             apprehended
             in
             it
             ,
             is
             part
             of
             the
             Love
             that
             we
             bear
             unto
             it
             ;
             the
             end
             of
             which
             is
             the
             Completion
             of
             that
             pleasure
             which
             it
             first
             perceives
             :
             All
             is
             Love
             variously
             modified
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Circumstances
             wherein
             the
             Object
             is
             represented
             .
          
           
             AS
             Love
             is
             the
             only
             Easie
             and
             Delightful
             Operation
             ,
             so
             is
             Hatred
             of
             all
             other
             the
             most
             troublesom
             and
             tormenting
             .
             Displeasure
             and
             Enmity
             are
             the
             Ingredients
             of
             its
             nature
             ;
             and
             the
             fruits
             of
             it
             (
             allyed
             to
             their
             Root
             )
             as
             Bitter
             as
             Gall
             ,
             and
             Wormwood
             .
             Murder
             ,
             and
             Vexation
             ,
             and
             Grief
             are
             the
             off-spring
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             with
             Separation
             ,
             Contention
             ,
             and
             Horror
             ;
             Peace
             and
             Embraces
             are
             the
             Fruit
             of
             the
             other
             ,
             with
             Praises
             and
             Complacencies
             ,
             Honors
             ,
             Services
             ,
             Benefits
             
             and
             Pleasures
             .
             These
             are
             the
             little
             Cupids
             that
             flie
             about
             this
             coelestial
             Venus
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             ,
             what
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             the
             Mother
             of
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             the
             Daughter
             of
             GOD.
             
          
           
             ALL
             Creatures
             that
             are
             sensible
             of
             Pain
             or
             pleasure
             ,
             must
             of
             necessity
             be
             addicted
             to
             Love
             and
             Hatred
             ;
             to
             the
             Love
             of
             what
             is
             pleasing
             ,
             to
             the
             Hatred
             of
             what
             is
             Painful
             .
             And
             if
             any
             Question
             be
             made
             ,
             which
             of
             these
             Twins
             is
             the
             First
             born
             ?
             the
             answer
             is
             ;
             that
             they
             may
             seem
             Twins
             in
             respect
             of
             Time
             ,
             but
             in
             nature
             Love
             is
             the
             first
             born
             ,
             and
             the
             Mother
             of
             Hatred
             .
             For
             where
             nothing
             to
             be
             hated
             does
             at
             all
             appear
             ,
             pleasant
             Things
             are
             Beloved
             for
             their
             own
             sake
             :
             whereas
             if
             there
             were
             no
             pleasant
             thing
             to
             be
             beloved
             ,
             nothing
             could
             be
             hated
             ,
             because
             nothing
             could
             be
             Hurtful
             ,
             which
             appeareth
             by
             this
             ,
             because
             where
             there
             is
             no
             Love
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             Interest
             ,
             and
             where
             there
             is
             no
             concernment
             ,
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Affection
             ,
             no
             Fear
             ,
             or
             Hope
             ,
             or
             Joy
             ,
             or
             sorrow
             .
          
           
             AS
             Fire
             begets
             Water
             by
             melting
             Ice
             ,
             so
             does
             Love
             beget
             contrary
             passions
             in
             the
             soul
             of
             a
             living
             creature
             ,
             Anger
             ,
             Malice
             ,
             Envy
             ,
             Grief
             and
             Jealousie
             :
             not
             by
             its
             own
             nature
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             accidental
             
             Interposure
             of
             some
             Obstacle
             ,
             that
             hinders
             or
             endangers
             the
             fruition
             of
             its
             Object
             .
             Were
             there
             no
             Love
             of
             Ease
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             there
             could
             be
             no
             Anger
             or
             Quarrel
             between
             Competitors
             ;
             no
             Emulation
             or
             Desire
             ,
             no
             Aversion
             or
             Endeavour
             .
             All
             Enmity
             and
             Hostility
             Springs
             from
             a
             Contention
             ,
             who
             shall
             enjoy
             what
             is
             Desirable
             ;
             or
             from
             some
             other
             Principle
             of
             Envy
             or
             Revenge
             ,
             in
             relation
             to
             what
             is
             Good
             :
             as
             is
             Obvious
             to
             Daily
             Experience
             .
          
           
             LIFE
             and
             Love
             are
             so
             individualy
             united
             ,
             that
             to
             live
             without
             Loving
             something
             is
             impossible
             .
             Even
             in
             Hell
             ,
             where
             their
             whole
             Life
             seemeth
             to
             be
             spent
             in
             Detestation
             and
             Hatred
             ,
             and
             actual
             Love
             is
             ,
             like
             fire
             under
             those
             Embers
             ,
             covered
             and
             continued
             ,
             Could
             they
             put
             off
             self
             Love
             ,
             all
             Love
             of
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             Interest
             ,
             their
             Torments
             would
             be
             gone
             :
             Punishments
             and
             Rewards
             are
             things
             impossible
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             not
             selfLove
             :
             For
             without
             Love
             to
             something
             ,
             Pains
             and
             Joys
             are
             equally
             Grateful
             .
          
           
             AS
             Love
             is
             the
             Root
             of
             Endeavor
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             the
             Spring
             of
             all
             the
             Passions
             :
             They
             all
             depend
             upon
             Love
             alone
             .
             We
             are
             Angry
             at
             that
             which
             stands
             in
             our
             Way
             ,
             
             between
             our
             Love
             and
             its
             object
             :
             We
             Desire
             an
             absent
             Good
             ,
             because
             we
             Love
             it
             :
             We
             Hope
             for
             it
             ,
             when
             we
             conceive
             its
             Attainment
             feasible
             :
             We
             rejoyce
             in
             it
             ,
             when
             we
             have
             it
             :
             We
             fear
             to
             lose
             it
             :
             we
             grieve
             when
             it
             is
             gone
             :
             we
             despair
             ,
             if
             we
             cannot
             get
             ,
             or
             recover
             it
             :
             We
             hate
             all
             that
             is
             opposite
             to
             it
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             is
             our
             Love
             ,
             when
             well
             regulated
             ,
             the
             greatest
             Vertue
             ,
             because
             upon
             the
             right
             Choise
             of
             its
             Object
             ,
             and
             true
             Goverment
             of
             it self
             ,
             all
             the
             Powers
             and
             Affections
             of
             the
             Soul
             are
             well
             employed
             ;
             and
             when
             we
             Love
             all
             that
             we
             ought
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             we
             fulfil
             all
             Laws
             ,
             Hope
             and
             Fear
             ,
             and
             Hate
             ,
             and
             Grieve
             ,
             and
             Desire
             ,
             and
             Rejoyce
             ,
             and
             do
             every
             thing
             in
             a
             regular
             Manner
             .
          
           
             THERE
             is
             a
             Sensual
             and
             Brutish
             Love
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             Humane
             and
             Divine
             :
             Brutish
             Love
             is
             of
             two
             sorts
             ,
             the
             one
             Springs
             from
             a
             Harmony
             of
             Complexions
             and
             a
             Sympathy
             of
             Bodies
             ,
             the
             other
             from
             the
             Consideration
             of
             Pleasure
             abstracted
             .
             The
             First
             of
             these
             is
             occasioned
             by
             a
             secret
             and
             unexpressible
             Agreement
             of
             Tempers
             ,
             by
             which
             upon
             the
             presence
             of
             each
             other
             ,
             the
             Senses
             are
             delighted
             ,
             we
             know
             not
             why
             ;
             
             it
             being
             a
             mystery
             in
             nature
             ;
             and
             perhaps
             founded
             in
             a
             grateful
             Transpiration
             of
             Spirits
             from
             one
             to
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             THE
             Consideration
             of
             Beauty
             seemeth
             peculiar
             to
             the
             Love
             of
             Men
             ;
             because
             no
             Beast
             is
             observed
             to
             make
             any
             Distinction
             between
             Lineaments
             and
             Features
             ,
             nor
             upon
             any
             account
             of
             shape
             and
             Colours
             to
             be
             delighted
             with
             each
             other
             .
             Wherein
             Man
             exceeds
             the
             Capacity
             of
             Beasts
             ,
             in
             being
             able
             to
             note
             and
             admire
             the
             Workmanship
             of
             GOD
             in
             the
             decent
             Order
             of
             Symmetry
             and
             Proportion
             .
          
           
             HUMANE
             Affection
             and
             Divine
             Love
             are
             near
             allyed
             ,
             yet
             of
             several
             Kinds
             .
             If
             you
             take
             the
             Love
             of
             Reason
             in
             its
             utmost
             Height
             ,
             it
             is
             always
             Divine
             .
             For
             it
             is
             comformable
             to
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             in
             its
             measures
             and
             Degrees
             ,
             in
             its
             Effects
             and
             Causes
             .
             For
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             is
             it self
             the
             Love
             of
             perfect
             Reason
             .
             And
             as
             the
             Reason
             of
             his
             Love
             is
             Infinite
             and
             Eternal
             ,
             so
             is
             its
             Operation
             .
             But
             in
             a
             lower
             Acceptation
             Humane
             Love
             differs
             from
             Divine
             ;
             it
             being
             founded
             upon
             Temporal
             Causes
             ,
             Vivacity
             ,
             Wit
             ,
             Learning
             ,
             Beauty
             ,
             Behaviour
             ,
             
             Moral
             Honesty
             ,
             Fidelity
             ,
             Kindness
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Power
             ,
             Majesty
             ,
             Wealth
             ,
             Nobility
             ,
             Worth
             ,
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             the
             like
             .
             But
             all
             these
             may
             be
             exalted
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             Sanctified
             ,
             and
             made
             Divine
             by
             the
             superadded
             concurrence
             of
             Coelestial
             Causes
             .
             For
             when
             a
             Man
             loves
             another
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             made
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Beauty
             of
             his
             Soul
             is
             something
             more
             than
             Humane
             ,
             this
             Love
             is
             made
             Sacred
             ,
             and
             receives
             a
             Grace
             from
             the
             Influences
             of
             Religion
             .
          
           
             DIVINE
             Love
             strictly
             so
             called
             ,
             is
             founded
             on
             Eternal
             Causes
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Life
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             Delightful
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             Pleasing
             to
             the
             Angels
             .
          
           
             IF
             Divine
             Love
             be
             taken
             in
             the
             highest
             Sense
             ,
             there
             is
             none
             but
             in
             GOD.
             For
             it
             is
             his
             Peculiar
             Prerogative
             to
             Love
             without
             Obligation
             or
             Reward
             ,
             to
             be
             the
             Sole
             Author
             of
             all
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             to
             over-flow
             with
             Goodness
             of
             himself
             freely
             ,
             without
             any
             Motive
             ,
             to
             prevent
             the
             Beauty
             and
             Existence
             of
             his
             Object
             ,
             and
             to
             Love
             from
             all
             Eternity
             in
             an
             immutable
             manner
             :
             And
             this
             is
             the
             nature
             of
             Divine
             Love.
             Howbeit
             
             even
             here
             ,
             are
             infinite
             Ends
             and
             Causes
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             tho
             they
             are
             all
             in
             Himself
             :
             For
             he
             Loves
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             Love
             ,
             and
             begets
             that
             Love
             which
             is
             his
             Essence
             .
             His
             Love
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             all
             his
             Treasures
             ,
             the
             Cause
             and
             End
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             ,
             and
             that
             alone
             by
             which
             he
             proceeds
             from
             himself
             (
             to
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             by
             those
             )
             to
             himself
             again
             for
             ever
             .
             All
             his
             Kingdome
             and
             Greatness
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             all
             his
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             all
             his
             Life
             and
             Perfection
             is
             seated
             in
             Love
             ,
             which
             is
             his
             Beauty
             and
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             his
             Bounty
             and
             his
             Godhead
             .
             He
             Loves
             therefore
             that
             he
             may
             be
             all
             Beauty
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             may
             enjoy
             himself
             and
             the
             Eternal
             Pleasure
             of
             his
             Essence
             in
             Glory
             and
             Blessedness
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             GOD
             alone
             that
             Loves
             by
             his
             Essence
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             may
             Love
             by
             Inclination
             ,
             but
             their
             Affection
             is
             Accidental
             to
             their
             nature
             ,
             begins
             in
             time
             ,
             may
             alter
             and
             cease
             .
             It
             is
             subject
             to
             Chance
             ,
             Obligation
             and
             Reward
             ,
             and
             ought
             to
             be
             guided
             according
             to
             the
             Pleasure
             of
             an
             Higher
             Agent
             .
             In
             this
             it
             differs
             from
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             in
             many
             things
             there
             is
             a
             great
             Agreement
             
             and
             proportion
             between
             them
             .
             For
             GOD
             has
             made
             the
             love
             of
             Angels
             and
             men
             so
             like
             his
             own
             ,
             by
             extending
             their
             Knowledge
             to
             all
             objects
             ,
             that
             infinite
             Perfections
             are
             contained
             in
             their
             love
             .
             It
             is
             as
             GODLIKE
             as
             any
             Thing
             created
             is
             capable
             of
             being
             ;
             for
             Almighty
             Power
             and
             infinite
             Wisdome
             are
             employed
             in
             the
             production
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             FOR
             the
             better
             understanding
             of
             this
             Love
             ,
             we
             will
             consider
             it
             in
             the
             power
             of
             Loving
             ,
             in
             the
             inclination
             to
             Love
             ,
             in
             its
             act
             and
             Perfection
             .
             It
             may
             seem
             a
             surprizing
             verity
             ;
             but
             the
             Power
             of
             Loving
             is
             as
             necessary
             to
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             as
             life
             it selfe
             ;
             an
             inclination
             to
             love
             as
             necessary
             as
             the
             Power
             ;
             and
             the
             act
             of
             Love
             as
             necessary
             as
             the
             Inclination
             .
             The
             world
             is
             useless
             without
             Life
             ,
             and
             Life
             without
             Love
             ,
             the
             Body
             without
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             Soul
             without
             the
             Power
             of
             Loving
             ,
             the
             Power
             of
             Loving
             ,
             without
             the
             Inclination
             ,
             the
             Inclination
             without
             the
             Act.
             
          
           
             IN
             the
             Power
             of
             Loving
             I
             shall
             note
             nothing
             at
             present
             ,
             but
             its
             Extent
             and
             Capacity
             .
             In
             Beasts
             it
             is
             confined
             ,
             but
             in
             Men
             it
             is
             Endless
             .
             As
             a
             Beast
             is
             unable
             to
             examine
             what
             spaces
             are
             above
             
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             unable
             to
             extend
             its
             Affections
             beyond
             the
             memory
             of
             things
             perceived
             ,
             for
             a
             Beast
             cannot
             represent
             to
             it self
             the
             Idea's
             of
             its
             Progenitors
             ;
             nor
             see
             into
             Ages
             that
             are
             before
             its
             birth
             ,
             nor
             contemplate
             Objects
             that
             will
             be
             after
             it
             is
             Dead
             .
             But
             man
             can
             see
             ,
             and
             know
             ,
             and
             love
             any
             object
             ,
             in
             any
             Age
             or
             Kingdom
             in
             the
             World.
             He
             can
             look
             into
             any
             Region
             ,
             tho
             it
             be
             never
             so
             far
             removed
             and
             be
             as
             familiary
             conversant
             with
             any
             Person
             or
             Transaction
             there
             ,
             when
             represented
             once
             in
             a
             clear
             Light
             ,
             as
             with
             any
             Object
             in
             his
             own
             country
             .
             He
             can
             look
             into
             Eden
             consider
             Adams
             Dust
             in
             its
             first
             Creation
             ,
             survey
             the
             Procedure
             of
             God
             in
             his
             Six
             Dayes
             Works
             ,
             pass
             out
             of
             Time
             into
             Eternity
             it self
             ,
             run
             up
             to
             the
             Original
             and
             fountain
             Head
             of
             all
             existence
             ,
             ponder
             the
             nature
             of
             GOD
             ,
             search
             in
             his
             Bosom
             for
             his
             Eternal
             Counsels
             ,
             pierce
             into
             the
             Centre
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             survey
             the
             Circumference
             of
             all
             Immensity
             .
             His
             Love
             can
             follow
             his
             Knowledg
             in
             all
             its
             flights
             ,
             while
             in
             spirit
             he
             can
             be
             present
             with
             all
             the
             Angels
             .
             He
             is
             able
             to
             Love
             not
             only
             his
             Family
             and
             Relations
             ,
             but
             all
             the
             City
             and
             Country
             
             where
             he
             liveth
             ,
             all
             the
             Kingdom
             ,
             all
             the
             Cities
             and
             Kingdoms
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             all
             the
             Generations
             in
             all
             Kingdoms
             ,
             all
             the
             Spirits
             of
             Just
             men
             made
             perfect
             ,
             all
             the
             Cherubims
             and
             Seraphins
             ,
             and
             GOD
             blessed
             for
             ever
             .
             This
             is
             the
             extent
             :
             The
             capacity
             of
             Love
             is
             so
             alsufficient
             ,
             that
             his
             Affection
             is
             not
             diminished
             ,
             but
             the
             more
             he
             loves
             one
             ,
             the
             more
             he
             is
             able
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             inclined
             to
             love
             all
             that
             are
             united
             to
             him
             .
             As
             in
             ordinary
             friendship
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             love
             the
             Father
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             love
             his
             Wife
             and
             all
             his
             children
             .
             For
             the
             more
             we
             love
             any
             Person
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             love
             all
             that
             love
             him
             ,
             or
             are
             beloved
             by
             him
             .
             As
             the
             reasons
             of
             our
             Love
             increase
             ,
             so
             may
             our
             Love
             it selfe
             ;
             the
             capacity
             of
             Love
             being
             so
             indeficient
             ,
             that
             it
             never
             can
             be
             exceeded
             ,
             or
             surmounted
             by
             its
             Object
             .
          
           
             THE
             Capacity
             of
             Love
             being
             so
             exceeding
             vast
             ,
             multiplies
             and
             heightens
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             man
             ,
             that
             is
             apt
             to
             overflow
             of
             its
             own
             Accord
             .
             For
             nothing
             is
             so
             prone
             to
             communicate
             it self
             as
             that
             Active
             Principle
             of
             Love
             ;
             that
             Soul
             which
             is
             Generous
             and
             Divine
             ,
             being
             disposed
             to
             the
             exercise
             of
             Love
             ,
             because
             therein
             it
             findeth
             its
             Proper
             Element
             .
             
             The
             very
             Sun
             is
             not
             more
             inclined
             to
             communicate
             its
             Beams
             ,
             then
             the
             Soul
             to
             love
             .
             For
             the
             Soul
             being
             made
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             who
             is
             Love
             by
             his
             Essence
             ,
             must
             needs
             be
             like
             him
             in
             Power
             and
             Inclination
             ,
             and
             is
             made
             for
             nothing
             else
             but
             the
             Attainment
             of
             its
             perfection
             ,
             so
             that
             it
             can
             never
             rest
             ,
             till
             it
             actually
             love
             after
             his
             similitude
             .
             Some
             Operation
             it
             must
             of
             Necessity
             have
             .
             For
             as
             all
             Life
             ,
             so
             all
             pleasure
             is
             founded
             in
             Action
             .
          
           
             IF
             Love
             in
             its
             Perfection
             be
             considered
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             lovely
             is
             Beloved
             by
             the
             soul
             ;
             all
             the
             Capacity
             of
             Love
             is
             filled
             with
             its
             objects
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Goodness
             of
             the
             Creator
             and
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             at
             once
             enjoyed
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Life
             and
             pleasure
             and
             enlargment
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             Soul.
             I
             confess
             there
             be
             many
             Errors
             and
             Diseases
             in
             Love
             ;
             and
             that
             Love
             is
             alwayes
             miserable
             ,
             in
             its
             Effects
             ,
             that
             is
             vicious
             :
             yet
             it
             so
             bewitches
             the
             Sences
             ,
             that
             the
             Soul
             being
             captivated
             by
             the
             Force
             of
             present
             Delight
             is
             violently
             carried
             in
             an
             irresistible
             appetite
             to
             those
             Things
             which
             Reason
             condemnes
             ,
             and
             advises
             to
             shun
             as
             Evil.
             
             Medea's
             faction
             most
             prevails
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             
               —
               Video
               meliora
               proboque
               ,
            
             
               Deteriora
               Sequor
               .
            
          
           
             LOVE
             is
             then
             a
             vice
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             irrational
             and
             illegal
             ,
             rebellious
             and
             Sensual
             ,
             Blind
             ,
             Defective
             ,
             Unjust
             ,
             Absurd
             .
             When
             Evil
             things
             are
             beloved
             ,
             when
             Good
             things
             are
             preferred
             above
             the
             Better
             ,
             and
             the
             Best
             neglected
             .
          
           
             VERTUOUS
             Love
             is
             that
             which
             proceedeth
             from
             a
             well
             governed
             understanding
             ,
             and
             is
             seated
             in
             a
             Will
             that
             is
             guided
             by
             Reason
             .
             It
             renders
             to
             all
             things
             their
             just
             Due
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             Powerful
             Parent
             of
             all
             Kind
             of
             Vertues
             .
             This
             Love
             may
             be
             considered
             either
             in
             its
             Properties
             ,
             or
             Effects
             ,
             the
             last
             of
             which
             relate
             to
             the
             Soul
             it self
             ,
             to
             the
             Conversation
             of
             the
             whole
             man
             ,
             to
             all
             its
             Objects
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             well
             understood
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             found
             the
             proper
             and
             immediate
             Means
             by
             which
             we
             attain
             our
             Perfection
             and
             Felicity
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VII
             .
          
           
             
               What
               Benefit
               GOD
               himself
               does
               receive
               by
               his
               Eternal
               Love.
               That
               when
               our
               Love
               is
               made
               compleat
               and
               Perfect
               ,
               it
               will
               be
               like
               his
               ,
               and
               the
               Benefit
               of
               it
               will
               be
               Eternal
               .
            
          
           
             BEFORE
             we
             can
             fully
             discern
             the
             Benefit
             of
             Love
             ,
             or
             see
             the
             Glory
             of
             it
             in
             all
             its
             high
             and
             admirable
             Effects
             ,
             we
             must
             consider
             what
             Love
             is
             and
             doth
             in
             GOD.
             For
             as
             we
             have
             said
             ,
             
               The
               Life
               of
               GOD
               is
               Love
            
             ;
             nay
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               GOD
               is
               Love
            
             :
             By
             Loving
             he
             begot
             his
             Love.
             And
             if
             his
             Love
             be
             his
             Godhead
             ,
             his
             Essence
             is
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Act
             of
             Love
             ,
             by
             extending
             which
             through
             all
             infinity
             ,
             and
             by
             Loving
             Eternally
             ,
             he
             begot
             his
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Essence
             :
             which
             is
             the
             Love
             that
             filleth
             all
             Worlds
             with
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             .
             When
             you
             consider
             it
             well
             ,
             An
             Act
             of
             Love
             is
             begotten
             by
             Loving
             :
             And
             if
             his
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             Glory
             be
             seated
             in
             Love
             ,
             his
             Love
             is
             his
             Wisdome
             which
             is
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             his
             Glory
             ,
             and
             his
             Blessedness
             .
             For
             all
             these
             ,
             tho
             we
             conceive
             them
             diversly
             ,
             are
             the
             same
             Thing
             :
             and
             of
             
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             that
             
               he
               is
               the
               Wisdom
               of
               the
               Father
               ,
               and
               the
               Brightness
               of
               his
               Fathers
               Glory
               .
            
             He
             is
             the
             Life
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             
               by
               whom
               also
               he
               made
               the
               Worlds
               ,
            
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             Father
             
               for
               whom
               all
               Things
               were
               created
               ,
               that
               are
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               that
               are
               in
               Earth
               ,
               visible
               and
               invisible
               ,
               whether
               they
               be
               Thrones
               ,
               or
               Dominions
               ,
               or
               Principalities
               ,
               or
               Powers
               :
               all
               Things
               were
               created
               by
               him
               ,
               and
               for
               him
               .
            
             
             For
             GOD
             enjoyeth
             all
             Things
             by
             his
             Love
             ,
             which
             is
             his
             Eternal
             Son
             ;
             and
             made
             them
             as
             perfect
             and
             delightful
             as
             it
             was
             possible
             for
             things
             created
             to
             be
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             take
             Pleasure
             in
             them
             .
             As
             he
             himself
             is
             made
             Glorious
             and
             Delightful
             in
             the
             Eyes
             of
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             by
             Love
             ,
             so
             doth
             his
             whole
             Kingdom
             arise
             and
             Spring
             from
             Love
             ;
             the
             Beauty
             and
             felicity
             of
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             their
             Joys
             and
             Praises
             ,
             their
             Uses
             and
             Perfections
             are
             founded
             in
             his
             Love
             '
             ,
             by
             his
             Love
             he
             begetteth
             all
             his
             pleasures
             in
             himself
             ,
             by
             his
             Love
             he
             made
             his
             Treasures
             infinite
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             alone
             doth
             he
             take
             infinite
             Pleasure
             and
             Delight
             in
             himself
             and
             his
             Kingdome
             .
             Thus
             useful
             is
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD.
             
          
           
             Had
             not
             GOD
             from
             all
             Eternity
             Loved
             ,
             
             had
             he
             never
             desired
             ,
             nor
             delighted
             in
             any
             thing
             ;
             he
             had
             never
             exerted
             his
             Almighty
             Power
             ,
             never
             communicated
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             or
             begot
             his
             Wisdom
             ,
             never
             enjoyed
             Himself
             ,
             never
             applyed
             himself
             to
             the
             Production
             of
             his
             Works
             ,
             never
             appeared
             in
             his
             Glory
             to
             any
             eie
             whatsoever
             .
             Removing
             his
             Love
             we
             remove
             all
             the
             Properties
             and
             Effects
             of
             his
             Essence
             ,
             and
             are
             utterly
             unable
             to
             conceive
             any
             Idea
             of
             his
             Godhead
             .
             For
             his
             Power
             ,
             tho
             it
             be
             Almighty
             ,
             yet
             if
             it
             be
             Dead
             and
             idle
             ,
             is
             fruitless
             and
             Deformed
             .
             Idle
             Power
             is
             not
             the
             Essence
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             but
             a
             meer
             Privation
             and
             Vacuity
             ;
             or
             at
             least
             a
             positive
             Being
             as
             ignoble
             as
             it
             is
             unactive
             .
             The
             Reason
             of
             his
             Works
             is
             founded
             in
             Love
             ,
             so
             are
             all
             the
             Obligations
             ,
             that
             are
             laid
             upon
             his
             Creatures
             to
             adore
             him
             .
             All
             their
             Rewards
             are
             founded
             in
             Love
             ,
             and
             by
             Love
             prepared
             :
             All
             his
             Laws
             are
             the
             Laws
             of
             Love
             ,
             all
             his
             Attributes
             and
             Counsels
             are
             Love
             ,
             in
             several
             formes
             ,
             acting
             upon
             several
             occasions
             .
             When
             his
             Love
             communicates
             it self
             in
             Joys
             to
             innocent
             Creatures
             ,
             it
             is
             Goodness
             ;
             when
             it
             attains
             the
             most
             perfect
             End
             by
             the
             most
             perfect
             means
             ,
             it
             is
             Wisdome
             ;
             when
             it
             rescues
             guilty
             Creatures
             from
             Hell
             ,
             it
             
             is
             Mercy
             ;
             when
             it
             punishes
             the
             Rebellious
             it
             is
             Justice
             ;
             when
             it
             inspires
             Obedience
             into
             any
             obstinate
             Person
             ,
             it
             is
             Grace
             ;
             when
             it
             delights
             in
             the
             Beauty
             of
             all
             its
             Works
             ,
             it
             is
             Blessedness
             ;
             when
             it
             appears
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             its
             works
             ,
             it
             is
             glory
             .
             For
             Glory
             is
             the
             perfection
             of
             Beauty
             ,
             that
             ariseth
             from
             ,
             and
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             lustre
             of
             excellent
             Actions
             ,
             discovering
             the
             internal
             Properties
             of
             an
             excellent
             Agent
             ,
             which
             is
             by
             those
             his
             Properties
             and
             Actions
             made
             Delightful
             to
             all
             Judicious
             Spectators
             .
          
           
             NOR
             is
             it
             onely
             in
             GOD
             ,
             but
             in
             us
             also
             that
             the
             fruits
             and
             Benefits
             of
             Love
             are
             ineffable
             .
             For
             by
             loving
             ,
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             the
             Soul
             acquires
             its
             own
             Perfection
             ,
             and
             is
             united
             to
             all
             its
             Objects
             .
             By
             loving
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             it
             is
             made
             Holy
             ,
             and
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Good
             ,
             and
             Amiable
             .
             Onely
             by
             Loving
             does
             it
             embraces
             the
             Delights
             of
             which
             it
             is
             capable
             .
             Love
             is
             the
             root
             and
             Soul
             of
             those
             Actions
             for
             which
             a
             Creature
             is
             desired
             ,
             and
             praised
             by
             others
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             an
             infinite
             Advantage
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             able
             to
             live
             in
             GODS
             Image
             ,
             if
             we
             please
             :
             For
             if
             GOD
             alone
             be
             infinitely
             Glorious
             and
             Blessed
             ,
             there
             is
             
             no
             way
             for
             us
             to
             become
             Glorious
             and
             Blessed
             ,
             but
             by
             being
             made
             ,
             either
             by
             our selves
             ,
             or
             some
             other
             ,
             like
             unto
             him
             .
          
           
             BY
             nature
             he
             hath
             implanted
             the
             Similitude
             of
             his
             power
             :
             which
             we
             are
             to
             improve
             by
             Grace
             ,
             turning
             it
             into
             Act
             after
             his
             Similitude
             .
             To
             be
             able
             to
             Love
             is
             neither
             Grace
             nor
             vertue
             ,
             but
             a
             meer
             Gift
             of
             GOD
             ,
             a
             natural
             Endowment
             ,
             which
             may
             be
             Blasted
             ,
             or
             compleated
             .
             Actually
             to
             love
             is
             the
             Work
             of
             vertue
             ;
             for
             by
             that
             Act
             we
             enjoy
             our
             Felicity
             .
          
           
             HAD
             GOD
             limited
             and
             confined
             our
             understanding
             ,
             our
             power
             of
             Loving
             had
             been
             shut
             up
             in
             Bounds
             .
             Had
             he
             made
             it
             infinite
             ,
             but
             not
             prepared
             objects
             for
             the
             same
             ,
             our
             Love
             had
             been
             deluded
             ,
             and
             had
             lost
             its
             force
             .
             Had
             he
             made
             some
             Objects
             ,
             but
             not
             so
             many
             as
             it
             was
             capable
             of
             Loving
             ,
             it
             had
             been
             Superfluous
             and
             dissatisfied
             ;
             Had
             he
             prepared
             Objects
             innumerable
             and
             Endless
             ,
             but
             made
             them
             evil
             ,
             our
             Love
             had
             been
             irrational
             ,
             had
             he
             commanded
             us
             to
             Love
             them
             ;
             Had
             he
             made
             more
             Objects
             then
             we
             were
             able
             to
             love
             ,
             we
             had
             been
             discontented
             :
             But
             having
             made
             all
             Objects
             infinitely
             Amiable
             and
             
             Glorious
             ,
             and
             filled
             his
             Immensity
             and
             Eternity
             with
             himselfe
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             Lustre
             of
             his
             Actions
             ,
             Love
             is
             an
             infinite
             Vertue
             ,
             because
             nothing
             is
             wanting
             ,
             but
             an
             Act
             of
             Love
             to
             enjoy
             them
             .
          
           
             IF
             they
             are
             all
             Amiable
             in
             all
             Respects
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             according
             to
             our
             Hearts
             desire
             ,
             in
             their
             Natures
             ,
             Places
             ,
             Durations
             ,
             Ends
             ,
             Occasions
             ,
             Causes
             ,
             Uses
             ,
             Service
             ,
             Relations
             ,
             Properties
             ,
             Operations
             ,
             &c.
             
             All
             things
             ,
             as
             they
             immediatly
             proceed
             from
             him
             ,
             are
             in
             all
             respects
             most
             perfectly
             pleasing
             .
             And
             if
             we
             have
             an
             Eye
             to
             see
             and
             discern
             this
             ,
             and
             a
             Soul
             able
             to
             resent
             the
             Benefit
             ;
             if
             our
             nature
             be
             so
             vast
             and
             perfect
             ,
             as
             to
             see
             and
             take
             pleasure
             in
             all
             their
             Circumstances
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             most
             unreasonable
             and
             bruitish
             thing
             in
             the
             world
             to
             withdraw
             our
             Affection
             from
             them
             ,
             nay
             it
             is
             worse
             then
             Diabolical
             .
             For
             we
             Kill
             our selves
             ,
             we
             blast
             our
             Felicity
             ,
             we
             offend
             GOD
             ,
             we
             slight
             the
             Beauty
             of
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             we
             break
             his
             Laws
             ,
             we
             act
             against
             nature
             ,
             we
             darken
             the
             Light
             and
             Splendor
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             we
             deface
             his
             Image
             ,
             we
             grieve
             his
             Love
             ,
             we
             do
             the
             most
             vicious
             and
             abominable
             thing
             that
             is
             imaginable
             .
             But
             
             if
             we
             excite
             and
             a
             waken
             our
             Power
             ,
             we
             take
             in
             the
             Glory
             of
             all
             objects
             ,
             we
             live
             unto
             them
             ,
             we
             are
             sensible
             of
             them
             ,
             we
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             we
             transform
             our
             souls
             into
             Acts
             of
             Love
             and
             Knowledge
             ,
             we
             proceed
             out
             of
             our selves
             into
             all
             Immensities
             and
             Eternities
             ,
             we
             render
             all
             Things
             their
             Due
             ,
             we
             reap
             the
             Benefit
             of
             all
             ,
             we
             are
             Just
             ,
             and
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Holy
             ,
             we
             are
             Grateful
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             Amiable
             in
             being
             so
             :
             We
             are
             not
             divided
             from
             ,
             but
             united
             to
             him
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Appearances
             ,
             Thoughts
             ,
             Counsels
             ,
             Operations
             ;
             we
             adorn
             our
             souls
             with
             the
             Beauty
             of
             all
             objects
             whatsoever
             ,
             are
             transformed
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             live
             in
             communion
             with
             him
             ,
             nay
             live
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             he
             in
             us
             ,
             are
             made
             Kings
             and
             Priests
             unto
             GOD
             ,
             and
             his
             sons
             forever
             ;
             There
             is
             an
             exact
             and
             pleasant
             Harmony
             between
             us
             and
             all
             the
             Creatures
             :
             We
             are
             in
             a
             Divine
             and
             spiritual
             Manner
             made
             as
             it
             were
             Omnipresent
             with
             all
             Objects
             (
             for
             the
             Soul
             is
             present
             only
             by
             an
             Act
             of
             the
             understanding
             )
             and
             the
             Temple
             of
             all
             Eternity
             does
             it
             then
             becom
             ,
             when
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             is
             seated
             within
             it
             ,
             as
             the
             world
             is
             in
             the
             Eye
             ;
             while
             it
             lives
             ,
             and
             feels
             ,
             and
             sees
             ,
             
             and
             enjoyes
             ,
             in
             every
             object
             to
             which
             it
             is
             extended
             ,
             it
             s
             own
             &
             its
             objects
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             IF
             by
             our
             voluntary
             Remisness
             ,
             or
             Mistake
             ,
             or
             Disorder
             ,
             we
             dote
             upon
             one
             Object
             ,
             or
             suffer
             some
             few
             things
             to
             engage
             our
             Souls
             so
             intirely
             ,
             as
             to
             forget
             and
             neglect
             all
             the
             rest
             ,
             we
             rob
             all
             those
             we
             desert
             ,
             of
             their
             due
             Esteem
             ,
             and
             abridge
             our selves
             of
             that
             Liberty
             and
             Extent
             ,
             wherein
             the
             greatness
             of
             our
             soul
             consisteth
             .
             As
             if
             the
             Sun
             ,
             that
             is
             made
             to
             shine
             upon
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             should
             withdraw
             its
             Beams
             from
             the
             Stars
             and
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             and
             chuse
             to
             shine
             upon
             nothing
             else
             but
             a
             Spire
             of
             Grasse
             ,
             a
             grain
             of
             Dust
             ,
             or
             a
             little
             sand
             .
             We
             lose
             innumerable
             Objects
             ,
             and
             confine
             our selves
             to
             the
             Love
             of
             one
             ,
             by
             sacrificing
             all
             our
             Affection
             to
             that
             ,
             become
             guilty
             of
             Idolatry
             in
             one
             respect
             ,
             of
             Atheism
             in
             another
             .
             For
             we
             elevate
             that
             Creature
             which
             we
             love
             alone
             ,
             into
             the
             place
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             we
             rob
             the
             Creator
             of
             that
             supream
             affection
             which
             is
             due
             unto
             him
             :
             And
             in
             so
             doing
             bereave
             our selves
             of
             the
             Sovereign
             Object
             ,
             in
             the
             fruition
             of
             which
             all
             the
             rest
             are
             happily
             enjoyed
             .
             Thus
             when
             a
             man
             so
             Loveth
             his
             Wife
             ,
             or
             Children
             ,
             as
             to
             despise
             
             all
             mankind
             ,
             he
             forfeits
             his
             Interest
             in
             all
             Kingdoms
             ,
             and
             the
             Beauty
             of
             all
             Ages
             is
             taken
             from
             his
             Eys
             ,
             his
             Treasures
             are
             contracted
             ,
             and
             his
             Felicity
             is
             maimed
             ,
             and
             made
             Defective
             .
             When
             a
             Covetous
             man
             doteth
             on
             his
             Bags
             of
             Gold
             ,
             the
             Ambitious
             on
             Titles
             of
             Honor
             ,
             the
             Drunkard
             on
             his
             Wine
             ,
             the
             Lustful
             Goat
             on
             his
             Women
             ,
             the
             foolish
             Hector
             on
             his
             Dice
             and
             Duels
             ,
             they
             banish
             all
             other
             Objects
             ,
             and
             live
             as
             absurdly
             ,
             as
             if
             a
             King
             should
             relinquish
             his
             Crown
             ,
             and
             confine
             his
             Thoughts
             and
             Care
             to
             a
             Country
             Mannor
             .
          
           
             I
             will
             not
             deny
             ,
             but
             that
             there
             are
             many
             Disorders
             and
             Evils
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             many
             Deformities
             ,
             Sins
             ,
             and
             Miseries
             :
             but
             I
             say
             two
             things
             ;
             first
             that
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             innocency
             ,
             wherein
             all
             things
             proceeded
             purely
             from
             GOD
             ,
             there
             was
             no
             Sin
             ,
             nor
             sickness
             ,
             nor
             Death
             ,
             nor
             Occasion
             of
             Complaint
             or
             Calamity
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             Evils
             that
             are
             now
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             men
             brought
             on
             themselves
             by
             the
             Fall
             :
             And
             there
             is
             great
             need
             of
             distinguishing
             between
             the
             works
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             works
             of
             men
             .
             For
             all
             that
             GOD
             did
             is
             Lovely
             and
             
             Divine
             :
             nothing
             is
             bitter
             and
             distasteful
             ,
             but
             what
             we
             have
             done
             :
             himself
             surveyed
             the
             whole
             Creation
             ,
             and
             pronounced
             concerning
             every
             Thing
             ,
             that
             it
             
               was
               exceeding
               Good.
            
             So
             that
             he
             was
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             an
             Object
             of
             Complacency
             .
             To
             these
             we
             add
             two
             Considerations
             more
             ;
             That
             of
             all
             the
             Evils
             and
             Mischeifs
             which
             men
             have
             introduced
             ,
             there
             is
             not
             one
             left
             uncorrected
             in
             his
             Kingdome
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             that
             GOD
             bringeth
             Order
             out
             of
             Confusion
             ,
             Light
             out
             of
             Darkness
             ,
             Good
             out
             of
             Evil
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             Providence
             irresistable
             ,
             and
             a
             Power
             infinite
             ,
             so
             limiteth
             and
             divideth
             all
             ,
             that
             even
             Evils
             themselves
             become
             the
             Matter
             of
             his
             Victory
             ,
             the
             Ground
             of
             his
             Triumph
             :
             They
             are
             all
             improved
             ;
             and
             he
             makes
             the
             Greatest
             Evils
             Objects
             of
             Joy
             and
             Glory
             .
          
           
             NOW
             if
             all
             Things
             before
             GOD
             are
             fit
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             all
             Good
             Things
             perfect
             ,
             all
             Evil
             overcome
             ;
             if
             without
             any
             Change
             of
             Place
             or
             Scituation
             ,
             all
             Things
             are
             naked
             and
             open
             before
             his
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             there
             be
             no
             Walls
             to
             exclude
             ,
             or
             Skreens
             to
             hide
             ,
             no
             Gulph
             to
             pass
             ,
             nor
             Distance
             to
             over
             come
             ,
             but
             all
             things
             equally
             neer
             and
             fair
             ;
             there
             is
             some
             Hope
             ,
             that
             the
             same
             Felicity
             is
             prepared
             for
             
             the
             soul
             which
             is
             made
             in
             his
             Image
             and
             that
             every
             thing
             ,
             being
             fit
             for
             GOD
             is
             full
             of
             infinite
             Depth
             and
             Beauty
             .
             For
             which
             Cause
             St.
             John
             being
             in
             Spirit
             saw
             all
             the
             Kingdomes
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             become
             the
             Kingdomes
             of
             the
             Lord
             and
             of
             his
             Christ
             ,
             and
             heard
             
               every
               Creature
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               on
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               under
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               such
               as
               are
               in
               the
               Sea
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               is
               in
               them
               ,
               saying
               Blessing
               ,
               and
               Honor
               ,
               and
               Glory
               ,
               and
               Power
               ,
               be
               unto
               him
               that
               Sitteth
               upon
               the
               Throne
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               Lamb
               for
               evermore
               .
            
             This
             we
             are
             the
             rather
             induced
             to
             believe
             ,
             because
             
               the
               Faithful
               Servant
            
             is
             commaned
             to
             
               enter
               into
               the
               Joy
               of
               his
               Lord
               ,
            
             and
             our
             
               Masters
               Joys
            
             are
             the
             Rewards
             of
             Believers
             .
             Our
             Savionr
             telleth
             us
             his
             
               Lord
               will
               make
               his
               Wise
               Servant
               Ruler
               over
               all
               his
               Goods
               ,
            
             in
             one-place
             ,
             
               and
               over
               all
               that
               he
               hath
            
             in
             another
             .
          
           
             TO
             see
             beyond
             all
             Seas
             ,
             and
             through
             all
             interposing
             Skreens
             and
             Darknesses
             ,
             is
             the
             Gift
             of
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             able
             to
             Love
             any
             Object
             beyond
             the
             Skies
             ,
             any
             Thing
             that
             is
             Good
             from
             the
             Centre
             of
             the
             Earth
             to
             the
             Highest
             Heavens
             ,
             is
             the
             Property
             of
             the
             Soul
             ;
             
             which
             it
             exerciseth
             here
             by
             Parts
             ,
             and
             Degrees
             ,
             but
             shall
             at
             once
             exert
             at
             the
             Day
             of
             Consummation
             .
             The
             Infinity
             of
             the
             Father
             in
             the
             Son
             ,
             &
             the
             Godhead
             of
             the
             Son
             in
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             will
             entirely
             be
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             the
             Glory
             of
             man
             ,
             that
             his
             Avarice
             is
             insatiable
             ,
             and
             his
             Ambition
             infinite
             ,
             that
             his
             Appetite
             carries
             him
             to
             innumerable
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             that
             his
             Curiosity
             is
             so
             Endless
             ,
             that
             were
             he
             Monarch
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             it
             could
             not
             satisfie
             his
             Soul
             ,
             but
             he
             would
             be
             curiously
             inquisitive
             into
             the
             original
             and
             End
             of
             Things
             ,
             and
             be
             concerned
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             those
             that
             are
             beyond
             the
             Heavens
             .
             For
             having
             met
             with
             an
             infinite
             Benefactor
             ,
             he
             would
             not
             be
             sit
             for
             his
             Bounty
             ,
             could
             any
             finite
             Object
             satisfie
             his
             Desire
             :
             and
             for
             this
             Cause
             is
             his
             Reason
             so
             inquisitive
             ,
             to
             see
             whether
             every
             thing
             be
             Delightful
             to
             his
             Essence
             ;
             which
             ,
             when
             he
             findeth
             agreable
             to
             his
             Wish
             ,
             and
             to
             exceed
             his
             Imagination
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             declare
             how
             his
             Avarice
             and
             Ambition
             will
             both
             rejoyce
             ,
             how
             much
             his
             Appetite
             will
             be
             satisfied
             ,
             and
             his
             Curiosity
             delighted
             .
             To
             sit
             in
             the
             Throne
             of
             GOD
             and
             to
             enjoy
             Communion
             with
             him
             ,
             in
             those
             Things
             which
             neither
             Eye
             hath
             seen
             ,
             nor
             
             Ear
             heard
             ,
             nor
             hath
             it
             entered
             into
             the
             Heart
             of
             Man
             to
             conceive
             ,
             is
             no
             mean
             thing
             :
             the
             Advancement
             is
             infinitely
             Greater
             ,
             then
             we
             are
             able
             to
             understand
             .
             No
             young
             man
             can
             gaze
             upon
             a
             Beauteous
             face
             with
             greater
             Pleasure
             ,
             no
             Epicures
             Sence
             he
             ravished
             with
             more
             Delight
             ,
             than
             that
             which
             he
             apprehends
             in
             so
             Glorious
             a
             fruition
             .
          
           
             THE
             very
             sight
             of
             other
             mens
             Souls
             ,
             shining
             in
             the
             Acts
             of
             their
             Understanding
             throughout
             all
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             extending
             themselves
             in
             the
             Beams
             of
             Love
             through
             all
             Immensity
             ,
             and
             thereby
             transformed
             (
             every
             one
             of
             them
             )
             into
             a
             Sphear
             of
             Light
             comprehending
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             every
             Angel
             and
             every
             Spirit
             being
             a
             Temple
             of
             GODS
             Omnipresence
             and
             Perfection
             ;
             this
             alone
             will
             be
             a
             ravishing
             Spectacle
             to
             that
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             delights
             to
             see
             innumerable
             Possessors
             of
             the
             Same
             Kingdome
             :
             Much
             more
             will
             the
             Perfection
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             it self
             ,
             which
             by
             infinite
             Wisdome
             is
             so
             constituted
             ,
             that
             every
             one
             is
             the
             Sovereign
             Object
             ,
             the
             First
             born
             ,
             and
             Sole
             heir
             ,
             and
             End
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             ;
             Every
             one
             the
             Bride
             of
             GOD
             ,
             every
             one
             there
             a
             King
             ,
             yet
             without
             Confusion
             ,
             
             or
             Diminution
             ,
             every
             one
             distinctly
             ,
             enjoying
             all
             ,
             and
             adding
             to
             each
             others
             fruition
             .
          
           
             TO
             understand
             all
             this
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             delight
             in
             it
             ,
             is
             more
             miserable
             then
             not
             to
             understand
             it
             .
             To
             see
             it
             ,
             without
             being
             able
             to
             enjoy
             it
             ,
             is
             to
             pine
             away
             in
             a
             prison
             ,
             from
             whence
             we
             see
             the
             Glory
             of
             a
             Palace
             ,
             and
             repine
             in
             our
             misery
             at
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             those
             that
             are
             about
             it
             :
             To
             delight
             in
             these
             Things
             ,
             without
             being
             affected
             with
             them
             ;
             is
             impossible
             .
             Nor
             is
             there
             any
             Affection
             but
             that
             of
             Love
             ,
             whereby
             we
             can
             enjoy
             them
             .
          
           
             THE
             Angels
             see
             the
             Glory
             of
             GODS
             Kingdom
             and
             delight
             in
             it
             ;
             the
             Damned
             see
             the
             Joys
             of
             the
             Blessed
             ,
             and
             are
             tortured
             by
             them
             ;
             the
             Wicked
             upon
             Earth
             neither
             see
             ,
             nor
             are
             affected
             with
             them
             ;
             the
             Saints
             on
             Earth
             apprehend
             them
             in
             part
             ,
             and
             believe
             them
             ,
             desire
             and
             endeavour
             after
             them
             ;
             they
             wait
             with
             Expectation
             for
             the
             whole
             ,
             and
             by
             certain
             degrees
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             in
             a
             Glass
             ,
             enjoy
             the
             Image
             and
             Reflection
             of
             them
             :
             As
             many
             as
             they
             comprehend
             ,
             they
             actually
             delight
             in
             :
             for
             their
             love
             is
             awakened
             ,
             and
             extended
             to
             the
             goodness
             of
             
             all
             they
             understand
             ,
             which
             it
             feeds
             upon
             by
             meditation
             ,
             and
             turnes
             into
             Nourishment
             ,
             for
             the
             Beneffit
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             which
             are
             made
             more
             Great
             ,
             and
             Strong
             ,
             and
             Vigorous
             by
             their
             Fruitions
             .
             But
             without
             Love
             ,
             it
             is
             easie
             to
             see
             ,
             that
             no
             Goodness
             can
             be
             at
             all
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             GOD
             does
             desire
             Love
             from
             us
             ,
             because
             his
             Wisdom
             very
             well
             knows
             ,
             that
             without
             Love
             the
             World
             would
             be
             in
             vain
             ,
             and
             the
             End
             of
             the
             Creation
             frustrated
             :
             his
             Goodness
             is
             diffusive
             and
             infinitly
             desires
             to
             communicate
             it self
             ,
             which
             it
             cannot
             do
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             Beloved
             .
             To
             receive
             it
             ,
             is
             the
             highest
             service
             we
             can
             do
             unto
             it
             ,
             nothing
             being
             more
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Nature
             of
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             then
             that
             it
             should
             be
             enjoyed
             .
             His
             Blessedness
             consisteth
             in
             the
             pleasure
             he
             taketh
             in
             the
             Felicity
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             brancheth
             it self
             out
             into
             two
             Parts
             ,
             the
             Pleasure
             of
             Communicating
             all
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             the
             pleasure
             of
             receiving
             all
             from
             others
             ,
             in
             the
             satisfaction
             which
             he
             taketh
             to
             see
             others
             Blessed
             ,
             in
             the
             Returns
             of
             those
             joys
             and
             Praises
             ,
             which
             are
             offered
             up
             to
             his
             Goodness
             and
             Glory
             .
             His
             Glory
             desires
             
             to
             be
             seen
             ,
             and
             delighted
             in
             :
             To
             be
             esteemed
             and
             beloved
             :
             to
             be
             honored
             and
             admired
             ,
             is
             natural
             to
             Glory
             ,
             the
             Brightness
             of
             whose
             splendor
             is
             more
             Sensibly
             Pleasant
             in
             the
             Reflection
             of
             its
             face
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Joy
             that
             it
             makes
             in
             anothers
             Soul.
             His
             Holiness
             takes
             Pleasure
             in
             pure
             and
             upright
             Actions
             ,
             of
             all
             which
             Love
             is
             the
             fountain
             .
             There
             is
             an
             
               Objective
               fitness
            
             and
             Excellency
             in
             Love
             ,
             for
             which
             it
             is
             infinitely
             valued
             by
             him
             .
             It
             is
             one
             of
             the
             first
             and
             immediate
             Properties
             of
             Love
             to
             desire
             to
             be
             beloved
             ,
             to
             make
             its
             object
             most
             Amiable
             and
             Beautiful
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Blessed
             ;
             to
             be
             united
             to
             it
             ,
             to
             have
             its
             own
             Goodness
             acknowledged
             ,
             its
             Essence
             approved
             ,
             its
             excellency
             desired
             ,
             admired
             and
             delighted
             in
             ;
             to
             see
             all
             its
             Actions
             ,
             Appearances
             ,
             Gifts
             and
             Tokens
             esteemed
             ;
             and
             to
             feel
             its
             own
             Efficacy
             ,
             in
             the
             Grateful
             Acceptance
             it
             finds
             in
             the
             Raptures
             it
             occasions
             ,
             in
             the
             flames
             it
             enkindles
             in
             anothers
             Soul.
             Now
             Love
             is
             the
             fountain
             of
             all
             Honour
             ,
             Gratitude
             ,
             Praise
             and
             Esteem
             :
             By
             Love
             the
             Soul
             is
             transformed
             into
             the
             Similitude
             of
             GOD
             ,
             by
             love
             made
             Bright
             and
             Beautiful
             ,
             all
             its
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             are
             
             founded
             in
             its
             Love
             ,
             it
             is
             by
             Love
             it self
             made
             Communicative
             and
             Diffusive
             ,
             and
             Great
             ,
             and
             Rich
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             Scripture
             speaketh
             ,
             
               fit
               for
               Delights
            
             .
             All
             Obedience
             and
             service
             are
             founded
             in
             Love
             ;
             And
             if
             a
             Creature
             ,
             that
             is
             Beloved
             ,
             must
             freely
             give
             up
             it self
             to
             anothers
             Pleasure
             ,
             before
             it
             can
             shew
             its
             Love
             ,
             or
             intirely
             be
             enjoyed
             ;
             Love
             is
             of
             all
             other
             things
             in
             the
             World
             most
             fit
             to
             answer
             Love
             ,
             because
             the
             very
             heart
             and
             Soul
             is
             given
             thereby
             to
             the
             Person
             that
             desires
             it
             .
          
           
             LOVE
             is
             the
             Fountain
             of
             all
             Benefits
             and
             Pleasures
             .
             House
             ,
             Estate
             ,
             and
             Lands
             ,
             Authority
             ,
             Wealth
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             Life
             it self
             is
             consecrated
             and
             Devoted
             by
             a
             Lover
             to
             his
             Object
             .
             So
             that
             on
             our
             side
             all
             is
             given
             to
             GOD
             by
             Love
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             by
             Love
             it
             is
             received
             from
             him
             .
             The
             Heavens
             and
             the
             Earth
             and
             all
             the
             Creatures
             are
             Gifts
             and
             Tokens
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             Men
             and
             Angels
             are
             a
             Present
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             infinitely
             adorned
             ,
             and
             made
             endlessly
             serviceable
             to
             every
             Soul
             that
             is
             Beloved
             .
             All
             these
             his
             Love
             would
             have
             us
             to
             receive
             with
             a
             due
             Esteem
             and
             therefore
             ,
             is
             it
             than
             of
             his
             Love
             
             he
             will
             have
             us
             to
             exercise
             our
             reason
             aright
             ,
             and
             Love
             them
             as
             much
             as
             their
             Goodness
             deserveth
             .
             When
             we
             see
             and
             understand
             their
             Excellence
             ,
             and
             Esteem
             them
             according
             to
             the
             transcendent
             value
             that
             appeareth
             in
             them
             ,
             we
             adorn
             our selves
             with
             their
             fair
             Ideas
             ,
             we
             enlarge
             and
             beautifie
             our
             Souls
             with
             Bright
             and
             clear
             Apprehensions
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             much
             more
             ,
             with
             regular
             and
             well
             ordered
             Affections
             ,
             we
             enrich
             our selves
             ,
             and
             increase
             our
             Greatness
             (
             in
             the
             fruition
             of
             his
             Gifts
             )
             we
             are
             lively
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             ,
             and
             vigorous
             Creatures
             ,
             full
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             fit
             to
             offer
             up
             all
             these
             things
             unto
             him
             again
             ,
             while
             we
             empty
             them
             as
             Helps
             and
             Advantages
             in
             that
             Service
             which
             we
             pay
             unto
             him
             :
             For
             our
             Love
             to
             himself
             is
             enkindled
             by
             these
             Incentives
             ,
             and
             while
             we
             sacrifice
             our selves
             and
             them
             unto
             him
             ,
             we
             delight
             in
             nothing
             more
             then
             to
             see
             him
             ,
             that
             is
             so
             Great
             in
             Love
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             the
             Author
             and
             Possessor
             of
             all
             his
             Glories
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VIII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Excellency
               of
               Truth
               ,
               as
               it
               is
               the
               Object
               and
               Cause
               of
               Vertue
               .
               The
               Matter
               and
               form
               of
               Vertuous
               Actions
               .
               That
               their
               form
               is
               infinitely
               more
               Excellent
               then
               their
               Matter
               ,
               and
               the
               Heathen
               Morality
               infinitely
               defective
               and
               short
               of
               the
               Christian.
               
            
          
           
             I
             do
             not
             see
             that
             Aristotle
             made
             the
             End
             of
             Vertue
             any
             other
             then
             a
             finite
             and
             temporal
             Felicity
             ,
             which
             is
             infinitely
             short
             of
             that
             felicity
             which
             is
             here
             begun
             ,
             and
             enjoyed
             for
             ever
             .
             He
             did
             not
             make
             GOD
             the
             Object
             and
             End
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             if
             all
             Acts
             are
             distinguished
             into
             their
             Kinds
             by
             their
             Objects
             and
             their
             Ends
             ,
             those
             Vertues
             must
             be
             infinitely
             base
             ,
             that
             have
             no
             other
             Objects
             or
             Ends
             ,
             but
             Creatures
             ;
             and
             those
             only
             Divine
             and
             Noble
             ,
             that
             flow
             from
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Original
             ,
             respect
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Object
             ,
             rest
             in
             an
             Infinite
             and
             Eternal
             End.
             His
             Difinition
             of
             Felicity
             importeth
             all
             this
             ,
             but
             his
             Behavior
             makes
             me
             to
             fear
             he
             did
             not
             understand
             it
             :
             As
             Seneca
             luckily
             hit
             upon
             that
             saying
             ,
             
               Deus
               me
               
               solum
               dedit
               toti
               mundo
               ,
               totum
               Mundum
               mibi
               soli
               ,
            
             GOD
             gave
             me
             alone
             to
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             World
             to
             me
             alone
             ;
             yet
             could
             not
             understand
             it
             .
             For
             had
             he
             Known
             what
             it
             was
             he
             said
             ,
             he
             would
             have
             made
             a
             better
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             been
             more
             copious
             and
             explicite
             in
             the
             Illustration
             .
             An
             actual
             Respect
             had
             to
             infinite
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             a
             Desire
             in
             every
             action
             to
             please
             an
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Lover
             ,
             to
             Glorifie
             a
             Divine
             and
             Endless
             Benefactor
             ,
             to
             bring
             forth
             the
             fruits
             of
             infinite
             Benefits
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             truely
             Grateful
             for
             all
             the
             Advantages
             of
             a
             mans
             Creation
             ,
             that
             is
             made
             to
             have
             Dominion
             over
             all
             the
             World
             ;
             these
             are
             higher
             and
             better
             Qualifications
             of
             those
             Vertuous
             Actions
             which
             Christians
             perform
             ,
             than
             Heathens
             understood
             .
             And
             yet
             if
             nature
             were
             divested
             of
             its
             Corruption
             ,
             the
             Natural
             Man
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             no
             Christian
             ,
             might
             ,
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
             be
             fitted
             to
             understand
             them
             .
             And
             the
             Truth
             is
             ,
             I
             wonder
             much
             ,
             (
             the
             World
             being
             so
             Beautiful
             and
             Glorious
             in
             every
             Eye
             ,
             so
             really
             deep
             and
             valuable
             in
             Worth
             ,
             so
             peculiarly
             applied
             to
             the
             use
             and
             service
             of
             every
             person
             ;
             )
             that
             the
             Heathens
             did
             miss
             the
             fruition
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             fail
             to
             measure
             themselves
             
             and
             their
             Felicity
             ,
             by
             the
             Greatness
             of
             its
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             the
             Joy
             which
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ought
             to
             produce
             in
             the
             mind
             of
             Man
             by
             their
             real
             Services
             .
             For
             the
             Earth
             is
             really
             better
             than
             if
             all
             its
             Globe
             were
             of
             beaten
             Gold
             ,
             the
             Seas
             are
             better
             than
             if
             all
             their
             Abysses
             were
             full
             of
             Diamonds
             ,
             the
             Air
             is
             better
             ,
             than
             if
             all
             the
             space
             between
             us
             and
             the
             Skys
             were
             full
             of
             Scepters
             ,
             and
             the
             Sun
             alone
             a
             greater
             Treasure
             then
             all
             the
             wealthy
             Mines
             in
             the
             Indies
             :
             every
             man
             is
             surrounded
             with
             all
             the
             Light
             of
             their
             Advantages
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             served
             by
             them
             ,
             as
             if
             no
             man
             but
             himself
             were
             alive
             in
             the
             World.
             So
             that
             it
             is
             a
             natural
             and
             easie
             Investigation
             ,
             even
             for
             Heathens
             themselves
             ,
             to
             discern
             the
             mystery
             of
             Bliss
             ,
             and
             to
             discover
             the
             misery
             of
             Humane
             Nature
             to
             be
             founded
             in
             some
             Disease
             of
             the
             Will
             ,
             or
             Understanding
             :
             And
             to
             return
             from
             Inadvertency
             and
             Sloth
             ,
             to
             Truth
             and
             Righ
             Reason
             ,
             which
             was
             the
             ready
             Way
             to
             true
             Felicity
             .
             For
             they
             Knew
             not
             the
             Arcanum
             or
             Hidden
             mystery
             of
             Divine
             Laws
             ,
             nor
             the
             Excellency
             and
             Perfection
             of
             immortal
             Souls
             ,
             which
             make
             every
             one
             a
             Soveraign
             and
             Transcendent
             Creature
             ;
             yet
             they
             might
             easily
             observe
             the
             miserable
             
             Effects
             of
             Eternal
             Solitude
             ,
             and
             in
             external
             Services
             ,
             how
             useful
             and
             comfortable
             men
             were
             ordained
             by
             Nature
             to
             be
             to
             one
             another
             .
          
           
             EVERY
             man
             Loves
             to
             have
             many
             Eys
             fixt
             on
             his
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             many
             Delightful
             Objects
             and
             Transactions
             for
             his
             own
             .
             Be
             the
             Theatre
             never
             so
             Magnificent
             ,
             the
             Actions
             and
             the
             Actors
             ,
             are
             more
             Delightful
             to
             the
             Spectators
             than
             the
             Gildings
             ,
             and
             Dead
             Engravings
             .
             Were
             all
             other
             men
             removed
             out
             of
             the
             World
             to
             make
             room
             for
             one
             ,
             the
             empty
             Theatre
             would
             remain
             ,
             but
             the
             Spectacle
             be
             lost
             ,
             all
             the
             Cities
             ,
             and
             Kingdoms
             ,
             and
             Ages
             would
             be
             removed
             ,
             with
             all
             that
             was
             lively
             ,
             and
             rare
             ,
             and
             Miraculous
             in
             all
             their
             Occurrences
             .
             Palaces
             ,
             and
             Temples
             had
             been
             prevented
             ,
             Houses
             and
             Villages
             ,
             Fields
             and
             Vineyards
             !
             The
             World
             had
             been
             a
             Wilderness
             overgrown
             with
             Thorns
             ,
             and
             Wild
             Beasts
             ,
             and
             Serpents
             :
             Which
             now
             by
             the
             Labor
             of
             many
             hands
             ,
             is
             reduced
             to
             the
             Beauty
             and
             Order
             of
             Eden
             .
             It
             is
             by
             Trades
             and
             Occupations
             that
             a
             man
             gets
             him
             Corn
             ,
             and
             Wine
             ,
             and
             Oyl
             ,
             &c.
             all
             which
             he
             would
             have
             been
             without
             had
             he
             never
             seen
             any
             Company
             but
             himself
             ;
             condemned
             
             to
             Idleness
             and
             melancholly
             .
             Vertues
             and
             Praises
             had
             been
             things
             unknown
             ,
             Admiration
             and
             Honor
             ,
             Love
             and
             Knowledge
             the
             mysteries
             of
             Religion
             and
             Piety
             ,
             all
             the
             speculations
             of
             Wisdom
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             Education
             had
             been
             lost
             ,
             at
             least
             the
             Sence
             and
             Exercise
             of
             these
             Bright
             and
             Glorious
             Things
             ,
             for
             wont
             of
             Conversation
             :
             Corrupted
             Nature
             being
             prone
             to
             afford
             no
             other
             fruits
             but
             Barbarism
             and
             Ignorance
             in
             that
             Solitary
             Condition
             .
             For
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             are
             improved
             by
             Tradition
             :
             and
             it
             is
             by
             the
             Information
             of
             others
             that
             our
             minds
             are
             awakened
             to
             perceive
             the
             Dignity
             of
             our
             own
             Nature
             ,
             the
             Value
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             our
             Interest
             unto
             them
             .
          
           
             But
             Religion
             teaches
             us
             far
             more
             ,
             the
             Beginning
             and
             the
             End
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             how
             highly
             we
             are
             honored
             ,
             and
             beloved
             of
             GOD
             ,
             the
             Manner
             wherein
             we
             are
             to
             converse
             with
             him
             ,
             the
             transcendent
             Excellency
             of
             Souls
             ,
             and
             the
             Divine
             Perfections
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             What
             his
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             is
             ,
             how
             we
             are
             to
             be
             enlarged
             in
             our
             Apprehensions
             and
             Desires
             ,
             and
             prepared
             for
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             fruitions
             ;
             in
             what
             Quality
             ,
             and
             Capacity
             ,
             we
             are
             to
             live
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             
             and
             Exercise
             Vertue
             ,
             how
             we
             are
             to
             spend
             our
             Time
             ,
             and
             employ
             our
             Powers
             on
             all
             Objects
             ,
             every
             one
             as
             Lord
             of
             the
             Creation
             and
             the
             friend
             of
             GOD
             !
             How
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             are
             commanded
             to
             Love
             us
             as
             themselves
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             Love
             to
             serve
             and
             delight
             us
             more
             ,
             than
             by
             all
             other
             Actions
             and
             Offices
             whatsoever
             :
             That
             every
             Soul
             is
             a
             more
             excellent
             Being
             than
             the
             visible
             World
             ,
             more
             nearly
             allyed
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             more
             precious
             in
             it self
             than
             any
             Treasure
             whatsoever
             :
             That
             it
             is
             endued
             with
             Powers
             ,
             Inclinations
             and
             Principles
             so
             fitly
             subservient
             and
             conducive
             to
             Blessedness
             ,
             that
             any
             one
             of
             these
             is
             more
             Delightful
             then
             all
             inanimate
             Things
             ;
             in
             the
             Contemplation
             and
             Enjoyment
             of
             which
             we
             may
             justly
             be
             lost
             in
             Wonder
             and
             Extasie
             .
             All
             this
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             is
             asserted
             ,
             but
             covered
             with
             so
             Gross
             a
             vail
             ,
             that
             we
             discern
             it
             not
             ,
             till
             it
             is
             newly
             revealed
             by
             the
             Ministery
             of
             Men.
             And
             upon
             all
             these
             Accounts
             are
             Men
             themselves
             ,
             (
             which
             are
             generally
             mistaken
             to
             be
             Impediments
             )
             Means
             &
             Assistances
             of
             our
             Happy
             living
             .
          
           
             BUT
             however
             familiar
             ,
             and
             near
             ,
             and
             easie
             these
             Great
             and
             evident
             Truths
             appear
             ,
             it
             so
             happened
             ,
             that
             the
             Heathen
             
             Philosophers
             were
             Blind
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             their
             Searches
             after
             Felicity
             ;
             failed
             of
             the
             Discovery
             ;
             they
             became
             vain
             in
             their
             Imaginations
             ,
             placing
             felicity
             in
             a
             meer
             Apathy
             ,
             or
             conceited
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             a
             self-sufficiency
             ,
             or
             in
             a
             brave
             Contempt
             of
             all
             misfortunes
             ,
             in
             a
             forced
             Contentment
             Dark
             and
             empty
             ,
             or
             in
             Sensual
             Pleasures
             ,
             or
             in
             the
             Goods
             of
             fortune
             ,
             either
             alone
             ,
             or
             conjoyned
             with
             those
             of
             the
             Soul
             and
             Body
             ,
             which
             they
             lamely
             enumerated
             ,
             and
             knew
             not
             how
             to
             imploy
             ;
             as
             if
             the
             Discovery
             of
             the
             highest
             and
             best
             Truths
             in
             nature
             ,
             had
             been
             reserved
             for
             him
             that
             redeemed
             Nature
             ,
             and
             the
             Plainest
             Truths
             had
             been
             appointed
             to
             honor
             and
             attend
             that
             Religion
             which
             brought
             supernatural
             My
             steries
             to
             Light
             ,
             by
             the
             Preaching
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
           
             BY
             this
             last
             the
             Qualifications
             of
             an
             humble
             and
             pious
             Soul
             ,
             a
             Penitent
             and
             Grateful
             Person
             ,
             sensible
             (
             at
             once
             )
             of
             his
             infinite
             Guilt
             and
             Grandure
             ,
             were
             introduced
             :
             Another
             foundation
             laid
             upon
             the
             Meritorious
             Death
             and
             Passion
             of
             GOD
             ,
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             ,
             a
             Second
             Love
             continued
             in
             the
             Deity
             to
             the
             miserable
             after
             an
             infinite
             forfeiture
             ;
             all
             the
             Oracles
             ,
             and
             Visions
             ,
             and
             Miracles
             ,
             by
             
             which
             the
             Nature
             of
             Man
             is
             magnified
             ,
             and
             Ages
             enlightned
             ,
             the
             Ministry
             of
             Angels
             ,
             and
             the
             Dispensations
             of
             Providence
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             Care
             and
             Tenderness
             of
             GOD
             is
             shewn
             ,
             the
             infinite
             measures
             and
             Violences
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             the
             infinite
             Variety
             and
             Number
             of
             Obligations
             ,
             the
             present
             Advantages
             and
             Benefits
             ,
             the
             Eternal
             Rewards
             ,
             the
             Relation
             of
             GOD
             to
             Man
             as
             a
             Father
             and
             a
             friend
             ,
             a
             Bridegroom
             and
             a
             King
             ,
             a
             Light
             and
             Example
             ,
             the
             sweetuess
             of
             our
             Union
             and
             Communion
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             Gift
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             sent
             down
             from
             Heaven
             ;
             all
             these
             Things
             ,
             which
             the
             Angels
             desire
             to
             look
             into
             ,
             were
             by
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             (
             with
             the
             rest
             before
             mentioned
             )
             plainly
             revealed
             ,
             with
             our
             victory
             over
             Death
             ,
             the
             Resurrection
             of
             our
             Bodies
             ,
             and
             Life
             Eternal
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             Light
             of
             these
             Circumstances
             the
             Interior
             form
             of
             Vertuous
             Acts
             more
             evidently
             appears
             .
             For
             to
             exercise
             Vertue
             in
             the
             Quality
             and
             Capacity
             of
             a
             Son
             of
             GOD
             ,
             is
             another
             sort
             of
             Business
             ,
             than
             to
             exercise
             Vertue
             as
             an
             ordinary
             Mechanick
             :
             and
             to
             do
             all
             things
             being
             clothed
             with
             a
             Sence
             of
             our
             Coelestial
             Grandeur
             ,
             as
             we
             are
             
             Heirs
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             infinitely
             Beloved
             of
             GOD
             ,
             ordained
             for
             his
             Throne
             ,
             Delightful
             in
             the
             Eyes
             of
             all
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             Beloved
             and
             honored
             by
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             made
             Partakers
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             intending
             and
             designing
             to
             Please
             all
             Spectators
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             (
             by
             the
             excellency
             of
             our
             Actions
             ;
             )
             This
             makes
             every
             little
             Deed
             as
             it
             were
             infinite
             within
             ;
             while
             the
             Matter
             of
             the
             Action
             seemeth
             nothing
             ;
             it
             renders
             the
             Form
             Divine
             and
             Blessed
             .
          
           
             THE
             best
             Actions
             of
             the
             prophaner
             Heathen
             fell
             under
             the
             notion
             of
             
               Dead
               Works
            
             :
             By
             which
             name
             the
             Apostle
             calleth
             all
             wicked
             Deeds
             ,
             to
             intimate
             the
             Privation
             of
             all
             that
             excellency
             that
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             Humane
             Actions
             .
             Every
             Deed
             and
             Thought
             ,
             of
             ours
             ought
             to
             be
             Inspired
             with
             Life
             from
             Heaven
             .
             The
             Light
             of
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             and
             the
             vigor
             of
             the
             Will
             is
             the
             Soul
             that
             informes
             it
             .
             When
             it
             is
             void
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             springs
             not
             from
             that
             series
             of
             GODS
             infinite
             Love
             ,
             that
             ought
             to
             animate
             it
             ,
             nor
             regardeth
             those
             Eternal
             Joys
             that
             are
             set
             before
             us
             ,
             nor
             at
             all
             considers
             those
             Obligations
             that
             are
             laid
             
             upon
             us
             ,
             it
             is
             bereaved
             of
             its
             Vital
             and
             Essential
             form
             ,
             it
             is
             like
             a
             fair
             Carcase
             without
             a
             Soul
             ,
             unsensible
             of
             those
             Interests
             and
             Concerns
             ,
             that
             ought
             chiefly
             to
             be
             valued
             and
             promoted
             .
             And
             by
             this
             you
             may
             see
             clearly
             ,
             that
             the
             Matter
             of
             a
             Good
             act
             falles
             infinitely
             short
             of
             that
             Perfection
             wherewith
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             inspired
             ,
             if
             this
             Soul
             ,
             or
             Form
             be
             wanting
             ;
             which
             tho
             less
             visible
             to
             the
             Eye
             of
             flesh
             ,
             is
             of
             as
             much
             greater
             Excellence
             and
             Importance
             ,
             as
             the
             Soul
             in
             nature
             is
             above
             Body
             .
          
           
             THUS
             when
             a
             Heathen
             giveth
             to
             the
             Poor
             ,
             the
             matter
             of
             the
             Act
             is
             the
             very
             self
             same
             which
             a
             Christian
             man
             does
             :
             So
             is
             an
             Act
             of
             Courage
             ,
             or
             Patience
             ,
             in
             encountring
             Death
             ;
             the
             subduing
             of
             the
             Appetite
             ,
             and
             the
             Denial
             of
             a
             Lust
             ,
             a
             piece
             of
             Justice
             against
             Interest
             and
             friendship
             ,
             an
             Act
             of
             Prudence
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             or
             Fidelity
             :
             In
             all
             these
             ,
             if
             we
             respect
             the
             Matter
             of
             them
             ,
             Heathens
             have
             acted
             (
             in
             a
             manner
             )
             as
             high
             as
             any
             Christian
             ,
             and
             consequently
             appear
             to
             vulgar
             Apprenhensions
             as
             Heroick
             and
             Stupendious
             .
             But
             consider
             the
             inside
             ,
             the
             Heathen
             did
             it
             that
             he
             might
             satisfie
             his
             Conscience
             and
             and
             please
             the
             GODS
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             
             acquire
             honor
             and
             immortal
             fame
             ,
             or
             please
             the
             generous
             Inclination
             of
             his
             own
             Soul
             ,
             which
             delighted
             in
             Honor
             and
             Worth
             ,
             or
             assert
             his
             own
             Principles
             ,
             or
             five
             his
             friends
             ,
             or
             preserve
             his
             Country
             .
             And
             doubtless
             these
             are
             Great
             and
             brave
             considerations
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             limited
             and
             finite
             :
             and
             Sick
             of
             two
             Defects
             ,
             (
             for
             the
             most
             part
             )
             that
             are
             incurable
             .
             They
             were
             Sacrifices
             of
             Obedience
             to
             false
             Gods
             ,
             plain
             Idolatry
             ,
             and
             attended
             with
             an
             ignorant
             Loftiness
             and
             Height
             of
             Mind
             ,
             that
             confided
             in
             them
             :
             and
             besides
             this
             ,
             they
             aspired
             to
             little
             more
             then
             a
             Glorious
             name
             in
             following
             Ages
             .
          
           
             WHEREAS
             the
             Christian
             makes
             all
             Kind
             of
             Graces
             to
             meet
             and
             concentre
             in
             every
             Action
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             Courage
             ,
             Temperance
             ,
             Prudence
             ,
             Humility
             ,
             Penitence
             ,
             Patience
             ,
             Meekness
             ,
             Liberality
             ,
             Cheerfulness
             ,
             Gratitude
             ,
             Joy
             in
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             Devotion
             ,
             Piety
             ,
             Faith
             ,
             Hope
             ,
             Charity
             ,
             all
             Kind
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             And
             his
             Action
             extends
             to
             all
             the
             Objects
             of
             these
             Graces
             ,
             and
             includes
             their
             Causes
             .
             He
             remembers
             the
             infinite
             Obligations
             that
             are
             laid
             upon
             him
             by
             that
             Deity
             ,
             which
             
             infinitely
             Loves
             him
             ;
             the
             Benefit
             of
             the
             Creation
             ,
             and
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             Divine
             Image
             ,
             the
             Guilt
             of
             fall
             ,
             and
             that
             blot
             and
             misery
             that
             lyes
             upon
             him
             ,
             the
             Wonder
             of
             his
             Redemption
             ,
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             his
             Death
             and
             Passion
             ,
             the
             Miraculous
             Pains
             and
             Endeavors
             of
             GOD
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             to
             reclaim
             him
             ,
             the
             Giving
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             his
             holy
             Baptism
             ,
             the
             New
             Covenant
             which
             he
             is
             in
             with
             GOD
             ,
             the
             Height
             and
             Glory
             of
             his
             Place
             and
             station
             ,
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             his
             Dominion
             over
             all
             the
             Living
             Creatures
             ,
             the
             Joy
             and
             Amity
             of
             all
             the
             Angels
             ,
             the
             Benefit
             and
             Welfare
             of
             all
             his
             Neighbours
             the
             Joy
             and
             Prosperity
             of
             future
             Ages
             ;
             the
             Glory
             of
             GOD
             ,
             the
             Honour
             of
             his
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             Propagation
             of
             Religion
             ,
             the
             Salvation
             of
             others
             Souls
             ,
             and
             the
             Eternal
             State
             and
             condition
             of
             his
             own
             ,
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             a
             Coelestial
             and
             Eternal
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             the
             Delight
             he
             taketh
             in
             an
             infinite
             Sphere
             of
             Eternal
             Joys
             ,
             the
             fervent
             Desire
             he
             has
             to
             be
             Grateful
             to
             the
             Almighty
             ;
             all
             these
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             his
             Divine
             and
             Coelestial
             Knowledge
             enter
             into
             the
             Act
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             which
             the
             other
             work
             ,
             that
             is
             wrought
             by
             an
             Ignorant
             Heathen
             ,
             is
             in
             a
             Manner
             rightly
             called
             
               a
               Work
               ,
               of
               Darkness
            
             .
          
           
           
             I
             do
             not
             speak
             this
             ,
             as
             if
             I
             would
             discourage
             a
             Heathen
             from
             doing
             the
             Best
             that
             he
             is
             able
             ;
             or
             condemn
             those
             reasons
             upon
             which
             he
             proceedeth
             in
             his
             Vertuous
             Deeds
             ;
             No
             ,
             nor
             as
             if
             all
             this
             were
             necessary
             to
             the
             Acceptance
             of
             an
             Action
             .
             But
             to
             shew
             how
             highly
             Christianity
             does
             ennoble
             the
             Soul
             of
             Man
             ,
             how
             far
             more
             sublime
             its
             Principles
             are
             ,
             and
             how
             far
             more
             perfect
             it
             makes
             his
             Actions
             :
             When
             they
             are
             what
             they
             may
             be
             :
             And
             withal
             to
             provoke
             Christians
             to
             a
             more
             Intelligent
             and
             lofty
             Practice
             of
             Christian
             Vertues
             ,
             lest
             they
             differ
             not
             in
             their
             Morals
             from
             the
             better
             sort
             of
             Heathens
             .
             All
             these
             things
             are
             necessary
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             an
             Action
             ,
             tho
             not
             to
             its
             Acceptance
             ;
             And
             GODS
             Omnipresence
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             and
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Love
             ought
             to
             be
             considered
             in
             all
             places
             ,
             among
             all
             Persons
             ,
             upon
             all
             occasions
             ;
             And
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             infinite
             Glory
             of
             Eternal
             Bliss
             .
             But
             that
             which
             above
             all
             I
             chiefly
             intend
             ,
             is
             to
             shew
             what
             influence
             the
             great
             Perfection
             of
             Felicity
             hath
             upon
             all
             our
             Vertues
             :
             not
             only
             to
             stir
             us
             up
             to
             do
             them
             ,
             but
             by
             entering
             their
             Constitution
             ,
             to
             inspire
             them
             with
             their
             Beauty
             and
             form
             
             for
             their
             fuller
             Lustre
             ,
             Glory
             and
             Perfection
             :
             That
             we
             may
             see
             also
             ,
             how
             Great
             and
             Transcendent
             that
             Life
             must
             be
             ,
             wherein
             every
             Act
             is
             capable
             of
             so
             much
             Majesty
             and
             Magnificence
             ,
             if
             I
             may
             so
             speak
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             variety
             of
             its
             Ends
             and
             Causes
             .
             And
             how
             abominable
             and
             absurd
             they
             are
             all
             that
             exclude
             GOD
             out
             of
             their
             Thoughts
             and
             Considerations
             ;
             Who
             is
             alone
             the
             Fountain
             of
             all
             the
             Beauty
             in
             every
             Vertuous
             Deed
             ,
             and
             the
             proper
             fulness
             ,
             Cause
             and
             End
             of
             all
             its
             Perfection
             !
          
           
             HOW
             Ambitious
             we
             ought
             to
             be
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Light
             wherein
             we
             are
             to
             adorn
             and
             compleat
             our selves
             ,
             we
             may
             learn
             and
             collect
             from
             all
             that
             is
             said
             .
             It
             is
             rightly
             called
             
               the
               Key
               of
               Knowledge
            
             ,
             it
             admits
             us
             into
             the
             spacious
             Recesses
             of
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             openeth
             the
             Gate
             by
             which
             we
             enter
             into
             the
             Paths
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             that
             lead
             to
             the
             Temple
             and
             Palace
             of
             Bliss
             .
             Where
             all
             the
             Treasuries
             of
             Wisdome
             are
             exposed
             to
             the
             Eye
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             tho
             hidden
             from
             the
             World.
             How
             Great
             and
             Amiable
             every
             Vertue
             is
             ,
             how
             Great
             and
             Perfect
             it
             may
             be
             made
             ,
             is
             only
             discerned
             by
             
               the
               Eye
               of
               Knowledge
            
             ;
             It
             is
             by
             this
             alone
             that
             men
             come
             to
             discern
             
             how
             full
             of
             Reason
             Religion
             is
             ,
             and
             with
             what
             Joy
             and
             Security
             and
             Sweetness
             it
             may
             be
             practised
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             IX
             .
          
           
             
               Wisdom
               is
               seated
               in
               the
               Will
               ,
               it
               attaineth
               best
               of
               all
               possible
               Ends
               by
               the
               best
               of
               all
               possible
               Means
               .
            
          
           
             KNOWLEDGE
             ,
             how
             excellent
             soever
             it
             may
             be
             conceived
             ,
             is
             without
             Wisdome
             like
             skill
             without
             Practice
             ;
             which
             whether
             ,
             it
             be
             in
             Musick
             ,
             or
             Painting
             ,
             or
             in
             any
             other
             Art
             ,
             as
             Government
             ,
             Navigation
             ,
             Preaching
             ,
             Judicature
             ,
             is
             altogether
             vain
             and
             fruitless
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             not
             reduced
             into
             Act
             and
             Exercise
             .
             For
             Wisdome
             is
             that
             Excellent
             Habit
             of
             Soul
             by
             which
             we
             chuse
             the
             most
             Excellent
             End
             of
             all
             those
             which
             may
             be
             Known
             ,
             and
             actually
             prosecute
             it
             ,
             by
             the
             best
             Means
             that
             are
             conducive
             thereunto
             .
          
           
             TO
             Know
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends
             and
             not
             to
             embrace
             it
             ,
             is
             the
             greatest
             folly
             in
             the
             World.
             To
             chuse
             and
             embrace
             it
             ,
             without
             Endeavouring
             after
             it
             ,
             is
             a
             folly
             contending
             with
             the
             other
             for
             
             Eminence
             .
             To
             chuse
             any
             means
             less
             then
             the
             best
             in
             Order
             thereunto
             ,
             is
             a
             new
             piece
             of
             solly
             ,
             even
             then
             when
             we
             pursue
             what
             Wisdom
             requires
             .
             For
             no
             less
             than
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Means
             is
             requisite
             to
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends.
             And
             by
             all
             this
             we
             discern
             ,
             that
             Wisdome
             is
             not
             a
             meer
             Speculation
             of
             Excellent
             Things
             ,
             but
             a
             Practical
             Habit
             ,
             by
             Vertue
             of
             which
             we
             actually
             atchieve
             and
             compleat
             our
             Happiness
             .
             For
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             the
             best
             of
             Means
             (
             when
             they
             are
             well
             used
             )
             to
             fail
             ;
             we
             may
             grow
             remiss
             ,
             and
             suspend
             our
             Endeavor
             ,
             which
             is
             another
             Kind
             of
             folly
             ,
             and
             so
             be
             diverted
             from
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Means
             by
             some
             strong
             Temptation
             ,
             or
             cease
             from
             using
             them
             through
             our
             own
             Inconstancy
             ,
             or
             yield
             to
             some
             Light
             and
             easie
             Allurement
             ,
             or
             be
             discouraged
             by
             some
             terrible
             Danger
             ,
             ●nd
             thus
             may
             abandon
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             Ends
             ,
             but
             without
             some
             such
             folly
             it
             can
             ever
             be
             lost
             .
          
           
             POSSIBILITIES
             are
             innumera●le
             ,
             so
             that
             nothing
             less
             than
             infinite
             Wisdome
             can
             find
             out
             that
             which
             is
             ●bsolutely
             the
             Best
             .
             But
             when
             the
             best
             ●f
             all
             possible
             Ends
             is
             by
             infinite
             Wisdome
             
             sound
             out
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             Easie
             thing
             for
             Wisdome
             to
             discover
             that
             End
             to
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             others
             ,
             to
             whom
             it
             is
             able
             to
             communicate
             it self
             by
             way
             of
             Gift
             and
             Participation
             .
          
           
             WHAT
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends
             is
             ,
             only
             GOD
             fully
             comprehendeth
             .
             But
             in
             General
             it
             is
             such
             ,
             that
             it
             includeth
             all
             Kind
             of
             Goods
             in
             the
             highest
             Perfection
             ,
             infinite
             varieties
             and
             Degrees
             of
             Possibility
             
               turned
               into
               Act
            
             ,
             all
             Sweetness
             and
             Beauty
             Empire
             ,
             Dominion
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             all
             Riches
             ,
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             Honors
             Victories
             ,
             and
             Triumphs
             ,
             and
             Possessions
             ,
             will
             be
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             nothing
             possible
             or
             Desirable
             be
             wanting
             to
             it
             .
             GOD
             alone
             is
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends
             ,
             who
             includeth
             all
             things
             in
             himself
             as
             then
             Cause
             ,
             and
             End
             :
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Will
             is
             his
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             ,
             and
             his
             Essence
             the
             only
             Means
             by
             which
             he
             can
             attain
             unto
             it
             .
             By
             himself
             it
             is
             that
             we
             come
             unto
             him
             in
             a
             manner
             afterward
             more
             fully
             to
             be
             explained
             .
             His
             Essenc●
             is
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             possible
             Means
             ;
             by
             which
             he
             attains
             himself
             ,
             and
             by
             which
             he
             is
             enjoyed
             .
             Our
             Conformity
             to
             h●●
             Essence
             is
             our
             Way
             ,
             by
             a
             Wise
             Application
             of
             our
             Souls
             to
             that
             Eternal
             A●●
             which
             is
             his
             End.
             
          
           
           
             THAT
             Sweetness
             and
             Beauty
             are
             Attributes
             of
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Ends
             ,
             is
             evident
             and
             clear
             :
             As
             it
             is
             also
             that
             these
             must
             be
             infinite
             in
             their
             Degree
             and
             Measure
             ,
             because
             nothing
             but
             what
             is
             infinitely
             convenient
             ,
             is
             absolutely
             Eligible
             .
             Now
             what
             is
             infinitely
             convenient
             is
             infinitely
             Sweet
             and
             Beautiful
             .
             What
             is
             infinitely
             Desirable
             is
             infinitely
             Good
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             Agreeable
             to
             that
             Love
             wherewith
             every
             Existence
             intends
             it self
             ,
             and
             pursues
             its
             own
             sublime
             Happiness
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             easie
             to
             conceive
             how
             GOD
             should
             be
             the
             End
             of
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             but
             how
             he
             should
             really
             be
             his
             own
             End
             is
             difficult
             to
             understand
             :
             Because
             his
             Creatures
             are
             Defective
             ,
             and
             have
             something
             besides
             themselves
             to
             aspire
             after
             :
             but
             GOD
             from
             all
             Eternity
             is
             infinitely
             perfect
             ,
             and
             being
             all
             that
             he
             can
             be
             ,
             needeth
             nothing
             that
             he
             can
             endeavor
             to
             attain
             .
             But
             if
             we
             consider
             the
             nature
             of
             Wisdome
             ,
             which
             is
             a
             voluntary
             Act
             ,
             we
             may
             be
             freed
             from
             the
             Despair
             of
             understanding
             the
             Mystery
             .
             For
             Wisdome
             must
             of
             necessity
             intend
             it self
             in
             its
             Operations
             ,
             because
             it
             becometh
             Wisdome
             by
             doing
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             Excellent
             
             Things
             ;
             and
             doth
             them
             all
             that
             it
             may
             be
             Wisdome
             ,
             or
             Wise
             in
             doing
             them
             .
             It
             implies
             Deliberation
             and
             Freedome
             ;
             being
             a
             Vertue
             seated
             in
             the
             Will
             and
             Understanding
             ,
             It
             implies
             a
             Power
             of
             Knowing
             ,
             and
             Chusing
             ,
             and
             Doing
             all
             Things
             ,
             it
             consisteth
             not
             in
             the
             Power
             of
             Knowing
             only
             ,
             nor
             in
             Power
             of
             Chusing
             ,
             nor
             in
             the
             Power
             of
             Doing
             .
             Nothing
             else
             is
             Wisdome
             ,
             but
             to
             chuse
             and
             do
             what
             we
             Know
             is
             absolutely
             most
             Excellent
             .
             Wisdome
             then
             is
             founded
             in
             the
             Act
             of
             Doing
             ,
             nay
             it
             is
             the
             Act
             of
             Doing
             all
             that
             is
             Excellent
             .
             And
             if
             it
             be
             a
             free
             and
             voluntary
             Act
             ,
             as
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             ,
             because
             nothing
             is
             Wisdome
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             guideth
             it self
             by
             Counsel
             freely
             ,
             to
             a
             Known
             End
             ,
             which
             it
             discerneth
             to
             be
             most
             Excellent
             ,
             it
             implies
             an
             Ability
             to
             forbear
             ,
             in
             him
             that
             is
             wise
             ,
             by
             chusing
             to
             do
             what
             he
             might
             forbear
             .
             Had
             it
             forborn
             to
             do
             what
             is
             most
             Excellent
             ,
             it
             had
             turned
             into
             folly
             ,
             because
             it
             had
             by
             that
             means
             lost
             the
             most
             Excellent
             End
             :
             but
             by
             chusing
             to
             do
             all
             that
             was
             best
             ,
             it
             became
             an
             act
             of
             Wisdome
             ;
             which
             being
             most
             Lovely
             ,
             it
             chiefly
             desired
             to
             be
             .
             And
             so
             by
             Chusing
             and
             Doing
             the
             most
             Excellent
             
             of
             Things
             ,
             begot
             it self
             ;
             and
             by
             it self
             proceeded
             to
             all
             its
             Operations
             ,
             which
             must
             needs
             be
             infinite
             ,
             if
             Wisdome
             be
             so
             ,
             because
             any
             thing
             less
             would
             (
             if
             rested
             in
             )
             be
             infinitely
             Defective
             .
          
           
             THAT
             Riches
             and
             Pleasures
             may
             be
             infinite
             ,
             is
             evident
             from
             the
             Nature
             and
             extent
             of
             space
             ,
             which
             is
             illimited
             and
             Endless
             ,
             from
             the
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             of
             GOD
             ,
             in
             which
             there
             is
             infinite
             Room
             for
             innumerable
             varieties
             ,
             especially
             from
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             which
             are
             
               Infinite
               Treasures
            
             .
             It
             appears
             also
             from
             his
             Almighty
             Power
             ,
             which
             is
             able
             in
             all
             Parts
             of
             his
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             ,
             to
             work
             without
             any
             Bound
             or
             Period
             ,
             without
             cessation
             at
             once
             to
             work
             in
             all
             Places
             of
             his
             Dominion
             ,
             and
             throughout
             all
             his
             Immensity
             to
             act
             ,
             and
             do
             what
             he
             will.
             So
             that
             in
             one
             Instant
             he
             can
             fill
             both
             Eternity
             and
             Time
             with
             enjoyments
             ,
             Every
             Part
             and
             Particle
             of
             which
             shall
             be
             infinitely
             Delightful
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             vigor
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Power
             in
             very
             Operation
             .
             Thus
             is
             he
             intirely
             Acting
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             Earth
             ,
             and
             Hell
             ,
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             and
             at
             all
             conceivable
             
             Distances
             beyond
             all
             Heavens
             ever
             Acting
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             Willing
             Decreeing
             seeing
             and
             ruling
             there
             ,
             and
             every
             where
             accomplishing
             his
             Counsel
             and
             Pleasure
             .
             His
             Essence
             and
             his
             Will
             are
             both
             the
             same
             ,
             his
             Essence
             is
             his
             Act
             ,
             and
             his
             Act
             his
             Pleasure
             .
          
           
             BY
             exerting
             his
             Almighty
             Power
             he
             begot
             that
             Act
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Means
             and
             End
             of
             all
             his
             Endeavors
             .
             An
             Act
             of
             Wisdome
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             is
             his
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
             We
             must
             take
             heed
             of
             conceiving
             GOD
             to
             be
             one
             Thing
             ,
             and
             his
             Act
             another
             ,
             for
             all
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             all
             his
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             Glory
             are
             in
             the
             Act
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             became
             the
             Fountain
             and
             the
             End
             of
             all
             Things
             .
             He
             became
             so
             freely
             ,
             and
             yet
             was
             so
             by
             his
             Essence
             from
             everlasting
             ,
             for
             Eternity
             is
             an
             infinite
             Length
             of
             Duration
             ,
             altogether
             present
             in
             all
             its
             parts
             in
             a
             Stable
             manner
             .
             To
             fill
             one
             part
             of
             space
             with
             Treasures
             ,
             and
             leave
             another
             Empty
             ,
             was
             not
             Wise.
             Common
             Reason
             will
             instruct
             us
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             better
             to
             have
             all
             spaces
             full
             of
             Delights
             ,
             than
             some
             sew
             or
             none
             .
             And
             by
             his
             infinite
             Wisdome
             it
             is
             that
             he
             Knows
             how
             to
             enjoy
             ,
             
             what
             he
             never
             needed
             ,
             and
             to
             improve
             his
             Enjoyments
             by
             giving
             them
             away
             .
          
           
             INFINITE
             and
             Eternal
             Wisdom
             does
             not
             onely
             imply
             the
             Possibility
             ,
             but
             the
             certain
             Reality
             and
             Existence
             of
             Eternal
             Treasures
             .
             Where
             least
             you
             should
             wonder
             how
             such
             should
             be
             infinite
             ,
             you
             must
             needs
             be
             informed
             that
             God
             is
             his
             own
             best
             and
             most
             perfect
             Treasure
             .
             For
             if
             Treasures
             are
             by
             nature
             those
             precious
             Things
             ,
             which
             are
             Means
             whereby
             we
             acquire
             our
             Ends
             ,
             or
             those
             Things
             which
             we
             most
             Esteem
             ,
             as
             the
             Sovereign
             Objects
             of
             our
             Joy
             ;
             GOD
             is
             in
             both
             those
             respects
             his
             own
             Wealth
             ,
             because
             his
             Essence
             is
             the
             Means
             by
             which
             he
             atchieveth
             all
             his
             ends
             ,
             and
             the
             Sovereign
             End
             of
             all
             those
             Means
             which
             he
             by
             his
             Wisdom
             useth
             for
             his
             Ends.
             
               For
               of
               him
               ,
               and
               by
               him
               and
               to
               him
               are
               all
               things
            
             :
             As
             the
             Scripture
             witnesseth
             .
             Matter
             is
             the
             Dreg
             of
             Nature
             ,
             and
             Dead
             without
             Power
             ;
             Power
             is
             the
             Abyss
             of
             Nature
             ,
             but
             void
             without
             act
             :
             Act
             is
             the
             Top
             and
             Perfection
             of
             Nature
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             fulness
             of
             Power
             ,
             the
             fountain
             and
             the
             means
             of
             all
             that
             is
             ;
             for
             Power
             by
             transforming
             it
             
             self
             into
             Act
             ,
             becometh
             ,
             an
             act
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             Act
             produceth
             and
             perfecteth
             all
             its
             Works
             both
             outward
             and
             in
             ward
             ;
             so
             is
             it
             the
             Means
             of
             all
             its
             Productions
             :
             being
             so
             infinitely
             Simple
             and
             various
             together
             ,
             that
             nothing
             but
             Power
             exerting
             it self
             is
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Act
             by
             which
             it
             is
             exerted
             .
             All
             the
             Essence
             of
             that
             Act
             is
             the
             compleat
             Exertion
             of
             Eternal
             Power
             ,
             and
             yet
             to
             it
             alone
             we
             ascribe
             the
             Original
             and
             Means
             of
             all
             :
             it
             is
             the
             Cause
             ,
             and
             Means
             and
             End
             of
             it self
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             other
             Things
             ,
             which
             for
             its
             own
             sake
             ,
             are
             Produced
             by
             it
             .
             For
             idle
             Power
             can
             do
             nothing
             :
             Meer
             Power
             is
             neither
             the
             Cause
             ,
             nor
             the
             Means
             ,
             nor
             the
             End
             of
             any
             thing
             .
             Power
             not
             Idle
             ,
             but
             exerted
             ,
             and
             throughly
             employed
             ,
             is
             all
             Act
             :
             And
             this
             is
             the
             Cause
             of
             all
             its
             Productions
             ,
             because
             of
             this
             Power
             exerting
             it self
             they
             spring
             :
             and
             the
             Means
             of
             all
             ,
             because
             by
             this
             Power
             exerting
             it self
             ,
             they
             are
             ;
             and
             the
             End
             of
             all
             ,
             because
             it
             did
             all
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             be
             not
             Idle
             ,
             but
             Power
             Exerting
             it self
             ,
             or
             a
             Glorious
             Act
             in
             its
             full
             Perfection
             .
          
           
             IT
             was
             an
             effect
             of
             infinite
             Wisdom
             ,
             wherein
             GOD
             by
             one
             Act
             acquired
             himself
             ,
             
             and
             all
             his
             Dominion
             ,
             prepared
             his
             own
             ,
             and
             his
             Creatures
             blessedness
             ,
             made
             himself
             and
             all
             his
             Kingdome
             Glorious
             .
             But
             this
             is
             scarcely
             intelligible
             ,
             because
             the
             manner
             of
             his
             Life
             is
             incomprehensible
             :
             we
             cannot
             tell
             how
             to
             conceive
             ,
             what
             the
             Learned
             constantly
             affirm
             ,
             that
             all
             Eternity
             is
             at
             one
             Time.
             All
             I
             shall
             observe
             in
             Order
             to
             the
             explaining
             of
             this
             Mystery
             ,
             is
             onely
             this
             ,
             that
             tho
             the
             World
             begins
             and
             Ends
             with
             Time
             ,
             yet
             Eternity
             does
             immutably
             include
             Time
             ,
             and
             the
             Operations
             of
             Divine
             Wisdome
             are
             various
             ,
             and
             exactly
             fitted
             to
             their
             several
             Seasons
             ,
             yet
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             Eternity
             are
             filled
             with
             Operations
             ,
             which
             ,
             tho
             they
             are
             one
             in
             GOD
             ,
             like
             that
             of
             shining
             in
             the
             Sun
             ,
             are
             manifold
             in
             Effects
             ,
             as
             the
             Beams
             of
             the
             Sun
             in
             their
             different
             Works
             among
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             natural
             Effect
             of
             infinite
             Wisdome
             to
             make
             every
             of
             its
             Treasures
             suitable
             to
             its
             own
             excellence
             .
             And
             that
             the
             Wisdome
             of
             GOD
             has
             done
             ,
             by
             making
             every
             the
             smallest
             Thing
             in
             his
             Kingdome
             infinitely
             serviceable
             in
             its
             Place
             ,
             and
             station
             ,
             for
             the
             manifesting
             of
             his
             Wisdom
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Glory
             to
             the
             Eye
             of
             a
             
             clear
             Beholder
             And
             this
             he
             hath
             done
             by
             making
             all
             his
             Kingdome
             oneIntire
             Object
             ,
             and
             every
             Thing
             in
             it
             a
             Part
             of
             that
             Whole
             ,
             Relating
             to
             all
             the
             innumerable
             Parts
             ,
             receiving
             a
             Beauty
             from
             all
             ,
             &
             communicating
             a
             Beauty
             to
             all
             ,
             even
             to
             all
             objects
             throughout
             all
             Eternity
             .
             While
             every
             one
             among
             Millions
             of
             Spectators
             ,
             is
             endued
             with
             an
             Endless
             Understanding
             to
             see
             all
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             all
             in
             its
             Relations
             ,
             Beauties
             ,
             and
             Services
             .
          
           
             I
             cannot
             stand
             to
             enlarge
             on
             this
             ,
             otherwise
             I
             might
             illustrate
             it
             by
             a
             familiar
             Example
             .
             No
             single
             Part
             of
             a
             stately
             Monument
             is
             so
             Beatutiful
             out
             of
             its
             Place
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             in
             its
             Place
             :
             because
             if
             it
             be
             seen
             alone
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             understood
             ;
             for
             the
             Beauty
             that
             results
             from
             all
             ,
             consists
             in
             Order
             and
             Symmetry
             ,
             which
             by
             any
             Division
             is
             broken
             to
             pieces
             .
             He
             Knoweth
             nothing
             as
             he
             ought
             to
             Know
             ,
             who
             thinks
             he
             Knoweth
             any
             thing
             ,
             without
             seeing
             its
             Place
             ,
             and
             the
             Manner
             how
             it
             relateth
             to
             GOD
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             Creatures
             in
             Earth
             ,
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             Hell
             ,
             Time
             ,
             and
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             an
             Act
             of
             Wisdome
             to
             prize
             and
             enjoy
             ,
             what
             is
             by
             Wisdome
             prepared
             ,
             
             and
             Because
             infinite
             Wisdome
             includeth
             all
             Wisdome
             ,
             infinite
             Wisdome
             at
             once
             Knoweth
             ,
             Chuseth
             ,
             Doth
             ,
             Esteemeth
             ,
             and
             Enjoyeth
             ,
             all
             that
             is
             Excellent
             .
             It
             is
             an
             Act
             of
             Wisdome
             to
             make
             ones
             self
             Good
             and
             Delightful
             to
             others
             ,
             because
             Honor
             ,
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Amity
             ,
             are
             founded
             therein
             .
             It
             is
             infinite
             Wisdome
             to
             become
             infinitely
             Good
             and
             Delightful
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             cause
             to
             be
             infinite
             in
             Bounty
             .
             For
             what
             is
             infinitely
             Good
             is
             infinitely
             Glorious
             .
             And
             therefore
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             GOD
             needing
             Nothing
             in
             himself
             ,
             gives
             all
             Things
             to
             others
             ,
             Gives
             them
             in
             enjoying
             them
             ,
             enjoys
             in
             Giving
             them
             ,
             while
             his
             Goodness
             delights
             in
             the
             Felicity
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             in
             being
             the
             Felicity
             of
             others
             .
             For
             by
             making
             them
             Great
             and
             Blessed
             he
             magnifieth
             himself
             ;
             and
             by
             replenishing
             them
             increaseth
             his
             Treasures
             .
          
           
             HOW
             little
             soever
             of
             this
             you
             are
             able
             to
             conceive
             ,
             you
             may
             understand
             ,
             that
             to
             be
             like
             GOD
             is
             the
             way
             to
             be
             Happy
             :
             And
             that
             if
             GOD
             hath
             put
             it
             in
             your
             Power
             to
             be
             like
             him
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             extremest
             Madness
             in
             the
             VVorld
             to
             abuse
             your
             Power
             ,
             and
             to
             neglect
             his
             Treasures
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             infinite
             VVisdome
             by
             
             the
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Means
             to
             embrace
             and
             enjoy
             them
             ,
             Because
             an
             infinite
             End
             is
             thereby
             attained
             ,
             even
             GOD
             himself
             ,
             who
             is
             thereby
             made
             the
             portion
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             its
             Reward
             forever
             .
          
           
             THE
             best
             of
             all
             possible
             Means
             whereby
             we
             can
             acquire
             his
             Eternal
             Treasures
             ,
             is
             to
             imitate
             GOD
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             and
             Actions
             ;
             to
             exert
             our
             Powers
             after
             his
             Similitude
             ,
             and
             to
             attain
             his
             Image
             ,
             which
             is
             after
             GOD
             in
             
               Knowledg
               ,
               Righteousness
            
             ,
             and
             
               true
               Holiness
            
             .
             For
             by
             Knowing
             all
             Things
             ,
             as
             GOD
             Knoweth
             them
             ,
             we
             transform
             our
             Souls
             into
             an
             Act
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             most
             Bright
             and
             Glorious
             :
             By
             Loving
             all
             Things
             as
             GOD
             Loveth
             them
             ,
             we
             transform
             our
             VVills
             into
             an
             Act
             of
             Love
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             Sweet
             and
             Blessed
             .
             VVe
             enrich
             and
             Beautifie
             our selves
             with
             the
             Image
             of
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             while
             we
             communicate
             our
             Souls
             (
             in
             our
             Powers
             )
             to
             all
             Objects
             in
             his
             whole
             Eternity
             .
             VVe
             magnifie
             our selves
             by
             magnifying
             Him
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             :
             We
             do
             right
             to
             our selves
             by
             doing
             right
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             Things
             .
             VVhich
             for
             as
             much
             as
             we
             must
             here
             on
             Earth
             learn
             by
             Degrees
             ,
             and
             can
             never
             
             perfectly
             accomplish
             the
             VVork
             ,
             till
             it
             is
             given
             us
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             it
             is
             VVisdome
             to
             walk
             in
             the
             Paths
             of
             Righteousness
             as
             far
             as
             we
             are
             able
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             those
             Things
             here
             ,
             tho
             small
             and
             defective
             ,
             which
             he
             will
             recompence
             with
             a
             Reward
             so
             perfect
             hereafter
             .
          
           
             IF
             ever
             we
             be
             so
             happy
             as
             to
             come
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             his
             VVisdome
             shall
             be
             our
             VVisdom
             ,
             his
             Greatness
             our
             Greatness
             ,
             his
             Blessedness
             our
             Blessedness
             ,
             his
             Glory
             our
             Glory
             ,
             All
             his
             Joys
             and
             Treasures
             shall
             be
             ours
             ,
             his
             Life
             and
             Love
             ours
             ,
             and
             Himself
             ours
             for
             evermore
             .
          
           
             HIS
             VVisdome
             is
             made
             ours
             because
             it
             is
             the
             Light
             in
             which
             we
             shall
             see
             Light
             ,
             and
             learn
             thereby
             to
             inherit
             all
             Things
             :
             the
             Exemplar
             and
             Original
             of
             our
             VVisdome
             ,
             the
             Fountain
             and
             Patern
             of
             all
             our
             Joys
             ,
             the
             Author
             and
             Inventor
             of
             all
             our
             Delights
             ,
             the
             End
             and
             Sum
             of
             all
             our
             Desires
             ,
             the
             Means
             of
             all
             our
             Felicity
             ,
             our
             very
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             X.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Righteousness
               .
               How
               Wisdome
               ,
               Justice
               ,
               and
               Right
               Reason
               are
               shut
               up
               in
               its
               Nature
               .
               What
               GOD
               doth
               ,
               and
               what
               we
               acquire
               ,
               by
               the
               Exercise
               of
               this
               Vertue
               .
            
          
           
             RIGHTEOUSNESS
             and
             VVisdome
             are
             neer
             allyed
             .
             For
             to
             be
             Just
             towards
             all
             Objects
             is
             to
             render
             them
             their
             spiritual
             Due
             ,
             their
             
               Due
               Esteem
            
             .
             It
             is
             VVisdome
             ,
             because
             thereby
             we
             attain
             our
             End
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             their
             Excellency
             .
             It
             is
             Right
             Reason
             ,
             because
             to
             value
             all
             Things
             just
             as
             they
             are
             ,
             tendering
             to
             them
             neither
             more
             nor
             less
             then
             they
             deserve
             ,
             is
             to
             do
             Right
             to
             our selves
             and
             them
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             because
             by
             force
             thereof
             we
             attain
             our
             Happiness
             .
          
           
             For
             the
             better
             understanding
             of
             this
             Vertue
             we
             must
             Know
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Righteousness
             of
             Apprehension
             ,
             a
             Rightteousness
             of
             Esteem
             ,
             a
             Righteousness
             of
             Choise
             ,
             and
             a
             Righteousness
             of
             Action
             .
             Righteousness
             of
             Thought
             is
             that
             Habit
             
             by
             Vertue
             of
             which
             we
             think
             aright
             ;
             forming
             and
             framing
             within
             our selves
             aright
             Apprehensions
             of
             all
             Objects
             whatsoever
             .
             This
             ,
             tho
             it
             be
             the
             First
             and
             smallest
             Part
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             is
             of
             Great
             importance
             ;
             because
             no
             man
             can
             use
             that
             aright
             ,
             the
             Nature
             of
             which
             he
             does
             not
             apprehend
             .
             He
             that
             mistakes
             his
             Hand
             for
             his
             Meat
             ,
             will
             rise
             hungry
             from
             Table
             .
             He
             that
             mistakes
             a
             Fiddle
             for
             an
             Axe
             ,
             will
             neither
             cut
             Wood
             well
             ,
             nor
             make
             good
             Musick
             .
             The
             Misapprehension
             of
             Great
             and
             Transcendent
             Objects
             ,
             whether
             visible
             or
             Spiritual
             ,
             is
             not
             perhaps
             so
             Gross
             ,
             but
             more
             pernicious
             and
             Destructive
             .
             He
             that
             apprehends
             GOD
             to
             be
             a
             Tyrant
             ,
             can
             neither
             honour
             GOD
             ,
             nor
             Love
             him
             ,
             nor
             enjoy
             him
             .
             He
             that
             takes
             Vertues
             to
             be
             vices
             ,
             and
             apprehends
             all
             the
             Actions
             of
             Religion
             unpleasant
             will
             loath
             and
             avoid
             them
             .
             He
             ,
             that
             conceits
             Nothing
             in
             the
             World
             to
             be
             his
             own
             but
             his
             low
             Cottage
             and
             course
             diet
             ,
             will
             think
             it
             needless
             to
             praise
             his
             Maker
             ,
             and
             will
             deny
             himself
             to
             be
             happy
             in
             those
             narrow
             and
             Mean
             enjoyments
             .
             He
             that
             thinks
             all
             the
             wealth
             is
             shut
             up
             in
             a
             Trunk
             of
             Gold
             ,
             will
             little
             regard
             the
             Magnificence
             of
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             or
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Universe
             .
          
           
             RIGHTEOUSNESS
             in
             esteem
             is
             that
             Habit
             ,
             by
             Vertue
             of
             which
             we
             value
             all
             things
             according
             as
             their
             Worth
             and
             Merit
             requires
             .
             It
             presupposes
             a
             right
             Apprehension
             of
             their
             Goodness
             ,
             a
             clear
             Knowledge
             of
             all
             their
             excellencies
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Virtue
             by
             which
             we
             give
             to
             every
             thing
             that
             place
             in
             our
             Soul
             which
             they
             hold
             in
             Nature
             .
             It
             is
             wonderful
             both
             for
             its
             extent
             ,
             and
             Value
             .
             For
             there
             is
             Room
             enough
             for
             all
             Objects
             in
             the
             esteem
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             by
             esteem
             that
             they
             are
             honored
             ,
             perfected
             and
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             A
             wise
             man
             will
             actually
             Extend
             his
             Thoughts
             to
             all
             Objects
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             for
             fear
             of
             losing
             the
             Pleasure
             they
             afford
             him
             ,
             which
             must
             necessarily
             spring
             from
             his
             esteem
             of
             their
             excellency
             .
          
           
             HONOUR
             and
             Esteem
             are
             neer
             a
             kin
             .
             How
             the
             Creatures
             are
             honoured
             by
             esteem
             ,
             needeth
             not
             to
             be
             unfolded
             :
             but
             how
             they
             are
             perfected
             by
             it
             ,
             is
             a
             little
             Misterious
             .
             A
             thing
             is
             then
             perfected
             when
             it
             attains
             its
             End.
             Now
             the
             End
             for
             which
             all
             things
             were
             made
             
             is
             that
             they
             may
             be
             seen
             and
             enjoyed
             .
             They
             are
             seen
             that
             they
             may
             be
             esteemed
             ,
             and
             by
             an
             intelligent
             and
             right
             esteem
             are
             all
             enjoyed
             .
             In
             our
             esteem
             therefore
             they
             find
             and
             attain
             their
             end
             ,
             and
             by
             attaining
             that
             are
             consequently
             perfected
             .
             The
             Application
             of
             Actives
             to
             Passives
             is
             a
             mystery
             in
             Nature
             of
             very
             great
             and
             General
             Importance
             ;
             In
             all
             Pleasures
             ,
             Cures
             ,
             and
             Productions
             .
             All
             satisfactions
             ,
             Joys
             ,
             and
             Praises
             are
             the
             happy
             off-spring
             of
             Powers
             and
             Objects
             well
             united
             .
             Both
             the
             one
             and
             the
             other
             would
             lie
             void
             and
             barren
             if
             they
             never
             met
             together
             :
             and
             when
             they
             meet
             their
             Union
             must
             be
             regular
             ,
             wise
             and
             holy
             .
          
           
             GOD
             is
             an
             Object
             of
             Mans
             Esteem
             :
             Which
             unless
             it
             were
             able
             to
             render
             him
             his
             Due
             and
             Quadrat
             with
             his
             Excellencies
             ,
             a
             man
             could
             never
             be
             Righteous
             towards
             GOD.
             For
             that
             Esteem
             is
             void
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             that
             either
             exceeds
             ,
             or
             falles
             short
             of
             its
             Object
             .
             If
             it
             becometh
             us
             
               to
               fulfil
               all
               Righteousness
            
             ,
             it
             becometh
             GOD
             ,
             to
             endue
             us
             with
             the
             Power
             of
             Esteeming
             all
             ,
             that
             is
             Good
             and
             Excellent
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Worth
             and
             Value
             thereof
             .
             For
             which
             cause
             he
             enables
             
             us
             to
             Esteem
             all
             that
             we
             can
             see
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Heaven
             of
             Heavens
             .
             For
             this
             Esteem
             is
             the
             Foundation
             of
             that
             choise
             which
             is
             the
             Original
             Spring
             of
             all
             excellent
             Actions
             .
             Even
             GOD
             himself
             meeteth
             his
             Honour
             in
             the
             esteem
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
             He
             is
             injured
             by
             the
             Sacrilegious
             Impiety
             that
             robs
             him
             of
             his
             Esteem
             ;
             being
             infinitely
             Quick
             and
             Tender
             in
             apprehending
             ,
             he
             is
             more
             jealous
             of
             his
             Honour
             ,
             and
             more
             grieved
             when
             he
             loseth
             it
             then
             any
             other
             .
             His
             Wisdom
             and
             his
             Love
             are
             infinitly
             offended
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             slighted
             and
             profaned
             ;
             but
             pleased
             extreamly
             when
             they
             are
             sanctified
             and
             honored
             :
             and
             that
             they
             are
             by
             a
             just
             Esteem
             .
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             he
             hath
             made
             us
             able
             to
             attend
             him
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             his
             ways
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             Communion
             with
             him
             in
             all
             his
             Counsels
             and
             Perfections
             that
             as
             our
             Saviour
             saith
             ,
             
             
               The
               Father
               loveth
               the
               son
               ,
               and
               hath
               given
               all
               things
               into
               his
               hand
               ,
            
             And
             again
             ,
             
               The
               Father
               loveth
               the
               Son
               ,
               
               and
               sheweth
               him
               all
               things
               that
               himself
               doth
               :
            
             so
             we
             might
             become
             the
             Sons
             of
             GOD
             and
             see
             his
             Love
             and
             to
             delight
             in
             all
             that
             he
             hath
             done
             for
             us
             .
             
             For
             which
             cause
             he
             afterwards
             saith
             ,
             
             
               Henceforth
               I
               call
               you
               not
               Servants
               ,
               for
               the
               Servant
               Knoweth
               not
               what
               his
               Lord
               doth
               .
               But
               I
               have
               called
               you
               friends
               ,
               for
               all
               Things
               that
               I
               have
               heard
               of
               my
               Father
               ,
               I
               have
               made
               Known
               unto
               you
               .
            
          
           
             THE
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             of
             GOD
             are
             so
             far
             from
             filling
             the
             Soul
             ,
             that
             they
             fit
             it
             only
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             infinite
             Objects
             .
             For
             by
             the
             Indwelling
             of
             GOD
             all
             Objects
             are
             infused
             ,
             and
             contained
             within
             .
             The
             Spiritual
             Room
             of
             the
             Mind
             is
             Transcendent
             to
             Time
             and
             Place
             ,
             because
             all
             Time
             and
             Place
             are
             contained
             therein
             :
             There
             is
             a
             Room
             in
             the
             Knowledge
             for
             all
             Intelligible
             Objects
             :
             A
             Room
             in
             our
             Esteem
             for
             all
             that
             is
             worthy
             of
             our
             Care
             and
             Desire
             .
             I
             confess
             this
             Room
             is
             strange
             and
             Mysterious
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Greatest
             Miracle
             perhaps
             in
             Nature
             .
             For
             it
             is
             an
             infinite
             Sphere
             in
             a
             Point
             ,
             an
             Immensity
             in
             a
             Centre
             ,
             an
             Eternity
             in
             a
             Moment
             .
             We
             feel
             it
             ,
             tho
             we
             cannot
             understand
             it
             .
          
           
             WHATEVER
             we
             close
             our
             Eye
             against
             ,
             we
             exclude
             out
             of
             our
             Knowledge
             .
             Whatsoever
             we
             Hate
             ,
             we
             reject
             ,
             tho
             we
             Know
             it
             .
             We
             give
             a
             Place
             in
             our
             Heart
             only
             to
             that
             ,
             which
             we
             receive
             and
             embrace
             with
             a
             Kind
             Affection
             .
          
           
           
             ETERNITY
             it self
             is
             an
             Object
             of
             Esteem
             ,
             and
             so
             it
             is
             the
             infinity
             of
             Almighty
             GOD
             :
             there
             are
             infinite
             Causes
             for
             which
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             Esteemed
             .
             Our
             Esteem
             of
             these
             cannot
             be
             abridged
             ,
             for
             upon
             the
             least
             substraction
             of
             the
             smallest
             Part
             ,
             Infinity
             is
             lost
             ,
             and
             so
             is
             Eternity
             .
             We
             must
             be
             able
             to
             esteem
             the
             utmost
             Extent
             of
             every
             Perfection
             of
             GOD
             ,
             or
             our
             Righteousness
             in
             relation
             to
             that
             will
             be
             infinitely
             Defective
             .
             The
             Proportion
             ,
             between
             our
             Esteem
             and
             its
             Object
             ,
             is
             that
             wherein
             Righteousness
             is
             seated
             ,
             if
             our
             Esteem
             be
             finite
             ,
             it
             is
             utterly
             destroyed
             :
             for
             where
             the
             Object
             is
             infinite
             ,
             insteed
             of
             Proportion
             ,
             there
             is
             infinite
             Disproportion
             .
          
           
             FROM
             Righteousness
             in
             Esteem
             we
             proceed
             to
             Righteousness
             in
             Choice
             .
             We
             weigh
             and
             consider
             what
             is
             fittest
             to
             be
             valued
             ,
             and
             what
             we
             find
             of
             greatest
             Esteem
             ,
             we
             most
             desire
             .
             To
             prefer
             the
             Better
             above
             the
             worse
             is
             a
             righteous
             Choise
             ;
             but
             to
             prefer
             the
             Worse
             ,
             is
             abominable
             Impiety
             .
             The
             Election
             of
             GOD
             may
             be
             more
             strictly
             ,
             or
             Generally
             conceived
             .
             His
             Election
             of
             perticular
             persons
             from
             the
             Rebellious
             Mass
             of
             Mankind
             to
             be
             employed
             ,
             as
             Ministers
             ,
             
             in
             restoring
             the
             residue
             ,
             is
             a
             matter
             of
             Grace
             ;
             which
             as
             Arbitrary
             and
             free
             ,
             is
             occasioned
             by
             the
             Accident
             of
             their
             General
             Rebellion
             ,
             and
             his
             Mercy
             thereupon
             .
             Howbeit
             it
             is
             Righteous
             :
             for
             he
             does
             Right
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             Perfections
             therein
             .
             For
             thereby
             notwithstanding
             the
             universal
             Apostasie
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             he
             upholdeth
             and
             continueth
             his
             Righteous
             Kingdome
             .
             But
             the
             
               Primitive
               Election
            
             (
             by
             which
             ,
             when
             he
             had
             considered
             the
             nature
             of
             all
             Possible
             Things
             ,
             he
             chose
             the
             fittest
             and
             the
             Best
             )
             was
             wholy
             Natural
             .
             For
             according
             to
             the
             Merit
             of
             all
             Objects
             he
             chose
             them
             ,
             which
             Merit
             nevertheless
             was
             to
             be
             infused
             by
             himself
             ,
             in
             their
             first
             Creation
             .
             Whether
             a
             star
             were
             a
             Thing
             fit
             to
             be
             made
             ,
             Whether
             the
             Sun
             should
             be
             limited
             ,
             whether
             his
             Image
             should
             be
             infinite
             ,
             whether
             naked
             Spirits
             ,
             or
             Bodies
             should
             be
             created
             ,
             or
             Bodies
             and
             Spirits
             personally
             united
             :
             Whether
             Men
             should
             at
             first
             Instant
             be
             placed
             in
             Glory
             ,
             or
             in
             an
             Estate
             of
             Trial
             ,
             whether
             when
             they
             fell
             into
             Sin
             they
             should
             be
             redeemed
             or
             no
             ,
             what
             Laws
             were
             most
             fitting
             under
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Works
             ,
             what
             conditions
             were
             
             most
             proper
             for
             the
             Covenant
             of
             Grace
             ;
             What
             Helps
             and
             Assistances
             Men
             should
             have
             ,
             what
             Impediments
             and
             Obstacles
             ;
             all
             these
             and
             many
             Millions
             of
             Objects
             more
             passed
             his
             Examination
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Kingdome
             :
             as
             it
             did
             also
             whether
             he
             should
             Create
             a
             Kingdome
             or
             no
             ?
             and
             look
             what
             surpassed
             in
             Esteem
             ,
             as
             best
             and
             most
             Eligible
             ,
             that
             he
             chose
             to
             create
             ,
             and
             Perform
             .
             To
             fail
             in
             a
             Tittle
             had
             been
             an
             infinite
             fault
             ,
             because
             had
             he
             in
             any
             one
             perticular
             preferred
             the
             Worse
             above
             the
             better
             he
             had
             contracted
             a
             Blot
             upon
             his
             own
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             made
             the
             whole
             Creation
             deformed
             .
             For
             there
             is
             such
             a
             Love
             to
             Righteousness
             implanted
             in
             our
             Natures
             ,
             that
             should
             GOD
             be
             unjust
             to
             a
             poor
             Indian
             beyond
             the
             Seas
             ,
             we
             should
             be
             grieved
             at
             the
             Blemish
             ,
             and
             any
             Blemish
             in
             him
             would
             blast
             our
             Felicity
             .
             For
             the
             Justice
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             an
             impartial
             Thing
             ,
             and
             its
             Severity
             Greatest
             ,
             where
             its
             Expectations
             is
             the
             Highest
             .
             It
             is
             more
             easie
             with
             GOD
             to
             be
             infinitely
             Wise
             then
             with
             Man
             to
             be
             any
             thing
             ;
             He
             may
             be
             Exact
             and
             perfect
             in
             every
             action
             with
             Greater
             Ease
             ,
             then
             any
             other
             of
             his
             Creatures
             can
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             Almighty
             ,
             Omniscient
             ,
             and
             
             Omnipresent
             :
             all
             the
             Advantages
             of
             his
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             would
             be
             Aggravations
             of
             his
             fault
             should
             he
             Sin
             against
             himself
             .
             The
             least
             offence
             would
             be
             an
             infinite
             Blot
             in
             him
             because
             committed
             against
             all
             Wisdome
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             and
             a
             misery
             to
             us
             ,
             because
             it
             would
             tend
             to
             the
             Ruine
             of
             his
             Creatures
             :
             The
             Accurate
             Perfection
             which
             he
             acquires
             in
             all
             his
             Ways
             ,
             (
             having
             to
             do
             with
             so
             many
             millions
             of
             Objects
             )
             becomes
             our
             infinite
             Joy
             ,
             our
             Amazement
             and
             Wonder
             ,
             a
             Transcendent
             Cause
             of
             Complacency
             and
             Adoration
             ,
             it
             fills
             Eternity
             with
             Delights
             and
             Praises
             .
             The
             possibility
             of
             doing
             otherwise
             ,
             in
             him
             that
             is
             Subject
             to
             no
             Laws
             awakens
             our
             Concernment
             :
             But
             the
             prevention
             of
             our
             fear
             ,
             by
             the
             establishment
             of
             our
             Security
             ,
             supplies
             our
             contentment
             ,
             he
             is
             an
             Absolute
             and
             free
             Agent
             ,
             and
             therefore
             we
             may
             fear
             a
             miscarriage
             in
             his
             Choise
             :
             but
             as
             from
             all
             Eternity
             he
             hath
             determined
             himself
             ,
             and
             is
             by
             his
             Essence
             an
             Eternal
             Act
             of
             Wisdom
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             he
             secures
             our
             Felicity
             and
             makes
             it
             more
             Great
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             not
             imposed
             on
             by
             another
             ,
             but
             freely
             of
             himself
             ,
             delights
             
             in
             the
             most
             Excellent
             things
             .
          
           
             THIS
             relateth
             to
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             action
             ,
             whereby
             GOD
             did
             execute
             all
             his
             Decrees
             ,
             and
             does
             Eternally
             .
             For
             Nothing
             is
             past
             ,
             but
             all
             things
             in
             him
             are
             immediately
             neer
             and
             present
             for
             ever
             .
             If
             you
             desire
             further
             Information
             ,
             concerning
             the
             Nature
             of
             Righteous
             Actions
             ,
             Those
             Actions
             are
             properly
             called
             Righteous
             ,
             that
             are
             adequately
             fitted
             to
             their
             ends
             and
             Causes
             .
             And
             in
             this
             respect
             there
             is
             in
             every
             being
             under
             several
             Circumstances
             a
             several
             Righteousness
             .
          
           
             THE
             Effect
             of
             Righteousness
             with
             men
             is
             Peace
             and
             Assurance
             for
             ever
             :
             because
             Righteous
             men
             are
             Agreable
             to
             GOD
             and
             all
             his
             Creatures
             :
             rightly
             answer
             all
             their
             Natures
             ,
             and
             assist
             in
             the
             Harmony
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             .
             It
             is
             Fruition
             and
             Blessedness
             ,
             because
             all
             the
             perfection
             and
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             is
             ,
             with
             his
             Kingdome
             ,
             received
             into
             the
             Soul
             ,
             by
             the
             Righteous
             esteem
             of
             all
             Objects
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             Inward
             Man
             ,
             because
             a
             voluntary
             Agent
             ,
             that
             does
             incline
             himself
             to
             such
             excellent
             Actions
             ,
             is
             highly
             Amiable
             and
             and
             Delightful
             to
             be
             seen
             ;
             Not
             only
             because
             his
             soul
             is
             transformed
             into
             an
             
             
               Intelligible
               World
            
             ,
             transcendent
             to
             all
             that
             is
             created
             ,
             by
             the
             Ideas
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             his
             Works
             erected
             in
             the
             mind
             ,
             but
             his
             Affections
             are
             framed
             in
             a
             living
             and
             incomparable
             Order
             ,
             according
             as
             every
             Cause
             and
             Object
             requires
             .
             There
             is
             something
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             a
             Righteous
             man
             ,
             that
             fitly
             answers
             all
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             It
             is
             transformed
             into
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             in
             such
             a
             sort
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             
               Righteous
               Act
            
             ,
             which
             it
             becomes
             ,
             GOD
             for
             ever
             dwelleth
             and
             appeareth
             .
          
           
             THE
             Effect
             of
             Righteousness
             in
             GOD
             is
             so
             Great
             ,
             that
             whereas
             all
             Impossibles
             are
             stark
             naught
             ,
             all
             things
             which
             it
             is
             possible
             for
             GOD
             to
             do
             ,
             are
             fair
             and
             excellent
             ,
             all
             the
             Best
             are
             made
             actual
             ,
             by
             the
             execution
             of
             his
             Righteous
             Decree
             .
             By
             this
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             is
             in
             the
             bosom
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             and
             the
             Spirit
             of
             GOD
             proceedeth
             throughout
             all
             Eternities
             to
             his
             own
             perfection
             .
             For
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             GOD
             is
             not
             like
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             Men
             ,
             that
             may
             be
             permitted
             to
             sleep
             ,
             and
             intermit
             their
             Operations
             ,
             an
             Accidental
             Habit
             ,
             distinct
             from
             their
             Essence
             ,
             which
             may
             sometimes
             exist
             ,
             when
             it
             doth
             not
             work
             
             but
             it
             is
             Quick
             and
             Powerful
             ,
             and
             ever
             in
             action
             and
             is
             indeed
             the
             Act
             it self
             which
             is
             his
             eternal
             Essence
             and
             his
             Son
             begotten
             of
             it self
             for
             ever
             .
             
             
               For
               Wisdom
               is
               more
               moving
               then
               any
               motion
               ,
               she
               passeth
               and
               goeth
               through
               all
               things
               by
               reason
            
             of
             her
             
               Pureness
               ,
               It
               is
               the
               Breath
               of
               the
               Power
               of
               GOD
               ,
               and
               a
               pure
               Influence
               flowing
               from
               the
               Glory
               of
               the
               Almighty
               ,
               the
               Brightness
               of
               the
               Everlasting
               Light
               ,
               the
               unspotted
               Mirror
               of
               the
               Power
               of
               GOD
               ,
               and
               the
               Image
               of
               his
               Goodness
               .
               Being
               One
               it
               can
               do
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               remaining
               in
               it self
               ,
               maketh
               all
               things
               new
               ,
               and
               in
               all
               Ages
               entering
               into
               holy
               souls
               ,
               she
               maketh
               them
               Friends
               of
               GOD
               ,
               and
               Prophets
               .
            
             GODS
             Righteousness
             is
             the
             end
             and
             effect
             of
             it self
             .
             His
             Essence
             is
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Act
             of
             Righteousness
             and
             Wisdome
             ,
             which
             filleth
             his
             Kingdom
             with
             the
             Majesty
             of
             its
             Glory
             ,
             and
             by
             coming
             into
             Being
             in
             a
             voluntary
             Manner
             giveth
             to
             all
             Things
             their
             Essence
             ,
             and
             Perfection
             .
             Because
             it
             cometh
             into
             Being
             in
             a
             voluntary
             manner
             it
             is
             mysterious
             and
             incomprehensible
             .
          
           
             THE
             Glory
             of
             this
             Act
             is
             derived
             from
             himself
             ,
             and
             springeth
             purely
             from
             the
             Perfection
             of
             its
             pleasure
             .
             Of
             its
             
             Pleasure
             it
             is
             what
             it
             is
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             is
             LIGHT
             of
             LIGHT
             ,
             so
             he
             is
             Wisdome
             of
             Wisdome
             ,
             Righteousness
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             Life
             of
             Life
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             of
             Godness
             .
             For
             it
             is
             infinite
             VVisdome
             that
             found
             out
             the
             Perfection
             of
             this
             Act
             ,
             and
             Eternal
             Righteousness
             that
             first
             atcheived
             it
             .
             The
             Righteousness
             atcheived
             could
             not
             spring
             from
             any
             but
             Eternal
             Righteousness
             in
             it self
             atcheiving
             it
             ,
             which
             is
             unbegotten
             in
             the
             Person
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             Begotten
             in
             the
             Person
             of
             the
             Son
             ,
             and
             Proceeding
             in
             the
             Person
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             to
             all
             its
             Creatures
             and
             Operations
             ,
             in
             its
             Actions
             ,
             existing
             and
             abiding
             Perfect
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             IN
             GOD
             ,
             to
             Act
             and
             to
             Be
             ,
             are
             the
             same
             Thing
             .
             Upon
             the
             suspension
             of
             his
             act
             ,
             his
             Essence
             would
             be
             gone
             ;
             whereas
             our
             Essence
             may
             without
             its
             Act
             ,
             or
             Operation
             ,
             remain
             .
             And
             if
             his
             Act
             existeth
             ,
             by
             Acting
             ,
             his
             Righteousness
             is
             ,
             and
             existeth
             of
             it self
             ,
             and
             by
             it self
             compleateth
             its
             Essence
             forever
             .
             It
             is
             not
             the
             Power
             of
             being
             Righteous
             ,
             but
             the
             Exertion
             of
             that
             Power
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Parent
             of
             Eternal
             Righteousness
             .
          
           
             GOD
             ,
             having
             such
             an
             infinite
             Delight
             in
             the
             Righteous
             Act
             ,
             which
             
             himself
             ,
             is
             ,
             designed
             to
             make
             us
             such
             Righteous
             Acts
             as
             himself
             is
             .
             And
             when
             we
             perfectly
             do
             what
             we
             ought
             ,
             we
             shall
             in
             Operation
             and
             Extent
             be
             like
             unto
             him
             ,
             being
             
               perfect
               ,
               as
               our
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               is
               perfect
               ,
            
             for
             
               we
               shall
               see
               as
               we
               are
               seen
               ,
               and
               Know
               as
               we
               are
               Known
               .
            
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             GOD
             hath
             taken
             care
             to
             endue
             us
             with
             Power
             ,
             to
             make
             our
             perticular
             Actions
             compleatly
             Righteous
             .
             Every
             little
             Act
             we
             perform
             is
             a
             fruit
             &
             Off-spring
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             ,
             infinite
             Love
             is
             delighted
             by
             it
             ,
             infinite
             Glory
             and
             Blessedness
             acquired
             .
             A
             Creature
             of
             infinite
             Value
             is
             preserved
             ,
             the
             Crown
             is
             put
             upon
             all
             GODS
             VVorks
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Spectators
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             are
             Eternally
             pleased
             .
             For
             being
             done
             it
             is
             admitted
             into
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             shall
             remain
             in
             its
             Place
             ,
             and
             be
             visible
             forever
             .
             
             
               For
               the
               Lord
               will
               Come
               ,
               who
               both
               will
               bring
               to
               Light
               the
               hidden
               Things
               of
               Darkness
               ,
               and
               will
               make
               manifest
               the
               Counsels
               of
               the
               Hearts
               :
               And
               then
               shall
               every
               man
               have
               Praise
               of
               GOD.
            
             All
             that
             was
             done
             shall
             be
             remembred
             forever
             ,
             and
             be
             praised
             and
             admired
             by
             the
             Holy
             Angels
             ,
             Esteemed
             by
             all
             Saints
             ,
             and
             Crowned
             with
             Acceptance
             
             by
             GOD
             Almighty
             .
             VVhich
             will
             turn
             to
             the
             Joy
             of
             the
             Righteous
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             innate
             Goodness
             of
             their
             Souls
             ,
             which
             moveth
             them
             to
             delight
             in
             nothing
             more
             then
             in
             becoming
             (
             in
             all
             their
             Righteous
             Actions
             )
             Objects
             of
             Complacency
             to
             GOD
             and
             his
             Creatures
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Goodness
               Natural
               ,
               Moral
               and
               Divine
               ;
               its
               Nature
               described
               ,
               The
               Benefits
               and
               Works
               of
               Goodness
               .
            
          
           
             GOODNESS
             is
             a
             vertue
             of
             the
             first
             Estate
             ,
             a
             Divine
             Perfection
             in
             GOD
             by
             which
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             enjoys
             his
             Blessedness
             .
             In
             Men
             it
             is
             an
             Habit
             or
             an
             Act
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             by
             force
             of
             which
             they
             Love
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             all
             that
             is
             Blessed
             .
             T
             is
             that
             by
             which
             all
             Creatures
             Communicate
             themselves
             to
             others
             Benefit
             ,
             all
             Living
             Creatures
             affect
             others
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             doing
             Good
             unto
             them
             .
             In
             GOD
             it
             is
             that
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Act
             from
             which
             all
             other
             Goodnesses
             spring
             ,
             and
             on
             which
             they
             depend
             .
             The
             Nature
             of
             Goodness
             is
             founded
             in
             a
             Convenience
             ,
             
             between
             that
             which
             is
             Good
             ,
             and
             that
             to
             which
             it
             is
             profitable
             .
             If
             we
             consult
             its
             several
             Kinds
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             Natural
             Goodness
             ,
             a
             Moral
             ,
             and
             a
             Divine
             .
          
           
             NATURAL
             Goodness
             is
             the
             Aptitude
             of
             Corporeal
             Beings
             ,
             to
             produce
             such
             profitable
             and
             healing
             Effects
             as
             the
             enjoyer
             desires
             .
             The
             Nutritive
             Power
             in
             Aliment
             ,
             the
             Medicinal
             Vertue
             in
             Herbs
             ,
             the
             Pleasing
             Quality
             in
             Perfumes
             ,
             the
             Grateful
             Lustre
             in
             Precious
             Stones
             ,
             the
             Comfortable
             .
             Heat
             in
             fire
             ,
             the
             Beautiful
             splendor
             in
             the
             Sun
             ,
             the
             Refreshing
             Moisture
             in
             the
             Sea
             ,
             the
             Reviving
             Nature
             of
             the
             Air
             ,
             the
             solid
             Convenience
             and
             fertility
             of
             the
             Ground
             ,
             all
             these
             are
             Physically
             Good.
             But
             this
             is
             Goodness
             in
             the
             meanest
             Degree
             ,
             being
             no
             more
             then
             the
             natural
             fitness
             of
             Dead
             Agents
             that
             are
             made
             to
             act
             by
             a
             Fatal
             Necessity
             ,
             without
             sence
             or
             Desire
             ;
             tho
             their
             Action
             be
             answerable
             to
             the
             several
             Exigencies
             of
             other
             Creatures
             .
          
           
             MORAL
             Goodness
             includeth
             all
             the
             Perfections
             of
             the
             former
             ,
             and
             something
             more
             .
             For
             Life
             and
             Liberty
             enter
             its
             Existence
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             Wisely
             exercised
             in
             Love
             and
             Vertue
             .
             A
             clear
             Understanding
             and
             a
             free
             will
             are
             the
             principles
             of
             those
             
             Actions
             that
             are
             Morally
             Good
             :
             they
             must
             flow
             from
             Ingenuity
             and
             Desire
             ;
             tho
             the
             Person
             doing
             them
             be
             subject
             to
             anothers
             Empire
             ,
             and
             made
             to
             give
             Account
             of
             his
             Actions
             .
             The
             Nature
             of
             its
             Excellence
             is
             very
             deep
             and
             retired
             ,
             because
             it
             consists
             more
             in
             the
             Principal
             and
             Manner
             of
             its
             Operation
             ,
             than
             the
             Thing
             that
             is
             Done
             ;
             and
             is
             measured
             more
             by
             the
             Intention
             ,
             then
             the
             Benefit
             .
             A
             mad
             man
             ,
             or
             a
             fool
             ,
             may
             by
             accident
             save
             a
             mans
             Life
             ,
             or
             preserve
             an
             Empire
             ,
             yet
             be
             far
             from
             that
             Goodness
             which
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             VVill
             and
             Understanding
             Which
             plainly
             shews
             ,
             that
             the
             Goodness
             chiefly
             regarded
             is
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             him
             that
             does
             any
             thing
             convenient
             ,
             not
             in
             the
             Benefit
             received
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             Mind
             of
             the
             Benefactor
             .
             And
             the
             Truth
             is
             that
             the
             
               External
               Benefit
            
             ,
             tho
             it
             saves
             the
             Lives
             ,
             and
             Souls
             ,
             and
             Estates
             ,
             and
             Liberties
             ,
             and
             Riches
             ,
             and
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             Honors
             ,
             of
             all
             mankind
             ,
             acts
             but
             Physically
             by
             a
             Dead
             or
             passive
             Application
             ,
             the
             root
             of
             its
             influence
             and
             value
             is
             seated
             in
             another
             place
             ,
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             him
             whose
             Goodness
             was
             so
             Great
             as
             to
             sacrifice
             his
             Honor
             ,
             and
             Felicity
             for
             the
             Preservation
             and
             Welfare
             of
             those
             whom
             he
             intended
             to
             save
             .
             It
             is
             feated
             in
             
             the
             Counsel
             and
             Design
             of
             the
             Actor
             .
             It
             is
             a
             hard
             matter
             to
             define
             it
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             something
             like
             
               a
               willing
               Conformity
               to
               the
               Interests
               and
               Affections
               of
               his
               fellow
               Creatures
               ,
            
             attended
             with
             a
             voluntary
             Convenience
             in
             a
             person
             Obliged
             and
             subject
             to
             Laws
             ,
             to
             all
             those
             Obligations
             that
             are
             laid
             upon
             him
             ,
             &
             to
             all
             the
             Rewards
             that
             are
             set
             before
             him
             ,
             but
             especially
             to
             the
             Desires
             and
             Commands
             of
             his
             Superior
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             Naturally
             owes
             himself
             and
             desires
             to
             be
             pleasing
             .
             To
             Act
             upon
             Great
             and
             Mighty
             Principles
             ,
             in
             a
             vigorous
             free
             and
             Genorous
             Manner
             ,
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             those
             that
             obliged
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             those
             to
             whom
             his
             Kindness
             is
             shewn
             ,
             increases
             the
             Measure
             of
             Moral
             Goodness
             :
             but
             its
             Perfection
             is
             seated
             in
             a
             Loyal
             Respect
             ,
             and
             Perfect
             Gratitude
             to
             GOD
             Almighty
             .
             Who
             ,
             by
             being
             infinitely
             Good
             to
             us
             ,
             has
             infused
             and
             created
             such
             a
             Goodness
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             that
             its
             principal
             Joy
             and
             Delight
             is
             to
             please
             him
             .
             For
             tho
             all
             Creatures
             consult
             themselves
             &
             their
             own
             Preservation
             ,
             yet
             the
             force
             of
             Gratitude
             upon
             an
             Ingenuous
             Soul
             is
             very
             powerful
             .
             Moral
             Goodness
             is
             an
             Alacrity
             and
             Readiness
             of
             the
             Will
             ,
             to
             sacrifice
             it self
             ,
             upon
             consideration
             
             of
             the
             Benefits
             a
             Man
             hath
             received
             ,
             to
             anothers
             Benefit
             ,
             Enjoyment
             ,
             Comfort
             ,
             Satisfaction
             .
          
           
             
               DIVINE
               Goodness
            
             is
             an
             Active
             and
             Eternal
             Principle
             ,
             stirring
             up
             it self
             without
             Obligation
             or
             reward
             ,
             to
             do
             the
             best
             and
             most
             excellent
             Things
             in
             an
             Eternal
             manner
             .
             It
             is
             proper
             only
             to
             GOD
             ;
             Its
             Excellency
             is
             Supreme
             ,
             its
             Beauty
             infinite
             ,
             its
             Measure
             endless
             ,
             its
             Nature
             ineffable
             ,
             its
             Perfection
             unconceiveable
             .
             It
             hath
             no
             Cause
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             the
             Cause
             of
             all
             other
             Things
             whatsoever
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Living
             and
             
               Eternal
               Act
            
             of
             free
             and
             undeserved
             Love
             ,
             an
             indeficient
             Ocean
             of
             Bounty
             ,
             which
             can
             never
             be
             fathomed
             ,
             or
             (
             by
             finite
             Degrees
             be
             )
             wholy
             received
             .
             It
             is
             Invisible
             in
             its
             Essence
             ,
             but
             Apparent
             in
             its
             effects
             ,
             Incomprehensible
             ,
             but
             manifest
             enough
             ,
             to
             be
             believed
             and
             adored
             .
             It
             is
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Essence
             ,
             which
             is
             Good
             to
             it self
             ,
             by
             being
             Good
             to
             all
             ,
             infinitely
             Good
             to
             it self
             ,
             by
             being
             without
             Bound
             or
             Measure
             Good
             to
             all
             its
             Objects
             .
             It
             is
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Act
             ,
             which
             continually
             ponders
             ,
             and
             intirely
             intends
             the
             Welfare
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             establishes
             its
             own
             (
             in
             a
             voluntary
             manner
             )
             by
             that
             intention
             :
             An
             Act
             whose
             Essence
             
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             Preparation
             of
             all
             Delights
             and
             the
             Communication
             of
             all
             its
             Glories
             .
             It
             s
             Felicity
             is
             Eternal
             and
             Infinite
             ,
             yet
             seated
             intirely
             in
             the
             Felicity
             of
             others
             .
             It
             doth
             infinite
             Good
             ,
             to
             all
             its
             Recipients
             Meerly
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             the
             Excellency
             of
             the
             Act
             of
             
               Doing
               Good.
            
             It
             delighteth
             in
             the
             Excellency
             of
             that
             Act
             ,
             and
             useth
             all
             its
             power
             in
             doing
             Good
             ,
             that
             the
             Act
             in
             which
             it
             delighteth
             might
             be
             infinitely
             perfect
             .
             And
             the
             perfect
             Act
             in
             which
             it
             finally
             resteth
             is
             the
             Goodness
             which
             all
             adore
             and
             desire
             .
             It
             s
             Sovereign
             Joy
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             delightful
             to
             others
             .
             All
             its
             Creatures
             are
             Delightful
             to
             it self
             ,
             only
             as
             they
             imitate
             ,
             and
             receive
             its
             Goodness
             .
             Should
             we
             run
             into
             its
             Properties
             ,
             they
             are
             innumerable
             and
             Endless
             ;
             but
             as
             infinite
             in
             Beauty
             ,
             as
             variety
             and
             greatness
             .
             It
             is
             the
             utmost
             Height
             of
             all
             Goodness
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Original
             ,
             and
             end
             of
             all
             .
             It
             exceedeth
             Moral
             Goodness
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             that
             exceedeth
             Natural
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             more
             .
             In
             Physical
             Goodness
             there
             is
             a
             Mechanical
             fitness
             ,
             and
             Dead
             convenience
             :
             but
             all
             it
             can
             pretend
             to
             ,
             is
             the
             Benefit
             and
             Pleasure
             of
             Moral
             Agents
             .
             For
             the
             Sun
             ,
             and
             Moon
             ,
             and
             
             Stars
             ,
             and
             Trees
             ,
             and
             Seas
             ,
             and
             Minerals
             are
             made
             for
             Men.
             Whereas
             Moral
             Goodness
             is
             made
             to
             enjoy
             all
             Physical
             Goodness
             ,
             that
             in
             a
             higher
             sphere
             it
             might
             be
             pleasing
             to
             GOD
             and
             is
             immediately
             subservient
             to
             his
             Divine
             &
             Essential
             Goodness
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Divine
             Goodness
             is
             the
             first
             Perfection
             of
             the
             efficient
             Cause
             of
             the
             Worlds
             Creation
             ,
             which
             of
             necessity
             derives
             an
             immediate
             Excellency
             into
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             the
             most
             Communicative
             and
             active
             Principle
             that
             is
             .
             But
             the
             Necessity
             is
             attended
             with
             a
             Liberty
             no
             less
             then
             infinite
             .
             For
             it
             freely
             pleaseth
             it self
             in
             all
             its
             operations
             ,
             and
             its
             Pleasure
             is
             to
             delight
             it self
             in
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             Felicity
             for
             others
             .
             It
             s
             freedom
             is
             a
             necessary
             Circumstance
             of
             its
             operation
             .
             For
             the
             Glory
             of
             its
             inclination
             and
             Kindness
             could
             not
             be
             ,
             much
             less
             be
             seen
             ,
             did
             it
             act
             by
             Necessity
             of
             Nature
             ,
             Imposition
             ,
             Chance
             or
             Accident
             .
             When
             the
             Act
             is
             in
             Being
             it
             worketh
             Physically
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             no
             Wonder
             that
             such
             an
             Act
             should
             produce
             such
             Effects
             ,
             and
             be
             so
             Beneficial
             .
             For
             when
             it
             is
             done
             it
             cannot
             be
             otherwise
             ,
             but
             that
             such
             and
             such
             Effects
             must
             follow
             its
             Existence
             ;
             They
             are
             as
             Natural
             
             as
             if
             they
             were
             Essential
             to
             it
             :
             All
             the
             ,
             Wonder
             is
             ,
             what
             should
             determine
             the
             Liberty
             of
             the
             Agent
             at
             first
             to
             do
             such
             Great
             and
             Mighty
             Things
             for
             others
             sake
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             can
             be
             said
             ,
             is
             his
             own
             Goodness
             and
             the
             Excellency
             of
             the
             Action
             .
             For
             it
             is
             not
             with
             GOD
             as
             it
             is
             with
             Men
             :
             few
             men
             will
             be
             at
             the
             expence
             of
             Doing
             ,
             what
             all
             admire
             :
             all
             that
             receive
             the
             Benefit
             ,
             applaud
             and
             delight
             in
             the
             Action
             ;
             and
             so
             much
             the
             more
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             Hazzardous
             ,
             and
             great
             ,
             and
             Painful
             it
             was
             ;
             but
             scarcely
             one
             will
             endure
             the
             Difficulty
             of
             an
             Heroick
             Deed
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             others
             .
             GOD
             on
             the
             contrary
             takes
             infinite
             Delight
             in
             the
             Action
             which
             all
             admire
             ,
             and
             because
             it
             is
             infinitly
             great
             and
             Heroick
             ,
             and
             perfectly
             Divine
             ,
             finds
             his
             Liberty
             and
             Ease
             in
             that
             Act
             ,
             and
             is
             so
             taken
             with
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Work
             ,
             that
             his
             infinite
             Pleasure
             exceeds
             all
             the
             necessity
             and
             fate
             in
             Nature
             .
          
           
             THAT
             Pleasure
             ,
             which
             he
             taketh
             in
             promoting
             the
             Happiness
             of
             all
             Existences
             created
             and
             increated
             ,
             is
             his
             Goodness
             .
             It
             is
             the
             infinite
             use
             of
             Perfect
             Liberty
             freely
             Delighted
             in
             :
             as
             Pleasant
             to
             himself
             as
             to
             all
             Intelligent
             Spectators
             
             and
             all
             Enjoyers
             .
             It
             is
             easie
             to
             discern
             that
             this
             goodness
             is
             the
             Foundation
             and
             Essence
             of
             his
             Happiness
             and
             glory
             .
          
           
             BY
             it
             he
             becomes
             Delightful
             to
             himself
             ,
             by
             it
             he
             becomes
             Delightful
             to
             others
             .
             By
             it
             he
             communicates
             all
             his
             Powers
             and
             Perfections
             with
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             receives
             the
             Services
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             with
             high
             Satisfaction
             .
             By
             it
             he
             is
             concerned
             in
             the
             Joy
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             enjoys
             their
             Blessedness
             .
             By
             it
             he
             is
             capable
             of
             all
             their
             Affections
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Services
             which
             his
             Laws
             require
             .
             By
             it
             all
             Angels
             and
             Cherubims
             are
             moved
             to
             admire
             and
             adore
             his
             Glory
             .
             By
             it
             all
             Creatures
             visible
             and
             invisible
             are
             made
             his
             Treasures
             .
             By
             it
             he
             is
             multiplied
             and
             magnified
             in
             every
             Soul
             ,
             as
             the
             same
             Object
             is
             in
             several
             Mirrors
             ,
             being
             intirely
             represented
             in
             every
             living
             Temple
             of
             his
             Eternal
             essence
             .
             By
             it
             he
             becometh
             his
             own
             end
             ,
             and
             the
             Glorious
             Author
             ,
             and
             the
             King
             of
             Heaven
             .
             By
             it
             he
             liveth
             a
             Divine
             and
             a
             Blessed
             Life
             ,
             and
             by
             it
             he
             is
             what
             he
             is
             for
             ever
             By
             it
             all
             the
             Graces
             ,
             Exaltations
             ,
             and
             Vertues
             of
             all
             his
             Creatures
             are
             made
             his
             Joys
             and
             their
             Persons
             and
             Praisers
             are
             Delightful
             to
             him
             .
             Of
             all
             his
             Laws
             and
             
             Decrees
             ,
             and
             Counsels
             his
             Goodness
             is
             the
             fountain
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Original
             and
             final
             Cause
             of
             all
             our
             Thanksgivings
             .
             Our
             ease
             ,
             and
             repose
             ,
             and
             Satisfaction
             ,
             our
             Bliss
             and
             enjoyment
             are
             founded
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             caused
             by
             it
             .
             For
             its
             own
             Pleasure
             all
             our
             Delights
             are
             made
             exquisite
             in
             their
             place
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             of
             them
             Eternal
             .
             For
             its
             own
             Glory
             it
             maketh
             all
             its
             Creatures
             Glorious
             ,
             and
             prizeth
             its
             own
             Glory
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             the
             Sovereign
             Delight
             of
             all
             its
             Creatures
             .
             It
             is
             every
             way
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             ,
             as
             infinitely
             Convenient
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             Great
             in
             Bounty
             ,
             as
             Good
             to
             it self
             as
             to
             all
             others
             .
             There
             is
             no
             End
             of
             all
             its
             Perfection
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             Cause
             it
             is
             Incomprehensible
             .
          
           
             TO
             be
             made
             Partaker
             of
             the
             Divine
             Nature
             ,
             without
             having
             the
             Goodness
             of
             Almighty
             GOD
             is
             impossible
             .
             Nor
             can
             we
             enjoy
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             or
             bear
             the
             similitude
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             unless
             we
             are
             good
             in
             like
             Manner
             .
             We
             enjoy
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             said
             to
             have
             it
             ,
             either
             when
             we
             have
             its
             Similitude
             in
             our selves
             ,
             or
             the
             Pleasure
             of
             it
             in
             others
             .
             Since
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             is
             the
             great
             Object
             of
             our
             Joy
             ,
             its
             Enlargment
             is
             our
             Interest
             ;
             and
             the
             
             more
             there
             are
             to
             whom
             he
             is
             Good
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             he
             communicates
             his
             Felicity
             to
             every
             one
             the
             Greater
             Pleasures
             he
             prepares
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             is
             our
             goodness
             therein
             delighted
             .
             To
             see
             innumerable
             Millions
             in
             Communion
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             all
             of
             them
             made
             Glorious
             and
             Blessed
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             seated
             in
             his
             throne
             ,
             is
             the
             greatest
             Elevation
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             and
             the
             highest
             Satisfaction
             in
             the
             World.
             When
             our
             Goodness
             meeteth
             his
             in
             all
             Places
             ,
             and
             congratulates
             the
             Felicity
             of
             every
             person
             ,
             we
             may
             then
             use
             the
             Words
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             because
             we
             are
             endued
             with
             the
             same
             Mind
             and
             Affection
             :
             And
             as
             he
             accepts
             all
             the
             Good
             that
             is
             done
             to
             his
             Members
             as
             done
             to
             himself
             ,
             saying
             
               Inasmuch
               as
               ye
               have
               done
               it
               to
               the
               least
               of
               these
               my
               Brethren
               ,
               ye
               have
               done
               it
               to
               me
               .
            
             Our
             Souls
             will
             reply
             ,
             
               Inasmuch
               as
               thou
               hast
               done
               all
               this
               to
               the
               least
               of
               these
               my
               Brethren
               ,
               thou
               hast
               done
               it
               to
               me
               ,
            
             for
             loving
             our
             Neighbours
             as
             our selves
             ,
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             will
             be
             our
             fellow
             Members
             ,
             our
             Brethren
             ,
             our
             other
             selves
             !
             As
             we
             delight
             in
             all
             Acts
             of
             Goodness
             for
             their
             own
             sakes
             ,
             that
             are
             done
             to
             us
             ,
             so
             shall
             we
             delight
             in
             all
             the
             Bounties
             of
             GOD
             for
             theirs
             ,
             who
             are
             the
             partakers
             of
             them
             ,
             
             and
             in
             GOD
             for
             this
             very
             reason
             ,
             
               Because
               he
               is
               good
               to
               all
               .
            
             We
             shall
             be
             as
             Happy
             in
             others
             ,
             as
             in
             our selves
             ;
             and
             Esteem
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             our
             Felicity
             ,
             because
             it
             hath
             prevented
             our
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             done
             all
             for
             them
             ,
             which
             were
             it
             undone
             ,
             we
             should
             desire
             to
             do
             our selves
             .
             because
             our
             Goodness
             is
             a
             principle
             that
             carries
             us
             to
             delight
             in
             their
             perfect
             Felicity
             .
             VVhich
             that
             we
             may
             do
             the
             more
             Sweetly
             ,
             and
             with
             more
             full
             Satisfaction
             and
             perfect
             Reason
             ,
             his
             Goodness
             to
             all
             others
             is
             but
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Goodness
             to
             us
             ,
             for
             they
             are
             all
             made
             Blesed
             for
             our
             fuller
             and
             greater
             Felicity
             .
          
           
             HAD
             GOD
             withheld
             ,
             or
             withdrawn
             his
             Goodness
             from
             all
             others
             ,
             it
             had
             not
             been
             Greater
             to
             us
             ,
             but
             less
             .
             The
             Stars
             are
             no
             hindrance
             to
             our
             Enjoyment
             of
             the
             Skie
             ,
             but
             the
             Light
             and
             Beauty
             of
             the
             place
             which
             we
             contemplate
             .
             Were
             they
             all
             annihilated
             ,
             the
             Heavens
             would
             be
             obscure
             .
             They
             do
             us
             many
             Services
             ,
             of
             which
             we
             should
             be
             bereaved
             ,
             by
             their
             Absence
             and
             Destruction
             .
             GOD
             by
             giving
             Beams
             and
             influences
             to
             them
             !
             made
             our
             Treasures
             more
             rich
             and
             fair
             ,
             which
             are
             increased
             and
             multiplied
             by
             their
             Beauty
             and
             Number
             .
             Did
             the
             Sun
             shine
             upon
             us
             ,
             and
             upon
             Nothing
             else
             ,
             it
             would
             
             be
             less
             beneficial
             to
             us
             ,
             than
             now
             it
             is
             .
             Its
             Beams
             that
             are
             scattered
             ,
             seem
             to
             be
             lost
             ;
             yet
             were
             they
             contracted
             upon
             one
             ,
             his
             Body
             would
             be
             consumed
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             World
             be
             dark
             about
             him
             ;
             those
             Rays
             which
             fly
             from
             the
             Sun
             to
             the
             utmost
             parts
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             illuminate
             all
             Objects
             ,
             and
             from
             them
             more
             conveniently
             return
             to
             the
             Eye
             with
             their
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             ,
             which
             by
             those
             Rayes
             that
             are
             dispersed
             become
             visible
             and
             Profitable
             .
             They
             fall
             not
             all
             upon
             every
             single
             man
             ,
             but
             work
             for
             him
             in
             other
             places
             ,
             begetting
             Herbs
             ,
             and
             Fruits
             ,
             and
             Flowers
             ,
             and
             Minerals
             ,
             and
             Springs
             ,
             and
             Trees
             ,
             and
             Jewels
             ,
             with
             all
             that
             is
             rich
             and
             delectable
             in
             the
             VVorld
             for
             his
             fruition
             .
             It
             serves
             Beasts
             ,
             and
             Fowles
             ,
             and
             Fishes
             ,
             for
             my
             sake
             ,
             and
             for
             my
             sake
             does
             it
             serve
             even
             Men
             and
             Angels
             :
             That
             they
             ,
             being
             more
             Divine
             and
             Glorious
             Creatures
             ,
             might
             adorn
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             with
             their
             Persons
             ,
             which
             without
             them
             would
             be
             void
             and
             Empty
             .
             For
             we
             all
             desire
             to
             be
             seen
             ,
             and
             Known
             ,
             and
             Beloved
             ,
             and
             for
             that
             Cause
             ,
             without
             Living
             Agents
             ,
             should
             be
             very
             Desolate
             and
             discontented
             .
          
           
             THUS
             you
             see
             ,
             if
             GOD
             had
             given
             
             all
             Eternity
             and
             Immensity
             to
             a
             man
             ,
             if
             he
             had
             made
             no
             other
             Creatures
             but
             him
             alone
             ,
             his
             Bounty
             had
             been
             defective
             :
             Whereas
             by
             the
             Creation
             of
             these
             he
             hath
             filled
             Eternity
             and
             Immensity
             with
             Treasures
             .
             All
             which
             he
             hath
             made
             ours
             by
             commanding
             them
             to
             Love
             us
             as
             themselves
             ;
             fit
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             and
             beloved
             by
             us
             ,
             by
             filling
             them
             with
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             making
             them
             in
             his
             Image
             .
             For
             every
             one
             of
             them
             is
             to
             Love
             all
             his
             Creatures
             as
             he
             does
             ,
             and
             to
             delight
             in
             the
             Beauty
             and
             Felicity
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             the
             joy
             and
             Delight
             of
             all
             ,
             as
             as
             he
             is
             :
             And
             the
             Greater
             ,
             and
             the
             Richer
             ,
             and
             the
             fairer
             they
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             Great
             and
             Happy
             are
             we
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             made
             our
             Lovers
             and
             Friends
             ,
             our
             Brides
             and
             Brethren
             ,
             our
             Sons
             and
             Daughters
             ,
             our
             Fathers
             ,
             and
             our
             Servants
             ,
             which
             the
             more
             Honourable
             and
             Excellent
             they
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             Delightful
             :
             the
             more
             Glorious
             and
             Blessed
             these
             are
             ,
             their
             Love
             is
             the
             more
             precious
             and
             Acceptable
             .
             True
             Goodness
             removes
             all
             Envy
             and
             Contention
             out
             of
             the
             VVorld
             ,
             and
             introduces
             nothing
             but
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             and
             Joy
             ,
             unspeakeable
             and
             full
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             WE
             Love
             nothing
             more
             then
             to
             
             be
             Delightful
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             our
             Glory
             seen
             is
             a
             natural
             Desire
             ,
             which
             our
             Saviour
             has
             countenanced
             by
             his
             own
             Petition
             .
             It
             is
             our
             Interests
             ;
             that
             the
             Eys
             should
             be
             innumerable
             ,
             that
             see
             and
             admire
             the
             Glory
             which
             we
             had
             with
             the
             Father
             in
             some
             Sense
             before
             the
             VVorld
             was
             ;
             that
             they
             should
             see
             (
             I
             mean
             )
             how
             much
             we
             are
             Beloved
             of
             GOD
             from
             all
             Eternity
             ;
             that
             there
             should
             be
             Millions
             of
             Blessed
             Persons
             to
             whom
             we
             may
             communicate
             our selves
             ,
             concerns
             our
             Glory
             ,
             as
             it
             doth
             also
             that
             ,
             that
             they
             should
             be
             Great
             and
             Perfect
             ,
             that
             are
             made
             to
             Admire
             and
             Delight
             in
             us
             .
             If
             we
             enter
             
               Into
               his
               Eternal
               Glory
            
             ,
             as
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             and
             our
             Bliss
             be
             individually
             one
             with
             his
             ,
             or
             so
             perfectly
             like
             his
             ,
             as
             is
             promised
             ,
             it
             is
             no
             fault
             to
             desire
             Glory
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             Goodness
             it self
             that
             desires
             Glory
             and
             Esteemeth
             all
             those
             its
             Best
             and
             Sovereign
             Treasures
             ,
             that
             are
             capable
             of
             Loving
             and
             Delighting
             in
             it
             .
          
           
             THERE
             is
             in
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             Men
             ,
             and
             Angels
             ,
             a
             Living
             Power
             ,
             that
             is
             exquisitely
             tender
             in
             Sence
             and
             and
             feeling
             ,
             which
             as
             it
             feels
             and
             apprehends
             it self
             ,
             doth
             also
             feel
             its
             Object
             ,
             and
             apprehend
             both
             its
             own
             ,
             and
             its
             Objects
             
             Excellences
             .
             By
             Vertue
             of
             which
             
               Living
               Power
            
             ,
             it
             is
             able
             to
             delight
             in
             its
             own
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             its
             Objects
             Glory
             .
             The
             Apple
             of
             its
             Eye
             is
             not
             more
             tenderly
             regarded
             ,
             than
             the
             Person
             which
             it
             Loveth
             .
             It
             is
             afflicted
             in
             all
             our
             Afflictions
             ,
             and
             crowned
             and
             delighted
             in
             all
             our
             Prosperities
             .
             It
             tendeth
             by
             its
             nature
             to
             the
             Benefit
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             cannot
             endure
             the
             least
             Damage
             or
             Detriment
             to
             any
             .
             It
             infinitely
             hates
             the
             least
             Defect
             in
             it self
             ,
             or
             in
             its
             Creatures
             .
             Nothing
             can
             be
             Evil
             to
             it
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             Evil
             to
             another
             .
             Its
             Interests
             ,
             and
             its
             Objects
             are
             so
             united
             ,
             that
             it
             intirely
             lives
             ,
             and
             sees
             ,
             and
             feels
             ,
             and
             enjoys
             ,
             in
             others
             .
             All
             its
             inclination
             is
             to
             be
             doing
             Good
             ,
             and
             it
             has
             no
             other
             Element
             than
             the
             Felicity
             of
             its
             Creatures
             .
             In
             friendship
             it
             appeareth
             ,
             and
             from
             Love
             it
             proceedeth
             ,
             it
             endeth
             in
             felicity
             .
             It
             hath
             many
             Great
             and
             Glorious
             Designes
             ,
             all
             contending
             with
             each
             other
             for
             Supremacy
             .
             It
             cloths
             it self
             with
             Glory
             ,
             and
             adornes
             its
             Essence
             with
             all
             Kind
             of
             Beauties
             .
             It
             endures
             all
             Afflictions
             and
             Hazzards
             ,
             It
             undertakes
             all
             Labors
             ,
             It
             builds
             a
             Palace
             ,
             and
             provides
             a
             Kingdome
             for
             its
             Beloved
             .
             And
             yet
             when
             all
             is
             done
             nothing
             can
             exceed
             
             the
             Delight
             which
             it
             taketh
             in
             the
             Person
             of
             its
             Beloved
             .
             All
             the
             Honour
             ,
             and
             Esteem
             ,
             and
             Glory
             it
             desires
             ,
             it
             findeth
             there
             ,
             the
             Use
             and
             Value
             of
             all
             its
             Treasures
             consists
             in
             the
             Benefit
             they
             do
             to
             its
             .
             Beloved
             .
             Infinite
             Goodness
             can
             be
             seated
             no
             where
             but
             in
             Love
             alone
             ,
             for
             that
             onely
             is
             capable
             of
             infinite
             Benevolence
             and
             Complacency
             .
          
           
             THE
             Liberal
             Soul
             deviseth
             Liberal
             Things
             ,
             and
             by
             Liberal
             Things
             shall
             he
             stand
             .
             The
             more
             Good
             it
             doth
             ,
             the
             more
             Good
             it
             is
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             Good
             ,
             the
             more
             Great
             and
             Honourable
             ,
             the
             more
             perfect
             and
             Happy
             .
             There
             can
             be
             no
             Excess
             in
             Goodness
             ;
             because
             the
             more
             Delightful
             it
             is
             to
             its
             Object
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             Divine
             and
             Glorious
             its
             Object
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             abundant
             Pleasure
             it
             taketh
             in
             communicating
             all
             Felicities
             to
             its
             Object
             ,
             &
             the
             more
             Great
             and
             manifold
             its
             Treasures
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             Sweet
             and
             Precious
             the
             Things
             are
             which
             it
             giveth
             away
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             it
             s
             Beloved
             delighteth
             in
             them
             ;
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             Admirable
             and
             Divine
             it
             is
             ,
             its
             Goodness
             and
             its
             Blessedness
             are
             both
             the
             Greater
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Inconvenience
             which
             it
             can
             possibly
             meet
             ,
             but
             a
             stop
             or
             Impediment
             .
             It
             cannot
             be
             hurt
             by
             it self
             ,
             because
             its
             Essence
             is
             always
             overflowing
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             
             Evil
             it
             can
             fear
             from
             others
             is
             the
             unkindness
             of
             its
             Object
             ,
             or
             the
             Wrong
             that
             it
             may
             receive
             from
             free
             Agents
             .
             For
             Angels
             and
             Men
             being
             made
             free
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             Love
             ,
             and
             Honour
             ,
             and
             Praise
             in
             a
             voluntary
             manner
             ,
             and
             be
             ,
             and
             become
             Good
             of
             their
             own
             Accord
             ,
             (
             because
             they
             cannot
             be
             made
             Morally
             or
             Divinely
             Good
             ,
             without
             the
             Liberty
             of
             their
             Concurrence
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Consent
             .
             )
             there
             is
             some
             fear
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             abuse
             their
             Power
             ,
             because
             for
             the
             more
             Illustrious
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             they
             are
             left
             in
             the
             Hand
             of
             their
             own
             Counsel
             .
             Howbeit
             he
             has
             endeavoured
             as
             much
             as
             as
             is
             possible
             ,
             without
             prejudicing
             their
             Excellence
             ,
             to
             secure
             their
             Duty
             ;
             he
             hath
             infused
             into
             them
             the
             greatest
             Inclinations
             to
             goodness
             imaginable
             ,
             and
             the
             Greatest
             principles
             of
             Honour
             ,
             he
             hath
             shewn
             them
             the
             Glory
             and
             felicity
             of
             Goodness
             by
             his
             one
             Example
             ,
             he
             hath
             commanded
             them
             by
             the
             Severest
             Laws
             that
             are
             possible
             ,
             to
             be
             Good
             ,
             he
             hath
             founded
             their
             Peace
             and
             Pleasure
             in
             Goodness
             ,
             he
             hath
             made
             the
             suspension
             of
             Goodness
             uncouth
             and
             unnatural
             ,
             all
             evil
             Actions
             Dark
             and
             disagreeable
             ,
             he
             has
             laid
             infinite
             Obligations
             upon
             them
             to
             exercise
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             set
             Eternal
             
             Rewards
             before
             them
             .
             He
             hath
             made
             the
             Object
             unto
             which
             they
             must
             shew
             it
             extremly
             amiable
             ,
             he
             hath
             given
             them
             all
             Advantages
             ,
             Helps
             and
             Assistances
             .
             He
             hath
             prepared
             the
             Severest
             Penalties
             and
             Torments
             to
             punish
             the
             Omission
             of
             it
             .
             And
             for
             a
             Complement
             of
             all
             ,
             will
             extremely
             be
             grieved
             ,
             if
             they
             fail
             to
             shew
             it
             .
             This
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             Innocency
             .
             Since
             the
             fall
             indeed
             we
             must
             be
             kind
             and
             Good
             to
             injurious
             Persons
             :
             but
             this
             is
             founded
             in
             his
             own
             Goodness
             toward
             us
             Sinners
             ,
             and
             tho
             it
             be
             a
             difficult
             .
             Work
             in
             the
             first
             Appearance
             ,
             Carries
             us
             to
             higher
             and
             more
             Perfect
             Glory
             .
          
           
             THAT
             such
             a
             Goodness
             as
             this
             should
             be
             ,
             cannot
             be
             incredible
             to
             them
             that
             are
             acquainted
             with
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Universe
             :
             tho
             it
             seemeth
             hard
             at
             least
             ,
             if
             not
             impossible
             to
             them
             that
             converse
             with
             peevish
             men
             .
             Being
             corrupt
             in
             their
             Understandings
             ,
             they
             are
             narrow
             and
             base
             and
             servile
             in
             their
             Affections
             .
             They
             start
             at
             a
             shadow
             ,
             and
             boggle
             at
             a
             feather
             .
             Sin
             hath
             transformed
             them
             into
             slaves
             and
             Cowards
             .
             They
             misapprehend
             the
             Nature
             of
             their
             Duty
             like
             
             Fools
             ;
             that
             were
             made
             to
             be
             great
             and
             Mighty
             as
             Kings
             .
             They
             think
             they
             shall
             be
             undone
             ,
             if
             they
             become
             too
             Great
             and
             Good
             :
             they
             fear
             they
             shall
             grow
             weak
             and
             Contemptible
             by
             Goodness
             :
             whereas
             nothing
             makes
             them
             so
             Amiable
             and
             Glorious
             as
             Excess
             of
             Goodness
             .
          
           
             TO
             shew
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             Goodness
             as
             that
             ,
             which
             infinitely
             delights
             in
             powring
             out
             its
             Glory
             upon
             all
             Creatures
             ,
             the
             Sun
             was
             made
             :
             Which
             continues
             Night
             and
             Day
             powring
             out
             its
             Streams
             of
             Light
             and
             Heat
             upon
             all
             Ages
             ,
             yet
             is
             as
             Glorious
             this
             day
             as
             it
             was
             the
             first
             Moment
             of
             its
             Creation
             .
             To
             shew
             this
             the
             Stars
             were
             made
             ,
             that
             shine
             in
             their
             Watches
             and
             Glitter
             in
             their
             Motions
             only
             to
             serve
             us
             .
             The
             Moon
             was
             made
             to
             shew
             this
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             runs
             her
             race
             for
             ever
             to
             serve
             us
             .
             The
             Earth
             was
             made
             to
             support
             us
             ,
             Springs
             and
             Rivers
             expend
             their
             Streams
             to
             revive
             us
             .
             Fruits
             ,
             and
             Flowers
             ,
             and
             Herbs
             ,
             and
             Trees
             delight
             us
             .
             All
             corruptible
             Things
             wast
             and
             consume
             away
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             sacrifice
             their
             Essence
             to
             our
             Benefit
             .
             For
             if
             they
             
             were
             made
             Stiffe
             and
             unalterable
             they
             could
             not
             feed
             us
             ,
             nor
             communicate
             their
             Essence
             and
             Perfection
             to
             us
             .
             The
             Emanations
             and
             Effusions
             of
             Minerals
             are
             unknown
             ,
             but
             that
             of
             Spicies
             and
             Odours
             is
             well
             understood
             .
             And
             if
             these
             by
             Disbursing
             their
             proper
             sweetness
             ,
             become
             more
             sweet
             and
             enlarge
             themselves
             ,
             if
             they
             are
             made
             Bright
             and
             fair
             for
             our
             sake
             ,
             if
             they
             enjoy
             any
             Light
             and
             Pleasure
             in
             their
             Service
             ,
             as
             the
             Sun
             and
             Stars
             do
             ,
             as
             Herbs
             and
             Flowers
             do
             ,
             as
             Beasts
             ,
             and
             Birds
             ,
             and
             Fishes
             do
             ;
             the
             Goodness
             of
             the
             Creator
             is
             abundantly
             more
             clear
             and
             apparent
             herein
             ,
             for
             in
             all
             those
             Creatures
             that
             perfect
             themselves
             by
             the
             Service
             which
             they
             do
             ,
             the
             Service
             it self
             is
             a
             sufficient
             Recompence
             :
             while
             those
             upon
             which
             we
             feed
             ,
             being
             more
             Corruptible
             ,
             are
             exalted
             in
             their
             Beings
             ,
             by
             being
             turned
             into
             ours
             .
             And
             the
             Trade
             of
             Bees
             ,
             in
             the
             Hony
             they
             make
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             Warmth
             of
             sheep
             ,
             in
             the
             fleeces
             they
             bear
             for
             us
             ,
             the
             Comfort
             of
             Birds
             in
             the
             feathers
             they
             wear
             ,
             and
             the
             Nests
             they
             build
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             the
             pleasures
             of
             Beasts
             in
             the
             off-spring
             
             they
             beget
             and
             bring
             up
             for
             us
             ,
             these
             things
             shew
             that
             
               GOD
               is
               Good
               to
               all
               ,
               and
               that
               his
               mercy
               is
               over
               all
               his
               Works
               .
            
             And
             if
             any
             perish
             in
             our
             Service
             ,
             the
             Bloody
             Characters
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Goodness
             are
             the
             more
             Stupendious
             .
             All
             Nature
             is
             sacrificed
             to
             our
             Welfare
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             we
             have
             
               By
               pure
               Nature
            
             to
             do
             (
             till
             Sin
             marres
             all
             )
             is
             to
             admire
             and
             enjoy
             that
             Goodness
             ,
             to
             the
             Delight
             of
             which
             we
             sacrifice
             our selves
             in
             our
             own
             Complacency
             .
             
             And
             in
             real
             truth
             ,
             if
             it
             be
             a
             great
             Wonder
             that
             any
             Goodness
             should
             be
             thus
             infinite
             ,
             the
             Goodness
             of
             all
             other
             Things
             without
             that
             Goodness
             ,
             is
             a
             far
             Greater
             ,
             If
             it
             be
             Wonderful
             ,
             admire
             and
             adore
             it
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Holiness
               :
               Its
               Nature
               ,
               Violence
               ,
               and
               Pleasure
               .
               It
               s
               Beauty
               consisteth
               in
               the
               infinite
               Love
               of
               Righteousness
               and
               Perfection
               .
            
          
           
             THE
             infinite
             Love
             of
             his
             own
             Goodness
             is
             the
             Holiness
             of
             GOD.
             There
             are
             infinite
             Pleasures
             and
             perfections
             in
             its
             Nature
             ,
             that
             Merit
             an
             infinite
             Esteem
             and
             Desire
             .
             His
             Goodness
             is
             all
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             his
             Holiness
             all
             Fire
             and
             flame
             in
             pursuing
             it
             .
             His
             Holiness
             is
             all
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             his
             Goodness
             all
             Fire
             and
             flame
             to
             enkindle
             it
             .
             The
             infinite
             Excess
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Goodness
             is
             its
             own
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             the
             Beauty
             of
             Holiness
             is
             Excess
             of
             Goodness
             .
             For
             if
             Righteousness
             and
             Holiness
             be
             well
             distinguished
             ,
             Righteousness
             is
             that
             Vertue
             by
             which
             GOD
             doth
             apprehend
             affect
             and
             Esteem
             all
             Excellent
             Things
             according
             to
             their
             value
             ,
             and
             chuse
             and
             do
             always
             the
             Best
             and
             most
             Excellent
             :
             Holiness
             is
             the
             Love
             which
             he
             beareth
             to
             his
             own
             Righteousness
             :
             
             Which
             being
             infinite
             ,
             makes
             him
             infinitely
             enflamed
             with
             the
             Love
             of
             the
             most
             perfect
             Actions
             ;
             and
             carries
             him
             with
             an
             infinite
             Ardor
             to
             the
             performance
             of
             them
             .
             For
             tho
             it
             be
             a
             Righteous
             Thing
             to
             esteem
             the
             Righteousness
             of
             GOD
             in
             an
             infinite
             manner
             ,
             yet
             there
             is
             as
             much
             difference
             between
             Righteousness
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             as
             between
             an
             Object
             and
             the
             Affection
             embracing
             it
             .
             Tho
             here
             also
             the
             Affection
             &
             the
             Object
             are
             the
             same
             Thing
             :
             For
             this
             Holy
             Esteem
             and
             Love
             of
             Righteousness
             is
             Righteousness
             it self
             :
             for
             it
             does
             but
             render
             Righteousness
             its
             due
             ,
             tho
             the
             Affection
             be
             infinite
             which
             it
             bears
             unto
             it
             .
          
           
             HOLINESS
             (
             if
             it
             be
             strictly
             defined
             )
             is
             that
             Vertue
             in
             GOD
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             Loveth
             the
             most
             Perfect
             Things
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             delighteth
             in
             them
             .
             For
             by
             Vertue
             of
             this
             Affection
             he
             shunneth
             and
             hateth
             all
             that
             is
             profane
             ,
             pursuing
             and
             delighting
             in
             all
             that
             is
             Holy.
             For
             the
             Object
             of
             Holiness
             may
             be
             Holy
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Affection
             ,
             Whereupon
             it
             followeth
             ,
             that
             Holiness
             is
             of
             two
             kinds
             ,
             either
             the
             Holiness
             of
             the
             Affection
             ,
             or
             the
             Holiness
             of
             
             the
             Object
             They
             bear
             a
             Relation
             to
             each
             other
             ,
             yet
             are
             absolute
             Perfections
             in
             themselves
             .
             For
             the
             Hatred
             of
             all
             Defects
             ,
             Imperfections
             ,
             Blemishes
             and
             Errors
             is
             a
             Glorious
             thing
             in
             itself
             ,
             yet
             relates
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             those
             Objects
             from
             which
             it
             would
             remove
             those
             odious
             Imperfections
             .
             The
             Perfection
             of
             all
             Objects
             when
             they
             are
             free
             from
             all
             Blemishes
             is
             a
             Glorious
             Thing
             in
             it self
             too
             ,
             yet
             is
             Acceptable
             to
             that
             Affection
             ,
             that
             desires
             to
             see
             a
             Compleatness
             and
             Perfection
             in
             every
             Object
             .
             And
             all
             is
             resolved
             into
             the
             same
             Goodness
             of
             which
             we
             have
             been
             speaking
          
           
             FOR
             infinite
             Goodness
             must
             needs
             desire
             with
             an
             infinite
             violence
             ,
             that
             all
             Goodness
             should
             be
             compleat
             and
             Perfect
             :
             and
             that
             Desire
             ,
             which
             makes
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             all
             Goodness
             ,
             must
             infinitely
             avoid
             every
             slur
             and
             Miscarriage
             as
             unclean
             :
             and
             infinitely
             aim
             at
             every
             Grace
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             that
             tends
             to
             make
             the
             Object
             infinitely
             perfect
             ,
             which
             it
             would
             enjoy
             .
             It
             cannot
             desire
             less
             then
             infinite
             Perfection
             ,
             nor
             less
             then
             hate
             all
             Imperfection
             ,
             in
             an
             infinite
             Manner
             .
             All
             Objects
             
             are
             made
             ,
             and
             Sanctified
             by
             the
             Holiness
             of
             GOD.
             It
             is
             the
             measure
             and
             strength
             and
             Perfection
             of
             Goodness
             .
          
           
             THE
             Holiness
             of
             GOD
             is
             sometimes
             ,
             called
             in
             his
             Oracle
             ,
             
               The
               Beauty
               of
               Holiness
            
             .
             As
             if
             all
             the
             Beauty
             of
             GOD
             were
             in
             this
             .
             It
             extends
             to
             all
             Objects
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             from
             the
             Highest
             to
             the
             Lowest
             ,
             from
             the
             Greatest
             to
             the
             Meanest
             ,
             from
             the
             most
             Pure
             to
             the
             most
             profane
             ,
             with
             a
             Goodness
             and
             Wisdome
             so
             infinitely
             perfect
             disposing
             all
             ,
             that
             some
             way
             or
             other
             every
             Thing
             might
             answer
             its
             infinite
             Affection
             .
             It
             infinitely
             hates
             all
             that
             is
             Bad
             ,
             and
             as
             infinitely
             desires
             to
             Correct
             the
             same
             .
             The
             Influence
             of
             that
             Affection
             ,
             by
             which
             GOD
             abhorreth
             the
             least
             Spot
             in
             his
             Kingdome
             ,
             reaches
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             every
             Object
             ,
             and
             the
             is
             real
             &
             proper
             fountain
             of
             all
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Life
             &
             Glory
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             in
             all
             Probability
             ,
             do
             the
             Angels
             so
             continually
             cry
             ,
             
               Holy
               ,
               Holy
               ,
               Holy
               ,
               Lord
               GOD
               of
               Hosts
            
             ;
             because
             the
             Brightness
             of
             his
             Infinite
             Glory
             and
             Perfection
             appeareth
             in
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             the
             violence
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Love
             ,
             and
             the
             Excess
             of
             Goodness
             .
             It
             may
             be
             ,
             also
             because
             
             all
             the
             Heights
             of
             Created
             Perfection
             owe
             themselves
             to
             this
             Holiness
             ,
             all
             the
             Raptures
             and
             Extasies
             of
             Heaven
             depending
             on
             the
             Zeal
             wherewith
             GOD
             is
             carried
             to
             perfect
             Blessedness
             .
             All
             which
             are
             occasioned
             by
             those
             pure
             and
             Quintessential
             Joys
             ,
             those
             most
             sublime
             and
             Perfect
             Beauties
             ,
             which
             they
             see
             and
             feel
             every
             where
             effected
             by
             the
             irresistible
             Strength
             of
             that
             Eternal
             Ardor
             .
          
           
             SINS
             of
             Omission
             have
             an
             unknown
             Guilt
             and
             Demerit
             in
             them
             .
             They
             unsensibly
             bereave
             us
             of
             infinite
             Beauty
             .
             To
             let
             alone
             that
             Perfection
             which
             might
             have
             been
             infinite
             ,
             to
             pass
             by
             ,
             or
             neglect
             it
             ,
             to
             exert
             Almighty
             Power
             in
             a
             remiss
             and
             lazy
             manner
             ,
             is
             infinitely
             Base
             and
             Dishonourable
             ,
             and
             therefore
             unclean
             because
             so
             Odious
             and
             Distastful
             .
             Lukewarmness
             is
             Profane
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Malice
             .
             And
             it
             hath
             pleased
             GOD
             to
             brand
             it
             with
             a
             worse
             and
             more
             fatal
             Censure
             .
             No
             folly
             or
             iniquity
             can
             dwell
             with
             him
             ;
             Omission
             is
             both
             .
             To
             be
             hated
             is
             to
             be
             rejected
             ;
             but
             to
             be
             beloved
             Lukewarmly
             is
             to
             be
             embraced
             with
             polluted
             and
             filthy
             Armes
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             ,
             the
             fire
             of
             his
             Jealousie
             burns
             most
             devouringly
             about
             the
             Altar
             .
             
             He
             will
             be
             sanctified
             in
             all
             them
             that
             draw
             nigh
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             but
             to
             touch
             his
             Ark
             irregularly
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             consumed
             .
             Nor
             is
             this
             any
             other
             then
             a
             concomitant
             of
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             an
             evident
             Testimony
             of
             his
             Love
             to
             perfection
             ,
             For
             it
             First
             shews
             ,
             that
             on
             his
             own
             Part
             ,
             he
             maketh
             our
             Powers
             Perfect
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             able
             to
             see
             and
             adore
             him
             worthily
             ;
             and
             next
             that
             he
             delights
             in
             no
             Adoration
             but
             the
             most
             Worthy
             .
             It
             moreover
             shews
             that
             he
             infinitely
             delights
             in
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             own
             Actions
             ,
             for
             otherwise
             he
             would
             not
             be
             so
             severe
             against
             the
             Imperfection
             of
             ours
             .
          
           
             NOR
             is
             the
             reason
             of
             his
             Love
             to
             the
             utmost
             Perfection
             less
             then
             infinite
             :
             You
             Know
             that
             all
             impure
             Things
             upon
             Earth
             are
             dull
             and
             Obscure
             ;
             as
             Vile
             in
             Esteem
             ,
             as
             Base
             and
             faint
             in
             their
             Operations
             .
             Neither
             will
             a
             Lump
             of
             Dirt
             shine
             like
             the
             Sun
             ,
             nor
             a
             Mudwall
             be
             Resplendent
             like
             polisht
             Marble
             .
             All
             Glorious
             Things
             have
             a
             Height
             of
             Intensness
             in
             them
             ;
             and
             owe
             most
             of
             their
             Beauty
             to
             the
             Motion
             of
             their
             Strength
             and
             Activity
             .
             But
             GOD
             is
             a
             more
             High
             and
             Necessary
             Thing
             than
             these
             .
             Perfection
             is
             his
             Essence
             ,
             and
             he
             could
             
             not
             be
             himself
             upon
             any
             Abatement
             .
             It
             is
             a
             great
             Wonder
             I
             But
             the
             smallest
             Thing
             in
             the
             world
             may
             spare
             somewhat
             of
             it self
             rather
             than
             that
             which
             is
             infinite
             .
             Upon
             the
             least
             substraction
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             infinite
             is
             made
             finite
             ,
             and
             the
             Loss
             is
             infinite
             .
             We
             cannot
             be
             at
             all
             Beloved
             by
             Almighty
             GOD
             unless
             we
             are
             infinitely
             Beloved
             .
             For
             to
             Love
             and
             neglect
             us
             at
             the
             same
             time
             is
             impossible
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             able
             to
             do
             infinite
             Things
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             yet
             to
             do
             but
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             is
             to
             Love
             and
             neglect
             us
             at
             the
             same
             time
             .
             T
             is
             Love
             in
             what
             it
             does
             ,
             &
             neglect
             in
             what
             it
             leaveth
             undone
             .
             The
             Reason
             why
             it
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             Love
             him
             infinitely
             ,
             is
             because
             he
             infinitely
             Loved
             us
             .
             Did
             he
             not
             exert
             all
             his
             Power
             himself
             ,
             he
             would
             never
             command
             us
             to
             exert
             ours
             .
             The
             Love
             of
             all
             Perfection
             is
             his
             Essence
             and
             must
             be
             infinite
             for
             its
             own
             Perfection
             .
             The
             least
             flaw
             in
             a
             Diamond
             abates
             its
             Price
             :
             one
             Tooth
             awry
             ,
             or
             wanting
             in
             a
             Clock
             ,
             doth
             make
             it
             useless
             .
             
               Dead
               flies
               corrupt
               the
               Apothecaries
               Oyntment
               ,
               so
               doth
               a
               little
               folly
               him
               that
               is
               in
               Reputation
               for
               Wisdome
               and
               Honour
               .
            
             The
             Greater
             his
             Reputation
             and
             Wisdome
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             Grievious
             a
             
             Disparagement
             is
             any
             Srain
             .
             Nor
             is
             GOD
             above
             these
             Rules
             ,
             for
             his
             Essence
             it self
             is
             the
             Ruled
             of
             ours
             :
             and
             the
             Higher
             his
             Divinity
             is
             the
             more
             Exquisite
             is
             its
             Care
             of
             its
             own
             Perfection
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Danger
             of
             being
             Severe
             in
             our
             Expectations
             ,
             for
             GOD
             does
             infinitely
             hate
             any
             Defect
             in
             himself
             ,
             more
             then
             we
             ,
             tho
             we
             infinitely
             hate
             it
             ;
             and
             enjoys
             himself
             only
             as
             he
             is
             an
             Object
             Worthy
             of
             his
             own
             infinite
             Love
             and
             Honour
             .
          
           
             FROM
             GODS
             Love
             of
             Righteous
             Action
             it
             proceedeth
             ,
             that
             he
             made
             ours
             so
             compleatly
             capable
             of
             becoming
             Righteous
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             adventured
             a
             Power
             into
             our
             Hands
             of
             offending
             .
             It
             is
             a
             strange
             thing
             ,
             that
             the
             Excess
             of
             the
             Hatred
             of
             all
             Sin
             should
             make
             Sin
             possible
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             most
             perfect
             Righteousness
             should
             be
             the
             Accidental
             Cause
             of
             Unrighteousness
             .
             But
             yet
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             an
             infinite
             Love
             to
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             possible
             Things
             made
             the
             worst
             of
             all
             things
             that
             could
             be
             possible
             ,
             excepting
             those
             that
             are
             impossible
             ,
             which
             yet
             we
             need
             not
             except
             .
          
           
             TO
             read
             these
             Riddles
             aright
             ,
             you
             must
             vnderstand
             ,
             that
             even
             Impossibles
             themselves
             
             are
             conceiveable
             Things
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             compared
             with
             Possible
             ,
             and
             Actual
             .
             That
             the
             Highest
             and
             Best
             of
             all
             that
             are
             Possible
             ,
             are
             the
             most
             Easie
             with
             GOD
             ,
             and
             most
             near
             to
             his
             Nature
             ;
             that
             inforior
             Possibles
             are
             more
             remote
             ,
             and
             only
             thought
             on
             in
             the
             second
             place
             ;
             that
             Things
             Impossible
             are
             the
             worst
             of
             Evils
             ,
             and
             Things
             Actual
             the
             Best
             of
             GOODS
             .
             For
             nothing
             is
             impossible
             but
             that
             GOD
             should
             lye
             ,
             or
             Dishonour
             ,
             or
             displease
             ,
             or
             deny
             himself
             ,
             or
             abuse
             his
             Power
             ,
             or
             suspend
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             or
             injure
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             or
             do
             some
             such
             thing
             ,
             which
             is
             contrary
             to
             his
             Nature
             ,
             yet
             very
             conceiveable
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             a
             free
             Agent
             ;
             and
             has
             a
             kind
             of
             Power
             ,
             were
             it
             not
             prevented
             by
             his
             Eternal
             Act
             ,
             whereby
             he
             is
             able
             to
             do
             these
             Impossible
             things
             .
             Nothing
             is
             Eternally
             Actual
             ,
             but
             the
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             Holiness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             or
             some
             such
             Thing
             ;
             as
             his
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             Perfection
             .
             All
             which
             spring
             from
             his
             Will
             ,
             and
             are
             Eternally
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             his
             Essence
             .
             In
             the
             idle
             Power
             of
             being
             ,
             and
             doing
             all
             Excellent
             Things
             ,
             there
             is
             much
             Hazzard
             and
             danger
             ;
             but
             he
             freely
             
             and
             voluntarily
             became
             all
             these
             from
             all
             Eternity
             .
             He
             wrought
             all
             Righteousness
             and
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             from
             everlasting
             ,
             and
             by
             so
             doing
             became
             the
             fountain
             of
             all
             that
             is
             Glorious
             from
             all
             Eternity
             .
             The
             Worst
             of
             all
             Possible
             Evils
             are
             the
             Sins
             of
             Men
             :
             Which
             have
             an
             infinite
             Demerit
             and
             Vileness
             in
             them
             ,
             yet
             are
             truely
             possible
             .
             And
             the
             reason
             of
             their
             Possibility
             is
             thus
             accounted
             .
             Impossible
             ,
             which
             are
             worst
             of
             all
             ,
             are
             Sins
             in
             GOD.
             
          
           
             TO
             make
             Creatures
             infinitely
             free
             and
             leave
             them
             to
             their
             Liberty
             is
             one
             of
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             Possible
             Things
             ;
             and
             so
             necessary
             that
             no
             Kingdome
             of
             Righteousness
             could
             be
             without
             it
             .
             For
             in
             every
             Kingdome
             there
             are
             subjects
             capable
             of
             Laws
             ,
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             and
             Punishments
             .
             And
             these
             must
             be
             free
             Agents
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Kingdome
             of
             Stones
             nor
             of
             Trees
             ,
             nor
             of
             Stars
             ;
             only
             a
             Kingdome
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             .
             Who
             were
             they
             divested
             of
             their
             Liberty
             would
             be
             reduced
             to
             the
             Estate
             of
             Stones
             and
             Trees
             ;
             neither
             capable
             of
             Righteous
             Actions
             ,
             nor
             able
             to
             Honor
             ,
             or
             to
             Love
             ,
             or
             praise
             ;
             without
             which
             Operations
             
             all
             inferior
             Creatures
             and
             meer
             Natural
             Agents
             would
             be
             totally
             Useless
             .
             So
             that
             all
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             World
             depends
             on
             the
             Liberty
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             :
             and
             therefore
             GOD
             gave
             it
             to
             them
             ,
             because
             he
             delighted
             in
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Creatures
             :
             tho
             he
             very
             well
             knew
             there
             would
             be
             the
             Hazzard
             of
             their
             abusing
             it
             ,
             (
             and
             of
             Sin
             in
             that
             abuse
             )
             when
             they
             had
             received
             it
             .
             The
             abuse
             of
             it
             he
             infinitely
             hated
             yet
             could
             not
             prevent
             it
             ,
             without
             being
             Guilty
             of
             a
             Greater
             Evil.
             He
             infinitely
             hated
             it
             ,
             because
             those
             Actions
             of
             Love
             and
             Honor
             which
             should
             spring
             from
             the
             right
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             were
             the
             onely
             fair
             off-spring
             ,
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             which
             the
             whole
             World
             was
             made
             ,
             and
             without
             the
             right
             right
             use
             of
             their
             Liberty
             all
             Creatures
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Souls
             would
             be
             in
             vain
             :
             he
             could
             not
             Prevent
             it
             without
             being
             himself
             Guilty
             of
             what
             in
             them
             he
             abhorred
             .
          
           
             FOR
             himself
             to
             be
             Guilty
             ,
             was
             the
             worst
             of
             Evils
             ,
             and
             absolutely
             impossible
             .
             T
             was
             better
             let
             them
             make
             their
             Power
             vain
             themselves
             ,
             then
             do
             so
             himself
             .
             For
             the
             Author
             of
             that
             vanity
             ,
             be
             it
             who
             it
             will
             ,
             is
             the
             Author
             
             of
             the
             Sin.
             If
             they
             would
             make
             it
             vain
             ,
             He
             could
             not
             help
             it
             ,
             for
             him
             to
             divest
             them
             of
             the
             use
             of
             Liberty
             after
             he
             had
             given
             it
             ,
             was
             as
             inconsistent
             with
             himself
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             with
             their
             Beauty
             to
             abuse
             it
             :
             the
             Act
             of
             giving
             it
             by
             taking
             it
             away
             being
             made
             vain
             .
             He
             infinitely
             hated
             that
             the
             Liberty
             should
             be
             frustrated
             ,
             which
             he
             gave
             unto
             men
             ,
             for
             their
             more
             perfect
             Glory
             :
             he
             laid
             all
             Obligations
             upon
             them
             to
             use
             it
             well
             ,
             and
             deterred
             them
             (
             as
             much
             as
             was
             possible
             )
             from
             abusing
             it
             ,
             but
             would
             not
             transfer
             their
             fault
             upon
             himself
             ,
             because
             he
             fore
             saw
             they
             were
             about
             to
             do
             it
             ;
             which
             he
             certainly
             had
             done
             ,
             had
             he
             made
             their
             Power
             vain
             himself
             ,
             after
             he
             had
             given
             it
             .
             Either
             to
             refuse
             to
             give
             the
             Power
             ,
             or
             Having
             given
             it
             ,
             to
             interpose
             and
             determine
             it
             without
             their
             Consent
             ,
             was
             alike
             detrimental
             to
             the
             whole
             Creation
             .
             For
             indeed
             it
             is
             impossible
             ,
             that
             he
             by
             determining
             their
             Wills
             ,
             should
             make
             them
             the
             Authors
             of
             Righteous
             Actions
             ,
             which
             of
             all
             things
             in
             the
             World
             he
             most
             desired
             .
             There
             is
             as
             much
             Difference
             between
             a
             Willing
             Act
             of
             the
             Soul
             it self
             ,
             and
             an
             Action
             forced
             on
             the
             Will
             ,
             determined
             
             by
             another
             ,
             as
             there
             is
             between
             a
             man
             that
             is
             dragged
             to
             the
             Altar
             ,
             whether
             he
             will
             or
             no
             ,
             and
             the
             man
             that
             comes
             with
             all
             his
             Heart
             with
             musick
             and
             Dancing
             to
             offer
             sacrifice
             .
             There
             is
             Joy
             ,
             and
             Honour
             ,
             and
             Love
             in
             the
             one
             ,
             fear
             and
             constraint
             ,
             and
             shame
             in
             the
             other
             .
             That
             GOD
             should
             not
             be
             able
             to
             deserve
             our
             Love
             ,
             unless
             he
             himself
             made
             us
             to
             Love
             him
             by
             violence
             ,
             is
             the
             Greatest
             Dishonour
             to
             him
             in
             the
             World
             :
             Nor
             is
             it
             any
             Glory
             or
             Reputation
             for
             us
             ,
             who
             are
             such
             sorry
             Stewards
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             be
             entrusted
             with
             a
             little
             Liberty
             ,
             but
             we
             must
             needs
             abuse
             it
             .
          
           
             GOD
             adventured
             the
             possibility
             of
             sinning
             into
             our
             hands
             ,
             which
             he
             infinitely
             hated
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             have
             the
             Possibility
             of
             Righteous
             Actions
             ,
             which
             he
             infinitely
             Loved
             .
             Being
             a
             voluntary
             and
             free
             Agent
             ,
             he
             did
             without
             any
             Constraint
             Love
             and
             desire
             all
             that
             was
             most
             high
             and
             Supreamly
             Excellent
             of
             all
             Objects
             that
             are
             possible
             to
             be
             thought
             on
             ,
             his
             own
             Essence
             which
             is
             a
             
               Righteous
               Act
            
             is
             the
             Best
             :
             and
             the
             Righteous
             Acts
             of
             Saints
             and
             Angels
             are
             the
             Highest
             and
             Best
             next
             that
             which
             
             Creatures
             could
             perform
             :
             The
             very
             utmost
             Excellence
             of
             the
             most
             noble
             Created
             Beings
             ,
             consisted
             in
             Actions
             of
             piety
             freely
             wrought
             :
             which
             GOD
             so
             Loved
             ,
             that
             for
             their
             sake
             alone
             ,
             he
             made
             Angels
             and
             Souls
             ,
             and
             all
             Worlds
             .
             These
             Righteous
             Actions
             he
             so
             Loved
             ,
             that
             for
             their
             sake
             he
             prepared
             infinite
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             .
             All
             the
             Business
             of
             his
             Laws
             and
             Obligations
             are
             these
             
               Righteous
               Actions
            
             .
             That
             we
             might
             do
             these
             in
             a
             Righteous
             Manner
             he
             placed
             us
             in
             a
             mean
             Estate
             of
             Liberty
             and
             Tryal
             ,
             not
             like
             that
             of
             Liberty
             in
             Heaven
             where
             the
             Object
             will
             determine
             our
             Wills
             by
             its
             Amiableness
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             Liberty
             of
             Eden
             ,
             where
             we
             had
             absolute
             Power
             to
             do
             as
             we
             pleased
             ,
             and
             might
             determine
             our
             Wills
             our selves
             infinitely
             ,
             desiring
             and
             Delighting
             in
             the
             Righteous
             use
             of
             it
             ,
             hating
             and
             avoiding
             by
             infinite
             Cautions
             and
             Provisions
             all
             the
             unjust
             Actions
             that
             could
             spring
             from
             it
             .
             If
             we
             Love
             Righteous
             Actions
             as
             he
             does
             ,
             and
             are
             holy
             as
             he
             is
             holy
             ,
             in
             all
             manner
             of
             Wisdome
             and
             Righteousness
             ;
             then
             shall
             we
             delight
             in
             all
             Righteous
             Actions
             as
             he
             doth
             ,
             shall
             Love
             Vertue
             and
             Wisdome
             
             as
             he
             doth
             ,
             and
             prefer
             the
             Works
             of
             Piety
             and
             Holiness
             above
             all
             the
             Miracles
             ,
             Crowns
             and
             Scepters
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             every
             Righteous
             and
             Holy
             Deed
             will
             be
             as
             pleasing
             to
             us
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             to
             him
             :
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             will
             be
             as
             so
             many
             Trees
             of
             Righteousness
             bearing
             the
             fruit
             of
             Good
             Works
             ,
             on
             which
             we
             shall
             feast
             in
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             ;
             Or
             if
             our
             Righteous
             Souls
             be
             vexed
             ,
             as
             Lots
             Soul
             in
             Sodom
             was
             ,
             in
             seeing
             and
             hearing
             the
             unlawful
             Deeds
             of
             the
             wicked
             ,
             they
             shall
             be
             recreated
             and
             revived
             with
             the
             sight
             of
             GODS
             most
             Righteous
             Judgments
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             Beauty
             of
             his
             holy
             Ways
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             rectifies
             the
             Malignity
             of
             the
             Wicked
             ,
             overcomes
             the
             evil
             of
             their
             Deeds
             ,
             and
             turnes
             all
             the
             vices
             of
             men
             into
             his
             own
             Glory
             ,
             and
             ours
             ,
             in
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Heaven
             .
             The
             Delights
             of
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             Holiness
             are
             suitable
             to
             their
             Nature
             as
             those
             of
             Goodness
             are
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             Goodness
             :
             Which
             no
             man
             can
             enjoy
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             is
             qualified
             for
             them
             ,
             by
             the
             Principles
             of
             Goodness
             and
             Holiness
             implanted
             in
             his
             Nature
             .
             For
             as
             he
             that
             has
             no
             Eys
             ,
             wanteth
             all
             the
             Pleasures
             
             of
             sight
             ,
             so
             he
             that
             has
             no
             Knowledge
             wanteth
             all
             the
             pleasures
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             he
             that
             is
             void
             of
             Holiness
             ,
             is
             void
             of
             the
             Sence
             which
             Holiness
             inspires
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             is
             without
             Goodness
             must
             needs
             be
             without
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             for
             he
             cannot
             delight
             in
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             towards
             other
             Creatures
             .
             To
             be
             Good
             ,
             to
             be
             Holy
             ,
             to
             be
             Righteous
             is
             freely
             to
             delight
             in
             Excellent
             Actions
             which
             unless
             we
             do
             of
             our
             own
             Accord
             no
             External
             Power
             whatsoever
             can
             make
             us
             ,
             Good
             ,
             or
             Holy
             ,
             or
             Righteous
             :
             because
             no
             force
             of
             External
             Power
             can
             make
             us
             free
             ;
             whatever
             it
             is
             that
             invades
             our
             Liberty
             ,
             destroys
             it
             .
             GOD
             therefore
             may
             be
             infinitely
             Holy
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             desire
             our
             Righteous
             Actions
             ,
             tho
             he
             doth
             not
             intermeddle
             with
             our
             Liberty
             ,
             but
             leaves
             us
             to
             our selves
             ;
             having
             no
             Reserve
             but
             his
             Justice
             to
             punish
             our
             ofences
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XIII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Justice
               in
               General
               ,
               and
               Particulars
               .
               The
               Great
               Good
               it
               doth
               its
               Empires
               and
               Kingdoms
               ,
               a
               Token
               of
               the
               more
               retired
               Good
               it
               doth
               in
               the
               Soul.
               It
               s
               several
               Kinds
               .
               That
               GODS
               Punitive
               Justice
               Springs
               from
               his
               Goodness
               .
            
          
           
             THO
             following
             the
             common
             Course
             of
             Moralists
             ,
             in
             our
             Distribution
             of
             Vertues
             ,
             we
             have
             seated
             Justice
             among
             the
             Cardinal
             Moral
             ;
             yet
             upon
             second
             Thoughts
             we
             find
             reason
             to
             reduce
             it
             to
             the
             number
             of
             Divine
             Vertues
             ,
             because
             upon
             a
             more
             neer
             and
             particular
             Inspection
             ,
             we
             find
             it
             to
             be
             one
             of
             the
             Perfections
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             under
             that
             notion
             shall
             discover
             its
             Excellence
             far
             more
             compleatly
             ,
             then
             if
             we
             did
             contemplate
             its
             Nature
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             limited
             and
             bounded
             among
             the
             Actions
             of
             Men.
             
          
           
             THE
             Universal
             Justice
             of
             Angels
             and
             Men
             regards
             all
             Moral
             Actions
             and
             Vertues
             whatever
             :
             It
             is
             that
             Vertue
             
             by
             which
             we
             yield
             Obedience
             to
             all
             righteous
             and
             Holy
             Laws
             ,
             upon
             the
             Account
             of
             the
             Obligations
             that
             lye
             upon
             us
             ,
             for
             the
             Publick
             Welfare
             of
             the
             whole
             World.
             Because
             we
             Love
             to
             do
             that
             which
             is
             Right
             ,
             and
             desire
             the
             fruition
             of
             Eternal
             Rewards
             .
             There
             is
             much
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Courage
             and
             Prudence
             necessary
             to
             the
             Exercise
             of
             this
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             need
             of
             Temperance
             in
             it
             ,
             as
             any
             .
             For
             he
             that
             will
             be
             thus
             just
             must
             of
             necessity
             be
             Heroical
             ,
             in
             despising
             all
             Pleasure
             and
             Allurements
             that
             may
             soften
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             all
             fears
             and
             dangers
             that
             may
             discourage
             and
             divert
             him
             ,
             all
             inferior
             Obligations
             and
             Concernes
             that
             may
             intangle
             and
             ensnare
             him
             ,
             he
             must
             trample
             under
             foot
             all
             his
             Relations
             and
             friends
             and
             particular
             Affections
             so
             far
             as
             they
             incline
             him
             to
             partiality
             and
             sloth
             ;
             he
             must
             be
             endued
             with
             Great
             Wisdome
             to
             discern
             his
             End
             ,
             great
             Constancy
             to
             pursue
             it
             ,
             great
             Prudence
             to
             see
             into
             Temptations
             and
             Impediments
             ,
             and
             to
             lay
             hold
             on
             all
             Advantages
             and
             Means
             that
             may
             be
             improved
             ,
             he
             must
             have
             a
             Great
             Activity
             and
             Vigor
             in
             using
             them
             ,
             a
             Lively
             sence
             
             of
             his
             Obligations
             ,
             a
             transcendent
             Love
             to
             GOD
             and
             felicity
             ,
             a
             mighty
             Patience
             and
             Long-suffering
             ,
             because
             his
             Enemies
             are
             many
             ,
             his
             Condition
             low
             ,
             his
             Mark
             afar
             off
             ,
             his
             Business
             manifold
             ,
             his
             Life
             tho
             short
             in
             it self
             ,
             yet
             long
             to
             him
             ,
             his
             undertaking
             Weighty
             ,
             and
             his
             nature
             corrupted
             .
          
           
             THEY
             otherwise
             define
             Justice
             to
             be
             that
             Vertue
             by
             which
             we
             render
             unto
             all
             their
             Due
             .
             Which
             is
             of
             large
             Extent
             if
             the
             Apostles
             Commentary
             comes
             in
             for
             Explication
             ,
             
               For
               this
               Cause
               pay
               you
               Tribute
               also
               ,
               for
               they
               are
               GODS
               Ministers
               attending
               continually
               on
               this
               very
               thing
               :
               Render
               therefore
               to
               all
               their
               Dues
               ,
               Tribute
               to
               whom
               Tribute
               is
               Due
               ,
               Custom
               to
               whom
               Custom
               ,
               Fear
               to
               whom
               Fear
               ,
               Honour
               to
               whom
               Honour
               :
               One
               no
               man
               any
               thing
               ,
               but
               to
               Love
               one
               another
               for
               the
               he
               that
               Loveth
               another
               hath
               fulfilled
               Law.
            
             Kings
             ,
             and
             Magistrates
             ,
             and
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             Parents
             ,
             and
             Children
             ,
             must
             have
             all
             their
             Due
             ,
             and
             so
             must
             GOD
             ,
             Blessed
             for
             ever
             :
             Adoration
             ,
             to
             whom
             Adoration
             is
             due
             ,
             and
             Obedience
             ,
             to
             whom
             Obedience
             .
             In
             strict
             Justice
             we
             must
             render
             Hatred
             to
             whom
             Hatred
             is
             Due
             ,
             and
             Love
             to
             whom
             Love.
             Hope
             
             is
             due
             to
             certain
             Grounds
             of
             Encouragemeut
             ,
             and
             Sorrow
             to
             certain
             sorrowful
             Objects
             .
             But
             all
             our
             Passions
             must
             still
             be
             guided
             by
             the
             Rule
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             Actions
             as
             Honour
             and
             Equity
             require
             .
          
           
             PARTICULAR
             Justice
             is
             conversant
             in
             the
             Distribution
             of
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             ,
             or
             else
             it
             observes
             the
             Rules
             of
             Equity
             and
             Reason
             in
             Buying
             and
             Selling.
             It
             is
             called
             particular
             ,
             because
             the
             Excercise
             of
             it
             is
             not
             allotted
             to
             all
             ,
             the
             Power
             of
             rendring
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             being
             committed
             to
             a
             few
             ,
             namely
             to
             the
             Magistrates
             :
             and
             among
             Private
             persons
             many
             not
             at
             all
             accustomed
             to
             Buying
             and
             Selling.
             This
             Vertue
             ,
             being
             to
             be
             exercised
             by
             some
             particular
             men
             ,
             is
             particular
             Justice
             .
             However
             it
             has
             occasioned
             a
             Distinction
             in
             the
             Thing
             ,
             whereby
             Justice
             is
             divided
             into
             Distributive
             and
             Commutative
             :
             the
             one
             being
             used
             in
             Courts
             of
             Judicature
             ,
             the
             other
             in
             the
             Market
             .
          
           
             IT
             was
             a
             notable
             Observation
             of
             Plato
             ,
             that
             by
             reason
             of
             our
             Dim
             Eyes
             we
             are
             not
             able
             to
             see
             immediately
             what
             Vertue
             does
             in
             Secret
             in
             the
             Soul.
             And
             therefore
             he
             sayes
             ,
             that
             as
             an
             Old
             man
             
             that
             is
             blear-ey'd
             if
             he
             hath
             something
             given
             him
             to
             read
             in
             little
             Characters
             ,
             finds
             it
             necessary
             first
             to
             see
             the
             same
             in
             Capital
             Letters
             ;
             so
             to
             observe
             first
             what
             Vertue
             doth
             in
             a
             Commonwealth
             ,
             is
             expedient
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             would
             understand
             what
             it
             doth
             in
             his
             own
             Soul.
             The
             Throne
             is
             upholden
             by
             Justice
             ,
             the
             Majesty
             of
             Kings
             ,
             and
             the
             Glory
             of
             Kingdomes
             is
             preserved
             by
             Justice
             .
             When
             Vertue
             is
             rewarded
             ,
             and
             Vice
             supprest
             ,
             the
             City
             flourisheth
             ,
             as
             the
             Laws
             are
             the
             Rampart
             of
             Mens
             Estates
             ,
             Justice
             is
             the
             Rampart
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             the
             Guardian
             Angels
             of
             every
             family
             ,
             State
             and
             Kingdome
             .
             Kings
             and
             Counsellors
             ,
             and
             Priests
             ,
             and
             Soldiers
             ,
             and
             Tradesmen
             ,
             have
             all
             their
             several
             Office
             ,
             and
             proper
             Duty
             in
             a
             Kingdome
             :
             and
             that
             Nation
             is
             blessed
             (
             with
             order
             and
             Beauty
             )
             where
             every
             one
             contains
             himself
             in
             his
             proper
             Duty
             .
             But
             where
             Tradesmen
             invade
             the
             Priests
             office
             and
             defile
             the
             Altar
             ,
             the
             Soldiers
             turn
             Counsellors
             ,
             and
             every
             Consellor
             deposes
             the
             King
             ,
             nothing
             but
             Confusion
             can
             follow
             in
             such
             a
             State.
             The
             Senses
             and
             Members
             of
             the
             Body
             are
             like
             Tradesmen
             they
             traffick
             with
             sensible
             Objects
             ,
             
             the
             Irascible
             passions
             of
             the
             Soul
             are
             Soldiers
             ,
             and
             very
             apt
             to
             rebel
             and
             Mutiny
             ;
             the
             Conscience
             is
             the
             Priest
             in
             the
             Temple
             of
             the
             Mind
             ;
             Right
             Reason
             is
             the
             King
             ,
             and
             the
             Concupiscible
             Affections
             or
             smoother
             Passions
             ,
             especially
             Avarice
             and
             Ambition
             may
             pass
             for
             Counsellors
             .
             They
             may
             do
             well
             to
             put
             a
             man
             in
             mind
             of
             his
             Interest
             ,
             but
             when
             they
             depose
             Right
             Reason
             ,
             and
             usurp
             the
             Throne
             ,
             Ruine
             must
             follow
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             Passions
             will
             turn
             Consellors
             ,
             the
             Trades-men
             invade
             the
             Temple
             ,
             and
             all
             Rights
             (
             Sacred
             and
             Profane
             )
             be
             blended
             together
             .
             To
             sell
             offices
             of
             Trust
             and
             Places
             of
             Judicature
             ,
             is
             for
             a
             King
             to
             do
             that
             himself
             which
             Rebels
             attempt
             in
             violence
             ;
             to
             put
             unworthy
             men
             in
             places
             of
             Trust
             promiscuously
             ,
             that
             will
             sell
             Justice
             by
             Retail
             ,
             as
             they
             bought
             it
             by
             Whole
             Sale.
             Justice
             is
             a
             a
             Severe
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             will
             keep
             up
             all
             the
             Faculties
             of
             the
             Soul
             upon
             hard
             Duty
             .
             For
             otherwise
             it
             would
             not
             pay
             to
             Felicity
             its
             Due
             :
             But
             where
             its
             Care
             is
             remiss
             in
             taking
             an
             Account
             ,
             and
             solid
             Goods
             are
             barterd
             away
             to
             counterfeit
             false
             Commodities
             ,
             the
             Soul
             will
             grow
             loose
             and
             poor
             in
             a
             moment
             :
             All
             
             its
             Powers
             subordinate
             and
             Superior
             will
             forget
             their
             Duty
             ,
             and
             the
             Healthy
             Estate
             of
             the
             Mind
             fall
             into
             Anarchy
             and
             Confusion
             .
             All
             its
             Hopes
             and
             Felicities
             will
             be
             lost
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             that
             Justice
             which
             Distributes
             to
             every
             Power
             its
             proper
             office
             .
          
           
             THERE
             are
             two
             passages
             that
             I
             mightily
             desire
             to
             be
             imprinted
             in
             the
             Memory
             of
             all
             the
             World
             :
             and
             they
             are
             both
             of
             our
             Saviour
             .
             The
             one
             is
             ,
             
               He
               that
               is
               faithful
               in
               a
               little
               ,
               shall
               be
               Ruler
               over
               much
               :
            
             The
             other
             is
             this
             ,
             
               Who
               then
               is
               that
               faithful
               and
               Wise
               Servant
               ,
               whom
               his
               Lord
               hath
               made
               Ruler
               over
               his
               Houshold
               ,
               to
               give
               them
               meat
               in
               due
               season
               :
               Blessed
               is
               that
               Servant
               ,
               whom
               his
               Lord
               when
               he
               cometh
               shall
               find
               so
               doing
               .
               He
               that
               is
               faithful
               in
               a
               little
               ,
               is
               faithful
               also
               in
               much
               .
            
             To
             be
             Just
             in
             a
             little
             Silver
             and
             Gold
             ,
             and
             accurate
             in
             deciding
             Causes
             between
             a
             Man
             and
             his
             Neighbour
             ,
             are
             Actions
             that
             in
             their
             own
             Nature
             seem
             to
             have
             little
             tendency
             to
             Bliss
             and
             Glory
             .
             But
             when
             we
             consider
             that
             we
             are
             Servants
             for
             a
             time
             ,
             entrusted
             by
             a
             Lord
             ,
             that
             will
             come
             and
             examine
             what
             we
             have
             done
             ,
             we
             are
             not
             to
             measure
             our
             Hopes
             by
             those
             little
             Acts
             ,
             as
             
             they
             determine
             in
             a
             Moment
             ,
             but
             in
             relation
             to
             the
             Recompences
             which
             our
             Lord
             will
             give
             when
             he
             cometh
             .
             For
             our
             Saviour
             hath
             added
             ,
             
               Blessed
               is
               that
               Servant
            
             &c.
             
             
               Verily
               I
               say
               unto
               you
               that
               he
               shall
               make
               him
               Ruler
               over
               all
               his
               Goods
               .
               But
               and
               if
               that
               evil
               Servant
               shall
               say
               in
               his
               Heart
               my
               Lord
               delayeth
               his
               Coming
               ;
               and
               shall
               begin
               to
               smite
               his
               fellow
               Servants
               ,
               and
               to
               eat
               and
               drink
               with
               the
               Drunken
               ,
               the
               Lord
               of
               that
               Servant
               shall
               come
               in
               a
               day
               when
               he
               looketh
               not
               for
               him
               ,
               and
               in
               an
               hour
               that
               he
               is
               not
               ware
               of
               ,
               and
               shall
               cut
               him
               asunder
               ,
               and
               appoint
               him
               his
               portion
               with
               Hypocrites
               ,
               there
               shall
               be
               Weeping
               and
               gnashing
               of
               Teeth
               .
            
          
           
             IF
             GOD
             should
             be
             loose
             and
             careless
             in
             his
             Kingdome
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             infinitely
             Greater
             then
             all
             other
             Dominions
             ,
             so
             would
             it
             quickly
             be
             more
             full
             of
             confusions
             :
             Especially
             Since
             the
             King
             would
             then
             himself
             be
             so
             loose
             and
             Careless
             .
             For
             Licence
             and
             profaness
             are
             of
             a
             spreading
             Nature
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             the
             King
             is
             ,
             such
             is
             the
             people
             .
             The
             vices
             of
             Kings
             do
             always
             punish
             themselves
             in
             the
             Imitation
             of
             their
             subjects
             ,
             especially
             where
             the
             Distinction
             between
             Profane
             and
             Holy
             is
             lost
             ,
             and
             
             there
             is
             no
             Hope
             and
             Fear
             of
             Punishments
             or
             Rewards
             .
             If
             GOD
             should
             declare
             it
             by
             any
             Act
             of
             his
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             Thing
             indifferent
             whether
             men
             did
             well
             or
             ill
             ;
             it
             would
             mightily
             abate
             the
             Rectitude
             of
             his
             nature
             ,
             and
             Eclipse
             his
             Majesty
             .
             His
             Sovereignty
             would
             be
             slighted
             ,
             and
             his
             Will
             despised
             ,
             which
             ought
             infinitely
             to
             be
             dreaded
             .
             While
             Justice
             is
             infinite
             and
             there
             is
             an
             infinite
             difference
             put
             between
             Good
             and
             Evil
             ,
             his
             Creatures
             we
             see
             are
             apt
             to
             abuse
             their
             Liberty
             ,
             and
             Rebel
             ,
             and
             become
             Apostates
             ;
             tho
             they
             have
             an
             infinite
             pleasure
             to
             aspire
             after
             ,
             and
             an
             infinite
             destruction
             ,
             or
             Wrath
             to
             fear
             .
             What
             would
             they
             do
             ,
             if
             the
             Divine
             Will
             were
             feeble
             and
             remiss
             ,
             and
             exacted
             no
             reverence
             to
             its
             Law
             and
             Pleasure
             ?
             It
             is
             the
             Height
             and
             Glory
             of
             GOD
             ,
             that
             he
             sets
             an
             infinite
             Rate
             upon
             Excellent
             Deeds
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             detests
             and
             abhors
             the
             Wicked
             .
             Their
             last
             ends
             are
             not
             more
             distant
             then
             their
             first
             Beginnings
             ;
             in
             his
             Esteem
             ,
             and
             Displeasure
             .
             Because
             he
             is
             infinitely
             Offended
             and
             displeased
             at
             Evil
             Deeds
             ,
             he
             guards
             and
             fortifies
             his
             Law
             ,
             deterres
             men
             from
             displeasing
             him
             by
             the
             fear
             
             of
             infinite
             Punishments
             ;
             Encourages
             men
             to
             please
             him
             by
             proposing
             infinite
             Rewards
             ,
             and
             the
             Truth
             is
             the
             infinite
             Approbation
             and
             Esteem
             which
             he
             hath
             for
             Wise
             and
             Holy
             Deeds
             ,
             produceth
             a
             Delight
             and
             Complacency
             in
             them
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             principal
             Part
             of
             the
             Reward
             .
             Nothing
             is
             more
             honourable
             then
             to
             be
             Praised
             and
             honoured
             by
             the
             King
             of
             Kings
             ;
             The
             infinite
             Hatred
             of
             Evil
             Deeds
             is
             the
             very
             Torment
             it self
             ,
             that
             afflicts
             the
             Wicked
             .
             T
             is
             but
             to
             see
             how
             much
             we
             are
             hated
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             how
             base
             the
             Action
             is
             ,
             no
             other
             fire
             is
             needful
             to
             Hell
             :
             The
             Devils
             chiefest
             Hell
             is
             in
             the
             Conscience
             .
             They
             are
             obdurate
             and
             feared
             that
             cannot
             discern
             and
             feel
             .
             —
             The
             Wound
             which
             they
             inflict
             on
             themselves
             ,
             who
             grieve
             and
             offend
             their
             Creator
             .
             It
             is
             easie
             to
             see
             ,
             the
             Necessity
             of
             that
             Justice
             which
             springs
             from
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             that
             GOD
             could
             not
             be
             infinitely
             Holy
             ,
             were
             he
             not
             infinitely
             Just
             in
             like
             manner
             .
          
           
             THAT
             his
             
               Punitive
               Justice
            
             springs
             from
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             is
             next
             to
             be
             observed
             .
             He
             punishes
             them
             that
             are
             hurtfull
             to
             others
             .
             He
             is
             most
             severe
             in
             
             pleading
             the
             Cause
             of
             the
             Fatherless
             and
             the
             Widow
             .
             Himself
             is
             persecuted
             when
             his
             Saints
             are
             molested
             :
             and
             he
             faults
             for
             which
             the
             untoward
             servant
             was
             punished
             ,
             are
             particularly
             those
             of
             
               beating
               his
               fellow
               Seruants
            
             .
             A
             good
             man
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             tender
             and
             compassionate
             he
             is
             ,
             by
             so
             much
             the
             more
             is
             he
             provoked
             at
             any
             gross
             Affront
             or
             abuse
             of
             the
             Innocent
             .
             Every
             soul
             is
             the
             Bride
             of
             GOD
             :
             and
             his
             own
             infinite
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             deserves
             infinite
             Love
             ,
             is
             infinitely
             Beloved
             by
             him
             .
             He
             infinitely
             tenders
             it
             and
             avoids
             its
             least
             Displeasure
             :
             but
             its
             Displeasure
             is
             infinite
             at
             every
             Sin
             ,
             and
             consequently
             his
             Anger
             ,
             when
             such
             a
             Sovereign
             Beauty
             as
             his
             infinite
             Goodness
             ,
             is
             offended
             by
             it
             .
          
           
             THE
             foundation
             of
             his
             Righteous
             Kingdome
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Room
             prepared
             for
             his
             Eternal
             Justice
             to
             act
             in
             ,
             is
             infinitely
             deeper
             ,
             and
             must
             in
             other
             Discourses
             more
             full
             and
             copious
             (
             on
             that
             Theme
             )
             be
             shewn
             .
             And
             to
             those
             we
             refer
             you
             .
             All
             we
             shall
             observe
             here
             is
             ,
             that
             this
             Punitive
             Justice
             being
             GODS
             infinite
             Zeal
             whereby
             he
             vindicates
             
             his
             abused
             Goodness
             :
             His
             Goodness
             must
             of
             necessity
             proceed
             it
             ,
             and
             be
             abused
             ,
             before
             he
             can
             be
             Angry
             ,
             and
             before
             his
             Anger
             can
             be
             accounted
             Justice
             .
             His
             Dominion
             is
             infinite
             ,
             but
             cannot
             be
             Arbitrary
             (
             in
             a
             loose
             Construction
             )
             because
             it
             is
             infinitely
             Divine
             and
             Glorious
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIV
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Mercy
               ,
               The
               indelible
               Stain
               and
               Guilt
               of
               Sin.
               Of
               the
               Kingdom
               which
               GOD
               recovered
               by
               Mercy
               ,
               The
               transcendent
               Nature
               of
               that
               Duty
               ,
               with
               its
               Effects
               and
               Benefits
               .
            
          
           
             SUCH
             is
             the
             infinite
             Justice
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Severity
             of
             his
             Displeasure
             at
             Sin
             ,
             his
             Holiness
             so
             Pure
             ,
             and
             his
             Nature
             so
             irreconcilable
             ,
             his
             Hatred
             so
             real
             and
             infinite
             against
             it
             ,
             that
             when
             a
             Sin
             is
             committed
             ,
             his
             Soul
             is
             alienated
             from
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             Crime
             ,
             and
             his
             infinite
             Displeasure
             will
             ever
             see
             the
             Obliquity
             ,
             and
             ever
             loath
             the
             Deformity
             therein
             .
          
           
             THE
             Person
             of
             a
             man
             is
             concerned
             
             in
             (
             and
             always
             represented
             in
             the
             Glass
             of
             )
             his
             Action
             .
             Union
             between
             him
             and
             his
             Deeds
             is
             Marvellous
             .
             T
             is
             so
             close
             ,
             that
             his
             Soul
             it self
             is
             hated
             or
             Beloved
             in
             his
             Actions
             .
             As
             long
             as
             it
             appeareth
             in
             that
             deed
             which
             is
             Odious
             and
             Deformed
             ,
             he
             can
             never
             be
             Beloved
             .
          
           
             HOW
             slight
             soever
             our
             Thoughts
             of
             Sin
             are
             ,
             the
             least
             Sin
             is
             of
             infinite
             Demerit
             ,
             because
             it
             breaketh
             the
             Union
             between
             God
             and
             the
             Soul
             ,
             bereaveth
             him
             of
             his
             Desire
             ,
             blasteth
             his
             Image
             ,
             corrupteth
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             is
             committed
             against
             infinite
             Goodness
             and
             Majesty
             ,
             being
             as
             the
             Scripture
             speaketh
             
               Exceeding
               sinful
            
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             committed
             against
             infinite
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             displeasing
             to
             all
             the
             Glorious
             Angels
             ,
             abominable
             to
             all
             the
             Wise
             and
             Holy
             ,
             utterly
             against
             all
             the
             Rules
             of
             Reason
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             Opposite
             to
             the
             Holiness
             God
             ,
             who
             is
             of
             purer
             Eys
             then
             to
             behold
             the
             least
             Iniquity
             .
             So
             that
             unless
             there
             be
             some
             way
             found
             out
             to
             deliver
             the
             Soul
             from
             the
             Guilt
             of
             Sin
             ,
             to
             blot
             out
             the
             Act
             and
             to
             purifie
             it
             from
             the
             Stain
             ,
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Reconciliation
             between
             GOD
             and
             
             a
             Sinner
             .
             That
             an
             offence
             so
             infinite
             should
             be
             Eternally
             punished
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             reasonable
             thing
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             NOTHING
             but
             infinite
             power
             and
             Wisdome
             is
             able
             to
             wash
             away
             Leprosie
             of
             guilt
             ,
             and
             to
             restore
             the
             Soul
             to
             its
             former
             Beauty
             and
             Perfection
             .
             Without
             which
             all
             Pardon
             is
             vain
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             dishonourable
             ,
             and
             sick
             unto
             Death
             ,
             as
             long
             as
             the
             shame
             and
             Confusion
             of
             its
             Guilt
             does
             lie
             upon
             it
             .
             Which
             cannot
             be
             removed
             by
             feeble
             Tears
             ,
             nor
             by
             Acts
             of
             Indignation
             against
             our selves
             ,
             nor
             by
             any
             Penitence
             or
             Sorrow
             of
             ours
             .
             For
             if
             these
             could
             prevail
             ,
             the
             Divels
             might
             repent
             ,
             and
             be
             cleared
             of
             their
             Trespasses
             ;
             long
             agoe
             .
          
           
             THAT
             no
             Law
             of
             Works
             can
             justifie
             Sinners
             is
             evident
             enough
             from
             that
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               For
               if
               there
               had
               been
               a
               Law
               given
               which
               could
               have
               given
               Life
               ,
               verily
               Righteousness
               should
               have
               been
               by
               the
               Law.
            
             
             GOD
             was
             not
             so
             prodigal
             ,
             as
             without
             an
             infinite
             Cause
             to
             expend
             the
             Blood
             of
             his
             Son.
             And
             the
             principal
             Cause
             for
             which
             he
             came
             ,
             was
             that
             he
             might
             
               be
               made
               a
               Curse
            
             and
             Sin
             for
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             be
             delivered
             
             from
             the
             Curse
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             and
             be
             made
             
               the
               Righteousness
               of
               GOD
               in
               him
               .
            
             
          
           
             THE
             reason
             why
             the
             Devils
             cannot
             he
             saved
             ,
             is
             because
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             
               took
               not
               upon
               him
               the
               Nature
               of
               Angels
               ,
               but
               the
               seed
               of
               Abraham
               .
            
             And
             there
             is
             no
             other
             name
             given
             under
             Heaven
             among
             men
             whereby
             we
             may
             be
             saved
             ,
             but
             only
             the
             name
             of
             Jesus
             ,
             who
             offered
             up
             himself
             a
             sacrifice
             for
             us
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             purifie
             to
             himself
             a
             peculiar
             people
             Zealous
             of
             Good
             Work.
             He
             pacified
             the
             Wrath
             of
             God
             by
             his
             Death
             ,
             and
             satisfied
             his
             Justice
             in
             our
             nature
             ,
             and
             washed
             us
             in
             his
             Blood
             ,
             and
             made
             us
             Kings
             and
             Priests
             unto
             GOD.
             To
             him
             be
             Glory
             and
             Dominion
             forever
             .
             Amen
             ,
          
           
             IT
             was
             the
             Design
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             it
             became
             the
             Mercy
             of
             GOD
             in
             our
             redemption
             ,
             to
             take
             away
             all
             the
             filth
             and
             Deformity
             of
             Guilt
             ,
             in
             which
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Power
             appeareth
             .
             
             
               Even
               as
               Christ
               also
               Loved
               his
               Church
               ,
               and
               gave
               himself
               for
               it
               ,
               ;
               that
               he
               might
               Sanctifie
               and
               cleanse
               it
               with
               the
               washing
               of
               Water
               ,
               by
               the
               Word
               ,
               That
               he
               might
               present
               it
               to
               himself
               a
               
               Glorious
               Church
               ,
               not
               having
               Spot
               ,
               or
               Wrinkle
               ,
               or
               any
               such
               thing
               ,
               but
               that
               it
               might
               be
               holy
               and
               without
               Blemish
               .
            
             For
             the
             Church
             of
             GOD
             being
             his
             Bride
             ,
             and
             we
             
               Members
               of
               his
               Body
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               Flesh
               ,
               and
               of
               his
               Bones
            
             ;
             it
             was
             meet
             that
             we
             should
             be
             restored
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             if
             not
             recover
             the
             same
             ,
             enjoy
             a
             Better
             Righteousness
             than
             we
             had
             before
             .
             
          
           
             THE
             Light
             of
             Nature
             could
             discover
             nothing
             of
             all
             this
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             was
             taught
             by
             Revelations
             ,
             and
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             Oracles
             from
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             AS
             all
             things
             before
             his
             fall
             were
             subservient
             to
             mans
             Glory
             and
             blessedness
             ,
             so
             all
             things
             after
             his
             fall
             became
             opposite
             to
             him
             ;
             all
             creatures
             up
             braided
             him
             with
             his
             Guilt
             ,
             every
             thing
             aggravated
             his
             Sin
             and
             increased
             his
             Damnation
             .
             The
             glory
             and
             Blessedness
             which
             he
             lost
             was
             his
             Torment
             ,
             the
             Honour
             which
             he
             had
             before
             ,
             was
             turned
             into
             shame
             ;
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             which
             he
             had
             offended
             ,
             increased
             his
             Guilt
             ,
             Eternity
             was
             a
             Horror
             to
             him
             ,
             his
             Conscience
             a
             Tormentor
             ,
             and
             his
             Life
             a
             Burden
             ;
             Nothing
             but
             shame
             and
             Despair
             could
             follow
             his
             Sin
             ,
             the
             Light
             of
             nature
             it selfe
             condemned
             him
             ,
             and
             
             all
             that
             he
             could
             see
             was
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             deformed
             ,
             and
             hated
             of
             God.
             For
             that
             of
             the
             Psalmist
             is
             an
             Eternal
             verity
             ,
             
               Thou
               art
               not
               a
               GOD
               that
               hath
               pleasure
               in
               Wickedness
               ,
               
               neither
               shall
               Evil
               dwell
               with
               thee
               :
               The
               Foolish
               shall
               not
               stand
               in
               thy
               sight
               ,
               thou
               hatest
               all
               Workers
               of
               iniquity
               :
               Thou
               shalt
               destroy
               them
               that
               speak
               leasing
               :
               The
               Lord
               will
               abhor
               the
               Bloody
               and
               Deceitful
               man.
               
            
          
           
             THE
             Express
             Declaration
             of
             GOD
             assured
             Adam
             ,
             that
             his
             Recovery
             was
             impossible
             ,
             
               In
               the
               Day
               that
               thou
               eatest
               thereof
               thou
               shalt
               die
               the
               Death
               .
            
             For
             not
             being
             able
             to
             dive
             into
             the
             Secret
             Reservation
             ,
             which
             depended
             absolutely
             upon
             Gods
             holy
             Will
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             as
             an
             Act
             of
             Sovereignty
             above
             the
             Tenor
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             all
             that
             he
             could
             see
             was
             ,
             that
             he
             must
             
               die
               the
               Death
            
             ,
             because
             the
             Veracity
             of
             GOD
             (
             as
             well
             as
             his
             nature
             )
             obliged
             him
             to
             fulfil
             the
             Denunciation
             of
             the
             Sentence
             :
             at
             least
             as
             Adam
             conceived
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             midst
             of
             this
             Black
             and
             Horrid
             Condition
             ,
             the
             Mercy
             of
             GOD
             appeared
             like
             a
             Morning
             Star
             ,
             and
             the
             Redeeming
             Love
             of
             GOD
             was
             that
             alone
             which
             was
             able
             by
             its
             Discovery
             
             to
             dispell
             the
             Mystes
             of
             Darkness
             that
             were
             round
             about
             him
             .
          
           
             AS
             all
             things
             were
             before
             turned
             into
             Evil
             ,
             by
             the
             force
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             conspired
             to
             sink
             him
             lower
             into
             the
             Bottomless
             Pit
             ;
             so
             all
             the
             Evils
             of
             his
             present
             condition
             were
             ,
             by
             this
             infinite
             Mercy
             ,
             turned
             to
             his
             Advantage
             ,
             and
             his
             Condition
             in
             many
             Respects
             far
             better
             than
             before
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             fit
             to
             see
             how
             Sin
             enfeebled
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             made
             him
             unable
             to
             serve
             GOD
             ;
             that
             we
             might
             the
             better
             understand
             the
             Manner
             of
             his
             Recovery
             ,
             and
             how
             his
             Spiritual
             Life
             and
             Power
             is
             restored
             ,
             in
             the
             new
             strength
             which
             he
             received
             in
             his
             Saviour
             .
          
           
             THE
             Atcount
             of
             it
             is
             this
             :
             By
             his
             
               self
               Love
            
             he
             was
             prone
             to
             desire
             all
             that
             was
             Profitable
             and
             Delightful
             to
             him
             :
             While
             therefore
             GOD
             infinitely
             Loved
             him
             ,
             being
             apparently
             the
             fountain
             of
             all
             his
             Happiness
             ,
             he
             could
             not
             chuse
             ,
             (
             as
             long
             as
             he
             considered
             it
             )
             but
             Love
             GOD
             and
             Delight
             in
             him
             ,
             it
             was
             natural
             and
             Easie
             to
             celebrate
             his
             Praises
             .
             But
             when
             he
             was
             hated
             of
             GOD
             ,
             tho
             he
             could
             not
             chuse
             but
             acknowledge
             that
             hatred
             Just
             ;
             yet
             his
             
             Self
             Love
             made
             him
             to
             look
             upon
             GOD
             in
             a
             Malevolent
             manner
             ,
             as
             his
             Greatest
             Enemy
             and
             his
             Eternal
             Tormentor
             .
             All
             that
             was
             in
             GOD
             was
             a
             Terror
             to
             him
             .
             His
             power
             ,
             his
             Eternity
             ,
             his
             Justice
             ,
             his
             Holiness
             ,
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             his
             Wisdome
             ,
             his
             Unalterable
             Blessedness
             ,
             all
             was
             a
             grief
             and
             Terror
             to
             his
             Soul
             ,
             as
             long
             as
             the
             Hatred
             of
             GOD
             continued
             ,
             against
             him
             it
             made
             him
             desperate
             to
             think
             it
             would
             continue
             forever
             ,
             and
             reduced
             him
             to
             the
             miserable
             slavery
             of
             hating
             GOD
             even
             to
             all
             Eternity
             .
          
           
             BUT
             when
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             towards
             Man
             appeared
             ,
             the
             Joy
             wherewith
             he
             was
             surprized
             ,
             was
             ,
             in
             all
             Likelyhood
             ,
             so
             far
             beyond
             his
             Expectation
             ,
             and
             his
             Redemption
             so
             far
             above
             the
             Powers
             of
             Nature
             ,
             that
             his
             very
             Guilt
             and
             Despair
             enflamed
             him
             with
             Love.
             GOD
             appeared
             now
             so
             Welcome
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             so
             Lovely
             above
             all
             that
             was
             before
             ,
             that
             it
             was
             impossible
             for
             him
             to
             look
             upon
             GOD
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             Love
             him
             with
             Greater
             Emazement
             and
             Ardor
             then
             ever
             .
             Self
             Love
             ,
             that
             Before
             compelled
             him
             to
             hate
             GOD
             ,
             carried
             him
             now
             most
             violently
             to
             the
             Love
             
             of
             GOD
             ;
             and
             the
             Truth
             is
             ,
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             in
             the
             Eye
             of
             the
             Understanding
             ,
             is
             the
             influence
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             proceeding
             from
             the
             Father
             by
             the
             Son
             into
             the
             Soul
             of
             the
             Spectator
             .
             For
             GOD
             is
             Love
             ,
             and
             we
             therefore
             Love
             him
             ,
             because
             he
             first
             Loved
             us
             .
             A
             faln
             man
             is
             Still
             a
             reasonable
             Creature
             ,
             and
             having
             more
             reason
             to
             Love
             GOD
             then
             he
             had
             before
             ,
             is
             by
             the
             pure
             Nature
             of
             his
             Essence
             infinitely
             more
             prone
             to
             Love
             GOD
             and
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             praise
             him
             for
             ever
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             so
             mercifully
             and
             so
             Strangely
             restored
             .
             Thus
             are
             we
             in
             Christ
             restored
             to
             the
             Exercise
             of
             that
             Power
             which
             we
             lost
             by
             Sin
             :
             But
             without
             him
             we
             can
             do
             Nothing
             .
          
           
             WHEN
             all
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             was
             at
             an
             End
             by
             the
             fall
             of
             man
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Labor
             of
             the
             Creation
             lost
             ,
             by
             the
             Perversness
             of
             him
             for
             whom
             the
             whole
             World
             was
             made
             ;
             GOD
             by
             his
             Mercy
             recovered
             it
             ,
             and
             raised
             it
             out
             of
             the
             Rubbish
             of
             its
             Ruines
             ,
             more
             Glorious
             than
             before
             .
             Which
             is
             the
             chief
             reason
             for
             the
             sake
             for
             which
             we
             introduce
             the
             Mercy
             of
             GOD
             ,
             as
             our
             best
             pattern
             .
             For
             when
             a
             man
             has
             injured
             us
             ,
             by
             Nature
             there
             is
             an
             End
             of
             all
             the
             
             Lovely
             Exercises
             of
             Peace
             and
             Amity
             .
             If
             natural
             Justice
             should
             be
             strictly
             observed
             ;
             but
             then
             the
             Season
             of
             Grace
             arrives
             ,
             and
             the
             Excellencie
             of
             Mercy
             shews
             it self
             in
             the
             Lustre
             of
             its
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             so
             our
             Empire
             is
             continued
             ,
             our
             loss
             retrived
             :
             For
             by
             shewing
             Mercy
             we
             often
             recover
             the
             Love
             of
             an
             Enemy
             ,
             and
             restore
             a
             Criminal
             to
             the
             Joy
             of
             our
             freindship
             .
             We
             lengthenout
             our
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Heighten
             its
             measure
             ;
             we
             make
             it
             victorious
             ,
             and
             cloath
             it
             with
             a
             Glory
             above
             the
             course
             of
             Nature
             .
             And
             all
             this
             we
             are
             enabled
             to
             do
             by
             Coming
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             hath
             restored
             us
             to
             the
             Hope
             of
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             taught
             us
             a
             Way
             to
             increase
             our
             own
             Goodness
             by
             other
             mens
             Evils
             ,
             to
             turn
             the
             vices
             of
             others
             into
             our
             own
             Vertues
             ,
             and
             to
             Live
             a
             Miraculous
             Life
             of
             Worth
             and
             Excellency
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Enemies
             ,
             Dealing
             with
             men
             better
             than
             they
             deserve
             ,
             adornig
             our selves
             with
             Trophies
             by
             the
             Advantages
             of
             their
             vileness
             ,
             making
             our selves
             more
             Honourable
             by
             the
             Ignominy
             they
             cast
             upon
             us
             ,
             more
             Lovely
             and
             Desirable
             by
             the
             Hatred
             which
             they
             bear
             towards
             us
             .
          
           
             THE
             foundations
             upon
             which
             we
             
             Exercise
             this
             Vertue
             ,
             are
             wholy
             Supernatural
             .
             To
             be
             kind
             to
             the
             innocent
             is
             but
             Justice
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             Kind
             to
             the
             Malevolent
             is
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             .
             And
             this
             we
             must
             do
             ,
             
               because
               our
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               Causeth
               his
               Sun
               to
               rise
               on
               the
               Just
               and
               the
               unjust
               and
               his
               Rain
               to
               descend
               on
               the
               Righteous
               and
               the
               Wicked
               .
            
             Because
             Mercy
             is
             the
             Head
             Spring
             of
             all
             our
             Felicities
             ,
             therefore
             should
             we
             shew
             Mercy
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             obtained
             Mercy
             .
             As
             the
             Blood
             was
             sprinkled
             upon
             the
             Tabernacle
             and
             all
             its
             Utensils
             ;
             so
             is
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             upon
             the
             Heathens
             ,
             and
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             Enjoyments
             .
             They
             are
             Daily
             Monitors
             of
             Mercy
             to
             us
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             purchased
             by
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ.
             For
             of
             him
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             Heavens
             declare
             the
             Glory
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             firmament
             sheweth
             his
             Handy
             work
             to
             us
             sinners
             at
             this
             day
             .
             The
             Salvation
             of
             Sinners
             being
             the
             only
             End
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             which
             we
             can
             be
             permitted
             now
             to
             enjoy
             them
             .
          
           
             THE
             Incarnation
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             is
             an
             incredible
             mystery
             to
             them
             ,
             that
             do
             not
             consider
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             towards
             Men
             ,
             in
             the
             Creation
             of
             the
             World.
             But
             they
             that
             measure
             
             it
             by
             his
             Laws
             and
             works
             ,
             and
             see
             it
             in
             the
             value
             of
             their
             own
             Souls
             ,
             would
             think
             it
             very
             Strange
             ,
             if
             that
             Love
             which
             appeareth
             so
             infinite
             in
             all
             other
             things
             ,
             should
             be
             defective
             only
             in
             its
             Ways
             of
             Providence
             .
             They
             easily
             believe
             ,
             it
             may
             express
             it self
             in
             the
             Incarnation
             .
             Especially
             Since
             all
             Ages
             are
             Beautified
             with
             the
             Effects
             and
             Demonstrations
             of
             this
             verity
             ,
             that
             
               GOD
               so
               Loved
               the
               World
               ,
               that
               he
               gave
               his
               only
               begotten
               Son
               ,
               that
               whosoever
               believeth
               in
               him
               should
               not
               perish
               but
               have
               Everlasting
               Life
               .
            
             For
             Love
             is
             apt
             to
             transform
             it self
             into
             all
             shapes
             ,
             that
             the
             necessity
             of
             its
             Object
             requires
             ;
             and
             as
             prone
             to
             suffer
             as
             rejoyce
             with
             it
             ,
             as
             apt
             to
             suffer
             for
             it
             ,
             as
             with
             it
             .
             Many
             fathers
             have
             died
             for
             their
             Children
             ,
             many
             for
             their
             Country
             ,
             but
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             exceedeth
             them
             all
             .
             To
             be
             beloved
             in
             our
             Guilt
             is
             exceeding
             Wonderful
             :
             but
             this
             also
             is
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             Love
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             provoked
             with
             the
             Guilt
             ,
             or
             moved
             with
             Compassion
             at
             the
             misery
             of
             a
             Sinner
             .
          
           
             WHERE
             the
             Love
             is
             extreamly
             violent
             ,
             and
             the
             weak
             Estate
             of
             the
             Object
             fit
             for
             Compassion
             ,
             it
             is
             more
             inclined
             
             to
             Pity
             than
             Revenge
             :
             Tho
             where
             the
             Object
             is
             strong
             ,
             and
             endued
             with
             all
             advantages
             ,
             it
             is
             more
             offended
             at
             the
             Outrage
             of
             its
             Rebellion
             .
          
           
             WHETHER
             we
             consider
             the
             Nature
             of
             Man
             ,
             or
             his
             Estate
             before
             the
             Fall
             ,
             we
             have
             some
             reason
             to
             believe
             that
             he
             was
             more
             Beloved
             then
             the
             Holy
             Angels
             for
             there
             was
             more
             exquisite
             Care
             and
             Art
             manifested
             in
             the
             Creation
             of
             his
             Person
             ,
             and
             his
             Condition
             was
             fitted
             for
             a
             more
             curious
             Tenderness
             and
             Compassion
             ,
             if
             he
             offended
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             look
             into
             the
             Nature
             of
             Angels
             and
             Men
             you
             will
             find
             this
             mighty
             Difference
             between
             them
             ,
             Angels
             are
             more
             Simple
             Spirits
             ,
             Men
             are
             Images
             of
             GOD
             carefully
             put
             into
             a
             Beautiful
             Case
             .
             Their
             Souls
             would
             seem
             equal
             to
             the
             Angels
             were
             they
             not
             to
             live
             in
             Humane
             Bodies
             ,
             and
             those
             Bodies
             are
             Superadded
             ,
             certainly
             for
             unspeakable
             and
             most
             Glorious
             Ends
             ;
             the
             visible
             World
             was
             made
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             these
             Bodies
             ,
             and
             without
             such
             persons
             as
             men
             are
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             utterly
             useless
             .
             The
             Hypostatical
             Union
             of
             two
             Natures
             so
             unspeakable
             different
             as
             the
             Soul
             and
             Body
             are
             ,
             is
             of
             all
             things
             in
             the
             World
             
             most
             mysterious
             and
             Miraculous
             .
             Man
             seems
             to
             be
             the
             Head
             of
             all
             Things
             visible
             ,
             and
             invisible
             ,
             and
             the
             Golden
             clasp
             whereby
             Things
             Material
             and
             Spiritual
             are
             United
             .
             He
             alone
             is
             able
             to
             beget
             the
             Divine
             Image
             ,
             and
             to
             multiply
             himself
             into
             Millions
             .
             His
             Body
             may
             be
             the
             Temple
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             when
             it
             pleased
             GOD
             to
             become
             a
             Creature
             ,
             he
             assumed
             the
             Nature
             of
             Man.
             Angels
             are
             made
             Ministring
             Spirits
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             Man
             ,
             and
             by
             him
             alone
             GOD
             and
             his
             works
             are
             United
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             respect
             his
             Condition
             he
             was
             made
             a
             little
             lower
             than
             the
             Angels
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             crowned
             with
             Glory
             and
             Honour
             ;
             Lower
             for
             a
             Time
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             Higher
             for
             ever
             .
             The
             Angels
             were
             placed
             in
             such
             an
             Estate
             ,
             that
             if
             they
             fell
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             with
             more
             shame
             ;
             yet
             if
             they
             stood
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             with
             less
             Glory
             :
             For
             having
             the
             Advantages
             of
             Greater
             Light
             and
             strength
             ,
             to
             Sin
             against
             them
             was
             more
             Odious
             ,
             and
             to
             stand
             in
             them
             less
             Wonderful
             .
             While
             man
             ,
             being
             more
             remote
             from
             GOD
             ,
             was
             more
             Obnoxious
             to
             Dangers
             ,
             and
             more
             Weak
             to
             resist
             them
             ;
             His
             Want
             of
             Clear
             Light
             if
             he
             fell
             ,
             would
             lessen
             his
             offence
             ;
             And
             the
             Difficulties
             
             wherewith
             he
             was
             surrounded
             ,
             if
             he
             stood
             ,
             would
             increase
             his
             Vertue
             ,
             which
             by
             consequence
             would
             make
             his
             Obedience
             more
             pleasing
             ,
             and
             much
             augment
             his
             Eternal
             Glory
             .
             All
             which
             put
             together
             ,
             when
             Angels
             and
             Men
             both
             fell
             ,
             fitted
             Man
             rather
             to
             be
             chosen
             and
             redeemed
             ;
             he
             being
             the
             Greater
             Object
             of
             Compassion
             and
             Mercy
             .
          
           
             THE
             Degrees
             and
             measures
             of
             that
             Mercy
             which
             was
             shewn
             to
             Man
             in
             his
             Redemption
             ,
             are
             very
             considerable
             .
             When
             he
             was
             Weak
             and
             unable
             to
             help
             himself
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             Guilty
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             an
             Enemy
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             Leprous
             and
             deformed
             ,
             when
             he
             was
             Miserable
             and
             Dead
             ,
             before
             he
             desired
             ,
             or
             Thought
             of
             such
             a
             Thing
             ,
             God
             freely
             gave
             his
             Son
             to
             die
             for
             his
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             condescended
             to
             propose
             a
             reconciliation
             .
             Which
             should
             teach
             us
             ,
             tho
             higher
             then
             the
             Cherubims
             ,
             and
             more
             pure
             then
             the
             Light
             ,
             tho
             our
             Enemies
             are
             never
             so
             base
             ,
             and
             injurious
             ,
             and
             ingrateful
             ,
             nay
             Obstinate
             and
             Rebellious
             ,
             to
             seek
             a
             reconciliation
             by
             the
             most
             Laborious
             and
             Expensive
             Endeavors
             ,
             to
             manifest
             all
             our
             Care
             and
             kindness
             toward
             
             them
             ,
             pursuing
             their
             Amendment
             and
             Recovery
             .
             For
             the
             same
             Mind
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             us
             that
             was
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             :
             who
             being
             in
             the
             form
             of
             GOD
             thought
             it
             no
             Robbery
             to
             be
             Equal
             with
             GOD
             ,
             yet
             took
             upon
             him
             the
             Form
             of
             a
             Servant
             ,
             and
             being
             found
             in
             fashion
             as
             a
             man
             ,
             humbled
             himself
             to
             the
             Death
             ,
             of
             the
             Cross
             :
             Wherefore
             GOD
             also
             hath
             highly
             exalted
             him
             ,
             and
             given
             him
             a
             Name
             above
             every
             Name
             that
             at
             the
             Name
             of
             Jesus
             every
             Knee
             might
             bow
             .
             The
             very
             reason
             why
             we
             so
             infinitely
             adore
             him
             ,
             being
             the
             incomparable
             Height
             and
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Mercy
             ,
             expressed
             in
             his
             Humiliation
             and
             Abasement
             for
             us
             .
             If
             we
             would
             enter
             into
             his
             Glory
             ,
             we
             must
             walk
             in
             the
             Way
             which
             he
             hath
             trod
             before
             us
             ,
             for
             that
             only
             will
             lead
             us
             into
             it
             .
          
           
             THO
             GOD
             hath
             in
             his
             infinite
             Mercy
             redeemed
             us
             from
             the
             unavoidable
             Necessity
             of
             being
             Damned
             ,
             yet
             hath
             he
             with
             infinite
             Prudence
             ordered
             the
             Way
             and
             Manner
             of
             our
             Redemption
             :
             in
             such
             sort
             that
             we
             are
             not
             immediately
             translated
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             but
             restored
             to
             a
             
               new
               Estate
               of
               Trial
            
             ,
             and
             
             endued
             with
             Power
             to
             do
             new
             Duties
             ,
             as
             pleasing
             to
             him
             ,
             as
             those
             which
             he
             required
             from
             us
             in
             Eden
             .
             For
             he
             Loved
             a
             Righteous
             Kingdome
             from
             the
             Beginning
             ,
             wherein
             his
             Laws
             were
             to
             be
             obeyed
             ,
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             expected
             ,
             and
             administred
             in
             a
             Righteous
             manner
             .
          
           
             THE
             Great
             and
             necessary
             Duties
             in
             this
             second
             Kingdome
             are
             Faith
             and
             Repentance
             introduced
             by
             his
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             occasioned
             by
             Sin
             ,
             necessary
             for
             our
             Justification
             ,
             and
             Sanctification
             ,
             and
             Superadded
             to
             the
             former
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Kingdome
             of
             Evangelical
             Righteousness
             ,
             being
             founded
             on
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             is
             by
             Death
             and
             Sin
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Supernatural
             Secrets
             of
             Love
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             made
             infinitely
             more
             Deep
             and
             mysterious
             than
             the
             former
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XV.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Faith.
               The
               Faculty
               of
               Believing
               implanted
               in
               the
               Soul.
               Of
               what
               Nature
               its
               Objects
               are
               .
               The
               Necessity
               of
               Faith
               ;
               Its
               End
               ,
               Its
               Use
               and
               Excellency
               .
               It
               is
               the
               Mother
               and
               Fountain
               of
               all
               the
               Vertues
               .
            
          
           
             FAITH
             and
             Repentance
             are
             the
             Principal
             Vertues
             ,
             which
             we
             ought
             to
             exercise
             in
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             
               Evangelical
               Righteousness
            
             :
             because
             by
             them
             alone
             a
             Sinner
             is
             restored
             to
             the
             Capacity
             and
             Power
             of
             living
             in
             the
             Similitude
             of
             GOD
             ,
             in
             the
             Practice
             of
             his
             Divine
             and
             Eternal
             Vertues
             .
             For
             
               without
               Faith
               it
               is
               impossible
               to
               please
               GOD
               ,
            
             because
             we
             can
             never
             believe
             that
             he
             is
             the
             Rewarder
             of
             all
             those
             that
             diligently
             seek
             him
             ,
             without
             that
             Credit
             which
             is
             necessary
             to
             be
             given
             to
             the
             Discovery
             of
             his
             Love
             to
             them
             that
             are
             defiled
             by
             the
             Guilt
             of
             Sin.
             For
             as
             long
             as
             we
             think
             GOD
             to
             be
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Enemy
             to
             all
             Offenders
             ,
             we
             cannot
             use
             any
             Endeavor
             to
             
             please
             him
             ,
             because
             we
             Know
             there
             is
             no
             Hope
             of
             Reconciliation
             ,
             and
             the
             vanity
             of
             the
             Attempt
             appears
             like
             a
             Ghost
             that
             always
             haunts
             us
             ,
             and
             stands
             in
             our
             Way
             to
             oppose
             and
             discourage
             us
             ,
             in
             the
             Archievment
             we
             would
             undertake
             .
             For
             to
             Fight
             with
             Impossibility
             is
             so
             Foolish
             a
             thing
             that
             Nature
             it self
             keeps
             us
             back
             from
             doing
             it
             .
             Till
             therefore
             we
             believe
             our
             Reconciliation
             possible
             ,
             we
             have
             no
             Strength
             at
             all
             to
             endeavour
             our
             Salvation
             .
             Our
             Despair
             oppresseth
             and
             frustrates
             our
             Desires
             ,
             with
             the
             inevitable
             Necessity
             of
             our
             Eternal
             shame
             ,
             and
             Guilt
             ,
             and
             misery
             .
          
           
             TO
             believe
             that
             GOD
             will
             be
             so
             Gracious
             ,
             as
             to
             pardon
             our
             horrible
             Apostacy
             and
             Rebellion
             ,
             is
             a
             Work
             so
             Great
             ,
             that
             GOD
             accepteth
             it
             instead
             of
             all
             other
             Works
             of
             Innocence
             and
             Piety
             :
             to
             believe
             that
             he
             hath
             given
             his
             Eternal
             Son
             to
             dy
             for
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             so
             Loved
             us
             as
             to
             come
             down
             from
             Heaven
             to
             suffer
             the
             wrath
             of
             GOD
             in
             our
             stead
             ,
             is
             so
             much
             against
             the
             Dictates
             of
             Nature
             and
             reason
             ,
             that
             GOD
             
               imputeth
               this
               Faith
               alone
               for
               Righteousness
               ,
            
             not
             as
             if
             there
             were
             no
             Good
             Works
             necessary
             beside
             ,
             but
             by
             this
             alone
             
             we
             are
             justified
             in
             his
             Sight
             ,
             and
             out
             Justification
             cannot
             be
             ascribed
             to
             any
             other
             Work
             of
             ours
             whatsoever
             .
             Howbeit
             that
             which
             maketh
             Faith
             it self
             so
             Great
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             is
             that
             we
             thereby
             receive
             a
             Power
             and
             an
             Inclination
             with
             all
             ,
             to
             do
             those
             Works
             of
             Love
             and
             Piety
             ,
             the
             Performance
             and
             the
             Reward
             of
             which
             was
             the
             very
             End
             of
             our
             Saviours
             Coming
             .
          
           
             THAT
             there
             is
             implanted
             in
             Man
             a
             Faculty
             of
             believing
             ,
             is
             as
             certain
             as
             that
             his
             Eys
             are
             endued
             with
             the
             Faculty
             of
             seeing
             ,
             or
             his
             Soul
             with
             Knowledge
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             Faculty
             .
             And
             that
             this
             Power
             implanted
             is
             of
             some
             Use
             in
             Nature
             ,
             is
             as
             sure
             ,
             as
             any
             Thing
             in
             the
             World.
             For
             nature
             never
             gave
             to
             any
             thing
             a
             Power
             in
             vain
             ,
             this
             therefore
             being
             one
             of
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             must
             have
             a
             certain
             End
             ordained
             for
             it
             :
             And
             its
             use
             is
             the
             Excercise
             of
             Faith
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             that
             End.
             
          
           
             OBJECTS
             of
             Faith
             are
             those
             Things
             which
             cannot
             be
             discovered
             but
             by
             the
             Testimony
             of
             others
             .
             For
             some
             things
             are
             known
             by
             Sence
             ,
             some
             by
             Reason
             ,
             and
             some
             by
             Testimony
             ,
             Things
             that
             are
             Known
             by
             Sence
             ,
             are
             
             present
             ,
             some
             time
             or
             other
             ,
             to
             the
             Senses
             themselves
             .
             Those
             Things
             which
             Reason
             discovers
             ,
             are
             Known
             ,
             as
             Effects
             are
             by
             Causes
             ,
             or
             as
             Causes
             by
             Effects
             ;
             a
             Good
             and
             rational
             Demonstration
             being
             made
             by
             the
             Concatenation
             of
             Causes
             and
             Effects
             depending
             upon
             each
             other
             ,
             whereby
             Things
             remote
             from
             Sence
             are
             evident
             to
             Reason
             ,
             because
             the
             one
             is
             necessarily
             implied
             by
             the
             existence
             of
             the
             other
             .
             But
             some
             Things
             there
             are
             ,
             which
             have
             no
             such
             necessary
             Dependance
             at
             all
             :
             such
             are
             the
             fortuitous
             Occurences
             that
             have
             been
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             with
             all
             those
             Actions
             of
             free
             Agents
             that
             flow
             meerly
             from
             their
             Will
             and
             pleasure
             .
             For
             of
             these
             ,
             there
             can
             be
             no
             certain
             Knowledge
             when
             they
             are
             past
             ,
             but
             by
             History
             and
             Tradition
             .
             That
             the
             World
             was
             made
             so
             many
             years
             ago
             ,
             that
             Man
             was
             created
             in
             an
             estate
             of
             Innocency
             that
             he
             fell
             into
             Sin
             ,
             that
             GOD
             appeared
             ,
             and
             promised
             the
             seed
             of
             the
             Woman
             to
             break
             the
             Serpents
             Head
             ;
             that
             there
             was
             a
             Flood
             ,
             that
             Sodom
             and
             Gomorrah
             was
             burnt
             by
             fire
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             World
             spake
             one
             Language
             till
             the
             Confusion
             at
             Babel
             ,
             that
             there
             were
             such
             
             men
             as
             
               Julius
               Caesar
            
             ,
             or
             
               Alexander
               the
               Great
            
             ,
             or
             such
             as
             Abraham
             ,
             and
             Moses
             ,
             and
             David
             ,
             that
             the
             children
             of
             Israel
             were
             in
             Egypt
             ,
             and
             were
             delivered
             from
             thence
             by
             Miracles
             ;
             that
             they
             received
             the
             Law
             in
             the
             Wilderness
             ,
             and
             were
             afterwards
             setled
             in
             the
             Land
             of
             Canaan
             ,
             that
             they
             had
             such
             and
             such
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             Priests
             ,
             and
             Kings
             :
             that
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             was
             born
             of
             the
             Virgin
             Mary
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             GOD
             and
             Man
             ,
             that
             he
             died
             and
             rose
             again
             ,
             that
             he
             ascended
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             sent
             the
             
               Holy
               Ghost
            
             down
             upon
             his
             Apostles
             .
             Nay
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             City
             as
             Jerusalem
             ;
             all
             these
             things
             can
             no
             other
             Way
             be
             understood
             but
             only
             by
             Faith
             ,
             for
             no
             Light
             of
             Nature
             nor
             principle
             of
             Reason
             can
             declare
             such
             verities
             as
             these
             ,
             among
             which
             we
             may
             reckon
             these
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             Nations
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             except
             that
             of
             the
             Jews
             ,
             were
             Pagans
             and
             Idolatrous
             ,
             till
             the
             Gospel
             began
             to
             come
             forth
             from
             Jury
             ;
             that
             by
             the
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             Perswasions
             ,
             and
             Faith
             ,
             and
             Patience
             ,
             and
             Persecutions
             ,
             and
             Deaths
             of
             the
             Martyrs
             ,
             they
             were
             converted
             ,
             and
             forsook
             their
             Dumb
             Idols
             ,
             and
             erected
             Temples
             to
             the
             GOD
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             that
             his
             Eternal
             Son
             was
             crucified
             
             in
             Judea
             ;
             that
             such
             Emperors
             made
             such
             Laws
             ,
             that
             such
             Councils
             were
             held
             in
             such
             Ages
             ,
             that
             such
             and
             such
             Fathers
             sprung
             up
             in
             the
             Church
             ;
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             Place
             as
             Rome
             ,
             and
             Constantinople
             :
             these
             and
             many
             Millions
             of
             the
             like
             Objects
             ,
             to
             them
             that
             live
             in
             this
             Age
             ,
             and
             never
             stirred
             any
             further
             then
             the
             English
             Coast
             ,
             are
             revealed
             only
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             History
             ,
             and
             received
             upon
             Trust
             from
             the
             Testimony
             of
             others
             .
             Nevertheless
             there
             is
             as
             great
             a
             Certainty
             of
             these
             Things
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             had
             been
             made
             out
             ,
             by
             Mathematical
             Demonstration
             ,
             or
             had
             been
             seen
             with
             our
             Eys
             .
          
           
             FOR
             tho
             there
             are
             some
             false
             and
             some
             Doubtful
             Testimonies
             ,
             yet
             there
             are
             also
             some
             that
             are
             True
             and
             Certain
             .
             And
             least
             all
             Faith
             should
             be
             utterly
             blind
             ,
             and
             vain
             ,
             and
             uncertain
             ,
             there
             are
             External
             Circumstances
             and
             inward
             Properties
             ,
             by
             which
             those
             Testimonies
             which
             are
             true
             and
             infallible
             are
             distinguished
             from
             others
             .
          
           
             ALL
             those
             Things
             that
             are
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             the
             Welfare
             of
             Mankind
             ,
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             which
             is
             of
             general
             Importance
             ,
             that
             are
             unanimously
             attested
             
             by
             all
             that
             mention
             them
             ,
             and
             universally
             believed
             throughout
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             being
             as
             firm
             and
             certain
             ,
             as
             the
             Earth
             ,
             or
             the
             Sun
             ,
             or
             the
             Skye
             it self
             .
             We
             are
             not
             more
             Sure
             that
             we
             have
             Eys
             in
             our
             Heads
             ,
             then
             that
             there
             are
             Stars
             in
             the
             Heavens
             ;
             tho
             the
             Distance
             of
             those
             Stars
             are
             many
             Millions
             of
             Leagues
             from
             our
             Bodily
             Organs
             .
          
           
             THE
             Objects
             and
             Transactions
             which
             in
             former
             Ages
             occur
             to
             our
             Eys
             ,
             (
             I
             mean
             the
             Spiritual
             Eys
             of
             the
             intelligible
             Soul
             ,
             that
             are
             seated
             within
             )
             are
             by
             Faith
             received
             ,
             and
             brought
             to
             the
             understanding
             .
             When
             they
             are
             transmitted
             to
             our
             Knowledge
             ,
             their
             Nature
             is
             apprehended
             immediately
             by
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             their
             existence
             examined
             by
             Reason
             .
             There
             being
             certain
             clear
             and
             infallible
             Rules
             ,
             by
             which
             their
             Truth
             or
             falshood
             may
             be
             discerned
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             is
             it
             that
             we
             are
             commanded
             ,
             to
             
               Try
               all
               Things
               ,
               and
               bold
               fast
               that
               which
               is
               Good
            
             ;
             
             It
             is
             our
             Duty
             ,
             to
             be
             
               ready
               always
               to
               give
               a
               reason
               of
               the
               Hope
               that
               is
               in
               us
               .
            
             For
             Reason
             is
             a
             transcendent
             faculty
             ,
             which
             
             extendeth
             to
             all
             Objects
             ,
             and
             penetrates
             into
             all
             misteries
             ,
             so
             far
             as
             to
             enquire
             what
             probability
             may
             be
             in
             them
             ;
             what
             Agreement
             or
             repugnance
             there
             is
             in
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Things
             revealed
             ;
             what
             Harmony
             or
             Contradiction
             there
             is
             in
             the
             Things
             themselves
             ,
             what
             Correspondence
             in
             all
             the
             Circumstances
             ,
             what
             consistence
             between
             those
             Things
             which
             we
             certainly
             Know
             ,
             and
             those
             which
             we
             are
             perswaded
             to
             believe
             ,
             what
             Authority
             the
             Relation
             is
             of
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             Design
             and
             integrity
             of
             the
             Relators
             ,
             what
             is
             the
             Use
             and
             End
             of
             the
             things
             revealed
             ,
             whether
             they
             are
             important
             or
             frivolous
             ,
             absolutely
             necessary
             ,
             meerly
             convenient
             ,
             or
             wholy
             Superfluous
             ,
             things
             to
             be
             abhorred
             ,
             or
             things
             to
             be
             desired
             ,
             Absurd
             or
             Amiable
             ,
             what
             Preparations
             went
             before
             ,
             what
             Causes
             preceded
             their
             Existence
             ,
             what
             Effects
             followed
             ,
             what
             Concomitants
             they
             had
             ,
             what
             Monuments
             of
             them
             are
             now
             left
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             How
             the
             Wise
             and
             Learned
             judge
             of
             them
             ,
             what
             Consent
             and
             Unity
             there
             is
             in
             all
             the
             Relations
             ,
             and
             Histories
             ,
             and
             Traditions
             ,
             of
             the
             Things
             reported
             .
          
           
           
             WHERE
             there
             is
             no
             Repugnance
             between
             the
             Objects
             offered
             to
             our
             Faith
             and
             the
             Things
             we
             already
             know
             ,
             no
             Inconsistance
             in
             the
             Things
             themselvs
             ,
             no
             difference
             ,
             no
             Contention
             between
             the
             Relators
             ,
             no
             fraud
             in
             promoting
             ,
             nor
             folly
             (
             discernable
             )
             in
             the
             first
             Embracing
             of
             the
             Things
             that
             are
             published
             ,
             no
             Want
             of
             Care
             in
             Sifting
             and
             examining
             their
             Reality
             ,
             nor
             any
             want
             (
             in
             the
             Hearers
             )
             of
             Industry
             ,
             Skill
             and
             Power
             to
             detect
             the
             Imposture
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             fair
             Way
             laid
             open
             to
             the
             Credible
             of
             such
             Objects
             attested
             and
             revealed
             with
             such
             Circumstances
             .
             But
             if
             the
             Things
             attested
             were
             openly
             transacted
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             World
             and
             had
             Millions
             of
             Spectators
             at
             the
             first
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             so
             publick
             as
             to
             be
             taken
             notice
             of
             in
             all
             Kind
             of
             Histories
             of
             those
             times
             and
             places
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             founded
             on
             great
             and
             weighty
             causes
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             pursued
             by
             a
             constant
             Series
             ,
             and
             succession
             of
             affairs
             ,
             for
             many
             Ages
             ,
             if
             they
             produced
             great
             and
             publick
             alterations
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             if
             they
             overcame
             all
             suspicious
             oppositions
             ,
             obstacles
             ,
             and
             impediments
             ,
             if
             they
             changed
             the
             state
             of
             Kingdoms
             and
             Empires
             ,
             
             if
             old
             Records
             ,
             and
             Monuments
             and
             Magnificent
             Buildings
             are
             left
             behind
             ,
             which
             those
             Occurrences
             occasioned
             ;
             our
             Reason
             it self
             assists
             our
             Belief
             ,
             and
             our
             Faith
             is
             founded
             upon
             Grounds
             ,
             that
             cannot
             be
             removed
             :
             Much
             more
             if
             the
             Things
             be
             agreeable
             to
             the
             Nature
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             tend
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Created
             Nature
             ,
             if
             many
             Prophesies
             and
             long
             Expectations
             have
             preceded
             their
             Accomplishment
             ,
             if
             the
             misteries
             revealed
             are
             attested
             by
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             painted
             out
             many
             Ages
             before
             ,
             by
             Types
             and
             Ceremonies
             ,
             that
             can
             bear
             no
             other
             Explication
             in
             Nature
             ,
             nor
             have
             any
             Rational
             use
             besides
             ;
             if
             all
             the
             Beauty
             of
             former
             Ages
             is
             founded
             in
             and
             compounded
             by
             their
             Harmony
             ,
             if
             they
             fitly
             answer
             the
             Exigencies
             of
             Humane
             Nature
             ,
             and
             unfold
             the
             True
             Originals
             of
             all
             the
             Disorder
             and
             Corruption
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             if
             the
             Greatest
             and
             Best
             Part
             of
             Learning
             it self
             consists
             in
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             such
             affairs
             ;
             if
             the
             Doctrines
             on
             which
             they
             attend
             ,
             be
             the
             most
             pure
             ,
             and
             Holy
             ,
             and
             Divine
             ,
             and
             Heavenly
             ;
             if
             the
             most
             of
             them
             are
             rooted
             in
             Nature
             it self
             ,
             
             when
             they
             are
             examined
             and
             considered
             ,
             but
             were
             not
             discerned
             nor
             Known
             before
             ;
             if
             they
             supply
             the
             Defects
             of
             our
             Understanding
             and
             lead
             us
             directly
             to
             felicity
             ,
             if
             they
             take
             off
             our
             Guilt
             ,
             and
             are
             proper
             Remedies
             to
             heal
             the
             Distempers
             and
             Maladies
             of
             our
             Corruption
             ;
             if
             they
             direct
             and
             quiet
             the
             passions
             of
             Men
             and
             purifie
             their
             Hearts
             ,
             and
             make
             men
             Blessings
             to
             one
             another
             ;
             if
             they
             exterminate
             their
             vices
             ,
             and
             Naturally
             tend
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             their
             Manners
             ,
             if
             they
             lead
             them
             to
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             ,
             and
             raise
             up
             their
             Souls
             to
             the
             fruition
             of
             Eternity
             ,
             enlarge
             their
             Minds
             with
             a
             Delightful
             Contemplation
             of
             his
             Omnipresence
             ,
             enrich●●
             them
             with
             infinite
             varieties
             of
             Glorious
             Objects
             fit
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             if
             they
             perfect
             all
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             Crown
             it
             with
             the
             End
             for
             which
             it
             was
             was
             prepared
             :
             Where
             all
             these
             Things
             meet
             together
             ,
             they
             make
             a
             Foundation
             like
             that
             of
             the
             Great
             Mountains
             which
             can
             never
             be
             moved
             .
             But
             if
             there
             be
             any
             flaw
             ,
             or
             Defect
             ,
             in
             these
             Things
             ,
             if
             any
             of
             them
             be
             wanting
             ,
             our
             Faith
             will
             be
             so
             far
             
             forth
             lame
             and
             uncertain
             ,
             as
             our
             Reason
             shall
             discern
             its
             Cause
             to
             be
             failing
             .
          
           
             NOW
             of
             all
             the
             Thingsthat
             the
             World
             doth
             afford
             ,
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             is
             that
             alone
             wherein
             all
             these
             Causes
             of
             Faith
             perfectly
             concur
             .
             Insomuch
             that
             no
             Object
             of
             Faith
             in
             all
             the
             World
             is
             for
             Certainty
             Comparable
             to
             that
             of
             Religion
             .
             Never
             had
             any
             Truth
             so
             many
             Witnesses
             ,
             never
             any
             Faith
             so
             many
             Evidences
             ,
             they
             that
             first
             taught
             and
             published
             it
             ,
             despised
             all
             the
             Grandeurs
             and
             Pleasures
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             designed
             nothing
             but
             their
             Eternal
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             the
             Benefit
             of
             men
             ,
             trampled
             all
             Honours
             and
             Riches
             under
             feet
             ,
             attested
             the
             Truths
             they
             taught
             and
             revealed
             ,
             by
             Miracles
             wrought
             ,
             not
             in
             obscure
             Corners
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             Eye
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             many
             Nations
             far
             distant
             from
             each
             other
             were
             in
             a
             Moment
             reduced
             ,
             and
             changed
             at
             a
             time
             .
             Millions
             of
             Martyrs
             were
             so
             certain
             of
             the
             Truth
             of
             these
             Things
             ,
             that
             they
             laught
             at
             Persecutions
             ,
             and
             Flames
             ,
             and
             Torments
             .
             The
             Jews
             that
             are
             the
             great
             enemies
             of
             Christianity
             ,
             confess
             those
             Histories
             ,
             and
             Prophesies
             ,
             and
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             
             Types
             ,
             and
             Figures
             upon
             which
             it
             is
             founded
             .
             They
             reverence
             the
             Book
             wherein
             they
             are
             recorded
             above
             all
             the
             Writings
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             confess
             that
             they
             had
             it
             before
             our
             Saviour
             was
             born
             ,
             and
             glory
             that
             it
             was
             theirs
             ,
             before
             it
             was
             ours
             .
             Their
             whole
             Faith
             and
             Religion
             is
             made
             up
             of
             Such
             Materials
             ,
             which
             being
             granted
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             the
             Christian
             Religion
             should
             be
             false
             ,
             Turks
             acknowledge
             the
             Historical
             Part.
             The
             Artifices
             of
             Corruptors
             have
             been
             all
             detected
             ,
             and
             must
             of
             necessity
             so
             be
             as
             long
             as
             there
             are
             inquisitive
             Men
             in
             the
             World
             :
             All
             Schismaticks
             and
             Hereticks
             have
             cavilled
             and
             disputed
             about
             the
             true
             Interpretation
             of
             certain
             .
             Texts
             ,
             but
             never
             so
             much
             as
             Doubted
             ,
             much
             less
             shaken
             the
             foundation
             .
             Nay
             when
             you
             look
             into
             Matters
             well
             ,
             the
             very
             Certainty
             of
             the
             one
             was
             the
             occasion
             of
             the
             other
             .
             The
             great
             Moment
             of
             what
             they
             took
             for
             granted
             made
             the
             strife
             the
             more
             Eager
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Advantage
             our
             Faith
             has
             above
             all
             ,
             it
             is
             suspected
             only
             by
             Lazy
             and
             Profane
             ,
             half
             witted
             men
             that
             are
             as
             Empty
             as
             self
             conceited
             ,
             as
             
             rash
             as
             Wanton
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             Enemies
             to
             Felicity
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             as
             to
             Truth
             and
             Godliness
             .
             But
             the
             more
             you
             search
             into
             it
             ,
             the
             more
             Light
             and
             Beauty
             you
             shall
             discern
             in
             the
             
               Christian
               Religion
            
             ,
             the
             Evidences
             of
             it
             will
             appear
             still
             more
             deep
             and
             abundant
             ,
             as
             endless
             in
             Number
             ,
             force
             ,
             and
             Value
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             unexpected
             .
          
           
             AMONG
             other
             Objects
             of
             Felicity
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ,
             
               the
               Ways
               of
               GOD
            
             in
             all
             Ages
             are
             not
             the
             least
             considerable
             and
             Illustrious
             .
             Eternity
             is
             as
             much
             Beautified
             with
             them
             ,
             as
             his
             Omnipresence
             is
             with
             the
             Works
             of
             the
             Creation
             .
             For
             Time
             is
             in
             Eternity
             ,
             as
             the
             World
             is
             in
             Immensity
             :
             Reason
             expects
             that
             the
             one
             should
             be
             Beautiful
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             other
             .
             For
             Since
             all
             Time
             may
             be
             Objected
             to
             the
             Eye
             of
             Knowledge
             altogether
             ,
             and
             Faith
             is
             prepared
             in
             the
             Soul
             on
             purpose
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             Things
             in
             Time
             may
             be
             admitted
             into
             the
             Eye
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             it
             is
             very
             Displeasing
             to
             Humane
             Reason
             ,
             that
             Time
             should
             be
             horrid
             ,
             and
             Dark
             ,
             and
             empty
             ,
             or
             that
             he
             that
             has
             expressed
             so
             much
             Love
             in
             the
             Creation
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             should
             be
             Unmindful
             of
             our
             Concerns
             
             in
             the
             Dispensations
             of
             his
             Providence
             .
             Especially
             Since
             the
             World
             ,
             how
             Glorious
             soever
             it
             is
             ,
             is
             but
             the
             Theatre
             of
             more
             Glorious
             Actions
             ,
             and
             the
             Capacity
             of
             Time
             as
             Great
             and
             Large
             as
             that
             of
             the
             Universe
             ,
             Ages
             are
             as
             long
             and
             as
             Wide
             as
             Kingdoms
             .
             Now
             if
             GOD
             have
             altogether
             neglected
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             all
             Time
             will
             be
             Dark
             and
             vain
             ,
             and
             innumerable
             Bright
             and
             Delighful
             Objects
             ,
             which
             were
             possible
             to
             be
             desired
             ,
             denied
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             the
             better
             half
             of
             GODS
             Love
             be
             removed
             .
             But
             if
             GODS
             .
             Will
             and
             Pleasure
             be
             Uniform
             in
             his
             Operations
             ,
             and
             Time
             it self
             Beautified
             by
             this
             Wisdome
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             World
             ,
             our
             Faith
             will
             have
             a
             peculiar
             Excellency
             because
             ,
             it
             is
             that
             by
             which
             all
             the
             Beauties
             in
             Time
             and
             Providence
             are
             enjoyed
             :
             Especially
             if
             it
             be
             able
             to
             see
             and
             feel
             them
             in
             clear
             Light
             ,
             and
             in
             as
             lively
             a
             manner
             as
             the
             Reason
             of
             the
             Soul
             can
             do
             ,
             when
             most
             fully
             informed
             .
             It
             is
             evident
             that
             without
             this
             Faith
             ,
             the
             Greater
             half
             of
             our
             Felicity
             can
             never
             be
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             TO
             Know
             that
             we
             are
             Men
             ,
             encompassed
             
             with
             the
             Skies
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Sun
             and
             Moon
             ,
             and
             Stars
             are
             about
             us
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             Elements
             and
             Terrestrial
             Creatures
             ,
             is
             matter
             of
             Sence
             and
             Reason
             ;
             as
             it
             is
             also
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             the
             Dominion
             and
             use
             of
             them
             ;
             and
             that
             such
             Excellencies
             and
             Degrees
             of
             Goodness
             are
             Connatural
             to
             them
             :
             But
             their
             utmost
             Perfection
             is
             discovered
             only
             by
             the
             Truth
             of
             Religion
             ;
             that
             alone
             discloses
             their
             first
             Cause
             ,
             and
             their
             last
             End
             ,
             without
             which
             all
             their
             Intermediate
             uses
             are
             Extremely
             Defective
             :
             It
             is
             for
             more
             Pleasant
             to
             see
             the
             Infinite
             and
             Eternal
             GODHEAD
             from
             the
             incomprehensible
             Height
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             shooping
             down
             to
             the
             abyss
             of
             Nothing
             ,
             and
             actually
             making
             all
             these
             Transcenent
             Things
             out
             of
             Nothing
             for
             our
             sakes
             ,
             then
             to
             see
             our selves
             at
             present
             surrounded
             with
             them
             .
             This
             is
             the
             first
             Act
             of
             all
             the
             Ornaments
             of
             Time
             and
             Nature
             .
             Which
             tho
             it
             be
             founded
             on
             clear
             Reason
             ,
             yet
             is
             it
             an
             Object
             of
             our
             Highest
             Faith
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             revealed
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             GOD
             :
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             said
             ,
             
               Through
               faith
               we
               understand
               that
               the
               Worlds
               were
               made
               .
            
             For
             Faith
             and
             Reason
             are
             not
             so
             divided
             ,
             but
             that
             (
             the
             
             formally
             Distinct
             )
             they
             may
             enter
             into
             each
             others
             Nature
             ,
             and
             Materially
             be
             the
             same
             .
             The
             very
             same
             Object
             (
             I
             mean
             )
             that
             is
             Known
             to
             Reason
             ,
             may
             by
             Faith
             be
             believed
             :
             Reason
             not
             destroying
             but
             confirming
             Faith
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             Known
             upon
             one
             account
             ,
             and
             believed
             on
             another
             .
             For
             there
             is
             a
             Mutual
             Convenience
             between
             these
             two
             ,
             Faith
             is
             by
             Reason
             confirmed
             ,
             and
             Reason
             is
             by
             Faith
             Perfected
             .
          
           
             TO
             see
             GOD
             stooping
             down
             to
             Create
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             Nothing
             follow
             ,
             is
             not
             so
             Beautiful
             ,
             as
             to
             see
             him
             afterward
             in
             the
             Act
             of
             making
             Man
             ,
             and
             Giving
             him
             Dominion
             over
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
             It
             is
             more
             pleasant
             to
             see
             Man
             made
             in
             GODS
             Image
             ,
             then
             to
             see
             the
             World
             made
             for
             the
             use
             of
             Man.
             For
             the
             End
             of
             the
             Creation
             is
             that
             ,
             upon
             which
             all
             the
             Perfection
             of
             its
             Glory
             does
             depend
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             Noble
             Man
             is
             ,
             for
             whose
             use
             the
             World
             was
             made
             ,
             the
             more
             sublime
             and
             Glorious
             its
             End
             is
             .
             To
             see
             him
             placed
             in
             the
             Estate
             of
             Innocency
             ,
             Light
             ,
             and
             Glory
             ,
             wherein
             he
             was
             secure
             from
             Death
             ,
             and
             Sin
             ,
             and
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             Infelicity
             ,
             if
             himself
             pleased
             ,
             is
             very
             Delightful
             ;
             
             so
             it
             is
             to
             see
             ,
             that
             Nature
             never
             intended
             any
             of
             those
             Abortive
             Errors
             ,
             that
             now
             so
             confound
             us
             :
             But
             to
             see
             the
             End
             why
             man
             was
             placed
             in
             such
             an
             Estate
             ,
             to
             be
             his
             Trial
             ,
             and
             the
             End
             of
             that
             his
             
               freindship
               with
               GOD
            
             ,
             whose
             Exercise
             consisteth
             in
             voluntary
             Acts
             of
             Gratitude
             and
             Amity
             ;
             and
             the
             End
             of
             those
             the
             Beauty
             of
             his
             Life
             ,
             and
             his
             fuller
             Exaltation
             to
             Bliss
             and
             Glory
             ;
             this
             is
             far
             more
             Pleasant
             then
             the
             other
             .
             To
             see
             him
             fall
             is
             infinitely
             Displeasing
             ,
             but
             the
             fault
             is
             intirely
             charged
             on
             himself
             :
             And
             had
             GOD
             Eternally
             destroyed
             him
             ,
             tho
             we
             perhaps
             had
             never
             lived
             to
             see
             it
             ,
             yet
             we
             confess
             it
             would
             have
             been
             just
             in
             it self
             ,
             and
             the
             Justice
             Adorable
             .
             But
             to
             see
             GOD
             exalting
             his
             mercy
             in
             pardoning
             the
             offence
             ,
             and
             for
             all
             our
             sakes
             redeeming
             Man
             by
             the
             Death
             of
             his
             Son
             is
             sweet
             still
             :
             as
             it
             is
             also
             to
             see
             his
             infinite
             Justice
             and
             Holiness
             in
             the
             Manner
             of
             our
             Redemption
             .
             To
             see
             him
             lay
             the
             foundation
             of
             our
             Hope
             on
             a
             certain
             Promise
             ,
             seconded
             with
             his
             Long-suffering
             ,
             yet
             defer
             the
             Accomplishment
             of
             it
             for
             our
             greater
             Benefit
             ,
             wisely
             forbearing
             to
             send
             his
             Son
             till
             
               the
               fulness
               of
               
               Time
            
             ,
             is
             very
             transporting
             ,
             but
             the
             Reason
             of
             it
             is
             very
             Difficult
             to
             understand
             .
             His
             foresight
             of
             our
             Obstinate
             Blindness
             and
             Incredulity
             was
             the
             Cause
             of
             His
             Dealy
             .
             That
             he
             might
             gain
             Time
             ,
             before
             our
             Saviour
             came
             ,
             to
             speak
             of
             him
             ,
             to
             paint
             him
             forth
             ,
             to
             make
             him
             the
             expectation
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             Hope
             of
             all
             Nations
             ;
             To
             see
             him
             for
             that
             End
             reveal
             himself
             to
             
               Abraham
               ,
               Isaac
            
             ,
             and
             Jacob
             ,
             and
             bringing
             down
             their
             Posterity
             into
             the
             Land
             of
             Egypt
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             make
             that
             Nation
             ,
             out
             of
             which
             our
             Saviour
             was
             to
             spring
             ,
             Famous
             by
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             Conduct
             and
             Government
             of
             them
             ,
             more
             Glorious
             then
             all
             Nations
             ,
             to
             appear
             himself
             among
             them
             ,
             and
             give
             his
             Oracles
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             them
             conspicuous
             to
             the
             Eye
             of
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             by
             mighty
             Signes
             ,
             and
             Wonders
             ,
             and
             Judgments
             ,
             punishing
             them
             for
             their
             offences
             ,
             yet
             Graciously
             continuing
             a
             Seed
             among
             them
             ,
             that
             christ
             might
             be
             raised
             up
             according
             to
             the
             Prophesies
             ,
             that
             went
             before
             concerning
             him
             .
             To
             see
             all
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             the
             Gospel
             painted
             out
             in
             so
             Lively
             a
             Manner
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             Types
             and
             Figures
             of
             the
             
               Ceremonial
               Law
            
             ,
             and
             
             that
             Service
             with
             so
             much
             splendor
             and
             Glory
             continued
             ,
             before
             he
             came
             by
             the
             Space
             of
             two
             thousand
             years
             ,
             wherein
             all
             the
             mysteries
             of
             his
             Kingdome
             are
             exhibited
             ;
             to
             see
             
               the
               Volumen
               of
               the
               Book
               in
               which
               it
               was
               written
               of
               him
               ,
            
             so
             highly
             magnified
             and
             exalted
             ,
             by
             them
             that
             crucified
             him
             after
             it
             was
             written
             ,
             and
             that
             now
             continue
             so
             much
             to
             oppose
             him
             as
             the
             Jews
             do
             ;
             To
             see
             the
             Prophets
             at
             various
             Times
             ,
             and
             in
             Divers
             manners
             ,
             so
             clearly
             to
             describe
             all
             the
             particulars
             of
             his
             Life
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             his
             Eternity
             ,
             his
             Godhead
             ,
             the
             Hypostatical
             Union
             ,
             his
             Incarnation
             in
             the
             Virgins
             Womb
             ,
             his
             Poverty
             ,
             his
             Meekness
             ,
             his
             Miraculous
             Life
             ,
             his
             Death
             and
             Passion
             ,
             his
             Resurrection
             and
             Ascention
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             the
             Sudden
             and
             Miraculous
             Conversion
             of
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             compared
             to
             a
             
               Nation
               's
               being
               born
               at
               once
            
             ,
             the
             very
             Town
             where
             he
             should
             be
             born
             ,
             and
             the
             City
             from
             whence
             the
             Law
             should
             go
             forth
             into
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             Temple
             in
             which
             the
             Gospel
             should
             begin
             to
             be
             preached
             .
             To
             see
             the
             Accomplishment
             of
             all
             these
             Things
             attended
             with
             so
             many
             Glorious
             and
             Transcendent
             Wonders
             ,
             and
             the
             utter
             
             subversion
             of
             that
             Nation
             ,
             for
             their
             Incredulity
             when
             they
             had
             slain
             him
             ;
             To
             see
             Kings
             and
             Queens
             become
             the
             
               Nursing
               Fathers
            
             and
             Mothers
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             so
             many
             Glorious
             Empires
             receive
             his
             Law
             that
             was
             hanged
             on
             a
             Tree
             ;
             To
             see
             Temples
             erected
             over
             all
             the
             World
             to
             a
             Crucified
             GOD
             ,
             and
             Nations
             upon
             Earth
             adoring
             his
             Glory
             in
             the
             Highest
             Heavens
             ;
             Especially
             to
             see
             the
             manner
             of
             his
             satisfaction
             ,
             by
             way
             of
             Sacrifice
             in
             our
             stead
             ,
             the
             laying
             of
             our
             Sins
             upon
             his
             Head
             ,
             &
             the
             sprinkling
             of
             his
             Blood
             upon
             all
             Nations
             so
             lively
             represented
             ,
             the
             Necessity
             of
             such
             a
             Saviour
             exhibited
             by
             the
             Rigor
             and
             Severity
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             his
             Person
             and
             his
             Office
             being
             pointed
             out
             in
             so
             particular
             a
             Manner
             ;
             all
             this
             as
             it
             is
             sweet
             &
             Heavenly
             ,
             so
             does
             it
             enrich
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             &
             make
             it
             meet
             to
             walk
             in
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             adoring
             his
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Power
             ,
             admiring
             &
             delighting
             in
             the
             fulness
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             And
             all
             these
             most
             Great
             &
             Transporting
             Things
             we
             receive
             into
             our
             souls
             by
             Faith
             alone
             .
          
           
             BUT
             that
             which
             above
             all
             other
             Things
             is
             most
             satisfactory
             is
             to
             see
             Jesus
             
             Christ
             
               the
               end
               of
               the
               Law
            
             ,
             and
             the
             centre
             of
             time
             ,
             the
             main
             Business
             of
             all
             the
             Dispensations
             of
             GODS
             Providence
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             Hinge
             upon
             which
             all
             mysteries
             both
             of
             the
             Law
             and
             Gospel
             Principally
             turn
             .
          
           
             HAD
             he
             come
             in
             the
             Beginning
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             there
             had
             been
             no
             Room
             nor
             Place
             for
             all
             these
             Prophesies
             ,
             and
             Figures
             ,
             and
             Expectations
             ,
             and
             Miracles
             ,
             Precedeing
             his
             Birth
             ,
             we
             had
             had
             nothing
             but
             a
             bare
             and
             naked
             Tradition
             ,
             that
             he
             had
             been
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             which
             by
             the
             carelesness
             of
             men
             had
             passed
             away
             like
             a
             Dream
             ,
             and
             died
             unprofitably
             ;
             As
             we
             may
             plainly
             see
             by
             their
             Backwardness
             to
             believe
             these
             Things
             ,
             notwithstanding
             their
             strength
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             the
             reiterated
             Appearances
             of
             GOD
             to
             excite
             and
             awaken
             Man-kind
             ,
             notwithstanding
             his
             care
             to
             erect
             a
             Ministery
             among
             us
             ,
             for
             this
             very
             end
             ,
             
               that
               Jesus
               Christ
               might
               be
               Known
               .
            
          
           
             HAD
             he
             not
             been
             GOD
             and
             MAN
             in
             one
             Person
             ,
             had
             no
             satisfaction
             been
             necessary
             for
             our
             sins
             ,
             had
             he
             not
             made
             satisfaction
             for
             us
             ;
             there
             had
             been
             no
             Necessity
             of
             believing
             on
             his
             name
             .
             The
             light
             of
             nature
             had
             been
             sufficient
             to
             
             guid
             us
             to
             sorrow
             and
             Obedience
             ;
             all
             this
             trouble
             and
             care
             might
             have
             been
             spared
             ,
             all
             this
             Oeconomy
             might
             have
             been
             changed
             into
             a
             Government
             of
             less
             expence
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             of
             these
             proceedings
             had
             been
             impertinent
             and
             superfluous
             .
             For
             they
             all
             receive
             their
             Attainment
             and
             Perfection
             in
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             fulness
             ,
             and
             substance
             ,
             and
             Glory
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             NOR
             is
             it
             ,
             the
             excellency
             of
             Faith
             alone
             ,
             that
             it
             looks
             back
             upon
             Ages
             past
             :
             it
             takes
             in
             the
             Influences
             of
             all
             these
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             bring
             forth
             fruit
             ,
             in
             our
             Lives
             for
             the
             time
             to
             come
             .
             For
             what
             is
             it
             but
             the
             Faith
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             attended
             with
             the
             Glory
             which
             is
             intimated
             by
             them
             ,
             that
             made
             so
             many
             Divine
             and
             Heavenly
             persons
             ,
             so
             many
             Wise
             and
             Holy
             Heroes
             ,
             so
             many
             Saints
             and
             Martyrs
             !
             What
             can
             enflame
             us
             with
             the
             love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             inspire
             us
             with
             Courage
             ,
             or
             fill
             us
             with
             Joy
             ,
             but
             the
             Sence
             of
             them
             !
             A
             true
             and
             lively
             Faith
             is
             among
             Sinners
             the
             only
             Root
             of
             Grace
             and
             Virtue
             ,
             the
             only
             Foundation
             of
             Hope
             ,
             the
             only
             Fountain
             of
             excellent
             Actions
             .
             And
             there
             fore
             it
             is
             observed
             by
             the
             Apostle
             
             Paul
             ,
             
             that
             
               by
               Faith
            
             Abel
             
               offered
               a
               more
               Excellent
               sacrifice
               than
            
             Cain
             ,
             by
             
               Faith
               Enoch
            
             walked
             with
             GOD
             ,
             by
             
               Faith
               Noah
            
             prepared
             an
             Ark
             ,
             in
             which
             being
             warned
             of
             GOD
             ,
             he
             saved
             himself
             from
             the
             general
             Deluge
             ;
             by
             
               Faith
               Abraham
            
             did
             such
             Things
             ,
             as
             made
             his
             Seed
             to
             multiply
             above
             the
             Stars
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             by
             
               Faith
               Moses
            
             despised
             the
             Honours
             and
             Treasures
             of
             Egypt
             ,
             and
             endured
             ,
             as
             seeing
             him
             that
             was
             invisible
             ;
             
               What
               should
               I
               say
               more
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             )
             
               For
               the
               time
               would
               fail
               me
               to
               tell
               of
            
             Gideon
             ,
             
               and
               of
            
             Barak
             ,
             
               and
               of
            
             Sampson
             ,
             
               and
               of
            
             Jeptha
             ,
             of
             David
             
               also
               ,
               and
               of
            
             Samuel
             ,
             
               and
               of
               the
               Prophets
               :
               who
               through
               Faith
               subdued
               Kingdoms
               ,
               wrought
               Righteousness
               ,
               obtained
               Promises
               ,
               Stopped
               the
               mouths
               of
               Lions
               ,
               Quenched
               the
               violence
               of
               fire
               ,
               escaped
               the
               Edge
               of
               the
               Sword
               ,
               out
               of
               Weakness
               were
               made
               strong
               ,
               waxed
               valiant
               in
               fight
               ,
               turned
               to
               flight
               the
               Armies
               of
               the
               Aliens
               .
               Women
               received
               their
               Dead
               raised
               to
               Life
               again
               ;
               and
               others
               were
               tortured
               ,
               not
               accepting
               Deliverance
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               obtain
               a
               better
               Resurrection
               .
               and
               others
               had
               tryal
               of
               cruel
               Mocking
               and
               Scourges
               ,
               yea
               moreover
               of
               Bonds
               and
               Imprisonments
               .
               They
               
               were
               stoned
               ,
               they
               were
               sawn
               asunder
               were
               tempted
               ,
               were
               slain
               with
               the
               sword
               ,
               they
               wandred
               about
               in
               Sheep-skins
               and
               Goat-skins
               ,
               being
               destitute
               ,
               afflicted
               ,
               tormented
               ;
               of
               whom
               the
               World
               was
               not
               worthy
               ,
               they
               wandered
               in
               Deserts
               and
               Mountains
               ,
               and
               in
               Dens
               and
               Caves
               of
               the
               earth
               .
            
             All
             these
             things
             were
             done
             through
             Faith
             ,
             while
             yet
             there
             were
             but
             a
             few
             Things
             seen
             to
             encourage
             them
             .
             But
             the
             whole
             Accomplishment
             of
             mysteries
             and
             myracles
             is
             far
             more
             fair
             ,
             and
             vigorous
             ,
             and
             enflaming
             ;
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             whole
             Body
             of
             GODS
             Dispensations
             fitly
             united
             in
             all
             its
             Parts
             ,
             being
             an
             eternal
             ,
             Monument
             of
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Power
             ,
             declaring
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             Kingdom
             in
             a
             more
             Eminent
             manner
             ,
             and
             making
             us
             
               more
               then
               conquerors
               in
               and
               thorrow
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               who
               loved
               us
               ,
               and
               gave
               himself
               for
               us
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Hope
               .
               It
               s
               foundation
               ,
               its
               Distinction
               from
               Faith
               ,
               its
               Extents
               and
               Dimensions
               ,
               its
               Life
               and
               Vigor
               ,
               its
               Several
               Kinds
               ,
               its
               Sweetness
               and
               Excellency
               .
            
          
           
             JANUS
             with
             his
             two
             Faces
             ,
             looking
             backward
             and
             forward
             ,
             seems
             to
             be
             a
             fit
             Emblem
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             which
             is
             able
             to
             look
             on
             all
             Objects
             in
             the
             Eternity
             past
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             Objects
             before
             ,
             in
             Eternity
             to
             come
             .
             Faith
             and
             Hope
             are
             the
             two
             Faces
             of
             this
             Soul.
             By
             its
             Faith
             it
             beholdeth
             Things
             that
             are
             past
             ,
             and
             by
             its
             Hope
             regardeth
             Things
             that
             are
             to
             come
             .
             Or
             if
             you
             please
             to
             take
             Faith
             in
             a
             more
             large
             and
             Comprehensive
             Sence
             ,
             Faith
             hath
             both
             these
             Faces
             ,
             being
             that
             Vertue
             by
             which
             we
             give
             Credit
             to
             all
             Testimonies
             which
             we
             believe
             to
             be
             true
             concerning
             Things
             past
             present
             and
             to
             come
             :
             Hope
             is
             a
             Vertue
             mixt
             of
             Belief
             and
             Desire
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             conceive
             the
             Possibility
             of
             attaining
             the
             Ends
             we
             
             would
             enjoy
             ,
             and
             are
             stirred
             up
             to
             endeavour
             after
             them
             .
             Faith
             respects
             the
             Credibility
             of
             Things
             believed
             to
             be
             True
             ;
             Hope
             ,
             the
             Possibility
             and
             Goodness
             of
             their
             Enjoyment
             .
             The
             Simple
             Reality
             of
             Things
             believed
             is
             the
             Object
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             the
             facility
             of
             their
             attainment
             ,
             and
             our
             Interest
             united
             are
             the
             Object
             of
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             HOPE
             presupposes
             a
             Belief
             of
             the
             Certainty
             of
             what
             we
             desire
             .
             It
             is
             an
             Affection
             of
             the
             Soul
             of
             very
             general
             Importance
             .
             Which
             forasmuch
             as
             it
             is
             founded
             on
             Faith
             ,
             and
             derives
             its
             strength
             from
             the
             Sure
             Belief
             of
             what
             we
             hope
             to
             attain
             ,
             and
             there
             can
             be
             no
             fruition
             of
             that
             which
             is
             not
             really
             existent
             ,
             to
             lay
             the
             foundation
             of
             our
             Hope
             more
             firmly
             ,
             we
             will
             again
             consider
             the
             Objects
             of
             Faith
             in
             the
             best
             Light
             wherein
             their
             apparent
             certainty
             may
             be
             discerned
             .
          
           
             THE
             Objects
             of
             Divine
             Faith
             revealed
             in
             the
             holy
             Scripture
             may
             fitly
             be
             ranked
             into
             three
             Orders
             .
             For
             the
             Matter
             of
             the
             Bible
             being
             partly
             Historical
             ,
             and
             partly
             Prophetical
             ,
             and
             partly
             Doctrinal
             ,
             the
             Objects
             of
             
               Divine
               Faith
            
             
             fall
             under
             these
             three
             Heads
             ,
             of
             
               Doctrine
               ,
               History
            
             ,
             and
             Prophesie
             .
          
           
             THE
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Scripture
             is
             of
             two
             sorts
             :
             for
             some
             Doctrines
             are
             Natural
             ,
             some
             are
             Supernatural
             .
             The
             Natural
             are
             again
             divided
             into
             two
             .
             For
             some
             of
             them
             are
             Laws
             that
             teach
             us
             our
             Duty
             ,
             some
             of
             them
             Propositions
             only
             ,
             or
             bare
             and
             Simple
             Affirmations
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             Articles
             guiding
             our
             Apprehensions
             in
             the
             Truth
             of
             those
             Things
             which
             are
             meet
             to
             be
             Known
             .
             Speculation
             is
             intended
             in
             the
             one
             ,
             and
             Practice
             in
             the
             other
             .
          
           
             
               NATURAL
               Doctrines
            
             are
             Objects
             of
             Divine
             Faith
             ,
             only
             as
             they
             are
             revealed
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             GOD.
             For
             the
             Authority
             of
             the
             Witness
             is
             that
             which
             maketh
             our
             Faith
             Divine
             .
             They
             are
             called
             Natural
             ,
             because
             how
             ever
             Blind
             any
             man
             is
             ,
             in
             his
             present
             condition
             ;
             upon
             a
             diligent
             Search
             ,
             those
             Things
             may
             be
             clearly
             discerned
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             .
             Those
             Doctrines
             which
             are
             Objects
             of
             Divine
             Faith
             ,
             and
             yet
             may
             be
             found
             out
             by
             the
             Investigation
             of
             Reason
             ,
             are
             such
             as
             these
             .
             That
             there
             is
             a
             GOD
             ,
             that
             the
             World
             was
             made
             ,
             that
             man
             was
             created
             in
             GODS
             
             Image
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             Dominion
             over
             the
             works
             of
             his
             Hands
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             or
             ought
             to
             be
             tenderly
             Beloved
             of
             all
             mankind
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             Love
             to
             others
             :
             that
             he
             is
             to
             render
             all
             Objects
             their
             Due
             Esteem
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             Grateful
             for
             the
             Benefits
             he
             hath
             received
             of
             his
             great
             Creator
             :
             that
             the
             first
             Estate
             of
             the
             Worlds
             Creation
             was
             pure
             and
             perfect
             ,
             that
             Sin
             came
             in
             by
             the
             Accidental
             abuse
             of
             the
             Creatures
             Liberty
             ,
             that
             Nature
             is
             Corrupted
             ,
             that
             Death
             was
             introduced
             as
             the
             Punishment
             of
             Sin
             ,
             that
             the
             Soul
             is
             Immortal
             ,
             that
             GOD
             is
             infinitely
             Just
             ,
             and
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Holy
             ;
             that
             he
             will
             distribute
             Rewards
             ,
             and
             Punishments
             according
             to
             Right
             ;
             that
             there
             is
             such
             a
             Thing
             as
             Eternity
             and
             Immensity
             ;
             that
             the
             Body
             is
             frail
             and
             subject
             to
             Diseases
             ;
             that
             we
             receive
             all
             Things
             from
             GOD
             ,
             and
             depend
             in
             the
             fruition
             of
             all
             upon
             his
             Power
             and
             Providence
             ;
             that
             it
             is
             Wife
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             and
             foolish
             to
             displease
             him
             ;
             that
             Punishment
             is
             due
             to
             Sin
             ,
             and
             that
             GOD
             hateth
             it
             ;
             that
             Reward
             is
             due
             to
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             GOD
             delighteth
             in
             it
             ;
             that
             there
             is
             a
             Conscience
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             feels
             and
             discovers
             
             the
             Difference
             between
             Guilt
             and
             Innocence
             .
             That
             man
             is
             a
             Sinner
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             prone
             to
             Evil
             ,
             and
             Obnoxious
             to
             GODS
             Wrath
             ,
             that
             nevertheless
             he
             is
             spared
             by
             the
             Long-suffering
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             that
             GOD
             Loveth
             him
             ,
             and
             desireth
             his
             Salvation
             .
             That
             there
             is
             a
             felicity
             and
             a
             Supream
             Felicity
             appointed
             for
             man
             :
             that
             he
             is
             a
             free
             Agent
             ,
             and
             may
             lose
             it
             ,
             if
             he
             pleases
             :
             that
             misery
             is
             the
             Consequent
             of
             the
             Loss
             of
             Felicity
             :
             that
             GOD
             delighteth
             in
             all
             those
             that
             Love
             and
             practice
             Vertue
             :
             that
             he
             hateth
             all
             those
             that
             drown
             their
             Excellencies
             in
             any
             Vice
             :
             that
             Sorrow
             and
             Repentance
             are
             necessary
             for
             all
             those
             that
             have
             offended
             GOD
             :
             that
             there
             is
             Hope
             to
             escape
             the
             Punishment
             of
             Sin
             ,
             if
             we
             endeavour
             to
             live
             as
             piously
             as
             we
             ought
             .
             All
             these
             things
             are
             evident
             in
             themselves
             by
             the
             Light
             of
             Nature
             ,
             because
             they
             may
             either
             be
             clearly
             deduced
             from
             the
             principles
             of
             Reason
             ,
             or
             certainly
             discerned
             by
             plain
             Experience
             :
             And
             are
             therefore
             taught
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             GOD
             ,
             either
             because
             they
             had
             need
             to
             be
             revived
             and
             raised
             up
             
             to
             light
             from
             under
             the
             Rubbish
             of
             our
             Fall
             ,
             or
             because
             GOD
             would
             sanctifie
             Nature
             by
             his
             express
             Consent
             ,
             or
             make
             its
             Dictates
             more
             remarkable
             and
             Valid
             by
             his
             Approbation
             ,
             and
             confirm
             all
             by
             the
             Seal
             of
             his
             Authority
             :
             or
             because
             a
             fair
             Way
             is
             laid
             open
             by
             these
             to
             more
             retired
             and
             Coelestial
             Mysteries
             .
          
           
             FOR
             when
             we
             know
             these
             Things
             we
             are
             prone
             to
             enquire
             what
             GOD
             hath
             done
             ,
             what
             Way
             there
             is
             to
             recover
             our
             ancient
             Happiness
             ,
             what
             Remedies
             are
             prepared
             for
             the
             corruption
             of
             Nature
             ,
             how
             the
             Guilt
             of
             Sin
             may
             be
             removed
             ,
             how
             we
             may
             be
             aided
             and
             assisted
             in
             the
             works
             of
             Virtue
             ,
             by
             what
             Means
             our
             Reconciliation
             with
             GOD
             is
             wrought
             ,
             and
             in
             what
             manner
             we
             ought
             to
             demean
             our selves
             that
             we
             may
             be
             accepted
             of
             him
             ?
             for
             the
             knowledge
             of
             our
             former
             health
             is
             necessary
             for
             the
             clear
             apprehension
             of
             our
             present
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             the
             sense
             of
             our
             Infirmitie
             fits
             us
             for
             the
             Physician
             .
             When
             we
             know
             all
             that
             Nature
             can
             teach
             ,
             and
             see
             something
             needful
             ,
             that
             Nature
             cannot
             ,
             unfold
             ;
             when
             we
             are
             condemned
             by
             our
             Conscience
             
             yet
             feel
             our selves
             beloved
             ,
             find
             that
             we
             have
             forfeited
             all
             ,
             yet
             see
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             creation
             continued
             (
             for
             our
             use
             and
             service
             ,
             )
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             an
             Atonement
             ,
             yet
             Know
             not
             where
             to
             get
             it
             ;
             our
             Exigency
             meeting
             with
             the
             grace
             of
             GOD
             ,
             the
             sence
             of
             our
             Misery
             and
             Hope
             united
             ,
             our
             own
             Guilt
             and
             GODS
             Mercy
             (
             of
             both
             which
             we
             have
             the
             feeling
             and
             experience
             ,
             )
             adopts
             us
             for
             the
             Reception
             of
             the
             Holy
             Gospel
             ,
             wherein
             those
             thing
             are
             revealed
             that
             come
             in
             
               most
               fitly
            
             to
             answer
             our
             Expectations
             .
             Satisfaction
             for
             Sin
             by
             the
             Death
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             Incarnation
             of
             his
             GODHEAD
             above
             the
             course
             of
             Nature
             ,
             for
             that
             End
             ;
             His
             active
             and
             passive
             Obedience
             in
             our
             Stead
             ,
             our
             Justification
             thereby
             ,
             the
             application
             of
             his
             Merits
             to
             our
             souls
             by
             faith
             ,
             the
             Glory
             which
             we
             owe
             him
             for
             so
             great
             an
             undertaking
             ,
             the
             coming
             down
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             to
             Sanctifie
             our
             Nature
             ,
             and
             the
             dignity
             of
             Both
             these
             Persons
             by
             reason
             of
             their
             Unity
             in
             the
             eternal
             Essence
             ;
             for
             the
             manifestation
             of
             which
             the
             Mysterie
             of
             the
             Trinitie
             is
             largly
             revealed
             ,
             these
             supernatural
             Points
             come
             in
             so
             
             suitably
             and
             are
             so
             agreeable
             to
             Nature
             ,
             so
             perfectly
             fit
             in
             their
             places
             ,
             so
             marvellously
             conducive
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Residue
             ,
             that
             the
             very
             Harmony
             and
             sweetneess
             of
             altogether
             is
             enough
             to
             perswade
             us
             of
             their
             Credibility
             ;
             and
             then
             the
             
               Matter
               of
               fact
            
             comes
             in
             with
             the
             Testimony
             and
             Authority
             of
             GODS
             Word
             ,
             assuring
             us
             that
             these
             Things
             are
             so
             ,
             by
             History
             and
             Prophesie
             .
             The
             Miracles
             at
             our
             Saviours
             Birth
             alone
             one
             would
             think
             enough
             to
             clear
             the
             business
             :
             much
             more
             if
             we
             take
             in
             all
             the
             Miracles
             of
             his
             life
             ;
             wherein
             his
             Glory
             appeared
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             only
             begotten
             of
             the
             Father
             ;
             more
             fully
             yet
             ,
             if
             we
             take
             in
             the
             Miracles
             of
             his
             Death
             ;
             and
             abundantly
             more
             ,
             if
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Resurrection
             and
             Ascension
             be
             added
             .
             But
             especially
             the
             
               Coming
               down
               of
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               ,
            
             and
             the
             Power
             the
             Apostles
             received
             from
             heaven
             ,
             all
             the
             Prophesies
             that
             went
             before
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             successes
             that
             followed
             after
             ,
             all
             the
             Faith
             and
             Learning
             of
             the
             Fathers
             ,
             all
             the
             Canons
             and
             Decrees
             of
             Councils
             ,
             all
             the
             Transactions
             of
             the
             World
             drawn
             down
             to
             our
             own
             Age
             in
             a
             continued
             series
             ,
             illustrate
             and
             confirm
             all
             that
             is
             revealed
             .
          
           
           
             BUT
             you
             will
             say
             ,
             How
             shall
             we
             know
             such
             Histories
             to
             be
             true
             ,
             and
             that
             such
             Prophesies
             and
             Prophets
             were
             in
             their
             several
             Ages
             ;
             Since
             we
             never
             saw
             the
             same
             with
             our
             eyes
             ,
             and
             there
             are
             many
             sleights
             and
             Fables
             in
             the
             World
             :
             How
             dost
             thou
             know
             there
             are
             any
             Antipodies
             ?
             Thou
             didst
             never
             see
             them
             !
             Or
             that
             there
             is
             any
             Sea
             ,
             which
             thou
             didst
             never
             behold
             !
             Or
             that
             the
             next
             River
             has
             a
             Fountain
             Head
             ?
             Is
             not
             the
             Universal
             Tradition
             of
             all
             the
             world
             (
             wherein
             the
             Church
             of
             Rome
             ,
             nay
             the
             Catholick
             Church
             ,
             is
             but
             a
             little
             Part
             )
             a
             clear
             Light
             for
             a
             
               matter
               of
               Antiquitie
            
             ,
             attended
             with
             a
             Stream
             of
             Effects
             and
             clear
             Monuments
             concurring
             together
             ,
             without
             any
             Dissonancy
             in
             the
             Things
             themselves
             ,
             or
             Contention
             of
             Parties
             ?
             How
             dost
             thou
             know
             that
             there
             was
             such
             a
             man
             as
             King
             James
             ,
             or
             William
             the
             Conqueror
             .
             Is
             he
             not
             a
             mad
             man
             that
             will
             doubt
             ,
             or
             Dispute
             it
             ?
             All
             that
             thou
             hast
             to
             confirm
             thee
             in
             the
             certainty
             of
             these
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             more
             ,
             conspires
             together
             ,
             to
             confirm
             thee
             in
             the
             certainty
             of
             the
             other
             ,
             The
             History
             of
             the
             Bible
             is
             confest
             by
             Turks
             ,
             and
             
             Jews
             ,
             and
             Infidels
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             far
             more
             ,
             by
             the
             Testimony
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             deserves
             to
             be
             believed
             above
             them
             all
             .
             And
             if
             the
             History
             be
             true
             ,
             there
             were
             such
             Persons
             as
             
               Adam
               ,
               Enoch
               ,
               Noah
               ,
               Abraham
               ,
               Joseph
               ,
               Moses
               ,
               Samuel
               ,
               David
               ,
               Solomon
               ,
               Elias
               ,
               Elisha
               ,
               Josiah
               ,
               Isaiah
               ,
               Jeremiah
               ,
               Ezekiel
               ,
               Daniel
               ,
            
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ;
             such
             persons
             as
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             his
             Apostles
             in
             such
             Ages
             ;
             such
             Prophesies
             ,
             and
             such
             Accomplishments
             at
             vast
             Distances
             ;
             such
             Acts
             ,
             and
             such
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             such
             Doctrines
             upon
             such
             occasions
             :
             And
             if
             all
             this
             
               Matter
               of
               fact
            
             be
             true
             ,
             t
             is
             impossible
             but
             these
             Doctrines
             must
             be
             Divine
             ,
             which
             the
             Devil
             and
             wicked
             men
             so
             much
             Oppose
             and
             Blaspheme
             in
             the
             World.
             And
             if
             these
             Doctrines
             are
             true
             ,
             then
             all
             the
             Promises
             of
             GOD
             are
             true
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             a
             large
             foundation
             of
             Eternal
             Hope
             prepared
             for
             the
             Soul
             :
             because
             if
             all
             these
             Preparations
             be
             not
             Eternally
             disgraced
             by
             the
             feebleness
             of
             their
             End
             the
             Glory
             and
             Felicity
             which
             is
             designed
             by
             them
             ,
             is
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             .
          
           
             THAT
             all
             these
             Things
             are
             intended
             for
             thy
             Benefit
             ,
             thou
             mayst
             clearly
             
             see
             ,
             by
             thy
             very
             Power
             to
             see
             them
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Natural
             Influence
             which
             they
             have
             upon
             thy
             Estate
             and
             condition
             .
             For
             tho
             it
             may
             happen
             by
             some
             succeeding
             Accident
             ,
             that
             thy
             Power
             to
             see
             and
             enjoy
             all
             may
             be
             bereaved
             of
             its
             Objects
             ,
             when
             thine
             Interest
             is
             Eclipsed
             and
             forfeited
             by
             thy
             Rebellion
             ,
             and
             the
             Influence
             of
             all
             may
             at
             last
             through
             thine
             own
             Default
             be
             ineffectual
             and
             Malevolent
             to
             Thee
             ;
             yet
             thou
             art
             assured
             by
             the
             Nature
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             of
             thy
             own
             Soul
             ,
             that
             it
             could
             not
             be
             intended
             Evil
             from
             the
             Beginning
             ;
             nay
             the
             very
             Order
             and
             disposition
             of
             the
             Things
             themselves
             importeth
             the
             Design
             to
             be
             Felicity
             and
             Glory
             .
             For
             all
             these
             Things
             were
             written
             for
             our
             Admonition
             ,
             upon
             whom
             the
             Ends
             of
             the
             world
             are
             come
             :
             And
             the
             Apostle
             expresly
             saith
             ,
             that
             
               whatsoever
               Things
               were
               written
               aforetime
               ,
               
               were
               written
               for
               our
               Learning
               ,
               that
               we
               through
               Patience
               and
               Comfort
               of
               the
               Scriptures
               might
               have
               Hope
               .
            
             This
             Hope
             maketh
             not
             ashamed
             ,
             because
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             is
             shed
             abroad
             in
             our
             Hearts
             .
             We
             Delight
             in
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             very
             Inclination
             that
             we
             have
             unto
             
             it
             ,
             are
             apt
             to
             Delight
             in
             any
             Thing
             that
             is
             Amiable
             .
             We
             delight
             to
             see
             the
             Order
             and
             Perfection
             of
             GODS
             Ways
             ,
             and
             GOD
             himself
             taketh
             Pleasure
             in
             manifesting
             his
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             for
             the
             Behoof
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             Great
             in
             Bounty
             ,
             and
             infinite
             in
             Love
             by
             his
             very
             Essence
             :
             Nay
             further
             we
             are
             every
             one
             Capable
             of
             all
             the
             Benefit
             that
             accrueth
             thereby
             ,
             and
             by
             Nature
             fitted
             to
             celebrate
             his
             Praises
             for
             all
             the
             Advantages
             that
             by
             any
             of
             his
             Dispensations
             are
             imparted
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             have
             Liberty
             to
             improve
             them
             all
             for
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             that
             Glorious
             End
             to
             which
             we
             are
             ordained
             .
             The
             Nature
             of
             GOD
             ,
             which
             is
             hereby
             manifested
             to
             be
             Love
             to
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             enableth
             thee
             by
             this
             very
             means
             to
             honour
             and
             adore
             him
             ,
             and
             by
             so
             doing
             to
             enter
             into
             his
             Kingdome
             ,
             where
             he
             ,
             that
             did
             all
             these
             Things
             for
             a
             farther
             End
             ,
             will
             appear
             in
             Glory
             ,
             and
             shew
             thee
             a
             Perfection
             of
             Life
             and
             Bliss
             ,
             that
             is
             worthy
             of
             all
             this
             Care
             and
             Providence
             ,
             being
             as
             great
             as
             thy
             Heart
             can
             Wish
             or
             desire
             .
          
           
             HOPE
             is
             for
             its
             Extent
             and
             Dimensions
             
             vast
             and
             wonderful
             .
             All
             the
             Honour
             ,
             Advancement
             ,
             Exaltation
             ,
             Glory
             ,
             Treasure
             ,
             and
             Delight
             ,
             that
             is
             concievable
             in
             Time
             or
             Eternity
             ,
             may
             be
             hoped
             ,
             for
             :
             all
             that
             the
             Length
             ,
             and
             Breadth
             ,
             and
             Depth
             ,
             and
             Height
             ,
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             which
             passeth
             Knowledge
             ,
             is
             able
             to
             perform
             ;
             All
             that
             Ambition
             or
             Avarice
             can
             desire
             ,
             all
             that
             Appetite
             and
             Self-Love
             can
             pursue
             ,
             all
             that
             Fancy
             can
             imagine
             Possibles
             and
             Delightful
             ;
             Nay
             
               more
               then
               we
               are
               able
               to
               ask
               or
               think
            
             ;
             we
             are
             able
             to
             desire
             ,
             and
             aspire
             after
             (
             if
             it
             be
             promised
             to
             us
             )
             the
             very
             throne
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Joys
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Kingdom
             .
             And
             the
             more
             Sublime
             its
             Objects
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             Eagerly
             &
             violently
             does
             our
             Hope
             pursue
             them
             ,
             because
             there
             is
             more
             Goodness
             in
             them
             to
             ravish
             our
             Desire
             .
          
           
             TO
             fall
             from
             the
             Height
             of
             ones
             Hopes
             ,
             where
             the
             Kingdome
             and
             Glory
             was
             infinite
             ,
             to
             which
             we
             aspire
             ,
             is
             to
             fall
             from
             the
             Height
             of
             Heaven
             into
             the
             Depth
             of
             Hell
             ,
             it
             produceth
             a
             misery
             and
             Anxiety
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             an
             Indignation
             and
             Sorrow
             ,
             answerable
             to
             all
             the
             Greatness
             of
             our
             Objects
             ,
             and
             the
             expectancies
             of
             our
             
             Hopes
             :
             Especially
             where
             the
             Hope
             is
             Lively
             and
             Tender
             ,
             and
             Strong
             ,
             and
             Sensible
             of
             all
             it
             conceiveth
             .
          
           
             FOR
             it
             is
             the
             property
             of
             a
             true
             and
             lively
             Hope
             to
             Elevate
             the
             Soul
             ,
             to
             the
             Height
             of
             its
             Object
             :
             tho
             dull
             and
             drowzy
             Hopes
             make
             no
             Impression
             or
             Alteration
             in
             the
             Mind
             .
             The
             Soul
             extends
             it self
             with
             a
             kind
             of
             Pleasure
             in
             its
             Wishes
             and
             in
             touching
             .
             The
             Possibility
             of
             such
             Goodnesses
             ,
             as
             it
             proposes
             to
             its
             self
             in
             its
             own
             Imagination
             .
             Love
             and
             Beauty
             even
             in
             Romances
             are
             Delightful
             :
             the
             very
             Dreams
             and
             Ideas
             of
             the
             Perfections
             of
             Bliss
             ,
             have
             a
             Pleasure
             as
             well
             as
             their
             Reallity
             .
             The
             Desires
             of
             it
             are
             something
             more
             Rich
             and
             Sacred
             then
             the
             fancy
             or
             Imagination
             :
             but
             to
             Hope
             for
             such
             a
             Thing
             with
             a
             clear
             and
             joyful
             expectation
             ,
             is
             to
             grasp
             at
             its
             fruition
             ,
             with
             a
             faint
             Kind
             of
             Promise
             ,
             that
             it
             shall
             at
             last
             be
             ours
             .
             Had
             our
             Hopes
             in
             Spiritual
             Things
             ,
             as
             much
             Sence
             as
             they
             have
             in
             Temporal
             ,
             those
             Beams
             of
             Assurance
             that
             enlighten
             our
             Hope
             and
             fill
             it
             with
             Glory
             ,
             would
             infuse
             a
             solid
             Strength
             into
             our
             Desire
             and
             our
             pleasures
             would
             be
             so
             Great
             that
             we
             should
             not
             exchange
             them
             for
             
             all
             the
             Empires
             in
             the
             World.
             Especially
             if
             it
             ascended
             so
             high
             as
             to
             be
             founded
             on
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Causes
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             fears
             that
             did
             chequer
             our
             Hope
             ,
             sprung
             from
             Nothing
             but
             the
             Danger
             of
             being
             Wanting
             to
             our selves
             .
             For
             who
             would
             think
             ,
             That
             when
             our
             Lives
             and
             Liberties
             are
             at
             stake
             ,
             we
             should
             be
             false
             to
             our selves
             ,
             that
             infinite
             Love
             and
             Power
             should
             be
             tendered
             to
             us
             ,
             infinite
             Beauty
             and
             Goodness
             be
             before
             us
             ,
             infinite
             Honour
             and
             Pleasure
             be
             offered
             us
             ,
             Eternal
             Delights
             ,
             inestimable
             Riches
             ,
             Ever
             flourishing
             Joys
             ,
             an
             infinite
             Empire
             be
             without
             fraud
             attainable
             ,
             and
             we
             be
             so
             Treacherous
             and
             false
             to
             our selves
             ,
             as
             to
             fleight
             it
             all
             !
             It
             is
             an
             Absurdity
             so
             incredible
             ,
             that
             we
             should
             lose
             all
             these
             ,
             Enjoyments
             by
             our
             own
             Default
             ,
             and
             bare
             Remissness
             that
             we
             shall
             hate
             our selves
             Eternally
             if
             we
             lose
             so
             fair
             an
             Advantage
             .
             Yet
             this
             is
             our
             Case
             ,
             we
             daily
             do
             that
             which
             in
             point
             of
             Reason
             is
             impossible
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             and
             for
             doing
             which
             we
             judge
             our selves
             Guilty
             of
             Eternal
             Tortures
             .
             All
             the
             Misery
             that
             is
             lodged
             in
             infinite
             Despair
             has
             comfort
             and
             refreshment
             answerable
             to
             it
             in
             infinite
             
             Hope
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             present
             food
             and
             Support
             of
             our
             Lives
             ,
             't
             is
             the
             Anchor
             of
             our
             Souls
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             all
             the
             Storms
             and
             Tempests
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             't
             is
             the
             foretaste
             of
             Bliss
             and
             Coelestial
             Glory
             ,
             a
             Glympse
             and
             Appearence
             of
             the
             Beatifick
             Vision
             ,
             without
             which
             to
             Live
             is
             to
             Dye
             ,
             and
             to
             Dye
             is
             to
             perish
             for
             evermore
             .
          
           
             THE
             Great
             Reason
             for
             which
             a
             right
             Hope
             is
             accounted
             so
             Great
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             is
             because
             its
             Objects
             do
             really
             surpass
             all
             Imagination
             .
             The
             fulness
             of
             the
             GODHEAD
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             Man
             ,
             the
             Perfection
             of
             the
             Divine
             Image
             ,
             a
             Transformation
             for
             Glory
             ,
             to
             Glory
             ,
             even
             as
             by
             the
             Spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             Communion
             with
             the
             Father
             ,
             Son
             and
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             infinite
             Love
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             the
             Estate
             of
             a
             Bride
             in
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             the
             Possession
             of
             his
             Throne
             ,
             with
             another
             Kind
             of
             sweetness
             then
             the
             Bridegroom
             ,
             himself
             enjoys
             ,
             the
             Resurrection
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             and
             Life
             Eternal
             ,
             in
             a
             Kingdome
             where
             all
             Occasions
             of
             Tears
             and
             Fears
             shall
             ever
             be
             removed
             ,
             Where
             all
             Regions
             ,
             and
             Ages
             ,
             and
             Spaces
             ,
             and
             Times
             ,
             and
             Eterternities
             ,
             shall
             be
             before
             our
             Eys
             ,
             
             and
             all
             Objects
             in
             all
             Worlds
             at
             once
             Visible
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             Rich
             ,
             and
             Beautiful
             ,
             and
             Ours
             !
             Our
             very
             Appetites
             also
             being
             ravished
             with
             Sensible
             Pleasures
             in
             all
             our
             Members
             ,
             not
             inconsistent
             with
             ,
             but
             springing
             from
             these
             high
             and
             Supeperior
             Delights
             ,
             not
             distracting
             or
             confounding
             our
             Spiritual
             Joys
             ,
             but
             purely
             Superadded
             ,
             and
             increasing
             the
             same
             ;
             while
             our
             Bodies
             
               are
               made
               like
               to
               his
               most
               Glorious
               Body
               ,
               by
               that
               Almighty
               Power
               whereby
               he
               is
               able
               to
               subdue
               All
               Things
               to
               himself
               ,
            
             all
             these
             infuse
             their
             Value
             ;
             and
             the
             Hope
             that
             is
             exercised
             about
             these
             Things
             is
             a
             Vertue
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             all
             inferior
             Hopes
             ,
             which
             this
             doth
             Sanctifie
             ,
             are
             made
             Vertues
             by
             it
             ,
             but
             without
             this
             all
             other
             Hopes
             are
             Debasements
             and
             Abuses
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             meer
             Distractions
             and
             delusions
             ,
             and
             therefore
             Vices
             .
          
           
             I
             Know
             very
             well
             that
             Presumption
             and
             Despair
             are
             generally
             accounted
             the
             Extreams
             of
             Hope
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             vices
             that
             are
             Opposite
             thereunto
             .
             But
             I
             Know
             as
             well
             ,
             that
             there
             may
             be
             many
             Kinds
             and
             Degrees
             of
             Hope
             ,
             of
             which
             so
             me
             may
             be
             vicious
             ,
             and
             some
             Vertuous
             :
             and
             that
             some
             sorts
             of
             Hope
             
             themselves
             are
             Vices
             .
             When
             ever
             we
             make
             an
             inferior
             Desire
             the
             Sovereign
             Object
             of
             our
             Hope
             ,
             our
             Hope
             is
             abominable
             Idolatrous
             and
             Atheistical
             .
             We
             forget
             GOD
             ,
             and
             magnifie
             an
             inferior
             Object
             above
             all
             that
             is
             Divine
             .
             To
             Sacrifice
             all
             our
             Hopes
             to
             Things
             unworthy
             of
             them
             ,
             or
             to
             be
             Remiss
             and
             sluggish
             in
             Hoping
             for
             Things
             of
             infinite
             Importance
             ,
             is
             apparently
             Vicious
             :
             But
             to
             be
             just
             to
             all
             our
             Encouragements
             ,
             and
             to
             lift
             up
             our
             Eys
             to
             the
             Eternal
             GOD
             ,
             with
             an
             humble
             Expectation
             ;
             to
             wait
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             hope
             for
             all
             that
             from
             his
             Bounty
             ,
             which
             his
             Goodness
             has
             promised
             ,
             to
             desire
             the
             most
             high
             and
             perfect
             Proofs
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             is
             the
             Property
             of
             a
             most
             Great
             and
             Noble
             Soul
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             is
             carried
             above
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             fitted
             for
             the
             Life
             of
             the
             most
             high
             and
             perfect
             Vertue
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Repentance
               .
               It
               s
               Original
               ,
               its
               Nature
               ,
               it
               is
               a
               Purgative
               Vertue
               .
               It
               s
               necessity
               ,
               its
               Excellencies
               .
               The
               measure
               of
               that
               sorrow
               which
               is
               due
               to
               Sin
               is
               intollerable
               to
               Sense
               ,
               confessed
               by
               Reason
               ,
               and
               dispensed
               with
               by
               mercy
               .
            
          
           
             REPENTANCE
             is
             a
             Sowre
             and
             austere
             Kind
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             that
             was
             not
             created
             nor
             intended
             by
             GOD
             ,
             but
             introduced
             by
             Sin
             ,
             made
             fair
             by
             Mercy
             ,
             in
             remitting
             the
             offence
             ,
             and
             pardoning
             the
             Sin.
             It
             is
             a
             Strange
             Kind
             of
             off-spring
             ,
             which
             flows
             from
             Parents
             so
             infinitely
             different
             ,
             and
             has
             a
             mixture
             in
             its
             Nature
             ,
             answerable
             to
             either
             an
             Evil
             which
             it
             derives
             from
             Sin
             ,
             and
             a
             Goodness
             which
             flows
             from
             Mercy
             .
             It
             s
             Evil
             is
             that
             of
             Sorrow
             ,
             Indignation
             and
             Shame
             ,
             Its
             Goodness
             is
             the
             usefulness
             ,
             and
             necessity
             of
             the
             thing
             ,
             considering
             the
             Condition
             we
             are
             now
             in
             .
             It
             is
             highly
             ingrateful
             to
             Sence
             ,
             but
             transcendently
             convenient
             and
             amiable
             to
             Reason
             ;
             
             for
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             him
             that
             has
             once
             been
             defiled
             with
             sin
             ,
             ever
             to
             be
             cleansed
             ,
             or
             to
             live
             after
             in
             a
             Vertuous
             manner
             ,
             unless
             he
             be
             so
             ingenious
             as
             to
             lament
             his
             Crime
             ,
             as
             to
             loath
             ,
             acknowledge
             ,
             and
             detest
             his
             Error
             .
          
           
             THE
             Union
             of
             the
             Soul
             and
             Body
             is
             mysterious
             ,
             but
             that
             Sin
             and
             Mercy
             should
             be
             united
             ,
             as
             Causes
             so
             infinitely
             different
             ,
             for
             the
             production
             of
             a
             Child
             so
             Black
             and
             so
             Beautiful
             ,
             is
             the
             Greattest
             Wonder
             which
             the
             Soul
             can
             contemplate
             on
             this
             side
             Heaven
             ;
             and
             will
             continue
             to
             be
             remembred
             for
             ever
             ,
             and
             appear
             more
             Wonderful
             than
             before
             when
             the
             perfect
             Disparity
             and
             Opposition
             between
             them
             is
             clearly
             seen
             ,
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             Glory
             .
          
           
             THE
             
               Efficient
               Cause
            
             of
             Repentance
             is
             either
             Remote
             ,
             or
             Immediate
             :
             It
             s
             immediate
             Efficient
             Cause
             is
             the
             Gracious
             Inclination
             ,
             or
             the
             Will
             of
             the
             Penitent
             ,
             its
             remote
             Efficient
             is
             GOD
             ,
             the
             Father
             of
             Lights
             from
             which
             every
             Good
             and
             Perfect
             Gift
             descended
             .
             It
             s
             
               Material
               Cause
            
             is
             Sorrow
             .
             It
             s
             
               Formal
               Cause
            
             ,
             which
             makes
             it
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             is
             the
             Reason
             and
             Manner
             of
             that
             Sorrow
             ,
             the
             Equity
             and
             Piety
             wherewith
             it
             is
             
             attended
             ,
             containing
             many
             ingredients
             in
             its
             Nature
             too
             long
             a
             particular
             to
             be
             described
             here
             .
             It
             s
             
               Final
               Cause
            
             is
             either
             immediate
             ,
             or
             ultimate
             ,
             the
             first
             is
             Amendment
             ,
             the
             last
             Salvation
             .
          
           
             BEING
             thus
             bounded
             by
             its
             Causes
             ,
             its
             Definition
             is
             Easie
             ,
             Repentance
             is
             a
             Grace
             ,
             or
             Christian
             Vertue
             ,
             wherein
             a
             man
             confesses
             ,
             hates
             and
             forsakes
             his
             Sin
             ,
             with
             Grief
             that
             he
             hath
             been
             Guilty
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             purposes
             of
             Amendment
             of
             Life
             in
             Order
             to
             His
             Peace
             and
             Reconciliation
             with
             GOD
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             answer
             the
             Obligations
             that
             lye
             upon
             him
             ,
             discharge
             his
             Duty
             ,
             lay
             hold
             on
             the
             Advantages
             of
             GODS
             Mercy
             ,
             escape
             everlasting
             Damnation
             ,
             and
             be
             made
             a
             Partaker
             of
             Eternal
             Glory
             .
          
           
             AMONG
             the
             Vertues
             some
             are
             Purgative
             ,
             and
             some
             are
             Perfective
             .
             The
             Purgative
             Vertues
             are
             all
             Preparatory
             to
             Bliss
             ,
             and
             are
             occasioned
             only
             by
             the
             Disorder
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             the
             perfective
             are
             Essential
             to
             our
             formal
             Happiness
             ,
             and
             Eternally
             necessary
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             .
             Repentance
             is
             not
             in
             its
             own
             Nature
             ,
             (
             If
             Simply
             and
             absolutely
             considered
             )
             necessary
             to
             Bliss
             :
             
             But
             ,
             in
             Relation
             to
             Sinners
             ,
             it
             is
             as
             necessary
             as
             Physick
             to
             the
             Recovery
             of
             Health
             ,
             or
             as
             the
             Change
             it self
             is
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             pass
             from
             the
             Distemper
             we
             are
             Sick
             of
             ,
             to
             the
             right
             and
             Sound
             Estate
             which
             we
             had
             lost
             by
             the
             Disease
             .
             As
             the
             malady
             is
             accidental
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             Cure.
             For
             the
             Nature
             of
             Man
             may
             be
             well
             ,
             and
             perfect
             ,
             without
             either
             this
             ,
             or
             the
             other
             .
             He
             that
             is
             originally
             pure
             ,
             has
             no
             need
             of
             a
             Purgative
             Vertue
             ;
             but
             he
             that
             is
             faln
             defiled
             musts
             needs
             rise
             ,
             and
             wash
             away
             the
             filth
             ,
             before
             he
             can
             be
             clean
             .
          
           
             FOR
             this
             Cause
             ,
             even
             among
             the
             Heathens
             themselves
             ,
             the
             more
             Knowing
             and
             Learned
             have
             a
             Conscience
             of
             Sin
             ;
             their
             Priests
             and
             Philosophers
             ,
             devised
             several
             Rites
             and
             Manners
             of
             Purgation
             ,
             which
             they
             taught
             ,
             and
             imposed
             on
             their
             Disciples
             with
             much
             Circumstance
             and
             Ceremony
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             their
             Reception
             .
             Nor
             was
             there
             any
             Temple
             ,
             or
             Religion
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             pretended
             not
             something
             to
             Diviner
             Mysteries
             :
             Which
             were
             graced
             &
             beautified
             with
             Preparatory
             Washings
             ,
             Humiliations
             ,
             Fashions
             ,
             Attirs
             ,
             Watchings
             ,
             Retirements
             ,
             Shavings
             ,
             Sprinklings
             ,
             Anoyntings
             ,
             
             Consecrations
             ,
             Sacrifices
             ,
             or
             some
             other
             Disciplines
             like
             unto
             these
             ,
             to
             be
             endured
             and
             past
             thorow
             ,
             before
             their
             Votaries
             could
             be
             admitted
             to
             their
             mysteries
             .
             All
             which
             Rites
             as
             they
             made
             a
             great
             shew
             ,
             because
             they
             were
             sensible
             ,
             so
             were
             they
             apt
             to
             put
             a
             magnificent
             face
             on
             their
             Religion
             to
             dispose
             the
             Persons
             exercised
             by
             them
             to
             a
             more
             complying
             Obedience
             ,
             and
             to
             beget
             a
             Reverence
             mixt
             with
             Awful
             Admiration
             in
             their
             ignorant
             Spectators
             .
             All
             which
             nevertheless
             were
             but
             
               Emblematical
               Ordinances
            
             ,
             signifying
             something
             invisible
             that
             was
             necessary
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             Priests
             themselves
             knew
             not
             the
             meaning
             .
             They
             had
             the
             name
             of
             Paenitentia
             in
             their
             Common
             Conversation
             ,
             but
             applied
             it
             to
             profane
             and
             Trivial
             occasions
             :
             But
             Repentance
             in
             Religion
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Soul
             and
             substance
             of
             those
             mystical
             Observations
             ,
             a
             broken
             and
             Contrite
             Heart
             ,
             an
             internal
             Sorrow
             for
             their
             sin
             ,
             was
             a
             thing
             unknown
             ;
             so
             that
             all
             their
             Appearances
             ,
             how
             magnificent
             soever
             ,
             were
             but
             Empty
             shells
             .
          
           
             REPENTANCE
             alone
             though
             
             never
             so
             simple
             and
             short
             in
             its
             name
             ,
             being
             of
             such
             value
             ,
             that
             GOD
             accepts
             one
             contrite
             Groan
             above
             all
             the
             Ceremonies
             ,
             even
             of
             his
             own
             Law.
             And
             therefore
             he
             saith
             ,
             
             
               Thou
               desirest
               not
               sacrifice
               else
               would
               I
               give
               it
               ;
               thou
               delightest
               not
               in
               Burnt
               offering
               .
               The
               Sacrifices
               of
               GOD
               are
               a
               Broken
               Spirit
               :
               A
               broken
               and
               a
               contrite
               Heart
               ,
               O
               God
               ,
               thou
               wilt
               not
               despise
               .
            
          
           
             FOR
             tho
             Repentance
             be
             not
             in
             it selfe
             a
             desirable
             Vertue
             ,
             nor
             so
             much
             as
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             till
             there
             be
             a
             sphere
             and
             Occasion
             for
             it
             ,
             wherein
             to
             be
             exercised
             ,
             tho
             Repentance
             in
             it selfe
             be
             far
             worse
             then
             obedience
             ,
             yet
             upon
             the
             Account
             of
             our
             Saviours
             Merits
             ,
             and
             GODS
             Love
             to
             Sinners
             ,
             it
             is
             preferred
             above
             the
             Greatest
             Innocency
             and
             Purity
             whatsoever
             .
             For
             
               there
               is
               more
               Joy
               in
               Heaven
               over
               one
               sinner
               that
               repenteth
               ,
               then
               over
               Ninety
               and
               nine
               Just
               persons
               that
               need
               no
               Repentance
               .
            
             
             If
             the
             Soul
             be
             of
             greater
             value
             than
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             if
             the
             loss
             of
             any
             Thing
             we
             esteem
             ,
             increaseth
             the
             sence
             of
             its
             excellency
             ;
             if
             our
             Saviour
             justly
             and
             rationally
             compareth
             himself
             to
             a
             Shepheard
             ,
             that
             leaveth
             Ninety
             and
             
             nine
             sheep
             in
             the
             wilderness
             ,
             to
             seek
             one
             that
             is
             gone
             astray
             ;
             if
             he
             rejoyceth
             when
             he
             hath
             found
             it
             ,
             more
             for
             that
             one
             that
             was
             lost
             ,
             then
             for
             the
             ninety
             and
             nine
             which
             he
             had
             in
             safety
             ;
             if
             his
             Delight
             in
             the
             success
             of
             his
             Labours
             be
             answerable
             to
             their
             Greatness
             ;
             if
             the
             frustration
             of
             all
             his
             Desires
             ,
             and
             painful
             endeavours
             in
             seeking
             it
             ,
             be
             infinitely
             Grievious
             ;
             and
             the
             Vertues
             more
             Amiable
             and
             Wonderful
             ,
             which
             sinners
             exercise
             after
             their
             Redemption
             ;
             if
             their
             Love
             ,
             and
             their
             joy
             ,
             and
             their
             praise
             be
             increased
             ,
             by
             the
             extreamity
             of
             their
             Distress
             and
             the
             multitude
             of
             the
             sins
             that
             are
             forgiven
             them
             ;
             if
             their
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             be
             more
             sweet
             ,
             and
             their
             Happiness
             more
             exalted
             ,
             and
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             it selfe
             made
             more
             sublime
             and
             Glorious
             thereby
             ;
             Repentance
             hath
             something
             more
             in
             it
             then
             Perfection
             had
             before
             the
             fall
             ,
             and
             as
             sinners
             have
             made
             themselves
             more
             infinitly
             Indebted
             ,
             so
             are
             they
             infinitly
             more
             subject
             to
             the
             Arbitrary
             Disposal
             of
             Almighty
             Power
             ,
             infinitly
             more
             Capable
             of
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             infinitely
             more
             Obliged
             for
             Pardon
             and
             
             deliverance
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             infinitly
             more
             Obnoxious
             to
             Divine
             Justice
             ,
             their
             Fear
             and
             Danger
             is
             infinitly
             Greater
             ,
             they
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             infinite
             Grace
             ,
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             which
             when
             they
             receive
             and
             enjoy
             ,
             their
             Love
             and
             Gratitude
             are
             proportionably
             greater
             ,
             their
             Delights
             are
             more
             quick
             ,
             and
             vigorous
             ,
             and
             full
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             their
             praises
             .
          
           
             BUT
             before
             a
             sinner
             can
             atchieve
             all
             this
             ,
             or
             GOD
             enjoy
             the
             fruit
             of
             his
             Salvation
             ,
             he
             must
             needs
             repent
             ,
             for
             Repentance
             is
             the
             true
             and
             substantial
             Preparation
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             only
             Purgative
             Vertue
             ,
             by
             which
             it
             is
             fitted
             for
             these
             Divine
             Attainments
             .
             It
             is
             ,
             we
             confess
             in
             outward
             Appearance
             a
             slight
             invisible
             Act
             ,
             but
             as
             Great
             within
             ,
             as
             Wide
             and
             Comprehensive
             as
             the
             Heavens
             .
             It
             receiveth
             the
             Vertue
             of
             the
             Divine
             Essence
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             ,
             of
             infinite
             Mercy
             ,
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             of
             his
             Humiliation
             ,
             Merit
             ,
             Exaltation
             ,
             Intercession
             ,
             and
             glory
             ,
             of
             all
             the
             Work
             of
             Redemption
             into
             it self
             ;
             and
             having
             fed
             it self
             ,
             digested
             them
             ,
             it
             receiveth
             strength
             by
             the
             Influence
             of
             these
             to
             dispence
             all
             their
             
             Vertue
             again
             ,
             in
             the
             Production
             of
             those
             Fruits
             ,
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             which
             GOD
             hath
             filled
             all
             the
             World
             with
             miracles
             ,
             the
             Verdure
             ,
             and
             Maturity
             ,
             and
             Perfection
             of
             which
             shall
             with
             their
             beauty
             and
             sweetness
             continue
             in
             life
             and
             Florish
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             IF
             we
             respect
             Man
             alone
             ,
             and
             the
             things
             that
             are
             done
             in
             himself
             by
             Repentance
             ,
             it
             seemeth
             a
             Vertue
             of
             infinite
             value
             :
             It
             divests
             him
             of
             all
             his
             Rebellion
             ,
             Pride
             ,
             and
             vain
             Glory
             ,
             strips
             him
             of
             all
             his
             Lust
             and
             Impiety
             ,
             purges
             him
             of
             all
             his
             corruption
             ,
             Anger
             ,
             and
             Malice
             ,
             pares
             off
             all
             his
             Superfluities
             ,
             and
             excesses
             ,
             cleanseth
             his
             Soul
             of
             all
             its
             filthiness
             and
             pollution
             ,
             removeth
             all
             that
             is
             so
             infinitly
             Odious
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             makes
             him
             amiable
             and
             Beautiful
             to
             the
             holy
             Angels
             .
             It
             sits
             and
             prepares
             him
             for
             all
             the
             exercises
             of
             Grace
             and
             Piety
             ,
             introduces
             Humility
             and
             Obedience
             into
             his
             Soul
             ,
             makes
             him
             capable
             of
             a
             Divine
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             makes
             way
             for
             the
             Beauty
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             inspires
             Fortitude
             ,
             and
             Prudence
             ,
             and
             Temperance
             ,
             and
             Justice
             into
             his
             soul
             ;
             renues
             his
             Nature
             ,
             and
             makes
             ●im
             a
             meek
             and
             patient
             Person
             restores
             
             him
             to
             that
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             he
             had
             lost
             ,
             cloaths
             him
             with
             rightteousness
             and
             true
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             seats
             him
             again
             in
             the
             Favour
             of
             GOD.
             By
             Repentance
             he
             recovers
             the
             Divine
             Image
             ,
             and
             by
             Consequence
             it
             extends
             to
             all
             that
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             which
             is
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             REPENTANCE
             is
             the
             Beginning
             of
             that
             Life
             ,
             wherein
             all
             the
             sweat
             Labour
             of
             the
             Martyrs
             ,
             all
             the
             Persecutions
             and
             Endeavours
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ,
             all
             the
             Revelations
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             all
             the
             examples
             of
             the
             Patriarchs
             ,
             all
             the
             Miracles
             of
             old
             Time
             ,
             all
             the
             Mysteries
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             all
             the
             Means
             of
             Grace
             ,
             all
             the
             Verities
             of
             the
             Gospel
             begin
             to
             take
             full
             force
             and
             Effect
             ,
             in
             obtaining
             that
             for
             which
             they
             were
             intended
             .
             Which
             sufficiently
             intimates
             the
             value
             of
             the
             Grace
             ,
             and
             how
             highly
             well
             pleasing
             it
             must
             be
             to
             GOD
             :
             It
             is
             the
             Conception
             of
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             the
             
               New
               Birth
            
             of
             the
             
               Inward
               Man
            
             the
             Dereliction
             of
             the
             Old
             ,
             and
             the
             Assumption
             of
             a
             New
             ,
             and
             more
             coelestial
             Nature
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Gate
             of
             the
             Heavenly
             Kingdome
             which
             they
             that
             refuse
             to
             enter
             at
             ,
             can
             never
             enjoy
             .
             It
             is
             one
             of
             
             the
             Keys
             of
             Death
             and
             Hell
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             Gate
             of
             the
             Prison
             is
             unlockt
             ,
             nay
             the
             very
             knocking
             off
             the
             Chains
             ,
             and
             Manacles
             of
             Satan
             ;
             the
             very
             Act
             wherein
             we
             regain
             our
             Liberty
             ,
             and
             become
             the
             Sons
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             Citizens
             of
             Heaven
             ;
             It
             was
             fitly
             Typisied
             in
             the
             old
             Law
             ,
             by
             the
             Laver
             that
             was
             set
             at
             the
             Door
             of
             the
             Tabernacle
             for
             the
             Priests
             to
             wash
             in
             ,
             before
             they
             entred
             into
             the
             Sanctuary
             ,
             to
             walk
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Golden
             Candlesticks
             ,
             to
             offer
             their
             Devotions
             at
             the
             the
             Incense
             Altar
             ,
             and
             to
             partake
             of
             the
             shew
             bread
             on
             the
             Golden
             Table
             .
             In
             the
             Outward
             Court
             they
             enjoyed
             the
             society
             of
             the
             visible
             Church
             ,
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Bloody
             Altar
             ,
             (
             which
             answers
             out
             Saviors
             Cross
             erected
             in
             the
             World
             )
             and
             the
             Benefit
             of
             their
             Outward
             Profession
             ,
             which
             consisted
             in
             their
             Admission
             to
             the
             Visible
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             exterior
             Rites
             of
             Religion
             :
             But
             that
             Court
             was
             open
             over
             head
             ,
             obnoxions
             to
             showers
             ,
             in
             Token
             that
             a
             bare
             Profession
             is
             not
             Enough
             to
             shelter
             us
             from
             the
             Dangers
             and
             Incommodities
             that
             may
             be
             rained
             down
             in
             Judgments
             upon
             us
             from
             the
             wrath
             of
             GOD
             :
             
             whence
             the
             face
             of
             Heaven
             is
             overcast
             with
             Clouds
             ,
             and
             Covered
             with
             black
             and
             Heavy
             Displeasure
             ,
             till
             we
             wash
             and
             be
             clean
             ,
             and
             enter
             by
             penitence
             into
             the
             Invisible
             Church
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             
               Second
               Court
            
             is
             a
             Figure
             ,
             wherein
             we
             are
             illuminated
             by
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             offer
             up
             the
             sweet
             Perfumes
             of
             our
             Thanksgivings
             and
             Praises
             ;
             being
             admitted
             to
             feed
             upon
             the
             Heavenly
             Feast
             represented
             by
             the
             Shew-bread
             .
             Table
             ;
             we
             are
             never
             received
             into
             the
             Society
             of
             the
             Saints
             and
             Angels
             ,
             bainted
             out
             in
             the
             Cheruhims
             and
             
               Palm
               Trees
            
             round
             about
             on
             the
             inside
             of
             its
             Walls
             ,
             nor
             Covered
             over
             head
             with
             a
             vail
             to
             protect
             us
             :
             A
             vail
             of
             Blew
             to
             represent
             the
             inferior
             Heaven
             ,
             wherein
             Cherubims
             were
             interwoven
             to
             represent
             the
             Angels
             looking
             down
             upon
             us
             ,
             a
             vail
             of
             Goats-hair
             concealed
             and
             unseen
             above
             that
             of
             Blew
             ,
             to
             signifie
             the
             fruits
             of
             our
             Saviour
             Life
             ,
             and
             another
             of
             Rams-skins
             died
             Red
             ,
             to
             signifie
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             are
             secured
             from
             all
             the
             Displeasure
             which
             otherwise
             for
             Sin
             ,
             was
             due
             to
             us
             .
             The
             Goats
             hair
             fitly
             resembles
             the
             Active
             Obedience
             ,
             or
             the
             Righteousness
             
             of
             Christ
             ;
             for
             as
             much
             as
             Hair
             may
             be
             clipped
             off
             ,
             and
             a
             Covering
             made
             of
             it
             ,
             while
             the
             Beast
             is
             alive
             :
             For
             so
             might
             Christ
             have
             been
             perfectly
             Righteous
             ,
             tho
             his
             Life
             had
             never
             been
             Taken
             away
             :
             But
             red
             is
             the
             Color
             of
             blood
             ,
             the
             Skin
             importeth
             Death
             for
             as
             much
             as
             it
             cannot
             be
             fleyed
             off
             ,
             without
             the
             destruction
             of
             the
             Creature
             .
             These
             vails
             therefore
             as
             they
             were
             above
             the
             other
             ,
             were
             of
             higher
             and
             more
             mysterious
             importance
             :
             And
             spread
             over
             the
             inclosed
             ,
             and
             invisible
             Court
             ,
             into
             which
             none
             but
             Priests
             and
             Levites
             entered
             ,
             that
             washed
             at
             the
             Laver
             ,
             to
             intimate
             the
             security
             only
             of
             those
             ,
             that
             are
             washed
             in
             the
             Laver
             of
             Regeneration
             ,
             and
             make
             Kings
             and
             Priests
             unto
             God
             ,
             being
             purged
             from
             their
             old
             sins
             ,
             and
             sanctified
             and
             illuminated
             ,
             in
             a
             secret
             Spiritual
             manner
             .
             For
             as
             they
             only
             that
             tarried
             in
             their
             Houses
             ,
             were
             under
             the
             protection
             of
             the
             
               Paschal
               Lamb
            
             ,
             whose
             Blood
             was
             sprinkled
             on
             the
             Lintils
             of
             their
             Gates
             and
             Doors
             ,
             when
             the
             destroying
             Angel
             past
             through
             the
             Land
             of
             Egypt
             to
             kill
             the
             First-born
             of
             Man
             and
             Beast
             :
             So
             onely
             they
             that
             keep
             within
             the
             
             Pale
             of
             the
             
               Invisible
               Church
            
             ,
             are
             under
             the
             Shaddow
             of
             the
             Almighty
             ,
             because
             they
             only
             dwell
             in
             the
             secret
             place
             of
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             and
             they
             alone
             are
             under
             the
             Coverture
             of
             that
             Powerful
             Blood
             ,
             which
             speaketh
             better
             things
             than
             the
             Blood
             of
             Abel
             ,
             but
             pleads
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             them
             onely
             ,
             that
             repent
             and
             believe
             ,
             and
             is
             therefore
             effectually
             spread
             over
             the
             
               Invisible
               Church
            
             alone
             .
             Which
             in
             another
             Type
             is
             exhibited
             by
             the
             mixture
             of
             the
             Blood
             and
             Oyl
             ,
             which
             was
             sprinkled
             upon
             the
             Priests
             and
             Lepers
             that
             were
             cleansed
             :
             Sanctification
             and
             Justification
             moving
             alwayes
             together
             hand
             in
             hand
             ,
             the
             Unction
             of
             the
             Holy
             One
             ,
             or
             the
             Oyl
             of
             Love
             and
             Gladness
             annointing
             all
             those
             that
             are
             washed
             ,
             and
             only
             those
             are
             washed
             in
             clean
             and
             pure
             water
             ,
             they
             alone
             being
             effectually
             sprinkled
             with
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             
               who
               of
               GOD
               is
               made
               unto
               us
               Wisdome
               ,
               and
               Righteousness
               ,
               and
               Sanctification
               ,
               and
               Redemption
               .
            
          
           
             FOR
             if
             God
             should
             take
             Pleasure
             in
             us
             before
             we
             were
             pure
             ,
             his
             Complacency
             would
             be
             false
             ,
             and
             his
             Delight
             unrighteous
             .
             Till
             we
             are
             Delightful
             to
             him
             we
             can
             never
             be
             Honorable
             
             nor
             Glorious
             before
             him
             :
             Nor
             ever
             be
             pleasing
             to
             that
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             is
             indelible
             (
             tho
             latent
             )
             in
             our
             own
             Souls
             ,
             till
             we
             feel
             our selves
             clean
             and
             Beautiful
             .
          
           
             IF
             any
             thing
             in
             the
             World
             can
             commend
             the
             value
             of
             Repentance
             ,
             or
             discover
             the
             infinite
             use
             and
             necessity
             of
             it
             ,
             this
             will
             certainly
             be
             a
             consideration
             Effectual
             :
             That
             tho
             GOD
             love
             us
             with
             an
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Love
             ,
             tho
             he
             magnifies
             his
             Mercy
             infinitely
             over
             all
             our
             Deservings
             ,
             tho
             Jesus
             Christ
             loved
             us
             so
             ,
             as
             to
             sacrifice
             himself
             in
             our
             places
             ,
             tho
             he
             made
             infinite
             satisfaction
             to
             the
             Justice
             of
             God
             for
             our
             Sins
             ,
             tho
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             came
             down
             from
             Heaven
             for
             our
             sakes
             ,
             may
             tho
             we
             ourselves
             were
             taken
             up
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             all
             this
             would
             he
             of
             little
             avail
             ,
             and
             we
             should
             quickly
             be
             tumbled
             down
             again
             ,
             if
             only
             Sin
             were
             Delightful
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             our
             Wills
             so
             obstinate
             ,
             that
             there
             was
             no
             place
             for
             Repentance
             in
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             no
             sorrow
             ,
             nor
             Contrition
             for
             the
             Offences
             we
             had
             committed
             .
             It
             is
             not
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             to
             us
             ,
             so
             much
             as
             our
             love
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             maketh
             Heaven
             .
             It
             may
             
             surprize
             you
             perhaps
             ,
             but
             shall
             certainly
             instruct
             you
             ,
             for
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             may
             be
             infinite
             ,
             yet
             if
             it
             be
             unseen
             ,
             breed
             no
             delight
             in
             the
             Soul
             :
             if
             it
             be
             sleighted
             and
             despised
             ,
             it
             shall
             increase
             our
             Cuilt
             ,
             Shame
             ,
             and
             Deformity
             ,
             and
             make
             us
             the
             more
             Odious
             ,
             which
             it
             must
             needs
             do
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             impenitent
             .
             For
             so
             long
             ,
             it
             is
             manifest
             that
             we
             are
             neither
             Sensible
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             nor
             Just
             unto
             it
             .
             The
             taste
             of
             its
             sweetness
             ,
             and
             the
             Pleasure
             we
             take
             in
             his
             infinite
             Love
             ,
             is
             the
             Life
             of
             Blessedness
             ,
             and
             the
             Soul
             of
             Heaven
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Concurrence
             of
             our
             Love
             and
             His
             ,
             when
             they
             meet
             together
             ,
             that
             maketh
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             HERE
             upon
             Earth
             we
             ought
             actually
             to
             grieve
             ,
             and
             repent
             for
             our
             Sins
             :
             —
             But
             should
             GOD
             require
             a
             measure
             in
             our
             Grief
             answerable
             to
             its
             Causes
             ,
             our
             Repentance
             it self
             would
             be
             an
             Hell
             unto
             us
             :
             For
             the
             Grief
             would
             be
             Endless
             and
             insupportable
             .
             Right
             Reason
             requires
             that
             we
             should
             be
             infinitely
             afflicted
             for
             the
             infinite
             folly
             and
             madness
             of
             Sin.
             But
             the
             Mercy
             of
             GOD
             dispenseth
             with
             our
             Grief
             so
             far
             ,
             that
             it
             takes
             off
             the
             Pain
             ,
             which
             its
             
               infinit●
               Measure
            
             would
             inflict
             upon
             our
             sense
             ,
             
             and
             accepts
             of
             an
             Acknowledgement
             made
             by
             our
             Reason
             that
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             infinite
             ,
             if
             strict
             Justice
             were
             exacted
             at
             our
             Hands
             .
             Our
             intention
             is
             (
             in
             the
             Course
             of
             Reason
             ,
             )
             to
             be
             infinitely
             and
             Eternally
             grieved
             for
             the
             Baseness
             of
             the
             Act
             ,
             and
             the
             Vileness
             we
             have
             contracted
             ,
             and
             so
             we
             should
             be
             ,
             d●d
             its
             Effects
             continue
             and
             abide
             forever
             ;
             for
             then
             we
             should
             be
             hated
             of
             GOD
             and
             become
             his
             Enemies
             World
             without
             End.
             But
             the
             Removal
             of
             that
             Hatred
             ,
             and
             the
             infinite
             Mercy
             whereby
             we
             are
             forgiven
             ,
             hath
             a
             kindly
             Operation
             on
             the
             Soul
             of
             every
             Penitent
             ,
             and
             the
             Joy
             it
             infuseth
             restrains
             and
             limits
             the
             Excess
             of
             our
             Sorrow
             ,
             it
             leaves
             the
             Intension
             of
             Grief
             ,
             and
             its
             inclination
             in
             the
             Mind
             ,
             yet
             stops
             the
             persecution
             ,
             and
             relieves
             our
             Reason
             ,
             by
             diverting
             the
             stream
             of
             its
             Operations
             and
             Exercises
             ;
             it
             engageth
             its
             actual
             Resentments
             upon
             other
             Objects
             ,
             which
             turn
             it
             all
             into
             Love
             and
             Adoration
             ,
             Praise
             and
             Thanksgiving
             ,
             Joy
             and
             Complacency
             .
             For
             the
             Love
             of
             God
             continued
             after
             our
             fall
             ,
             and
             the
             Felicity
             to
             which
             we
             are
             called
             out
             of
             the
             Depth
             of
             our
             misery
             all
             the
             Advantages
             we
             
             receive
             upon
             our
             Redemption
             ,
             the
             Improvements
             of
             our
             miserable
             Estate
             the
             Degrees
             and
             Ornaments
             that
             are
             added
             to
             the
             Beauty
             and
             perfection
             of
             Gods
             Kingdome
             upon
             so
             sad
             an
             occasion
             as
             Sin
             is
             ,
             all
             these
             things
             take
             up
             our
             Thoughts
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             that
             while
             we
             are
             actually
             and
             fully
             Just
             to
             these
             ,
             and
             Loving
             GOD
             ,
             for
             his
             Eternal
             Love
             ,
             infinitely
             more
             than
             we
             Love
             our selves
             ,
             we
             live
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             are
             all
             in
             raptures
             of
             Blesseduess
             .
             yet
             is
             there
             a
             
               Vertual
               Sorrow
            
             which
             Reason
             conceives
             as
             most
             due
             to
             Sin
             ,
             which
             being
             expressed
             only
             in
             the
             Humility
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             and
             seen
             as
             it
             were
             underneath
             the
             fruition
             of
             our
             Joys
             ,
             in
             the
             lowly
             Conceit
             we
             retain
             of
             our selves
             (
             in
             the
             confession
             of
             our
             vileness
             and
             the
             deep
             Sence
             of
             our
             own
             unworthiness
             ;
             )
             is
             far
             Greater
             ,
             now
             we
             are
             restored
             to
             the
             favour
             and
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             far
             sweeter
             to
             be
             seen
             ,
             and
             deeper
             to
             be
             understood
             ;
             than
             the
             Grief
             for
             Sin
             would
             have
             been
             ,
             had
             we
             been
             not
             redeemed
             ,
             but
             Damned
             forever
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XVIII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Charity
               towards
               GOD.
               It
               Sanctifieth
               Repentance
               ,
               makes
               it
               a
               Vertue
               ,
               and
               turns
               it
               to
               a
               Part
               of
               our
               true
               Felicity
               .
               Our
               Love
               to
               all
               other
               Objects
               is
               to
               begin
               and
               End
               in
               GOD.
               Our
               Love
               of
               GOD
               hath
               an
               Excellency
               in
               it
               that
               makes
               it
               worthy
               to
               be
               desired
               by
               his
               Eternal
               Majesty
               .
               He
               is
               the
               only
               Supreme
               and
               Perfect
               friend
               .
               By
               Loving
               we
               enjoy
               him
               .
            
          
           
             REPENTANCE
             without
             Love
             is
             so
             far
             from
             seating
             us
             in
             the
             Felicity
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             one
             of
             the
             Ingredients
             of
             the
             Torments
             in
             Hell
             ,
             a
             natural
             Effect
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             Part
             of
             the
             Misery
             of
             Devils
             .
             Love
             is
             a
             genuine
             Affection
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             so
             powerfully
             Sweet
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             Satisfied
             and
             pleased
             ,
             that
             it
             communicates
             the
             Relish
             of
             its
             own
             Delightfulness
             to
             every
             Thing
             near
             it
             ,
             and
             Transformes
             the
             most
             Virulent
             Affections
             into
             Smooth
             ,
             Healing
             ,
             Perfective
             Pleasures
             .
             Insomuch
             that
             in
             Heaven
             our
             Sorrow
             for
             Sin
             shall
             perhaps
             
             be
             infinite
             ,
             yet
             the
             malignity
             of
             it
             so
             perfectly
             correctd
             ,
             that
             tho
             we
             continue
             Eternally
             Just
             ,
             in
             rendring
             our
             Sins
             that
             grief
             which
             is
             their
             due
             ,
             it
             shall
             not
             discompose
             our
             peace
             ,
             norcorrode
             our
             Delighs
             ,
             but
             increase
             our
             Repose
             in
             the
             Beauty
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
             and
             make
             our
             Joys
             more
             full
             of
             Extasie
             ,
             by
             those
             Melting
             ,
             Lively
             ,
             Bleeding
             ,
             Resentments
             ,
             which
             our
             Love
             will
             occasion
             in
             the
             very
             Grief
             ;
             where
             with
             it
             perfects
             our
             Felicity
             .
             For
             as
             the
             falling
             out
             of
             Lovers
             is
             the
             Renewing
             of
             Love
             ,
             so
             is
             the
             Mercy
             and
             Kindness
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             even
             of
             him
             that
             was
             injured
             ;
             and
             the
             calm
             and
             secure
             Indignation
             wherewith
             the
             other
             hates
             himself
             for
             being
             guilty
             of
             so
             vile
             a
             miscarriage
             ,
             the
             very
             Grace
             and
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Reconciliation
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             great
             means
             of
             their
             mutual
             Endearment
             and
             Tenderness
             ever
             after
             :
             the
             Compassion
             of
             him
             that
             is
             Innocent
             ,
             and
             the
             humble
             grief
             of
             the
             Guilty
             making
             the
             Joy
             of
             their
             future
             Correspondence
             more
             Deep
             and
             Serious
             ,
             more
             Vigorous
             and
             Enflaming
             ,
             more
             lasting
             .
          
           
             LOVE
             is
             that
             which
             Sanctifies
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             pleasant
             both
             to
             
             him
             that
             is
             Beloved
             ,
             and
             to
             him
             that
             is
             adored
             ;
             Acceptable
             and
             Delightful
             to
             him
             that
             repenteth
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             him
             that
             had
             been
             injured
             .
             For
             the
             Sinners
             Restauration
             makes
             it
             as
             Natural
             to
             grieve
             for
             his
             Fault
             as
             to
             rejoyce
             in
             his
             Felicity
             ,
             his
             fad
             and
             humble
             Resentments
             are
             his
             own
             Satisfaction
             ,
             because
             he
             sees
             himself
             Just
             and
             Rational
             in
             them
             he
             delighs
             in
             his
             Sorrow
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             Honourable
             ,
             and
             finds
             a
             new
             Kind
             of
             pleasure
             in
             his
             Abasement
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             relieved
             by
             the
             Wonder
             of
             his
             Happy
             condition
             ;
             and
             what
             he
             hath
             lost
             in
             himself
             is
             regained
             in
             the
             pefection
             and
             Goodness
             of
             his
             Object
             .
          
           
             THAT
             GOD
             is
             the
             sovereign
             Object
             of
             Love
             I
             scarcely
             need
             to
             mention
             ;
             all
             I
             shall
             observe
             upon
             this
             occasion
             ,
             is
             ;
             that
             we
             are
             more
             to
             Love
             him
             for
             his
             Mercy
             and
             Compassion
             towards
             us
             as
             Sinners
             ,
             then
             for
             his
             Goodness
             and
             Bounty
             expressed
             at
             the
             first
             ,
             as
             we
             were
             
               Innocent
               Creatures
            
             .
             The
             Bleeding
             Spectacle
             of
             his
             Incarnate
             Deity
             ,
             and
             the
             Perseverance
             of
             his
             Miraculous
             and
             Transcendent
             Love
             after
             all
             our
             Offences
             ,
             is
             another
             Kind
             of
             Motive
             to
             heighten
             our
             Charity
             
             of
             ,
             and
             gives
             it
             another
             form
             ,
             as
             much
             more
             Mysterious
             ,
             so
             much
             more
             perfect
             and
             Delightful
             then
             ever
             .
             Our
             Sorrow
             for
             Sin
             infuses
             a
             New
             Sense
             into
             Nature
             ,
             a
             New
             Beauty
             into
             Love
             ,
             and
             gives
             as
             much
             unto
             it
             ,
             as
             it
             receiveth
             from
             it
             .
             But
             this
             being
             better
             known
             by
             Experience
             ,
             then
             by
             description
             I
             shall
             refer
             you
             to
             the
             Life
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Grace
             ,
             for
             more
             ample
             satisfaction
             .
          
           
             LOVE
             ,
             as
             we
             have
             shewed
             ,
             may
             be
             extended
             to
             all
             Objects
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ;
             all
             that
             is
             Goodly
             and
             Amiable
             being
             capable
             of
             that
             Affection
             .
             Hereupon
             the
             Word
             Love
             is
             generally
             used
             for
             that
             Liking
             and
             Esteem
             we
             have
             for
             any
             thing
             ,
             whether
             Dead
             or
             alive
             .
             We
             can
             Love
             Life
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             see
             Good
             Days
             ;
             we
             can
             Love
             the
             Sun
             ,
             and
             Wine
             ,
             and
             Oyl
             ,
             and
             Gold
             ;
             Love
             our
             Dogs
             and
             Horses
             ,
             fine
             Clothes
             and
             Jewels
             ,
             Pleasures
             ,
             Honours
             ,
             Recreations
             ,
             Houses
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             and
             as
             well
             as
             Love
             Men
             and
             Women
             ,
             Souls
             and
             Angels
             .
             And
             evermore
             our
             Love
             expresseth
             it self
             in
             Tenderness
             and
             Care
             for
             the
             Preservation
             of
             what
             we
             Love
             ,
             in
             Esteem
             of
             its
             Worth
             ,
             and
             Delight
             in
             
             its
             Beauty
             ,
             in
             endeavours
             also
             to
             promote
             its
             Welfare
             as
             far
             as
             it
             is
             capable
             .
             But
             there
             is
             another
             sort
             of
             Love
             towards
             
               Living
               Objects
            
             ,
             Divine
             and
             reasonable
             ,
             which
             we
             call
             Charity
             .
             This
             is
             that
             Vertue
             of
             which
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             (
             after
             he
             had
             spoken
             of
             all
             the
             Miracles
             ,
             Helps
             ,
             Governments
             ,
             Prophesies
             ,
             Tongues
             ,
             and
             other
             Gifts
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             that
             were
             then
             in
             the
             Church
             )
             
               And
               Yet
               shew
               I
               unto
               you
               a
               more
               Excellent
               Way
               .
               1
               Cor.
               12.
            
             ult
             .
             
             And
             in
             the
             next
             Chapter
             .
             
               Tho
               I
               speak
               with
               the
               Tongues
               of
               Men
               and
               of
               Angels
               ,
               and
               have
               not
               Charity
               ,
               I
               am
               become
               as
               sounding
               Brass
               ,
               or
               a
               tinkling
               Cymbal
               .
               And
               tho
               I
               have
               the
               Gift
               of
               Prophesie
               ,
               and
               understand
               all
               mysteries
               ,
               and
               all
               Knowledge
               ,
               and
               tho
               I
               have
               all
               Faith
               ,
               so
               that
               I
               could
               remove
               Mountains
               ,
               and
               have
               no
               Charity
               ,
               I
               am
               nothing
               ,
               and
               tho
               I
               bestow
               all
               my
               Goods
               to
               feed
               the
               poor
               ,
               and
               tho
               I
               give
               my
               Body
               to
               be
               burned
               ,
               and
               have
               not
               Charity
               it
               profiteth
               me
               nothing
               .
            
             It
             is
             that
             concerning
             which
             our
             Saviour
             Speaketh
             ,
             
               The
               first
               of
               all
               the
               commandements
               is
               ,
            
             
             
               Hear
               O
               Israel
               ,
               the
               Lord
               our
               GOD
               is
               one
               Lord
               ,
               and
               thou
               shalt
               Love
               the
               Lord
               thy
               GOD
               with
               all
               thy
               heart
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               Soul
               ,
               
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               Mind
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               Strength
               :
               This
               is
               the
               first
               Commandement
               :
               And
               the
               Second
               is
               like
               ,
               namely
               this
               ,
               Thou
               shalt
               Love
               thy
               Neighbour
               as
               thy self
               :
               There
               is
               none
               other
               Commandement
               greater
               then
               those
               .
            
             Nay
             perhaps
             it
             is
             that
             of
             which
             he
             saith
             to
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             when
             they
             had
             admired
             at
             his
             Miracles
             .
             
               He
               that
               believeth
               on
               me
               ,
               the
               works
               that
               I
               do
               shall
               he
               do
               also
               ,
               and
               greater
               Works
               then
               these
               shall
               he
               do
               ,
               because
               I
               go
               to
               the
               Father
               .
            
             For
             Faith
             worketh
             by
             Love
             ,
             Love
             is
             the
             Life
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             without
             the
             Works
             of
             the
             one
             the
             other
             is
             Dead
             :
             The
             Works
             of
             Love
             are
             the
             End
             of
             all
             Miracles
             ,
             and
             more
             Blessed
             then
             they
             .
             Nay
             Love
             is
             the
             End
             of
             Faith
             as
             well
             as
             it
             is
             of
             the
             Law
             :
             for
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               The
               End
               of
               the
               Commandment
               it
               Charity
               ,
               out
               of
               a
               pure
               Heart
               ,
               and
               of
               a
               good
               conscience
               ,
               and
               of
               Faith
               unfeigned
               .
            
             It
             is
             the
             End
             of
             the
             very
             Creation
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             of
             all
             Gods
             Labors
             and
             Endeavours
             ,
             of
             all
             his
             Ways
             in
             all
             Ages
             ,
             all
             the
             faculties
             and
             powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             the
             very
             End
             of
             the
             Redemption
             of
             Mankind
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             the
             Jewish
             Oeconomy
             under
             the
             Law
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             all
             the
             Dispensations
             of
             Grace
             and
             Mercy
             under
             
             the
             Gospel
             ;
             the
             End
             of
             our
             Saviours
             coming
             down
             into
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             all
             his
             Miracles
             ,
             Tears
             ,
             and
             Blood
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghosts
             appearing
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             the
             End
             of
             all
             the
             Means
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             in
             some
             sort
             the
             very
             last
             End
             of
             all
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             whatsoever
             .
             The
             everlasting
             Continuance
             of
             this
             Love
             is
             the
             End
             of
             Eternity
             it self
             in
             a
             manner
             ,
             and
             if
             our
             Love
             be
             not
             the
             End
             of
             GODS
             Love
             ,
             his
             is
             of
             ours
             .
             And
             if
             the
             Truth
             be
             deeply
             inquired
             into
             ,
             the
             Intermixture
             is
             so
             sweet
             ,
             that
             his
             is
             the
             End
             of
             ours
             ,
             ours
             of
             his
             .
             For
             he
             Loveth
             us
             with
             the
             Love
             of
             Benevolence
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             Love
             him
             ;
             and
             he
             desires
             to
             be
             beloved
             of
             us
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             Love
             us
             ,
             with
             another
             Kind
             of
             Love
             ,
             distinct
             from
             the
             former
             ,
             even
             that
             of
             Complacency
             .
             Which
             Love
             of
             Complacency
             is
             the
             Crown
             of
             ours
             ,
             and
             so
             Delightful
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             very
             End
             of
             our
             Desire
             ,
             and
             begetteth
             in
             us
             a
             new
             Love
             of
             Complacency
             fitly
             answering
             his
             unto
             us
             .
          
           
             NOW
             if
             Love
             be
             the
             End
             of
             all
             the
             laws
             ,
             Works
             ,
             and
             Ways
             of
             GOD
             ,
             of
             all
             our
             Saviours
             Labours
             and
             sufferings
             ,
             
             of
             our
             souls
             and
             Bodies
             ,
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             ,
             of
             all
             the
             Endeavours
             and
             Desires
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             Dispensations
             of
             his
             Grace
             and
             Providence
             ,
             there
             must
             be
             something
             in
             its
             Nature
             Equivalent
             to
             all
             these
             Transcendent
             Undertakings
             ,
             to
             justifie
             the
             Wisdom
             that
             selected
             Love
             for
             its
             Sovereign
             Object
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             the
             office
             of
             Wisdome
             to
             suit
             the
             means
             and
             their
             End
             together
             ,
             so
             that
             the
             Excellency
             of
             the
             one
             may
             be
             worthy
             of
             all
             the
             Cost
             and
             Difficulty
             of
             the
             other
             .
             For
             it
             is
             a
             foolish
             thing
             to
             pursue
             a
             base
             and
             feeble
             End
             by
             Glorious
             and
             Wonderful
             Methods
             ,
             because
             its
             Vileness
             will
             Disgrace
             the
             Design
             ,
             and
             with
             it
             their
             Beauty
             ,
             their
             very
             Grandure
             will
             be
             absurd
             ,
             where
             their
             Issue
             is
             but
             contemptible
             .
             The
             Apostle
             therefore
             telleth
             us
             that
             
               Love
               is
               the
               fulfilling
               of
               the
               Law
               ,
            
             and
             that
             it
             is
             
               the
               Bond
               of
               Perfectness
            
             .
             And
             pursuing
             its
             properties
             a
             little
             more
             Ample
             ,
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Charity
               suffereth
               long
               ,
               and
               is
               kind
               ,
               Charity
               envyeth
               not
               ,
               Charity
               Vaunteth
               not
               it self
               ,
               is
               not
               puffed
               up
               ,
               doth
               not
               behave
               it self
               unseemly
               ,
            
             
             
               seeketh
               not
               her
               own
               ,
               is
               not
               easily
               provoked
               ,
               thinketh
               no
               evil
               ,
               rejoyceth
               not
               in
               iniquity
               ,
               but
               rejoyceth
               in
               
               the
               Truth
               ,
               beareth
               all
               Things
               ,
               believeth
               all
               things
               ,
               hopeth
               all
               things
               ,
               endureth
               all
               things
               .
               Charity
               never
               faileth
               ,
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             IT
             is
             one
             noble
             Effect
             of
             Charity
             ,
             that
             it
             suffereth
             afflictions
             cheerfully
             and
             patiently
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             its
             Beloved
             :
             Another
             is
             its
             Kindness
             to
             its
             Object
             ;
             its
             sweet
             and
             Courteous
             inclination
             to
             do
             all
             manner
             of
             Good
             :
             Another
             ,
             for
             which
             it
             is
             highly
             valuable
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             envieth
             not
             the
             Felicity
             or
             Glory
             of
             its
             Beloved
             but
             taketh
             Pleasure
             to
             see
             it
             far
             higher
             and
             greater
             then
             its
             own
             :
             is
             not
             apt
             to
             vaunt
             and
             brag
             of
             its
             Perfections
             ,
             but
             hath
             an
             humble
             Esteem
             of
             all
             its
             Atchievments
             :
             doth
             not
             behave
             it self
             in
             distasteful
             manner
             ,
             but
             studies
             and
             designes
             the
             Honour
             Benefit
             and
             satisfaction
             of
             its
             Object
             .
             But
             that
             which
             of
             all
             other
             is
             its
             greatest
             Perfection
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             
               it
               seeketh
               not
               its
               own
            
             :
             it
             is
             not
             Mercenary
             or
             self
             ended
             ,
             but
             truly
             Generous
             and
             Heroick
             in
             its
             Performances
             .
             It
             Sacrificeth
             it self
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             interests
             ,
             to
             the
             Advantage
             of
             its
             Object
             ;
             it
             preferreth
             the
             person
             it
             Loveth
             above
             it self
             ,
             
             desires
             its
             Exhaltation
             ,
             and
             delights
             in
             its
             Glory
             more
             then
             its
             own
             ,
             It
             
               is
               not
               easily
               provoked
            
             ,
             because
             it
             puts
             the
             best
             sence
             upon
             all
             that
             is
             done
             by
             its
             Object
             :
             
               Thinketh
               no
               evil
            
             ,
             is
             not
             suspicious
             ,
             or
             malevolent
             ,
             or
             censorious
             ,
             but
             frameth
             honourable
             and
             fair
             Ideas
             of
             all
             that
             is
             thought
             or
             done
             by
             its
             Beloved
             :
             Hateth
             all
             Impurity
             that
             may
             displease
             its
             Object
             ,
             all
             black
             and
             crooked
             Apprehensions
             ,
             that
             may
             wrang
             and
             disguise
             it
             ;
             
               beareth
               all
            
             with
             Hope
             and
             Equanimity
             ,
             because
             it
             believeth
             its
             Object
             to
             be
             Good
             ,
             and
             Wise
             ,
             till
             it
             must
             of
             necessity
             change
             its
             Opinion
             ,
             and
             entertain
             a
             Judgement
             tending
             to
             its
             condemnation
             .
             It
             is
             no
             longer
             Charity
             then
             ,
             but
             dislike
             and
             aversion
             ,
             when
             it
             ceaseth
             to
             think
             well
             of
             its
             Object
             :
             for
             it
             is
             another
             Principle
             or
             distinct
             in
             Nature
             from
             Love
             ,
             as
             its
             Actions
             are
             from
             the
             Actions
             of
             Love
             ;
             the
             diversity
             of
             the
             Effects
             evidently
             proving
             a
             Difference
             in
             their
             Causes
             .
          
           
             THE
             Quality
             ,
             by
             which
             Charity
             
               rejoyceth
               in
               the
               Truth
            
             ,
             is
             an
             incomparable
             excellence
             and
             commendation
             of
             its
             Nature
             .
             Because
             the
             Truth
             is
             
             GODS
             infinite
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             Providence
             ,
             which
             are
             exercised
             in
             preparing
             Delights
             and
             Treasures
             for
             his
             Beloved
             .
             The
             truth
             is
             the
             Felicity
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             Soul.
             And
             if
             it
             be
             true
             that
             all
             Eternity
             is
             full
             of
             Joys
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             World
             enriched
             with
             Delights
             ,
             that
             a
             man
             is
             infinitely
             beloved
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             made
             in
             his
             Image
             on
             purpose
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             enjoy
             all
             the
             Best
             of
             all
             possible
             Treasures
             in
             his
             similitude
             ,
             he
             may
             well
             
               rejoyce
               in
               the
               Truth
            
             :
             because
             no
             Truth
             can
             be
             greater
             or
             more
             delightful
             ,
             than
             that
             himself
             is
             exalted
             to
             the
             Throne
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             ordained
             to
             live
             in
             Communion
             with
             him
             .
          
           
             BUT
             that
             Quality
             ,
             by
             which
             the
             Soul
             believeth
             ,
             and
             
               hopeth
               all
               things
            
             ,
             that
             concern
             the
             Honour
             and
             Fidelity
             of
             its
             Beloved
             ,
             is
             yet
             more
             acceptable
             and
             delightful
             than
             the
             former
             .
             For
             a
             good
             opinion
             of
             the
             Nature
             and
             Intention
             of
             the
             Person
             with
             whom
             we
             are
             united
             ,
             is
             the
             Basis
             and
             Foundation
             of
             all
             our
             Respect
             ,
             the
             Cement
             of
             our
             Peace
             ,
             and
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             all
             that
             Honour
             that
             is
             paid
             unto
             him
             .
             The
             very
             Grace
             and
             Beauty
             of
             all
             our
             
             Conversation
             dependeth
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             if
             it
             be
             true
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             more
             to
             love
             GOD
             for
             the
             intrinsick
             Perfections
             of
             his
             Essence
             ,
             then
             for
             all
             his
             Gifts
             ,
             the
             chief
             Business
             of
             our
             Knowledge
             is
             to
             Frame
             glorious
             Apprehensions
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             and
             to
             Believe
             him
             in
             all
             things
             so
             Kind
             and
             Wise
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             True
             and
             Faithful
             in
             all
             his
             Declarations
             ,
             and
             most
             fit
             to
             be
             Honoured
             in
             all
             the
             Dispensations
             of
             his
             Providence
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             ever
             mindful
             of
             his
             Protestations
             and
             Promises
             .
             For
             then
             we
             can
             believe
             ,
             that
             all
             things
             shall
             work
             together
             for
             our
             Good
             ,
             can
             safely
             trust
             our selves
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             ours
             in
             his
             hands
             ;
             resign
             our selves
             up
             to
             his
             Disposal
             with
             Joy
             ,
             and
             say
             
               Thy
               Will
               be
               done
            
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             
               Holy
               ,
               Good
               ,
               and
               acceptable
            
             ?
             Thy
             Will
             alone
             is
             of
             all
             other
             Wilis
             most
             Perfect
             and
             Desirable
             .
             There
             are
             on
             Earth
             indeed
             more
             nice
             Emergencies
             ,
             many
             Obscurities
             and
             Riddles
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             all
             which
             to
             think
             so
             well
             of
             GOD
             as
             he
             deserveth
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             acceptable
             thing
             in
             the
             World
             ;
             for
             it
             argues
             a
             great
             confidence
             of
             his
             Worth
             ,
             and
             a
             Love
             that
             is
             founded
             on
             
               Substantial
               Causes
            
             never
             to
             
             be
             removed
             .
             It
             feedeth
             the
             Soul
             with
             a
             lively
             hope
             ,
             and
             fair
             Expectation
             of
             great
             Things
             from
             him
             :
             by
             which
             alone
             we
             do
             right
             to
             His
             GODHEAD
             ,
             in
             acknowledging
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Love
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             by
             which
             alone
             we
             are
             made
             able
             to
             adore
             him
             and
             to
             live
             in
             Union
             and
             Communion
             with
             him
             .
          
           
             THERE
             is
             great
             Talk
             of
             Friendship
             ,
             it
             is
             accounted
             the
             only
             Pleasure
             ,
             in
             the
             World
             ;
             Its
             Offices
             are
             highly
             magnified
             of
             all
             :
             Kindness
             of
             Behaviour
             ,
             a
             through
             and
             clear
             communication
             of
             Souls
             ,
             a
             secure
             Reliance
             upon
             each
             others
             Fidelity
             ,
             a
             perfect
             Discovery
             of
             all
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             Intentions
             ,
             and
             Resentments
             ,
             an
             ardent
             willingness
             to
             impart
             Lives
             and
             Estate
             for
             the
             Benefit
             of
             our
             Friend
             ,
             the
             Reposing
             of
             all
             our
             Secrets
             in
             each
             others
             Bosomes
             ,
             to
             do
             all
             services
             ,
             and
             suffer
             all
             afflictions
             ,
             for
             each
             others
             sakes
             ,
             to
             prefer
             the
             Concerns
             of
             our
             Friend
             upon
             all
             Occasions
             above
             our
             own
             ,
             these
             are
             the
             
               Magnalia
               Amicitiae
               ,
               &
               Arcana
               mutuae
               Benevolentiae
               ,
            
             the
             Great
             and
             mighty
             Effects
             for
             which
             Friendship
             is
             admired
             :
             But
             all
             these
             ,
             without
             a
             good
             
             Opinion
             of
             our
             Friend
             ,
             are
             nothing
             worth
             ,
             they
             are
             but
             Externals
             of
             Friendship
             ,
             the
             greatest
             Secret
             in
             its
             Nature
             is
             ,
             the
             mutual
             agreement
             of
             Souls
             and
             Spirits
             ,
             the
             Delight
             which
             either
             taketh
             in
             the
             other
             ,
             the
             honour
             and
             esteem
             they
             give
             and
             receive
             ,
             the
             Approbation
             and
             Love
             of
             each
             others
             Dispositions
             ,
             the
             Sence
             and
             Admiration
             of
             each
             others
             Vertues
             ,
             the
             continual
             Desire
             of
             being
             alwayes
             together
             ,
             peculiar
             Extasie
             ,
             which
             the
             Beauty
             of
             either
             occasioneth
             in
             the
             other
             ,
             when
             of
             all
             other
             Treasures
             in
             the
             World
             their
             Persons
             are
             the
             greatest
             to
             one
             another
             .
             Either
             is
             the
             proper
             Element
             and
             Refrigerium
             of
             the
             others
             Soul.
             Their
             Bosomes
             are
             the
             mutual
             Receptacles
             and
             Temples
             of
             each
             others
             accomplishments
             ,
             whereinto
             they
             are
             received
             in
             all
             their
             Desert
             ,
             and
             have
             Justice
             done
             to
             every
             degree
             and
             Perfection
             in
             their
             Nature
             ;
             their
             Hearts
             are
             the
             Thrones
             where
             they
             are
             exalted
             ,
             and
             magnified
             ,
             and
             live
             at
             Ease
             ,
             are
             honoured
             and
             worshipped
             ,
             extolled
             ,
             and
             reign
             as
             absolute
             in
             each
             others
             Souls
             .
             There
             are
             some
             slight
             aims
             and
             Adumbrations
             of
             this
             Friendship
             
             on
             Earth
             ;
             but
             the
             best
             and
             highest
             Degree
             of
             it
             here
             beneath
             is
             but
             a
             rude
             and
             imperfect
             shadow
             ,
             only
             GOD
             is
             the
             
               Sovereign
               friend
            
             ,
             all
             Adoration
             paid
             to
             any
             one
             beside
             is
             meer
             Idolatry
             .
             Our
             Hearts
             can
             be
             absolutely
             Sacrificed
             to
             none
             ,
             but
             him
             ;
             because
             he
             alone
             is
             immutable
             in
             Goodness
             .
             We
             cannot
             infinitely
             honour
             and
             delight
             in
             any
             but
             Him
             ,
             it
             is
             he
             alone
             that
             can
             infinitely
             honour
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             us
             .
             All
             our
             Lives
             ,
             Estates
             ,
             and
             Services
             are
             Due
             to
             him
             ,
             his
             Will
             alone
             is
             to
             be
             wholly
             ours
             ,
             because
             no
             other
             Will
             is
             infallibly
             Right
             ,
             Wise
             ,
             Holy
             ,
             but
             his
             alone
             .
          
           
             THE
             Union
             of
             our
             Wills
             is
             a
             Perfection
             of
             Love
             :
             but
             that
             at
             which
             he
             aimeth
             by
             all
             his
             Labours
             ,
             and
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             Benefits
             ,
             is
             our
             Right
             and
             Good
             Opinion
             of
             his
             Excellencies
             and
             Perfections
             .
             That
             we
             should
             see
             and
             discern
             his
             interior
             Properties
             ,
             admire
             his
             Graces
             ,
             adore
             his
             Perfections
             ,
             adore
             and
             magnifie
             his
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             End
             for
             which
             he
             communicates
             himself
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             and
             Ways
             unto
             us
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             End
             of
             the
             Whole
             Creation
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             the
             Excellent
             
             Things
             in
             the
             universe
             :
             for
             by
             this
             he
             establisheth
             his
             Empire
             in
             our
             souls
             and
             makes
             us
             Pleasing
             to
             himself
             in
             all
             our
             Operations
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             the
             Apostle
             plainly
             tells
             us
             that
             tho
             we
             give
             our
             Body
             to
             be
             burned
             ,
             and
             all
             our
             Goods
             to
             feed
             the
             poor
             ,
             without
             Charity
             it
             profiteth
             nothing
             .
             To
             render
             to
             GOD
             the
             Honour
             that
             is
             due
             to
             his
             Name
             ,
             to
             receive
             and
             admire
             all
             his
             Bounties
             ,
             to
             rejoyce
             in
             all
             his
             Operations
             ,
             to
             adore
             him
             in
             all
             his
             Ways
             ,
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             ,
             to
             fill
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             with
             our
             Joys
             and
             Praises
             ,
             is
             a
             Work
             which
             cannot
             but
             be
             agreeable
             by
             its
             Nature
             ,
             to
             his
             Eternal
             Essence
             .
             And
             if
             this
             be
             the
             Work
             of
             Love
             ,
             it
             is
             that
             which
             is
             most
             Excellent
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             therein
             both
             pleased
             and
             enjoyed
             .
             GOD
             and
             all
             his
             Creatures
             are
             united
             together
             by
             Love
             alone
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             Eternal
             Exercise
             of
             pure
             and
             perfect
             Love
             all
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             consisteth
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             require
             what
             it
             is
             to
             love
             GOD
             ,
             you
             will
             find
             it
             worthy
             of
             his
             Highest
             desire
             ,
             because
             thereby
             all
             our
             souls
             ,
             nay
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             his
             whole
             Kingdome
             are
             perfected
             ,
             for
             to
             Love
             GOD
             as
             we
             
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             is
             to
             Honour
             him
             as
             our
             Father
             ,
             Benefactor
             ,
             Bridegroom
             ,
             and
             King
             ,
             to
             contemplate
             him
             as
             our
             Cause
             with
             Complacency
             ,
             and
             to
             rest
             in
             him
             as
             our
             End
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             as
             our
             Creator
             ,
             Preserver
             ,
             Lawgiver
             ,
             and
             Redeemer
             ,
             to
             dedicate
             our selves
             ,
             wholly
             to
             that
             Service
             ,
             whatever
             it
             be
             ,
             wherein
             he
             is
             chiefly
             pleased
             and
             delighted
             .
             It
             is
             to
             love
             him
             in
             himself
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Ways
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Laws
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Attributes
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Thoughts
             and
             Counsels
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Perfections
             ;
             It
             implies
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             all
             Objects
             ,
             the
             Use
             of
             all
             Means
             ,
             the
             Attainment
             of
             all
             Ends
             ;
             all
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             all
             Obedience
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             all
             Righteousness
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             all
             Joy
             and
             Praise
             ,
             all
             Honour
             and
             Esteem
             ,
             all
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
             For
             it
             is
             to
             Love
             him
             with
             all
             our
             Heart
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             our
             Soul
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             Strength
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             our
             Might
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             Understanding
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             Will
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             Affection
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             Powers
             of
             our
             soul
             ,
             with
             all
             our
             Inclinations
             and
             Faculties
             in
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Appearances
             ,
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             in
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             in
             all
             Kingdoms
             
             and
             Ages
             .
             It
             is
             to
             see
             and
             desire
             ,
             to
             Esteem
             and
             delight
             in
             his
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             in
             every
             Thing
             by
             which
             he
             manifesteth
             himself
             in
             either
             of
             these
             ,
             so
             that
             all
             Enlargement
             ,
             and
             Greatness
             ,
             and
             Light
             ,
             and
             Perfection
             ,
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             are
             founded
             in
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             Love
             him
             to
             Perfection
             implies
             all
             Learning
             and
             Attainment
             ,
             because
             we
             must
             necessarily
             be
             acquainted
             with
             all
             Things
             in
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             before
             we
             can
             thorowly
             and
             compleatly
             do
             it
             .
             Which
             here
             upon
             Earth
             to
             do
             by
             Inclination
             and
             Endeavour
             to
             the
             utmost
             of
             our
             Power
             ,
             is
             all
             that
             is
             required
             of
             us
             ;
             And
             if
             we
             do
             it
             to
             our
             utmost
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             rewarded
             in
             the
             Beatifick
             Vision
             ,
             with
             a
             full
             and
             Blessed
             Pefection
             with
             an
             actual
             Love
             exactly
             resembling
             his
             ,
             and
             fully
             answerable
             to
             it
             in
             the
             Highest
             Heavens
             .
          
           
             THERE
             are
             two
             common
             Motives
             of
             Love
             among
             Men
             ,
             the
             one
             the
             Goodness
             and
             Excellency
             of
             the
             Person
             ,
             the
             other
             his
             particular
             Kindness
             and
             Love
             to
             us
             :
             And
             both
             these
             are
             in
             the
             Highest
             Degree
             in
             GOD.
             He
             is
             of
             infinite
             Goodness
             and
             and
             Excellency
             in
             himself
             ,
             for
             there
             is
             nothing
             Good
             in
             the
             
             world
             ,
             but
             what
             hath
             received
             all
             its
             Goodness
             from
             Him.
             His
             Goodness
             is
             the
             Ocean
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Goodnesses
             of
             Creatures
             little
             Streams
             flowing
             from
             that
             Ocean
             .
             Now
             you
             would
             think
             him
             a
             Madman
             that
             should
             say
             the
             Sea
             were
             not
             greater
             then
             a
             trifling
             Brook
             :
             and
             certainly
             it
             no
             less
             folly
             to
             suppose
             that
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             doth
             not
             as
             much
             (
             nay
             infinitely
             more
             )
             exceed
             that
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
             The
             Sun
             is
             a
             lively
             Mirror
             of
             that
             Eternal
             Act
             of
             Love
             which
             is
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Essence
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             infinitely
             less
             prone
             to
             communicate
             its
             Beams
             ,
             and
             doth
             less
             Good
             to
             it self
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             less
             to
             all
             other
             Creatures
             .
             It
             shines
             for
             their
             sakes
             nevertheless
             ,
             and
             clothes
             it self
             with
             Glory
             ,
             by
             the
             splendor
             of
             its
             Beams
             and
             is
             an
             Emblem
             of
             GOD
             ,
             who
             exerteth
             his
             Power
             with
             infinite
             Pleasure
             ,
             and
             by
             communicating
             his
             Essence
             in
             an
             infinite
             Manner
             ,
             propagates
             his
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             Glory
             ,
             to
             the
             utmost
             Height
             and
             Perfection
             .
             By
             proceeding
             from
             himself
             to
             all
             Objects
             throughout
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             he
             begets
             ,
             and
             dwelleth
             in
             himself
             ,
             he
             inhabits
             Eternity
             in
             a
             Blessed
             and
             more
             vigorous
             Manner
             ,
             
             by
             establishing
             the
             Felicity
             of
             all
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             become
             theirs
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Glory
             .
             Wherein
             his
             particular
             Kindness
             and
             Love
             to
             us
             appeareth
             because
             he
             hath
             fitted
             us
             with
             Qualities
             and
             Powers
             adapted
             for
             so
             great
             an
             End
             ,
             and
             as
             particularly
             appropriated
             all
             to
             us
             ,
             as
             the
             Sun
             to
             the
             Eye
             of
             every
             Spectator
             .
             For
             our
             Bodies
             and
             our
             Souls
             are
             made
             to
             enjoy
             the
             Benefit
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             his
             Desire
             is
             that
             we
             should
             attain
             the
             End
             for
             which
             we
             are
             created
             .
             On
             his
             side
             all
             is
             prepared
             ;
             on
             ours
             nothing
             is
             wanting
             but
             Love
             to
             embrace
             and
             take
             pleasure
             in
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             shineth
             in
             all
             these
             Things
             ,
             and
             created
             them
             on
             purpose
             ,
             that
             being
             manifested
             by
             them
             ,
             we
             might
             delight
             in
             it
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             loveth
             not
             GOD
             with
             all
             his
             Heart
             ,
             liveth
             a
             Life
             most
             contrary
             to
             Nature
             .
             For
             to
             Love
             is
             as
             natural
             for
             the
             Soul
             ,
             as
             to
             shine
             for
             the
             Sun
             :
             and
             the
             more
             Lovely
             any
             thing
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             prone
             we
             are
             to
             Delight
             in
             it
             :
             if
             any
             thing
             be
             infinitly
             Amiable
             ,
             weare
             prone
             to
             Love
             it
             in
             an
             infinite
             measure
             ,
             we
             prefer
             the
             Better
             above
             the
             worse
             ,
             &
             cannot
             rest
             but
             in
             the
             best
             of
             all
             ,
             Reason
             ,
             is
             the
             Essence
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             tends
             always
             to
             the
             utmost
             Perfection
             .
             
             The
             more
             Divine
             and
             Glorious
             any
             Thing
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             high
             and
             Noble
             is
             the
             Love
             that
             we
             bear
             it
             :
             No
             Beauty
             less
             then
             the
             most
             Perfect
             ,
             no
             Pleasure
             ,
             no
             Wisdome
             ,
             no
             Empire
             ,
             no
             Learning
             ,
             no
             Greatness
             ,
             Wealth
             ,
             or
             Honour
             ,
             less
             then
             the
             most
             sublime
             can
             be
             our
             full
             Satisfaction
             :
             no
             little
             degree
             of
             Love
             ,
             nothing
             less
             then
             the
             most
             Supreme
             and
             violent
             can
             content
             us
             :
             So
             that
             GOD
             being
             most
             truely
             perfect
             in
             all
             these
             ,
             is
             the
             Adequate
             Object
             of
             all
             our
             Desires
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             Person
             sit
             to
             be
             esteemed
             in
             an
             infinite
             manner
             .
             It
             is
             as
             natural
             for
             Man
             to
             Love
             him
             ,
             as
             to
             desire
             and
             delight
             in
             any
             being
             ,
             which
             supplies
             the
             ordinary
             and
             daily
             necessities
             of
             his
             Life
             .
          
           
             TO
             Love
             him
             as
             we
             ought
             implies
             two
             things
             ,
             that
             are
             agreable
             to
             the
             Nature
             of
             Love
             ,
             yet
             very
             rarely
             to
             be
             found
             among
             the
             Sons
             of
             Men
             ,
             a
             desire
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             and
             a
             Desire
             to
             enjoy
             him
             .
             The
             Desire
             of
             Pleasing
             is
             a
             constant
             fruit
             and
             effect
             of
             Love.
             For
             he
             that
             Loves
             ,
             is
             very
             desirous
             to
             approve
             himself
             ,
             and
             to
             do
             whatsoever
             he
             thinks
             will
             be
             grateful
             to
             his
             Beloved
             .
             According
             to
             the
             Decree
             of
             Love
             ,
             the
             desire
             is
             more
             or
             less
             .
             Where
             we
             Love
             
             Earnestly
             ,
             we
             are
             extreamly
             Earnest
             and
             Careful
             to
             please
             :
             Where
             Love
             is
             remiss
             ,
             there
             is
             little
             need
             or
             Regard
             of
             any
             thing
             :
             But
             infinite
             Love
             !
             It
             is
             impossible
             to
             declare
             what
             favour
             and
             Zeal
             it
             will
             produce
             .
             If
             we
             Love
             GOD
             ,
             we
             shall
             keep
             his
             Commandements
             with
             a
             Tenderness
             and
             Desire
             so
             extreme
             ,
             that
             no
             Joy
             will
             be
             so
             great
             as
             the
             Observation
             of
             his
             Laws
             ;
             It
             will
             be
             with
             us
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             with
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             it
             will
             be
             
               our
               Meat
               and
               Drink
               to
               do
               the
               Will
               of
               our
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               .
            
             The
             measure
             of
             our
             Love
             will
             not
             infuse
             some
             slight
             and
             faint
             Endeavours
             of
             Pleasing
             ,
             but
             put
             us
             on
             the
             most
             painful
             and
             costly
             Duties
             ,
             make
             us
             willing
             to
             forsake
             our
             own
             Ease
             ,
             Goods
             ,
             Friends
             ,
             yea
             Life
             it self
             ,
             when
             we
             cannot
             keep
             them
             without
             offending
             our
             Creator
             .
          
           
             THE
             desire
             of
             Enjoying
             is
             constantly
             seen
             in
             our
             Love
             to
             one
             another
             .
             If
             any
             man
             hath
             a
             friend
             whom
             he
             intirely
             loveth
             ,
             he
             desires
             his
             Conversation
             ,
             Wishes
             to
             be
             always
             in
             his
             Company
             ,
             and
             thinketh
             the
             Time
             long
             till
             he
             and
             his
             friend
             be
             together
             .
             And
             thus
             will
             it
             be
             in
             our
             Love
             to
             GOD
             ,
             if
             as
             great
             and
             Hearty
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             .
             In
             this
             
             Life
             our
             Enjoyment
             of
             GOD
             is
             more
             imperfect
             ,
             more
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             in
             the
             Life
             to
             come
             .
             Here
             upon
             Earth
             we
             desire
             to
             converse
             with
             him
             in
             his
             Ordinances
             ,
             in
             Prayer
             ,
             Meditation
             ,
             hearing
             his
             Word
             ,
             in
             receiving
             the
             Sacrament
             ,
             which
             are
             intended
             all
             for
             this
             purpose
             ,
             to
             bring
             us
             into
             a
             neerer
             Intimacy
             ,
             and
             familiarity
             with
             GOD
             by
             speaking
             so
             to
             him
             ,
             &
             hearing
             him
             speak
             ,
             and
             shew
             himself
             to
             us
             .
             If
             we
             love
             him
             indeed
             ,
             we
             shall
             highly
             Value
             these
             Ways
             of
             Conversing
             with
             him
             :
             it
             is
             all
             here
             upon
             Earth
             whereby
             we
             can
             enjoy
             him
             .
             It
             will
             make
             us
             with
             David
             esteem
             
               one
               Day
               in
               his
               Courts
               better
               than
               a
               thousand
               .
            
             We
             shall
             delight
             in
             all
             the
             Means
             of
             approaching
             to
             him
             as
             often
             as
             possible
             ,
             and
             use
             them
             diligently
             ,
             to
             the
             End
             of
             uniting
             us
             more
             and
             more
             unto
             him
             ,
             who
             is
             the
             Object
             of
             our
             Desire
             and
             the
             Life
             of
             our
             Souls
             .
             And
             for
             as
             much
             as
             there
             is
             another
             Enjoyment
             of
             GOD
             which
             is
             more
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             ,
             we
             shall
             groan
             earnestly
             ,
             
               desired
               to
               be
               dissolved
               and
               be
               with
               Christ
               ,
            
             where
             we
             may
             see
             no
             more
             in
             a
             Glass
             ,
             but
             Face
             to
             Face
             ,
             and
             Know
             as
             we
             are
             Known
             .
             For
             Love
             is
             strong
             as
             Death
             ,
             many
             Waters
             cannot
             quench
             Love
             ,
             neither
             
             can
             the
             floods
             drown
             it
             .
             Affliction
             ,
             Persecution
             ,
             Sickness
             ,
             any
             thing
             that
             will
             bring
             us
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             will
             be
             acceptable
             and
             Delightful
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             would
             know
             more
             fully
             ,
             why
             GOD
             desires
             to
             be
             Beloved
             ,
             you
             may
             consider
             ,
             that
             Love
             is
             not
             onely
             the
             Motive
             ,
             and
             Incentive
             to
             Vertue
             ,
             the
             Cause
             of
             Obedience
             ,
             but
             the
             form
             and
             Essence
             of
             every
             Grace
             ,
             and
             the
             fufilling
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             We
             shall
             chuse
             him
             for
             our
             GOD
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             other
             GODS
             but
             him
             ,
             no
             Delights
             ,
             no
             Sovereign
             Enjoyment
             but
             him
             alone
             .
             We
             shall
             honour
             him
             with
             all
             our
             Souls
             ,
             and
             adore
             him
             with
             every
             Power
             of
             our
             Will
             and
             Understanding
             :
             We
             shall
             not
             regard
             Images
             and
             shadows
             ,
             but
             worship
             him
             immediately
             in
             Spirit
             and
             in
             Truth
             .
             We
             shall
             not
             take
             his
             Name
             in
             vain
             ,
             nor
             contentedly
             stand
             by
             when
             others
             abuse
             it
             :
             But
             shall
             praise
             his
             Name
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             see
             it
             glorified
             throughout
             the
             World.
             For
             Love
             desires
             the
             Honour
             ,
             and
             delights
             in
             the
             Glory
             and
             Advancement
             of
             its
             Beloved
             .
             We
             shall
             reverence
             his
             Sanctuary
             ,
             and
             keep
             his
             Sabbaths
             ,
             desiring
             Rest
             from
             other
             Avocations
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             contemplate
             his
             Glory
             in
             
             all
             his
             Works
             .
             For
             his
             sake
             we
             shall
             observe
             the
             Laws
             of
             the
             second
             Table
             ,
             and
             Love
             our
             Neighbour
             as
             our self
             .
             For
             to
             Love
             him
             is
             no
             Impediment
             ,
             but
             a
             Strong
             Engagement
             ,
             and
             incentive
             to
             the
             Love
             of
             all
             his
             Creatures
             .
             We
             shall
             honour
             our
             Parents
             for
             his
             sake
             ,
             and
             preserve
             the
             Life
             of
             our
             Neighbour
             :
             We
             shall
             not
             rob
             him
             of
             his
             happiness
             in
             his
             Wife
             ,
             nor
             wrong
             him
             in
             her
             Chastity
             and
             Fidelity
             towards
             him
             .
             We
             shall
             not
             steal
             from
             him
             ,
             nor
             diminish
             his
             Possessions
             .
             We
             shall
             not
             defame
             him
             ,
             nor
             hurt
             him
             by
             Lies
             ;
             but
             vindicate
             and
             preserve
             his
             Reputation
             :
             it
             will
             be
             our
             joy
             and
             Satisfaction
             to
             see
             his
             honour
             clear
             and
             unblemished
             .
             We
             shall
             not
             injure
             him
             so
             much
             as
             in
             a
             thought
             ,
             nor
             covet
             ought
             that
             is
             his
             ,
             either
             for
             necessity
             or
             pleasure
             :
             but
             study
             to
             add
             to
             his
             Contentments
             .
          
           
             WERE
             all
             the
             World
             as
             full
             of
             this
             Love
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             Paradice
             would
             still
             continue
             ,
             and
             all
             Mankind
             would
             be
             the
             Joy
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             whole
             Creation
             .
             The
             Love
             of
             GOD
             towards
             all
             would
             dwell
             and
             abide
             in
             every
             Soul
             ,
             and
             the
             Felicity
             of
             
             all
             would
             be
             the
             particular
             Joy
             of
             every
             person
             .
             All
             the
             Earth
             would
             be
             full
             of
             Repose
             ,
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Prosperity
             ,
             nothing
             but
             Honour
             ,
             and
             Kindness
             ,
             and
             Contentment
             would
             replenish
             the
             World.
             Which
             leads
             me
             now
             to
             that
             other
             Branch
             of
             Love
             ,
             which
             is
             Charity
             to
             our
             Neighbour
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XIX
             .
          
           
             
               Charity
               to
               our
               Neighbour
               most
               natural
               an
               Easie
               in
               the
               Estate
               of
               Innocency
               :
               Adams
               Love
               to
               Eve
               and
               his
               children
               a
               great
               Examplar
               of
               our
               Love
               to
               all
               the
               World.
               The
               Sweetness
               of
               Loving
               .
               The
               Benefits
               of
               being
               Beloved
               .
               To
               Love
               all
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               be
               beloved
               by
               all
               the
               World
               is
               perfect
               security
               and
               Felicity
               .
               Were
               the
               Law
               fulfilled
               all
               the
               World
               would
               be
               turned
               in
               Heaven
               .
            
          
           
             CHARITY
             to
             our
             Neighbour
             is
             Love
             expressed
             towards
             GOD
             in
             the
             Best
             of
             his
             Creatures
             .
             We
             are
             to
             Love
             GOD
             in
             all
             the
             Works
             of
             his
             Hands
             ,
             but
             in
             those
             especially
             ,
             that
             
             are
             most
             near
             unto
             him
             ,
             chiefly
             those
             in
             which
             he
             manifesteth
             himself
             most
             clearly
             ,
             and
             these
             are
             they
             that
             are
             most
             like
             him
             ,
             most
             exalted
             by
             him
             ,
             most
             loved
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             most
             delightful
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             ANGELS
             and
             Men
             ,
             are
             so
             distinct
             from
             the
             residue
             of
             the
             Creation
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             Works
             of
             GOD
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             Things
             of
             another
             Kind
             ,
             are
             put
             in
             Subjection
             under
             their
             feet
             .
             They
             were
             made
             in
             his
             Image
             ,
             and
             are
             often
             called
             
               the
               Sons
               of
               GOD.
            
             They
             are
             the
             Sovereign
             Objects
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Love
             ,
             every
             one
             of
             them
             ,
             considered
             a
             part
             ,
             is
             so
             Glorious
             ;
             as
             if
             he
             were
             the
             Sole
             individual
             friend
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             King
             of
             the
             Universe
             ,
             so
             that
             they
             are
             to
             be
             treated
             in
             another
             Manner
             ,
             as
             High
             and
             Sacred
             Persons
             ,
             elevated
             a-above
             the
             Race
             of
             ordinary
             Creatures
             ,
             as
             a
             Progeny
             of
             Kings
             that
             are
             all
             of
             them
             friends
             to
             the
             King
             of
             Kings
             ,
             Ambassadours
             representing
             his
             Person
             ,
             in
             whom
             he
             is
             injured
             ,
             or
             Obliged
             .
          
           
             I
             confess
             there
             are
             many
             Disguises
             ,
             that
             overcast
             the
             Face
             of
             Nature
             with
             a
             vail
             ,
             and
             cloud
             these
             Sovereign
             
             Creatures
             :
             the
             Excellency
             ,
             the
             Absence
             ,
             and
             Distance
             ,
             and
             unknown
             Nature
             of
             Angels
             ;
             the
             Perversness
             of
             Nature
             ,
             the
             Ignorance
             ,
             and
             Unkindness
             ,
             and
             Disorders
             of
             Men
             Darken
             ,
             and
             Eclipse
             this
             Glorious
             Duty
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             uncouth
             and
             difficult
             to
             us
             :
             But
             all
             these
             Disorders
             came
             in
             by
             Sin
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             expedient
             to
             remove
             the
             Confusions
             that
             blind
             us
             ,
             in
             our
             miserable
             Estate
             ,
             and
             to
             look
             upon
             this
             Vertue
             of
             Charity
             ,
             in
             the
             Naked
             Beauty
             which
             appeareth
             to
             us
             in
             the
             Light
             of
             Eden
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             Purity
             of
             Nature
             ,
             Men
             are
             Amiable
             Creatures
             and
             prone
             to
             Love.
             To
             great
             Advantages
             ;
             of
             which
             Sin
             and
             misery
             hath
             bereaved
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             which
             we
             are
             restored
             but
             in
             Part
             ,
             even
             then
             when
             we
             are
             Sanctified
             .
             Where
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Object
             is
             intire
             ,
             and
             perfect
             ,
             and
             the
             Goodness
             of
             the
             Spectator
             clear
             and
             undefiled
             ,
             to
             Love
             is
             as
             Natural
             and
             Easie
             as
             for
             fire
             to
             enflame
             ,
             when
             applied
             to
             convenient
             matter
             .
             For
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Object
             is
             Oyl
             and
             Fuel
             to
             the
             affection
             of
             the
             Spectator
             .
             It
             is
             not
             more
             Easie
             to
             delight
             in
             what
             is
             pleasant
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             to
             desire
             what
             is
             
             Good
             and
             Amiable
             .
             To
             be
             commanded
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             it
             is
             Liberty
             ,
             not
             Constraint
             .
             To
             be
             forbidden
             would
             be
             hard
             .
             A
             Prohibition
             would
             be
             the
             Severest
             Law
             ,
             and
             the
             most
             cruel
             Bondage
             .
             There
             was
             no
             Possitive
             Law
             in
             Eden
             ,
             that
             required
             a
             Man
             to
             Love
             his
             Neighbour
             ,
             it
             was
             a
             Law
             of
             Nature
             .
             The
             Nature
             of
             the
             Object
             required
             it
             ,
             and
             our
             Nature
             prompted
             it self
             thereunto
             .
             The
             Service
             that
             Law
             required
             was
             perfect
             freedome
             .
             Adam
             was
             commanded
             to
             Love
             Eve
             ,
             by
             a
             silent
             Law
             ,
             Surprized
             by
             her
             Beauty
             and
             captivated
             by
             the
             Chains
             of
             Nature
             .
             He
             was
             amazed
             at
             so
             fair
             a
             Creature
             ,
             her
             Presence
             was
             so
             Delightful
             that
             there
             was
             no
             need
             of
             a
             Law
             ;
             an
             injunction
             had
             imported
             some
             Sluggishness
             in
             the
             zeal
             of
             his
             Affection
             .
             His
             Appetite
             and
             Reason
             were
             united
             together
             ,
             and
             both
             invited
             him
             to
             lose
             himself
             in
             her
             Embraces
             :
             She
             was
             as
             acceptable
             a
             Present
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             as
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             could
             invent
             for
             him
             .
             He
             was
             too
             apt
             to
             admire
             her
             ,
             had
             not
             her
             Soul
             been
             as
             worthy
             ;
             as
             her
             Symmetry
             was
             transcendent
             .
             He
             admired
             the
             Bounty
             of
             the
             Donor
             in
             so
             Great
             a
             Gift
             ,
             and
             
             Great
             Part
             of
             his
             Life
             was
             to
             be
             spent
             in
             the
             Contemplation
             of
             his
             Treasure
             .
             He
             had
             a
             Noble
             Creature
             made
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             for
             him
             alone
             !
             Her
             soul
             was
             far
             more
             excellent
             in
             Beauty
             then
             her
             Face
             ,
             a
             Diviner
             and
             more
             Glorious
             Object
             than
             the
             whole
             world
             .
             Her
             Intelligence
             and
             Vivacity
             ,
             Her
             Lofty
             and
             clear
             Apprehensions
             ,
             Her
             Honour
             and
             Majesty
             ,
             Her
             Freedome
             of
             Action
             ,
             her
             Kindness
             of
             Behaviour
             ,
             her
             Angelical
             Affections
             ,
             Her
             fitness
             for
             Conversation
             ,
             Her
             sweet
             and
             Tender
             Principles
             ,
             a
             million
             of
             Graces
             and
             Endowments
             conspiring
             to
             enrich
             Her
             Person
             and
             Perfection
             ,
             made
             all
             the
             World
             to
             serve
             Adam
             with
             one
             Degree
             of
             Pleasure
             more
             in
             serving
             and
             pleasing
             her
             .
             The
             Universe
             seemed
             to
             be
             Nothing
             but
             the
             Theatre
             of
             their
             mutual
             Love
             ,
             as
             if
             all
             the
             World
             were
             made
             for
             nothing
             else
             ,
             but
             to
             minister
             to
             her
             for
             his
             sake
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             him
             happy
             in
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             Her.
             While
             the
             fruition
             was
             sanctified
             by
             a
             Just
             acknowledgement
             and
             Thanksgiving
             to
             the
             Author
             .
          
           
             WE
             produce
             Eve
             only
             for
             a
             President
             ;
             this
             first
             sweetness
             is
             but
             a
             Pattern
             and
             Copy
             of
             what
             follows
             ,
             
             fair
             Prologue
             to
             a
             more
             magnificent
             scene
             ,
             and
             used
             by
             us
             as
             a
             meer
             Introduction
             .
             Adam
             was
             able
             to
             Love
             Millions
             more
             ,
             and
             as
             She
             was
             taken
             out
             of
             his
             side
             ,
             so
             were
             they
             to
             spring
             from
             his
             Bowels
             :
             All
             to
             be
             as
             Great
             ,
             and
             fair
             ,
             and
             Glorious
             as
             she
             ,
             as
             full
             of
             Soul
             ,
             and
             as
             full
             of
             Love.
             As
             the
             Woman
             was
             the
             Glory
             of
             man
             ,
             so
             were
             their
             Off-springs
             the
             Glory
             of
             both
             :
             I
             mean
             they
             had
             been
             so
             ,
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             Nature
             ,
             had
             not
             the
             due
             course
             of
             it
             been
             disturbed
             .
             Which
             Accident
             is
             wholy
             to
             be
             fathered
             on
             Adams
             fondness
             to
             please
             his
             Wife
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             mothered
             upon
             her
             Lightness
             and
             Credulity
             .
             But
             we
             being
             here
             to
             disclose
             the
             Felicity
             which
             is
             hid
             in
             the
             fulfilling
             of
             GODS
             Laws
             and
             to
             justifie
             his
             Love
             in
             commancing
             this
             Charity
             to
             our
             Neighbors
             ,
             must
             not
             regard
             the
             Malevolence
             of
             Men
             ,
             but
             look
             upon
             the
             pure
             Intention
             of
             the
             Law
             ;
             and
             the
             success
             that
             would
             have
             followed
             ,
             had
             it
             been
             ,
             as
             it
             might
             have
             been
             ,
             perfectly
             observed
             .
          
           
             ALL
             Adams
             Children
             had
             been
             himself
             divided
             ,
             and
             multiplied
             into
             millions
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             a
             Greater
             
             Treasure
             to
             him
             than
             the
             whole
             world
             .
             The
             Stars
             had
             not
             been
             by
             a
             thousand
             Degrees
             so
             great
             an
             Ornament
             to
             the
             skies
             ,
             as
             they
             to
             the
             Earth
             ,
             an
             ofspring
             of
             Incarnate
             Angels
             ,
             an
             assembly
             of
             corporeal
             Seraphims
             ,
             a
             Race
             of
             Celestial
             Kings
             ,
             every
             one
             loving
             and
             Honouring
             Adam
             ,
             as
             the
             Fountain
             of
             their
             Being
             ,
             and
             the
             Author
             of
             their
             Well
             being
             ,
             of
             the
             one
             in
             begetting
             them
             ,
             of
             the
             other
             by
             standing
             and
             abiding
             in
             his
             Integrity
             .
             They
             had
             all
             been
             so
             many
             Pledges
             of
             his
             Wives
             Affection
             ;
             Monuments
             of
             love
             ,
             New
             and
             Powerful
             Endearments
             ,
             Enlargements
             of
             their
             Parents
             ,
             Being
             Mirrors
             and
             Memorials
             of
             both
             their
             perfections
             ;
             For
             all
             had
             been
             made
             for
             every
             one
             ;
             and
             every
             one
             had
             been
             the
             Joy
             ,
             nay
             and
             the
             Beauty
             of
             all
             .
             All
             had
             been
             every
             ones
             Objects
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             the
             Spectator
             of
             all
             ,
             every
             one
             would
             have
             delighted
             in
             the
             Beauty
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             all
             had
             conspired
             and
             strived
             together
             in
             the
             love
             of
             every
             one
             ,
             their
             concurrence
             infulfilling
             the
             Law
             would
             have
             banished
             all
             sin
             and
             Oppression
             ,
             Discontentment
             and
             sorrow
             ,
             Wrong
             and
             Injury
             ,
             Theft
             and
             
             Murder
             ,
             and
             Adultery
             ,
             and
             Lying
             out
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             there
             had
             been
             no
             noise
             of
             War
             or
             Contention
             ,
             or
             anger
             ,
             or
             Envy
             ,
             or
             Malice
             ,
             or
             Revenge
             ,
             this
             accursed
             
               the
               Black
               Guard
            
             had
             never
             appeared
             ;
             but
             all
             would
             have
             been
             Delightful
             to
             one
             another
             :
             Affections
             ,
             Honours
             ,
             Benefits
             ,
             and
             Services
             ,
             Pleasures
             ,
             Praises
             ,
             and
             Prosperities
             ,
             these
             alone
             had
             filled
             the
             World
             ,
             with
             Beauty
             ,
             Security
             ,
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Glory
             ,
             Wisdome
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Felicity
             ,
             Joy
             ,
             and
             Gratitude
             had
             been
             ,
             all
             that
             had
             been
             Known
             ,
             had
             Love
             been
             intirely
             and
             inviolably
             observed
             .
          
           
             BUT
             where
             GODS
             Laws
             are
             broken
             there
             is
             confusion
             and
             every
             Evil
             Work.
             Which
             nevertheless
             does
             more
             highly
             commend
             the
             excellency
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             and
             reflect
             a
             Praise
             upon
             that
             Authority
             ,
             which
             must
             first
             be
             despised
             ,
             before
             any
             Misery
             can
             come
             into
             the
             World.
             If
             the
             Duty
             which
             the
             Law
             requires
             be
             all
             sweetness
             ,
             and
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             Glory
             ,
             Compleatly
             good
             ,
             and
             on
             every
             side
             Advantageous
             and
             Profitable
             ;
             we
             that
             fail
             in
             the
             Discharge
             of
             our
             Duty
             may
             be
             condemned
             ,
             but
             GOD
             is
             to
             be
             
             admired
             ,
             and
             still
             to
             be
             confessed
             most
             Glorious
             and
             Holy
             ,
             because
             he
             delights
             in
             the
             welfare
             of
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             makes
             Religion
             so
             desireable
             a
             Mystery
             ,
             and
             enjoynes
             such
             admirable
             Things
             ,
             as
             would
             make
             all
             transcendently
             Blessed
             ,
             and
             Good
             ,
             and
             Perfect
             were
             they
             perfectly
             observed
             .
             He
             designes
             that
             all
             should
             be
             amiable
             ,
             whom
             we
             are
             commanded
             to
             Love
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             should
             be
             not
             only
             prone
             to
             Love
             ,
             but
             actually
             full
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             reason
             why
             he
             consistutes
             Love
             ,
             as
             the
             Sovereign
             Law
             ;
             is
             ,
             because
             ,
             as
             our
             Saviour
             saith
             ,
             
               There
               is
               none
               other
               greater
               Commandement
               ,
            
             none
             more
             Blessed
             ,
             or
             Divine
             ,
             or
             Glorious
             ,
             none
             more
             conducive
             to
             our
             Bliss
             ,
             his
             pleasure
             ,
             the
             perfection
             of
             his
             Kingdome
             .
             Removing
             the
             Law
             of
             Love
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             put
             another
             Law
             in
             its
             Place
             ,
             which
             can
             answer
             the
             Designs
             of
             his
             Wisdome
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             of
             comply
             with
             the
             Exigencies
             of
             our
             Estate
             and
             condition
             .
             It
             is
             as
             easie
             to
             change
             the
             Nature
             of
             GOD
             ;
             and
             devise
             another
             deity
             as
             Good
             and
             convenient
             ,
             as
             to
             invent
             a
             better
             Law
             then
             this
             ,
             which
             is
             plainly
             of
             all
             other
             the
             most
             Divine
             and
             Holy.
             
          
           
           
             If
             we
             ascend
             up
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             take
             a
             perfect
             account
             of
             all
             the
             Opperations
             and
             Effects
             of
             Love
             as
             they
             appear
             in
             Glory
             ;
             we
             may
             first
             give
             our selves
             the
             Liberty
             of
             Wishing
             ,
             and
             consult
             ,
             what
             of
             all
             Things
             possible
             is
             most
             fit
             to
             be
             desired
             .
             Had
             we
             a
             Power
             to
             chuse
             ,
             what
             Kind
             of
             Creatures
             would
             our selves
             be
             made
             ?
             could
             we
             desire
             to
             be
             any
             thing
             more
             great
             and
             Perfect
             then
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ?
             In
             the
             full
             extent
             and
             utmost
             height
             of
             its
             Nature
             it
             is
             the
             Resemblance
             of
             all
             his
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
             To
             have
             Beings
             without
             Power
             ,
             or
             power
             without
             Operations
             ,
             will
             never
             make
             us
             like
             GOD
             ,
             because
             by
             an
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Act
             of
             Power
             he
             is
             what
             he
             is
             .
             Actions
             are
             so
             necessary
             that
             all
             Felicity
             and
             Pleasure
             is
             continually
             founded
             in
             some
             act
             or
             other
             ,
             and
             no
             Essence
             is
             of
             any
             value
             ,
             but
             as
             it
             employs
             it self
             in
             a
             delightful
             manner
             .
             What
             Law
             then
             would
             we
             have
             to
             regulate
             our
             actions
             by
             ?
             Since
             Actions
             are
             of
             different
             Kinds
             ,
             some
             good
             ,
             some
             Evil
             ,
             some
             convenient
             ,
             some
             Hurtful
             ,
             some
             Honourable
             and
             some
             Delightful
             ,
             some
             Base
             and
             Odious
             ,
             
             some
             are
             Miserable
             ,
             and
             some
             are
             Glorious
             ,
             we
             would
             chuse
             such
             a
             Law
             to
             guide
             our
             Actions
             by
             ,
             as
             might
             make
             them
             honourable
             and
             delightful
             ,
             and
             good
             and
             Glorious
             .
             All
             these
             are
             with
             Wisdome
             and
             Blessedness
             shut
             up
             in
             Love.
             And
             by
             Love
             it
             is
             that
             we
             make
             our selves
             infinitly
             Beautiful
             ,
             and
             Amiable
             ,
             and
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Blessed
             ,
             while
             we
             extend
             that
             Delightful
             and
             Blessed
             Affection
             to
             all
             objects
             that
             are
             Good
             and
             Excellent
             ,
             so
             that
             on
             this
             side
             we
             have
             all
             we
             can
             desire
             ,
             Essences
             ,
             Laws
             and
             Actions
             that
             most
             tend
             to
             our
             full
             and
             compleat
             perfection
             .
             If
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             we
             look
             after
             objects
             for
             this
             Affection
             ,
             and
             desire
             to
             have
             some
             Creatures
             most
             Excellent
             ,
             and
             fit
             for
             their
             Goodness
             to
             be
             Beloved
             ,
             what
             Creatures
             can
             we
             wish
             above
             all
             other
             ,
             that
             can
             be
             made
             to
             satisfie
             and
             please
             us
             ?
             Can
             any
             thing
             be
             more
             high
             and
             perfect
             then
             the
             similitude
             of
             GOD
             ?
             GOD
             is
             LOVE
             ,
             and
             his
             Love
             the
             Life
             and
             Perfection
             of
             Goodness
             .
             There
             is
             no
             
               Living
               Goodness
            
             so
             sweet
             and
             amiable
             as
             that
             alone
             ,
             none
             so
             Wise
             ,
             none
             so
             Divine
             ,
             none
             so
             Blessed
             .
             VVhat
             Laws
             can
             we
             desire
             those
             Creatures
             to
             
             be
             guided
             by
             ,
             but
             the
             Laws
             of
             Love
             ?
             By
             Love
             they
             are
             made
             Amiable
             and
             delightful
             to
             us
             ;
             by
             Love
             they
             are
             made
             Great
             and
             Blessed
             in
             themselves
             .
             All
             Honour
             and
             Praise
             ,
             Benevolence
             and
             Good-will
             ,
             Kindness
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             Tenderness
             and
             Compassion
             ,
             all
             Sweetness
             ,
             and
             Courtesie
             ,
             and
             Care
             ,
             and
             Affabilitie
             ,
             all
             Service
             and
             Complacency
             are
             shut
             up
             in
             Love
             :
             It
             is
             the
             Fountain
             of
             all
             Benefits
             and
             Pleasures
             whatsoever
             .
             All
             Admiration
             ,
             Esteem
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             all
             Industry
             ,
             Respect
             ,
             and
             Courage
             are
             shut
             up
             in
             Love
             ,
             and
             by
             Love
             alone
             doth
             any
             object
             of
             ours
             Sacrifice
             it self
             to
             our
             Desire
             and
             Satisfaction
             .
             So
             that
             on
             that
             side
             our
             Wishes
             are
             Compleated
             too
             :
             while
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             and
             Blessed
             ,
             and
             Glorious
             Creatures
             love
             us
             as
             themselves
             .
             For
             thereby
             they
             are
             as
             much
             our
             Felicity
             as
             their
             own
             ,
             and
             as
             much
             take
             pleasure
             and
             Delight
             therein
             .
             
               As
               for
               GOD
               his
               Way
               is
               perfect
            
             ;
             like
             curious
             needle
             work
             on
             either
             side
             ,
             compleat
             and
             exquisite
             .
          
           
             ALL
             that
             we
             can
             fear
             ,
             or
             except
             against
             ,
             is
             his
             Omission
             ,
             in
             forbearing
             to
             compell
             his
             Creatures
             to
             love
             ,
             whether
             
             they
             will
             or
             no.
             But
             in
             that
             Liberty
             which
             he
             gave
             them
             ,
             his
             Love
             is
             manifested
             most
             of
             all
             .
             In
             giving
             us
             a
             Liberty
             it
             is
             most
             apparent
             :
             for
             without
             Liberty
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Delight
             ,
             no
             Honour
             ,
             no
             Ingenuity
             ,
             or
             Goodness
             at
             all
             :
             No
             action
             can
             be
             Delightful
             that
             is
             not
             our
             Pleasure
             in
             the
             Doing
             .
             All
             Delight
             is
             free
             and
             voluntary
             by
             its
             Essence
             .
             Force
             and
             Aversion
             are
             inconsistent
             with
             its
             nature
             .
             Willingness
             in
             its
             operation
             is
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             its
             Honour
             founded
             in
             the
             freedom
             of
             its
             Desire
             .
             Whatsoever
             it
             does
             not
             desire
             and
             delight
             in
             ,
             tho
             the
             matter
             of
             the
             performance
             be
             never
             so
             excellent
             ,
             the
             Manner
             is
             spoiled
             ,
             and
             totally
             Blasted
             .
             Now
             can
             we
             compel
             another
             to
             desire
             or
             delight
             in
             any
             Thing
             ?
             The
             Soul
             in
             it self
             hath
             an
             Inclnation
             to
             ,
             or
             an
             a
             version
             from
             every
             object
             .
             The
             Ingennity
             and
             Worth
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             expressed
             in
             the
             Kindness
             of
             its
             own
             Intention
             ,
             in
             the
             freedom
             of
             its
             Desire
             to
             do
             what
             is
             Excellent
             ,
             in
             the
             delight
             it
             taketh
             to
             love
             ,
             its
             Goodness
             is
             founded
             .
             Now
             tho
             GOD
             infinitely
             hated
             Sin
             ,
             yet
             he
             gave
             us
             an
             irrevocable
             Power
             to
             do
             
             what
             we
             pleased
             ,
             and
             adventured
             the
             Hazzard
             of
             that
             which
             he
             infinitely
             hated
             ,
             that
             being
             free
             to
             do
             what
             we
             would
             ,
             we
             might
             be
             Honourable
             and
             delightful
             in
             doing
             (
             freely
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             own
             Accord
             )
             what
             is
             Great
             and
             Excellent
             .
             For
             without
             this
             Liberty
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Love
             ,
             since
             Love
             is
             an
             active
             and
             free
             affection
             ;
             that
             must
             spring
             from
             the
             Desire
             and
             pleasure
             of
             the
             Soul.
             It
             is
             the
             Pleasure
             of
             a
             Lover
             to
             promote
             the
             Felicity
             of
             his
             object
             .
             Whatsoever
             Services
             he
             is
             compelled
             to
             do
             ,
             he
             is
             either
             meerly
             passive
             in
             them
             or
             Cross
             unto
             them
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             void
             of
             the
             Principal
             Grace
             and
             Beauty
             that
             should
             adorn
             them
             ,
             and
             make
             them
             pleasant
             and
             satisfactory
             :
             men
             may
             be
             Dead
             ,
             and
             moved
             like
             stones
             ;
             but
             in
             such
             causes
             there
             is
             no
             Love
             ,
             neither
             do
             they
             act
             of
             themselves
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             over-ruled
             ,
             and
             forced
             by
             another
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             hath
             it
             pleased
             God
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             our
             Perfection
             ,
             to
             make
             the
             most
             Sublime
             and
             Sovereign
             Creatures
             all
             Free
             ,
             wherein
             he
             hath
             expressed
             the
             greatest
             Love
             in
             the
             World.
             As
             we
             may
             see
             by
             all
             the
             Displeasures
             and
             Pains
             it
             
             hath
             cost
             him
             ,
             through
             our
             Abuse
             of
             so
             illimited
             and
             great
             a
             perfection
             .
             But
             where
             his
             Love
             is
             most
             Highly
             and
             Transcendently
             expressed
             ,
             there
             are
             we
             most
             prone
             to
             suspect
             it
             ,
             Nature
             is
             so
             Cross
             and
             disorderly
             .
             There
             can
             be
             no
             Wisdom
             without
             a
             voluntary
             Act
             ,
             for
             in
             all
             Wisdome
             there
             is
             Counsel
             and
             design
             .
             Where
             no
             consultation
             nor
             Election
             precedes
             ,
             the
             best
             operation
             in
             all
             the
             World
             is
             Blind
             and
             Casual
             .
             Fortune
             and
             chance
             must
             have
             no
             hand
             in
             that
             which
             wisdom
             Effecteth
             :
             no
             more
             then
             Force
             and
             necessity
             must
             have
             in
             that
             Goodness
             ,
             where
             all
             the
             kindness
             ought
             to
             be
             in
             the
             Intention
             of
             the
             Benefactor
             .
             There
             is
             something
             in
             it
             which
             I
             cannot
             explain
             .
             It
             is
             easily
             conceived
             ,
             but
             will
             never
             (
             I
             think
             )
             in
             Words
             ,
             be
             expressed
             .
             The
             Will
             has
             a
             mighty
             hand
             in
             all
             the
             Divinity
             of
             perfect
             Goodness
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Mind
             of
             the
             Doer
             that
             is
             the
             principal
             object
             of
             all
             our
             Desire
             and
             Expectation
             .
          
           
             HAVING
             for
             these
             Causes
             made
             his
             Creatures
             free
             ,
             he
             has
             forfeited
             their
             Choise
             ,
             and
             secured
             their
             Determination
             ,
             as
             far
             as
             was
             possible
             .
             He
             hath
             done
             all
             that
             can
             be
             devised
             to
             make
             
             them
             Love
             us
             ,
             and
             left
             nothing
             undone
             but
             only
             that
             which
             was
             ,
             absolutely
             necessary
             that
             they
             might
             Love.
             They
             could
             not
             Love
             us
             ,
             if
             they
             were
             not
             left
             to
             themselves
             to
             do
             it
             freely
             .
             And
             their
             Ability
             being
             provided
             for
             ,
             nay
             an
             Inclination
             given
             to
             make
             them
             willing
             he
             has
             strictly
             commanded
             &
             enjoyned
             them
             to
             Love
             ,
             by
             Nature
             allured
             them
             ,
             &
             ordered
             us
             so
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             be
             fit
             to
             be
             Beloved
             ,
             he
             hath
             made
             it
             sweet
             and
             rational
             to
             Love
             ,
             given
             them
             his
             own
             Example
             ,
             and
             solemnly
             protested
             that
             he
             will
             accept
             of
             no
             Love
             to
             himself
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             accompanied
             with
             Love
             to
             his
             friends
             and
             servants
             ,
             engaged
             them
             to
             Love
             ,
             or
             be
             Eternally
             miserable
             .
             And
             if
             for
             all
             this
             they
             will
             not
             Love
             ,
             the
             fault
             is
             none
             of
             his
             .
             All
             that
             he
             has
             done
             to
             let
             secure
             then
             Love
             to
             himself
             ,
             he
             has
             done
             to
             secure
             then
             Love
             to
             us
             :
             and
             is
             as
             much
             or
             more
             concerned
             in
             their
             Love
             to
             us
             ,
             then
             in
             that
             which
             himself
             requireth
             and
             Expecteth
             .
             Nay
             he
             hath
             made
             it
             impossible
             for
             them
             (
             truly
             )
             to
             Love
             themselves
             without
             doing
             of
             it
             :
             And
             if
             they
             will
             neither
             Love
             GOD
             nor
             themselves
             ,
             we
             may
             well
             be
             despised
             for
             Company
             .
             He
             infinitely
             desires
             their
             Love
             ,
             and
             would
             take
             infinite
             Pleasure
             
             in
             the
             Operation
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Way
             to
             make
             themselves
             Honourable
             and
             Delightful
             to
             GOD
             ,
             but
             only
             by
             Loving
             us
             ,
             as
             his
             soul
             requireth
             .
             And
             by
             all
             these
             Inducements
             and
             Causes
             ,
             are
             we
             our selves
             stirred
             up
             to
             Love
             ,
             freely
             to
             exert
             the
             Power
             of
             Love
             to
             others
             in
             like
             manner
             .
          
           
             THAT
             which
             yet
             further
             commendeth
             this
             Vertue
             of
             Love
             unto
             us
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             only
             Soul
             of
             all
             Pleasure
             and
             Felicity
             
               in
               all
               Estates
            
             .
             It
             is
             like
             the
             Light
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             Kingdomes
             ,
             and
             Houses
             ,
             and
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             Ages
             ,
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             in
             Earth
             ,
             in
             the
             Sea
             ,
             in
             Shops
             and
             Temples
             ;
             in
             Schooles
             and
             Markets
             ,
             in
             Labours
             and
             Recreations
             ,
             in
             Theatres
             and
             Fable
             .
             It
             is
             
               the
               Great
               Daemon
               of
               the
               World
               ,
            
             and
             the
             Sole
             Cause
             of
             all
             Operations
             .
             It
             is
             evidently
             impossible
             for
             any
             Fancy
             ,
             or
             Play
             ,
             or
             Romance
             ,
             or
             Fable
             to
             be
             composed
             well
             ,
             and
             made
             Delightful
             ,
             without
             a
             Mixture
             of
             Love
             in
             the
             Composure
             .
             In
             all
             Theatres
             ,
             and
             Feasts
             ,
             and
             Weddings
             ,
             and
             Triumphs
             ,
             and
             Coronations
             ,
             Love
             is
             the
             Soul
             and
             Perfection
             of
             all
             ,
             in
             all
             Persons
             ,
             in
             all
             Occupations
             ,
             in
             all
             Diversions
             ,
             in
             all
             Labours
             ,
             in
             all
             Vertues
             ,
             
             in
             all
             Vices
             ,
             in
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             in
             all
             Families
             ,
             in
             all
             Cities
             and
             Empires
             ,
             in
             all
             our
             Devotions
             ,
             and
             Religious
             Actions
             ,
             Love
             is
             all
             in
             all
             .
             All
             the
             Sweetness
             of
             Society
             is
             seated
             in
             Love
             ,
             the
             Life
             of
             Musick
             and
             Dancing
             is
             Love
             ;
             the
             Happiness
             of
             Houses
             ,
             the
             Enjoyment
             of
             Friends
             ,
             the
             Amity
             of
             Relations
             ,
             the
             Providence
             of
             Kings
             ,
             the
             Allegiance
             of
             Subjects
             ,
             the
             Glory
             of
             Empires
             ,
             the
             Security
             ,
             Peace
             and
             Welfare
             of
             the
             World
             is
             seated
             in
             Love.
             Without
             Love
             all
             is
             Discord
             and
             Confusion
             .
             All
             Blessings
             come
             upon
             us
             by
             Love
             ,
             and
             by
             Love
             alone
             all
             Delights
             and
             Blessings
             are
             enjoyed
             .
             All
             happiness
             is
             established
             by
             Love
             ,
             and
             by
             Love
             alone
             is
             all
             Glory
             attained
             .
             GOD
             Knoweth
             that
             Love
             uniteth
             Souls
             ,
             maketh
             men
             of
             one
             Heart
             in
             a
             House
             ,
             filles
             them
             with
             Liberallity
             and
             Kindness
             to
             each
             other
             ,
             makes
             them
             Delightfull
             in
             presence
             ,
             faithful
             in
             Absence
             ,
             Tender
             of
             the
             Honour
             and
             Welfare
             of
             their
             Beloved
             ,
             Apt
             to
             obey
             ,
             ready
             to
             please
             ,
             Constant
             in
             Trials
             ,
             Patient
             in
             sufferings
             ,
             Couragious
             is
             Assaults
             ,
             Prudent
             in
             Difficulties
             Victorious
             and
             Triumphant
             .
             All
             that
             I
             shall
             need
             to
             
             observe
             further
             ,
             is
             ,
             that
             
               it
               compleated
               the
               Joys
               of
               Heaven
               .
            
             Well
             therefore
             may
             Wisdome
             desire
             Love
             ,
             well
             may
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             delight
             in
             Love.
             It
             is
             the
             form
             and
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Kingdome
             .
             And
             therefore
             it
             is
             that
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               Charity
               never
               faileth
               :
               but
               whether
               there
               be
               Prophesies
               ,
               they
               shall
               fail
               ;
               whether
               there
               be
               Tongues
               ,
               They
               shall
               cease
               ;
               whether
               there
               be
               Knowledge
               it
               shall
               vanish
               away
               ;
               For
               we
               know
               in
               part
               ,
               and
               we
               Prophesie
               in
               part
               ,
               but
               when
               that
               which
               is
               perfect
               is
               come
               ,
               then
               that
               which
               is
               in
               part
               shall
               be
               done
               away
               .
               For
               now
               we
               see
               through
               a
               Glass
               ,
               darkly
               ,
               but
               then
               Face
               to
               Face
               ;
               now
               I
               Know
               in
               part
               ,
               but
               when
               shall
               I
               know
               ,
               as
               also
               I
               am
               Known
               .
               And
               now
               abideth
               Faith
               ,
               Hope
               and
               Charity
               ,
               these
               three
               ,
               but
               the
               Greatest
               of
               these
               is
               Charity
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XX.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Prudence
               .
               It
               s
               Foundation
               is
               Charity
               ,
               its
               End
               Tranquillity
               and
               Prosperity
               on
               Earth
               ,
               its
               Office
               to
               reconcile
               Duty
               and
               Convenience
               ,
               and
               to
               make
               Vertue
               subservient
               to
               Temporal
               Welfare
               .
               Of
               Prudence
               in
               Religion
               ,
               Friendship
               ,
               and
               Empire
               .
               The
               End
               of
               Prudence
               is
               perfect
               Charity
               .
            
          
           
             CHARITY
             is
             that
             which
             entereth
             into
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             as
             a
             main
             Ingredient
             of
             its
             Nature
             and
             Perfection
             .
             Love
             is
             the
             fountain
             and
             the
             End
             of
             all
             ,
             without
             which
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Beauty
             nor
             Goodness
             in
             any
             of
             the
             Vertues
             .
             Love
             to
             one self
             ,
             Love
             to
             GOD
             ,
             Love
             to
             man
             ;
             Love
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             a
             clear
             and
             intelligent
             Love
             is
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             without
             which
             Humility
             is
             but
             Baseness
             ,
             Fortitude
             but
             Feirceness
             ,
             Patience
             but
             Stupidity
             ,
             Hope
             but
             Presumption
             ,
             Modesty
             but
             Simpering
             ,
             Devotion
             but
             Hypocrisie
             ,
             Liberality
             is
             Profuseness
             ,
             Knowledge
             vanity
             ,
             Meekness
             but
             a
             sheepish
             Tameness
             ,
             and
             Prudence
             it self
             but
             fraud
             and
             Cunning.
             For
             as
             all
             other
             Vertues
             ,
             so
             is
             prudence
             ,
             founded
             on
             Charity
             .
             
             He
             that
             is
             not
             Good
             can
             never
             be
             Prudent
             :
             for
             he
             can
             never
             benefit
             himself
             ,
             or
             others
             .
             For
             the
             Designes
             of
             Prudence
             are
             to
             secure
             one self
             in
             the
             Exercise
             of
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             so
             to
             order
             the
             Discharge
             of
             ones
             Duty
             ,
             as
             neither
             to
             hurt
             a
             mans
             self
             in
             his
             Life
             ,
             Estate
             ,
             Honour
             ,
             Health
             ,
             or
             Contentment
             ,
             nor
             yet
             to
             fail
             in
             the
             Attainment
             of
             that
             Worth
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             which
             will
             make
             our
             Lives
             Delightful
             to
             others
             ,
             and
             as
             Glorious
             to
             our selves
             ,
             as
             Beneficial
             and
             Delightful
             .
          
           
             PRUDENCE
             hath
             an
             eye
             to
             every
             Circumstance
             ,
             and
             Emergence
             of
             our
             Lives
             .
             It
             s
             Designe
             is
             to
             make
             a
             mans
             self
             as
             Great
             and
             glorious
             as
             is
             possible
             ,
             and
             in
             pleasing
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             to
             order
             and
             improve
             all
             Advantages
             without
             incurring
             the
             least
             inconvenience
             :
             To
             reconcile
             our
             Devotion
             ,
             Obedience
             and
             Religion
             ,
             to
             our
             Interest
             and
             Prosperity
             in
             the
             World
             :
             To
             shun
             all
             extreams
             ,
             to
             surmount
             all
             Difficulties
             ,
             to
             overrule
             all
             Disadvantages
             ,
             to
             discern
             all
             Opportunities
             ,
             and
             lay
             hold
             on
             all
             Occasions
             of
             doing
             Good
             to
             our selves
             .
             It
             s
             Office
             is
             to
             consult
             ,
             and
             contrive
             ,
             and
             effect
             our
             own
             Welfare
             in
             every
             Occurrence
             that
             can
             besal
             us
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             
             so
             to
             mingle
             all
             Vertues
             in
             the
             Execution
             of
             our
             Duties
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             relieve
             ,
             and
             aid
             ,
             and
             perfect
             each
             other
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             as
             at
             once
             to
             be
             pleasing
             to
             GOD
             ,
             profitable
             to
             his
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             to
             our selves
             .
             To
             take
             heed
             that
             we
             do
             nothing
             out
             of
             Season
             ,
             nor
             be
             guilty
             of
             any
             Defect
             ,
             or
             Excess
             ,
             or
             Miscarriage
             .
             All
             the
             Vertues
             are
             United
             by
             Prudence
             like
             several
             Pieces
             in
             a
             Compleat
             armour
             ,
             and
             disposed
             all
             like
             Souldiers
             in
             an
             Army
             ,
             that
             have
             their
             several
             Postes
             and
             Charges
             ,
             or
             like
             the
             several
             Orders
             and
             Degrees
             in
             a
             Kingdom
             ,
             where
             there
             are
             Variety
             of
             Trusts
             ,
             &
             services
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             and
             every
             Man
             has
             his
             Office
             assigned
             by
             the
             King
             ,
             and
             knows
             his
             own
             work
             ,
             and
             is
             fitted
             for
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             FOR
             as
             no
             one
             man
             is
             sufficient
             for
             all
             ;
             the
             same
             person
             cannot
             be
             chief
             Priest
             in
             the
             Temple
             ,
             and
             General
             in
             the
             Army
             ,
             and
             Admiral
             at
             Sea
             ,
             &c.
             
             So
             neither
             can
             every
             Vertue
             serve
             for
             all
             purposes
             but
             there
             must
             be
             several
             Vertues
             for
             several
             Ends.
             
          
           
             AS
             the
             King
             ordereth
             and
             directeth
             all
             his
             Officers
             and
             subjects
             in
             their
             several
             Places
             ;
             if
             they
             do
             their
             duty
             in
             their
             own
             sphere
             ,
             the
             Great
             End
             is
             attained
             
             by
             all
             ,
             which
             no
             one
             of
             them
             alone
             ,
             was
             able
             to
             Effect
             :
             so
             here
             ,
             one
             Vertues
             supplies
             the
             Defects
             of
             another
             ,
             and
             tho
             every
             one
             of
             them
             moves
             in
             his
             own
             Precincts
             ,
             and
             does
             not
             at
             all
             intermeddle
             with
             anothers
             charge
             ,
             yet
             the
             Work
             is
             done
             as
             effectually
             as
             if
             any
             one
             Vertue
             did
             all
             alone
             .
          
           
             WHILE
             all
             the
             Vertues
             conspire
             to
             supply
             what
             is
             wanting
             in
             each
             other
             ,
             Prudence
             is
             the
             general
             Overseer
             ,
             and
             Governour
             of
             all
             ,
             which
             ,
             while
             every
             single
             Vertue
             is
             ignorant
             of
             what
             the
             other
             are
             doing
             ,
             fits
             and
             proportions
             the
             subservient
             Ends
             ,
             to
             which
             every
             one
             of
             these
             Directeth
             its
             Care
             ,
             and
             Labour
             ,
             and
             Skill
             ,
             to
             the
             Great
             and
             last
             End
             of
             all
             ,
             the
             intire
             Perfection
             and
             Glory
             of
             the
             Kingdome
             .
             So
             that
             here
             upon
             Earth
             Prudence
             seemeth
             to
             be
             the
             King
             of
             Vertues
             ,
             because
             we
             have
             such
             a
             Multiplicity
             of
             Concernes
             and
             Affairs
             to
             look
             after
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             any
             one
             Vertue
             ,
             but
             Prudence
             alone
             to
             attend
             them
             all
             .
          
           
             THIS
             discovereth
             the
             Excellency
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             
             &
             detected
             a
             very
             great
             Error
             to
             which
             we
             are
             liable
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             prone
             imprudently
             to
             expect
             more
             from
             any
             
             Vertue
             than
             it
             is
             able
             to
             perform
             .
             We
             are
             apt
             to
             believe
             that
             in
             every
             Vertue
             there
             is
             an
             infinite
             Excellency
             .
             And
             this
             great
             Expectation
             of
             ours
             is
             a
             good
             opinion
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             yet
             turneth
             (
             not
             seldome
             )
             to
             its
             Disgrace
             and
             Infamy
             .
             For
             when
             we
             look
             upon
             any
             single
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             see
             it
             so
             Defective
             ,
             that
             it
             scarce
             answereth
             one
             of
             many
             Ends
             ,
             because
             we
             find
             our selves
             deceived
             in
             our
             expectation
             of
             its
             perfection
             ,
             and
             the
             Service
             of
             that
             Vertue
             so
             Curt
             and
             narrow
             ,
             which
             we
             thought
             to
             be
             infinite
             ;
             we
             are
             distasted
             at
             its
             Insufficiency
             ,
             and
             prone
             to
             slight
             it
             as
             a
             poor
             inconsiderable
             Business
             ,
             infinitly
             short
             of
             our
             Hopes
             and
             expectations
             .
             Nay
             and
             to
             be
             discouraged
             from
             the
             practice
             of
             it
             ,
             because
             we
             find
             it
             attended
             with
             many
             Difficulties
             and
             inconveniences
             ,
             which
             it
             is
             not
             able
             to
             remedy
             or
             answer
             .
             Thus
             are
             we
             deterred
             from
             Liberality
             for
             fear
             of
             the
             Poverty
             to
             which
             it
             exposeth
             us
             ;
             from
             Meekness
             ,
             because
             it
             encourageth
             all
             People
             to
             trample
             us
             under
             feet
             ,
             from
             Holiness
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             scorned
             and
             hated
             in
             the
             World
             ;
             from
             Fortitude
             and
             Courage
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             Perils
             and
             
             Hazzards
             ,
             that
             attend
             it
             ;
             from
             self-Denial
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             Displeasures
             we
             do
             to
             our selves
             in
             crossing
             our
             Appetite
             .
             Nay
             sometimes
             men
             are
             so
             wicked
             as
             to
             hate
             to
             be
             obliged
             ,
             for
             fear
             of
             the
             Inconveniences
             of
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             are
             much
             Prejudiced
             against
             Fidelity
             ,
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             Truth
             ,
             and
             Constancy
             .
             For
             all
             these
             Vertues
             can
             answer
             but
             one
             exigence
             ,
             for
             which
             they
             are
             prepared
             (
             especially
             in
             our
             Daily
             Conversation
             with
             men
             )
             and
             a
             mistake
             in
             one
             of
             them
             doth
             expose
             us
             to
             more
             Inconveniences
             ,
             then
             its
             Benefit
             is
             worth
             .
          
           
             THIS
             is
             the
             Offence
             :
             and
             the
             Truth
             is
             no
             Vertue
             is
             of
             any
             Value
             as
             cut
             off
             from
             the
             rest
             .
             We
             may
             as
             well
             expect
             all
             Beauty
             in
             a
             Nose
             divided
             from
             the
             Face
             ,
             or
             an
             eye
             pluckt
             out
             of
             the
             head
             ,
             all
             Perfection
             in
             an
             Ear
             ,
             or
             a
             tongue
             cut
             off
             ,
             all
             serviceableness
             in
             a
             Hand
             ,
             or
             Foot
             dismembred
             from
             the
             Body
             ;
             as
             a
             full
             and
             perfect
             Security
             from
             any
             one
             Vertue
             whatsoever
             .
             If
             one
             were
             sufficient
             ,
             the
             rest
             would
             be
             Superfluous
             .
             Mans
             Empire
             and
             Dominion
             would
             be
             a
             very
             narrow
             Thing
             ,
             (
             at
             least
             a
             very
             Empty
             and
             Shallow
             thing
             )
             if
             any
             
             one
             Vertue
             were
             enough
             for
             his
             Felicity
             .
             As
             his
             Exigencies
             and
             Concerns
             are
             Innumerable
             ,
             so
             are
             his
             Cares
             and
             Endowments
             ,
             his
             Honors
             and
             Pleasures
             ,
             his
             Offices
             and
             Employments
             ,
             his
             Vertues
             and
             Graces
             .
             His
             Offices
             and
             his
             Vertues
             must
             be
             at
             least
             so
             many
             ,
             as
             will
             serve
             to
             regulate
             all
             his
             Concerns
             .
             And
             if
             any
             be
             so
             comprehensive
             as
             to
             cure
             many
             Exigencies
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             his
             Vertues
             are
             the
             Greater
             in
             force
             and
             Extent
             ,
             but
             the
             fewer
             in
             Number
             .
             Their
             perfect
             sufficiency
             is
             to
             be
             measured
             by
             the
             ends
             for
             which
             they
             are
             prepared
             :
             and
             their
             Beauty
             Consists
             ,
             (
             like
             that
             of
             an
             Army
             with
             Banners
             )
             in
             the
             Proportion
             and
             Symmetry
             of
             the
             entire
             Body
             ,
             the
             mutual
             Supplies
             and
             Succors
             they
             afford
             to
             one
             another
             ,
             the
             Unity
             of
             such
             a
             Great
             Variety
             of
             things
             in
             order
             to
             the
             Attainment
             of
             the
             same
             great
             and
             ultimate
             end
             the
             full
             and
             compleat
             Number
             of
             Offices
             and
             inferior
             Ends
             ,
             and
             the
             Extream
             Providence
             wherewith
             they
             are
             reducible
             to
             one
             supream
             End
             ,
             which
             is
             most
             High
             and
             Excellent
             .
             It
             is
             enough
             for
             the
             Ear
             if
             it
             can
             hear
             well
             ,
             tho
             it
             is
             no
             more
             
             able
             to
             See
             ,
             or
             Taste
             ,
             than
             a
             Stone
             .
             it
             is
             enough
             for
             the
             eye
             to
             see
             well
             ,
             tho
             it
             is
             no
             more
             sensible
             of
             Noise
             ,
             then
             a
             Rock
             or
             a
             Tree
             The
             Office
             of
             the
             Tongue
             is
             to
             Tast
             well
             ,
             of
             the
             Nostril
             to
             smell
             well
             ,
             &c.
             and
             there
             is
             no
             Defect
             in
             any
             of
             these
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             every
             one
             sufficient
             for
             its
             own
             immediate
             end
             ,
             and
             also
             tempered
             and
             united
             together
             ,
             that
             the
             rest
             are
             Supplies
             to
             make
             up
             the
             Defect
             of
             every
             single
             Sence
             and
             Organ
             ,
             and
             altogether
             perfectly
             subservient
             to
             the
             whole
             Man
             ,
             for
             whose
             sake
             they
             were
             prepared
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             enjoy
             the
             benefit
             of
             them
             all
             .
             The
             eye
             sees
             for
             the
             Ear
             ,
             and
             the
             Tongue
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             Members
             of
             the
             Body
             :
             the
             foot
             supports
             and
             carries
             the
             eye
             ,
             the
             hand
             defends
             and
             feeds
             the
             Eye
             ,
             the
             Ear
             instructs
             and
             Counsels
             the
             Eye
             ,
             the
             Nostrils
             smell
             for
             the
             eye
             ,
             and
             the
             Tongue
             tasts
             and
             talks
             for
             the
             Eye
             ,
             which
             the
             eye
             cannot
             do
             for
             it self
             ,
             because
             it
             was
             made
             to
             need
             the
             assistance
             of
             the
             rest
             ,
             the
             eye
             directs
             all
             these
             in
             Liew
             of
             their
             Services
             ,
             and
             is
             of
             far
             greater
             Value
             ,
             then
             if
             a
             man
             had
             no
             other
             Member
             ,
             but
             an
             eye
             alone
             .
             For
             
             the
             Eye
             is
             the
             Light
             of
             all
             the
             members
             ,
             and
             Great
             in
             its
             Relation
             to
             the
             whole
             man
             :
             It
             sees
             for
             the
             Ear
             ,
             and
             the
             Hand
             ,
             and
             for
             all
             ,
             and
             is
             to
             all
             these
             after
             some
             manner
             Beneficial
             ,
             but
             without
             these
             would
             be
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             There
             is
             an
             infinite
             Excellency
             in
             every
             Vertue
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             in
             its
             Relation
             to
             all
             the
             Rest.
             It
             is
             Good
             for
             nothing
             in
             its
             Place
             but
             for
             that
             Particular
             End
             to
             which
             it
             is
             assigned
             ,
             in
             attaining
             that
             end
             it
             is
             subservient
             to
             all
             other
             Vertues
             ;
             and
             while
             it
             serves
             all
             ,
             is
             aided
             by
             all
             .
             The
             other
             Virtues
             remedie
             the
             inconveniences
             to
             which
             this
             doth
             expose
             us
             ,
             and
             being
             all
             joyned
             together
             earry
             us
             safely
             and
             securely
             to
             our
             Last
             end
             :
             Because
             the
             Influence
             of
             every
             one
             passeth
             thorow
             all
             ,
             every
             single
             Vertue
             is
             Pleasing
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             a
             means
             in
             its
             place
             of
             our
             whole
             Felicity
             .
             The
             Beauty
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             is
             to
             be
             sought
             in
             Prudence
             ,
             for
             there
             they
             meet
             in
             an
             intire
             Body
             :
             their
             Correspondence
             and
             convenience
             ,
             their
             Symmetry
             and
             proportion
             ,
             their
             Unity
             and
             Variety
             ,
             their
             ful
             and
             perfect
             Harmony
             ,
             makes
             up
             the
             features
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             compleats
             its
             
             Graces
             ,
             just
             as
             the
             Diversity
             of
             Members
             perfects
             the
             Body
             .
             Knowledge
             gives
             Light
             to
             Love
             ,
             but
             Love
             gives
             Warmth
             and
             Feeling
             to
             Knowledge
             .
             Love
             may
             perhaps
             ,
             like
             a
             Separate
             Soul
             ,
             dwell
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             alone
             ;
             and
             yet
             even
             then
             it
             must
             include
             all
             Knowledge
             ,
             and
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             Wisdome
             ,
             and
             Holiness
             :
             for
             if
             Love
             know
             not
             how
             to
             guide
             it self
             ,
             it
             will
             never
             attain
             its
             End
             ,
             nor
             be
             a
             perfect
             Vertue
             .
             But
             here
             upon
             Earth
             t
             is
             like
             the
             Soul
             in
             the
             Body
             ,
             it
             must
             Eat
             ,
             and
             Drink
             ,
             and
             see
             ,
             and
             hear
             ,
             as
             a
             thousand
             Works
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             therefore
             standeth
             in
             need
             of
             many
             Vertues
             .
             Love
             without
             Goodness
             is
             perhaps
             a
             Thing
             impossible
             ,
             because
             it
             always
             designs
             well
             .
             But
             Love
             without
             Wisdome
             is
             a
             Common
             Thing
             :
             for
             such
             is
             all
             that
             mistakes
             its
             End.
             Love
             without
             Discretion
             is
             a
             mischievious
             Thing
             ,
             Love
             without
             Prudence
             an
             Helpless
             Thing
             ,
             Love
             without
             Courage
             a
             feeble
             and
             Cowardly
             Thing
             ;
             Love
             without
             Modesty
             an
             impudent
             and
             Troublesome
             Thing
             ;
             Love
             without
             the
             Fear
             of
             GOD
             is
             Lust
             and
             Wantonness
             ;
             and
             if
             the
             most
             Great
             and
             Glorious
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             stands
             in
             need
             of
             all
             its
             
             Companions
             .
             The
             less
             and
             inferior
             must
             needs
             be
             lame
             and
             maimed
             without
             the
             residue
             ,
             especially
             without
             the
             Superior
             .
          
           
             UPON
             this
             account
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             so
             much
             Care
             and
             Study
             goes
             to
             the
             making
             up
             of
             a
             Vertuous
             man.
             All
             kind
             of
             Vertues
             must
             concur
             to
             Compleat
             his
             Perfection
             .
             The
             Want
             of
             any
             one
             Denominates
             a
             Vice
             ,
             and
             makes
             him
             Vicious
             .
             Nay
             the
             Want
             of
             any
             one
             destroys
             the
             form
             and
             Essence
             of
             the
             rest
             .
             Vertue
             is
             not
             Vertue
             but
             in
             order
             to
             felicity
             .
             If
             it
             hath
             lost
             its
             force
             ,
             it
             hath
             lost
             its
             Nature
             .
             As
             a
             little
             Poyson
             turnes
             the
             best
             Meat
             from
             Nourishment
             into
             Poyson
             so
             doth
             one
             Vice
             cherished
             and
             allowed
             corrupt
             and
             viciate
             all
             the
             Vertues
             in
             the
             whole
             World.
             Hence
             it
             is
             that
             the
             Phylosophers
             say
             ,
             all
             the
             Vertues
             are
             linked
             together
             in
             the
             golden
             Chain
             of
             Prudence
             .
             And
             that
             a
             Thing
             is
             made
             Good
             by
             all
             its
             Causes
             ,
             Evil
             by
             the
             least
             Defect
             .
             For
             as
             one
             Tooth
             wanting
             in
             a
             Clock
             ,
             makes
             all
             the
             other
             wheels
             and
             Materials
             Useless
             ;
             tho
             the
             frame
             be
             never
             so
             Elaberate
             and
             Curious
             ;
             so
             doth
             the
             abscence
             of
             the
             smallest
             Vertue
             make
             void
             and
             frustrate
             all
             the
             residue
             .
             A
             man
             of
             a
             Kind
             and
             Bountiful
             Disposition
             ,
             
             that
             is
             loose
             and
             intemperate
             ,
             may
             ruine
             his
             Estate
             ,
             and
             dye
             like
             a
             Prodigal
             and
             vain-glorions
             fool
             .
             A
             stout
             Couragious
             person
             that
             is
             proud
             and
             debauched
             will
             be
             little
             better
             then
             a
             
               Souldierly
               Russian
            
             ,
             and
             Live
             if
             not
             like
             a
             Thief
             for
             Want
             of
             Honesty
             ,
             yet
             like
             a
             Swaggering
             Hector
             for
             Want
             of
             Discreetion
             .
             A
             Man
             endued
             with
             all
             Kind
             of
             Learnning
             may
             be
             Morose
             and
             Covetous
             ,
             and
             by
             one
             Vice
             lose
             all
             the
             Benefit
             of
             his
             Education
             .
             A
             Religious
             Votary
             that
             is
             Splenetick
             and
             Revengeful
             ,
             brings
             a
             Disgrace
             upon
             his
             whole
             Profession
             .
             But
             he
             that
             is
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Learned
             ,
             and
             Holy
             ,
             and
             Just
             ,
             and
             Temperate
             ,
             and
             Couragious
             ,
             and
             Kind
             ,
             and
             Liberal
             ,
             and
             Meek
             ,
             and
             Humble
             ,
             and
             Affable
             ,
             and
             Cheerful
             ,
             and
             Prudent
             ,
             and
             Industrious
             ,
             shall
             be
             serviceable
             ,
             and
             Honourable
             ,
             and
             delightful
             to
             others
             ,
             profitable
             to
             himself
             ,
             and
             alwayes
             Triumphant
             :
             Especially
             if
             he
             be
             so
             discreet
             and
             Prudent
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             all
             these
             Vertues
             move
             like
             the
             Stars
             in
             their
             Courses
             ,
             and
             knows
             how
             to
             apply
             and
             manage
             their
             Excellencies
             in
             their
             due
             and
             proper
             places
             upon
             all
             occasions
             :
             for
             they
             are
             so
             many
             different
             in
             nature
             
             that
             some
             of
             their
             Influences
             ,
             will
             hit
             every
             business
             ,
             and
             all
             of
             them
             together
             pass
             a
             Grace
             and
             Lustre
             upon
             each
             other
             ,
             so
             Divine
             and
             Heavenly
             that
             they
             will
             make
             their
             owner
             Venerable
             in
             the
             Eys
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             correct
             the
             Malignity
             of
             the
             most
             injurious
             and
             Censorious
             .
             Which
             moved
             our
             Saviour
             to
             exhort
             us
             to
             be
             
               Wise
               as
               Serpents
               ,
               Innocent
               as
               Doves
               ,
            
             to
             joyn
             many
             Vertues
             together
             :
             And
             occasioned
             that
             of
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
             
               He
               that
               will
               love
               Life
               and
               see
               good
               Days
               ,
               let
               him
               refrain
               his
               Tongue
               from
               Evil
               ,
               and
               his
               Lips
               that
               they
               speak
               no
               Guile
               :
               let
               him
               eschew
               Evil
               ,
               and
               do
               Good
               ,
               let
               him
               seek
               Peace
               and
               ensue
               it
               ,
               for
               the
               Eyes
               of
               the
               Lord
               are
               over
               the
               Righteous
               :
               And
               who
               is
               he
               that
               will
               harm
               you
               ,
               if
               ye
               be
               followers
               of
               that
               which
               is
               Good
               ?
            
             The
             only
             sure
             Way
             to
             live
             happily
             here
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             is
             to
             joyn
             all
             kind
             of
             Vertues
             together
             ,
             and
             to
             let
             them
             work
             in
             season
             according
             to
             their
             several
             Natures
             .
          
           
             WHAT
             the
             efficacy
             of
             Prudence
             is
             may
             be
             seen
             in
             friendship
             ,
             in
             the
             Regiment
             of
             States
             and
             Kingdoms
             ,
             in
             the
             Rule
             and
             government
             of
             Private
             Famelies
             .
             He
             that
             is
             fitted
             for
             all
             these
             is
             an
             Excellent
             Person
             .
          
           
           
             IT
             is
             the
             office
             of
             Prudence
             in
             all
             Estates
             ,
             to
             find
             out
             the
             Temper
             of
             those
             with
             whom
             we
             are
             to
             deal
             ;
             and
             so
             to
             suit
             the
             Exercises
             of
             all
             Vertues
             with
             their
             several
             Humours
             ,
             as
             may
             make
             their
             Operation
             consistent
             with
             our
             own
             Repose
             ,
             and
             their
             Benefit
             ,
             without
             infringing
             our
             Duty
             .
          
           
             IN
             Friendship
             it
             often
             falleth
             out
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             spiritual
             Sickness
             of
             those
             to
             whom
             we
             relate
             ,
             that
             we
             must
             either
             make
             shipwrack
             of
             Fidelity
             and
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             or
             run
             the
             Hazzard
             of
             losing
             our
             Friend
             by
             displeasing
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             be
             Profitable
             to
             him
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Duty
             so
             necessary
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             free
             and
             faithful
             Reproof
             :
             no
             Duty
             so
             nice
             as
             this
             .
             A
             Good
             man
             Knows
             it
             is
             incumbent
             upon
             him
             ,
             and
             yet
             is
             very
             Averse
             from
             the
             Discharge
             of
             it
             .
             It
             is
             as
             Troublesome
             to
             himself
             as
             to
             the
             Person
             that
             needs
             it
             .
             T
             is
             difficult
             to
             be
             done
             well
             ,
             and
             so
             unpleasant
             to
             both
             .
             Here
             Prudence
             comes
             in
             ,
             and
             deviseth
             expedients
             for
             all
             Inconveniences
             ,
             and
             with
             a
             strange
             facility
             scatters
             all
             Doubts
             and
             Fears
             .
             Three
             Things
             it
             discovers
             to
             be
             necessary
             in
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             Business
             ,
             Three
             in
             the
             Superstructure
             ,
             
             and
             Three
             in
             the
             Conclusion
             .
             He
             that
             reproves
             well
             ,
             must
             shew
             a
             great
             respect
             and
             Tenderness
             to
             the
             Person
             ,
             a
             necessity
             of
             the
             Discharge
             of
             that
             Duty
             ,
             his
             Aversness
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             how
             Nothing
             but
             his
             Perfect
             Love
             could
             make
             him
             undertake
             it
             .
             The
             foundation
             of
             the
             Success
             is
             laid
             by
             these
             Provisions
             :
             In
             the
             Superstructure
             ,
             he
             must
             consider
             whether
             it
             be
             best
             to
             be
             done
             merrily
             or
             severely
             ;
             by
             a
             Brief
             Hint
             or
             a
             strong
             Enlargement
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Temper
             and
             Degree
             of
             the
             Person
             .
             He
             must
             chuse
             out
             the
             Best
             Opportunities
             ,
             and
             consult
             the
             Honour
             of
             him
             he
             reproveth
             .
             And
             if
             he
             be
             displeased
             and
             grow
             angry
             at
             the
             Liberty
             ,
             he
             must
             in
             the
             Close
             of
             all
             bear
             it
             patiently
             ,
             surmount
             it
             with
             Courtesie
             ,
             and
             pursue
             him
             with
             Kindness
             .
             He
             that
             rules
             his
             own
             Passion
             is
             Master
             of
             another
             mans
             :
             He
             must
             needs
             win
             him
             and
             Melt
             him
             :
             For
             no
             man
             thus
             dealt
             with
             ,
             is
             so
             very
             a
             Beast
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             angry
             long
             .
             Or
             the
             mischief
             is
             ,
             when
             he
             that
             reproveth
             miscarrieth
             in
             some
             of
             these
             Rules
             ,
             especially
             the
             last
             :
             for
             there
             are
             few
             so
             prudent
             as
             not
             to
             be
             exasperated
             with
             the
             Affront
             that
             is
             put
             upon
             their
             kindness
             and
             Fidelity
             ,
             
             when
             they
             are
             injured
             for
             their
             Good
             Will
             :
             few
             so
             discreet
             as
             to
             consider
             which
             way
             their
             patience
             and
             Meakness
             are
             to
             be
             made
             the
             Instruments
             of
             Amity
             and
             Happiness
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             Management
             of
             Empires
             ,
             and
             Kingdomes
             Prudence
             hath
             a
             vast
             and
             Mighty
             Province
             to
             reign
             in
             .
             A
             Good
             King
             when
             he
             designs
             the
             extirpation
             of
             Vice
             ,
             and
             the
             Establishment
             of
             Righteousness
             and
             pure
             Religion
             ,
             meets
             with
             many
             Rubs
             and
             Obstacles
             in
             his
             Way
             ,
             all
             which
             are
             sweetly
             and
             easily
             by
             Prudence
             removed
             .
             His
             Great
             encouragement
             is
             the
             Beauty
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             Assistance
             of
             GOD.
             For
             he
             Knows
             very
             well
             that
             Equity
             and
             Piety
             are
             such
             Glorious
             Things
             ,
             that
             tho
             few
             practice
             them
             as
             they
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             yet
             all
             admire
             them
             .
          
           
             GODLINESS
             ,
             and
             Honesty
             ,
             need
             nothing
             but
             to
             be
             maintained
             and
             assented
             by
             the
             Prince
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             once
             countenanced
             by
             authority
             all
             the
             Enemies
             of
             Religion
             are
             confounded
             ,
             and
             dare
             not
             lift
             up
             their
             face
             against
             it
             .
             Wise
             an
             Holy
             men
             may
             easily
             be
             exalted
             ,
             and
             are
             more
             capable
             of
             Exaltation
             then
             others
             .
             As
             they
             are
             
             more
             faithful
             when
             they
             are
             in
             power
             ,
             they
             will
             be
             more
             Grateful
             to
             the
             Prince
             ,
             and
             more
             Obliging
             to
             the
             people
             ;
             and
             in
             all
             Respects
             more
             able
             to
             serve
             them
             both
             .
             The
             Good
             will
             secure
             the
             Throne
             and
             exalt
             the
             Kingdome
             .
             Prudence
             in
             such
             a
             work
             Knows
             where
             to
             begin
             and
             where
             to
             end
             ,
             by
             what
             steps
             and
             Degrees
             to
             proceed
             ,
             what
             Instruments
             to
             use
             ,
             how
             to
             Oblige
             ,
             and
             how
             to
             Awe
             ;
             whom
             to
             Oblige
             ,
             and
             Awe
             ;
             where
             to
             remit
             the
             Rigor
             of
             the
             Law
             and
             where
             to
             be
             severe
             .
             The
             Truth
             is
             Prudence
             consists
             most
             in
             attempting
             the
             Business
             ,
             for
             it
             will
             go
             on
             ,
             and
             is
             ever
             waited
             with
             success
             when
             undertaken
             .
             A
             King
             that
             is
             so
             Wise
             as
             to
             design
             and
             endeavor
             ,
             the
             Refurmation
             of
             his
             Nation
             ,
             must
             needs
             be
             Prudent
             .
             GOD
             has
             assured
             him
             ,
             
               The
               Throne
               is
               established
               by
               Righteousness
               .
               When
               it
               Goeth
               well
               with
               the
               Righteous
               the
               City
               rejoyceth
               ,
               and
               when
               the
               wicked
               perish
               there
               is
               shouting
               .
               By
               the
               blessing
               of
               the
               upright
               the
               City
               is
               exalted
               ,
               but
               it
               is
               overthrown
               by
               the
               Mouth
               of
               the
               Wicked
               .
            
          
           
             IN
             Families
             the
             force
             of
             Prudence
             is
             prodigious
             .
             Some
             men
             by
             the
             assistance
             
             of
             this
             Vertue
             live
             more
             happily
             upon
             a
             mean
             state
             ,
             then
             others
             upon
             Thousands
             ,
             they
             have
             more
             respect
             among
             their
             Servants
             ,
             more
             honour
             among
             their
             Neighbors
             ,
             more
             plenty
             at
             home
             ,
             more
             Authority
             abroad
             ,
             more
             peace
             &
             comfort
             every
             where
             ,
             then
             Men
             forty
             times
             above
             themselves
             in
             State
             &
             Grandure
             .
             Its
             first
             care
             is
             to
             be
             Wary
             in
             the
             Choise
             of
             Servants
             :
             For
             they
             that
             are
             good
             act
             well
             by
             Nature
             ,
             and
             have
             little
             need
             of
             Force
             and
             compulsion
             .
             Its
             next
             Business
             is
             to
             oblige
             them
             ,
             which
             is
             done
             by
             a
             religious
             example
             which
             instilles
             a
             Reverence
             ,
             a
             strict
             prohibi●●tion
             of
             all
             Debauchery
             ,
             a
             sweet
             and
             affable
             Behaviour
             ,
             a
             plentiful
             Provision
             for
             their
             comfortable
             Subsistence
             ,
             a
             prudent
             connivance
             at
             smaller
             faults
             ,
             a
             Distribution
             of
             Rewards
             as
             well
             as
             punishments
             for
             the
             Encouragement
             of
             their
             Vertues
             ,
             a
             meek
             and
             Gentle
             reproof
             of
             their
             Faults
             ,
             a
             kind
             acknowledgment
             of
             their
             Good
             deserts
             ;
             which
             is
             a
             cheap
             and
             easie
             kind
             of
             payment
             ,
             yet
             more
             Obliging
             then
             any
             Dry
             gift
             of
             Gold
             or
             Silver
             .
             A
             prudent
             man
             will
             so
             demean
             himself
             in
             his
             Family
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             himself
             cordially
             
             beloved
             of
             all
             :
             so
             ordere●
             his
             affairs
             ,
             that
             the
             Services
             of
             those
             about
             him
             shall
             be
             like
             Preferments
             .
             By
             which
             Means
             it
             will
             first
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             that
             he
             shall
             have
             his
             choise
             of
             servants
             ,
             because
             it
             will
             be
             esteemed
             a
             Blessing
             to
             be
             with
             him
             :
             and
             in
             the
             next
             place
             their
             service
             will
             be
             mingled
             with
             respect
             and
             Love.
             They
             will
             befaithful
             as
             well
             for
             his
             sake
             ,
             as
             their
             own
             .
             In
             the
             Midst
             of
             all
             this
             ,
             his
             Prudence
             will
             guid
             him
             to
             take
             a
             strict
             account
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             all
             his
             Servants
             see
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             cheat
             him
             .
             Thus
             in
             all
             Affaires
             Prudence
             happily
             demeans
             it self
             ;
             and
             of
             this
             Gift
             especially
             is
             that
             of
             solomon
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             
               A
               gift
               is
               as
               a
               precious
               stone
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               him
               that
               hath
               it
               ,
               whithersoever
               it
               turneth
               ,
               it
               prosporeth
               .
            
             
          
           
             FOR
             the
             Foundation
             of
             all
             kind
             of
             Prudence
             you
             must
             remember
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             winneth
             Souls
             is
             Wise.
             Mens
             Hearts
             are
             the
             stars
             by
             whose
             Influences
             the
             affairs
             of
             the
             World
             are
             regulated
             :
             they
             are
             as
             our
             Savour
             calleth
             them
             Good
             or
             Evil
             Treasures
             ;
             out
             of
             which
             proceeds
             Murders
             ,
             Adulteries
             ,
             Thefts
             ,
             Slanders
             ,
             &c.
             
             Or
             Praises
             ,
             Honours
             ,
             
             Preferments
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             Pleasures
             ,
             all
             kind
             of
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             Benefits
             :
             And
             the
             prudent
             mans
             main
             Business
             is
             to
             make
             himself
             intirely
             beloved
             by
             all
             the
             World.
             which
             can
             never
             be
             without
             great
             Fidelity
             ,
             Courage
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Prudence
             and
             Dexterity
             .
             Flattery
             and
             Base
             compliances
             makes
             a
             man
             Odious
             .
          
           
             THE
             Last
             End
             of
             prudence
             is
             Eternal
             Happiness
             and
             Glory
             ,
             to
             which
             it
             moveth
             by
             crooked
             Meanders
             and
             windings
             out
             as
             occasion
             requireth
             .
             It
             is
             a
             strange
             Vertue
             ,
             for
             its
             Conversant
             amongst
             Terrene
             and
             inferior
             Objects
             ,
             and
             yet
             a
             far
             more
             Difficult
             Vertue
             then
             Wisdom
             it self
             .
             Wisdome
             is
             a
             more
             High
             and
             Heavenly
             Vertue
             ,
             but
             its
             Rules
             are
             always
             fixed
             ,
             and
             its
             objects
             Stable
             ,
             where
             as
             Prudence
             hath
             no
             set
             and
             Stated
             Rules
             ,
             but
             in
             all
             occasions
             ,
             is
             to
             mould
             and
             shape
             it selfe
             ,
             it
             knows
             not
             which
             way
             ,
             till
             it
             comes
             to
             Action
             .
             Its
             Paths
             are
             in
             the
             Deep
             and
             mighty
             Waters
             ,
             among
             Storms
             and
             tempests
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXI
             .
          
           
             
               Encouragements
               to
               Courage
               .
               It
               s
               Nature
               cause
               ,
               and
               End.
               Its
               Greatness
               and
               Renown
               .
               Its
               Ornaments
               and
               Companions
               .
               Its
               objects
               ,
               Circumstances
               ,
               Effects
               and
               Disadvantages
               ;
               how
               Difficulties
               increase
               its
               vertue
               .
               It
               s
               Verand
               Triumphs
               .
               How
               subservient
               it
               is
               to
               Blessedness
               and
               Glory
               .
            
          
           
             LOVE
             and
             Prudence
             are
             the
             parents
             of
             Courage
             .
             A
             Feeble
             Hen
             ,
             a
             Timerous
             Mother
             ,
             will
             Sacrifice
             their
             Lives
             for
             their
             young
             ones
             .
             And
             he
             that
             forgetteth
             all
             his
             own
             Interests
             ,
             divests
             himself
             (
             together
             with
             them
             )
             of
             his
             Fears
             ,
             and
             despising
             Death
             first
             ,
             easily
             slighteth
             all
             other
             Things
             .
             Even
             a
             Coward
             by
             Nature
             ,
             is
             made
             more
             Bold
             and
             confident
             by
             Skill
             at
             his
             weapon
             .
             And
             he
             that
             is
             always
             assured
             of
             the
             Victory
             ,
             can
             never
             be
             afraid
             of
             the
             Encounter
             ,
             or
             the
             Enemy
             .
             He
             that
             is
             Dexter●ous
             at
             the
             use
             of
             all
             Vertues
             ,
             and
             knows
             how
             to
             apply
             them
             so
             ,
             as
             ever
             to
             come
             off
             more
             honourably
             ,
             will
             laugh
             
             at
             the
             Trial
             of
             his
             own
             Innocence
             and
             make
             a
             Game
             of
             Difficulties
             and
             Terrors
             .
          
           
             VALOUR
             is
             a
             right
             and
             strong
             Resolution
             of
             the
             Soul
             whereby
             it
             dare
             encounter
             with
             any
             Difficulty
             and
             Trouble
             ,
             for
             Vertues
             sake
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Armour
             of
             the
             Soul
             against
             all
             Impressions
             of
             Fear
             ,
             its
             Effect
             is
             an
             Equal
             and
             uniform
             stayedness
             of
             Mind
             ,
             against
             all
             Dangerous
             and
             Terrible
             Accidents
             .
             It
             containeth
             Magnanimitie
             ,
             Patience
             ,
             Constancy
             ,
             Invincible
             Resolution
             ,
             Boldness
             and
             Industry
             in
             its
             Nature
             .
             It
             s
             cause
             is
             the
             Love
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             the
             sence
             of
             Honour
             ,
             Indignation
             against
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             Base
             and
             vile
             ,
             a
             High
             Ambition
             and
             desire
             of
             Glory
             .
             It
             s
             End
             is
             the
             preservation
             of
             a
             Mans
             person
             and
             Honesty
             ,
             the
             Conquest
             of
             all
             Opposition
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Bliss
             ,
             the
             Destruction
             or
             Subjection
             of
             Enemies
             ,
             Triumph
             and
             Conquest
             ,
             the
             Establishment
             of
             Peace
             ,
             the
             Attainment
             of
             Liberty
             and
             Glory
             .
             Its
             Attendants
             are
             Prudence
             ,
             Justice
             and
             Temperance
             ,
             the
             principal
             Ornament
             and
             Grace
             of
             valour
             is
             Worth
             and
             Goodness
             .
             its
             Aids
             and
             Encouragements
             are
             insinite
             ,
             
             it
             groweth
             Great
             and
             High
             ,
             by
             making
             use
             of
             all
             the
             Causes
             of
             Hope
             and
             Confidence
             .
             Conflicts
             and
             Dangers
             are
             the
             Element
             in
             which
             it
             lives
             ,
             It
             owns
             its
             whole
             being
             to
             them
             ;
             for
             without
             Causes
             of
             Fear
             ,
             there
             could
             be
             no
             courage
             in
             all
             Nature
             .
             The
             Knowledge
             of
             GOD
             is
             the
             root
             of
             Divine
             Valour
             ,
             and
             Fidelity
             to
             his
             Laws
             its
             Commendation
             .
             The
             Assurance
             of
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             all
             those
             Things
             that
             serve
             to
             beget
             and
             confirm
             it
             ,
             are
             subservient
             to
             it
             .
             It
             draws
             in
             strength
             and
             Encouragements
             form
             all
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             from
             all
             Great
             and
             Holy
             examples
             ,
             from
             the
             Knowledge
             of
             its
             own
             Sublimity
             ,
             from
             the
             Greatness
             of
             Felicity
             ,
             from
             the
             Omnipotence
             ,
             and
             Omnipresence
             ,
             and
             Providence
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             from
             his
             Truth
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             from
             all
             those
             Things
             wherein
             he
             has
             manifested
             his
             Love
             above
             the
             Heavens
             .
          
           
             OF
             all
             the
             Vertues
             in
             greatest
             Estimation
             ,
             this
             is
             most
             renowned
             .
             For
             its
             Prerogative
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             simply
             called
             VERTUE
             .
             Vertue
             being
             the
             Word
             to
             express
             and
             signifie
             
             Valour
             among
             the
             Latines
             ;
             because
             the
             Force
             and
             Efficacy
             that
             is
             in
             it
             ,
             is
             most
             visible
             and
             Apparent
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             all
             other
             Vertues
             are
             secured
             ,
             vindicated
             ,
             Exercised
             ,
             and
             made
             Useful
             .
             It
             is
             stiled
             Manhood
             among
             the
             English
             ,
             with
             a
             peculiar
             Emphasis
             .
             As
             is
             the
             Essence
             of
             a
             man
             was
             founded
             in
             Courage
             ,
             because
             his
             Vigor
             is
             emasculated
             ,
             and
             his
             Dignity
             lost
             ,
             that
             is
             Effeminate
             and
             Timerous
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             scarce
             a
             Man
             that
             is
             a
             Coward
             .
          
           
             WHAT
             a
             Glorious
             and
             incomparable
             Vertue
             this
             is
             ,
             appeareth
             from
             the
             Baseness
             and
             Ineptitude
             of
             its
             Contrary
             .
             A
             Coward
             and
             an
             Honest
             Man
             can
             never
             be
             the
             same
             ;
             a
             Coward
             and
             a
             constant
             Lover
             can
             never
             be
             the
             same
             ;
             a
             Coward
             and
             a
             Brave
             Man
             can
             never
             be
             the
             same
             :
             Cowardice
             ,
             and
             Wisdome
             are
             as
             incompatible
             forever
             ,
             as
             Love
             and
             Wisdom
             were
             thought
             to●
             be
             of
             Old.
             A
             Coward
             is
             always
             despicable
             and
             Wretched
             ;
             because
             he
             dares
             not
             expose
             himself
             to
             any
             Hazzards
             ,
             nor
             adventure
             upon
             any
             Great
             Attempt
             for
             fear
             of
             some
             little
             Pain
             and
             Damage
             ,
             that
             is
             between
             him
             and
             an
             Excellent
             Atchievment
             .
             He
             is
             
             baffled
             from
             the
             Acquisition
             of
             the
             most
             Great
             and
             Beautiful
             Things
             ,
             and
             non
             plust
             with
             every
             Impediment
             .
             He
             is
             conquered
             before
             he
             begins
             to
             fight
             .
             The
             very
             sight
             of
             Danger
             makes
             him
             a
             Slave
             ;
             He
             is
             undone
             ,
             when
             he
             sees
             his
             Enemy
             a
             far
             off
             ,
             and
             wounded
             ,
             before
             the
             Point
             of
             the
             Sword
             can
             touch
             his
             shadow
             .
             He
             is
             all
             wayes
             a
             Terror
             and
             Burden
             to
             himself
             ,
             a
             Dangerous
             Knave
             ,
             and
             an
             useless
             Creature
             .
          
           
             STRANGE
             is
             the
             Vigour
             in
             a●
             Brave
             Mans
             Soul.
             The
             Strength
             of
             his
             Spirit
             and
             his
             irresistible
             Power
             ,
             the
             Greatness
             of
             his
             Heart
             ,
             and
             the
             Height
             of
             his
             Condition
             ,
             his
             mighty
             Confiedence
             and
             Contempt
             of
             Dangers
             ,
             his
             true
             Security
             and
             Repose
             in
             himself
             ,
             his
             Liberty
             to
             dare
             and
             do
             what
             he
             pleaseth
             ,
             his
             Alacrity
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Fears
             ,
             his
             invincible
             Temper
             ,
             are
             advantages
             which
             make
             him
             Master
             of
             Fortune
             .
             His
             Courage
             fits
             him
             for
             all
             Attempts
             ,
             renders
             him
             serviceable
             to
             GOD
             and
             MAN
             ,
             and
             makes
             him
             the
             Bulwark
             and
             Defence
             of
             his
             King
             and
             Country
             .
          
           
             LET
             those
             Debauched
             and
             unreasonable
             men
             ,
             that
             deny
             the
             Existence
             of
             
             Vertue
             ,
             contemplate
             the
             Reality
             of
             its
             Excellency
             here
             ,
             and
             be
             confounded
             with
             shame
             at
             their
             Prodigious
             Blindness
             .
             Their
             Impiety
             designs
             the
             Abolishment
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             the
             utter
             Extirpation
             of
             all
             Faith
             and
             Piety
             ,
             while
             they
             pretend
             the
             Distinction
             between
             Vertue
             and
             Vice
             to
             be
             meerly
             feigned
             ,
             for
             the
             Awing
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             and
             that
             their
             Names
             have
             no
             foundation
             in
             Nature
             but
             the
             Craft
             of
             Politicians
             and
             the
             Tradition
             of
             their
             Nurses
             .
             Are
             there
             no
             Base
             fellows
             ,
             nor
             Brave
             Men
             in
             the
             World
             ?
             Is
             there
             no
             difference
             between
             a
             Lion
             and
             a
             Hare
             ?
             a
             faint
             hearted
             Coward
             ,
             and
             a
             Glorious
             Heroe
             !
             It
             s
             there
             Nothing
             Brave
             nor
             vile
             in
             the
             world
             ?
             What
             is
             become
             of
             these
             Rodomontadoes
             wits
             .
             Where
             is
             the
             boasted
             Glory
             of
             their
             Personal
             Valour
             ;
             if
             there
             be
             no
             Defference
             ,
             but
             Courage
             and
             Cowardize
             be
             the
             same
             thing
             !
          
           
             HOW
             empty
             these
             Self
             ,
             but
             shallow
             conceited
             Ranters
             are
             ,
             is
             evident
             by
             their
             short
             and
             narrow
             measures
             .
             They
             place
             all
             Gallantry
             and
             Worth
             in
             Valour
             :
             all
             the
             Vertue
             of
             a
             man
             they
             think
             seated
             in
             this
             :
             They
             forget
             that
             Policy
             ,
             and
             Learning
             ,
             and
             Prudence
             ,
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             Fidelity
             ,
             and
             Temperance
             ,
             
             and
             Industry
             ,
             and
             compassion
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             and
             Affability
             ,
             and
             Courtesie
             ,
             and
             Modesty
             ,
             and
             Justice
             ,
             and
             Honesty
             are
             Vertues
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             every
             one
             of
             these
             there
             is
             something
             fitting
             a
             Man
             for
             the
             Benefit
             of
             the
             World.
             Nay
             they
             have
             lost
             the
             Notion
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             know
             not
             what
             it
             is
             .
             Those
             things
             by
             which
             a
             man
             is
             made
             serviceable
             to
             himself
             and
             the
             World
             ,
             they
             think
             not
             to
             be
             Vertues
             ,
             but
             imagine●
             Chimeraes
             which
             they
             cannot
             see
             ,
             &
             then
             deny
             they
             have
             any
             Existence
             .
             A
             Man
             is
             capable
             of
             far
             more
             Glorious
             Qualities
             then
             one
             of
             them
             :
             And
             his
             Courage
             it self
             may
             be
             raised
             to
             far
             higher
             Ends
             and
             purposes
             then
             Buffoons
             and
             Thrasonical
             Heroes
             can
             dream
             of
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             to
             be
             noted
             here
             ,
             that
             any
             one
             of
             those
             Things
             that
             are
             called
             Vertue
             ,
             being
             alone
             ,
             is
             not
             a
             Vertue
             .
             It
             is
             so
             far
             from
             aiding
             and
             setting
             us
             forward
             in
             the
             Way
             to
             Happiness
             ,
             that
             oftentimes
             it
             proveth
             a
             Great
             and
             intollerable
             Mischief
             ,
             and
             is
             never
             safe
             ,
             but
             when
             it
             is
             corrected
             and
             guided
             by
             the
             rest
             of
             its
             Companions
             .
             To
             stir
             no
             further
             then
             Courage
             alone
             :
             What
             is
             Courage
             in
             a
             Thief
             ,
             or
             a
             Tyrant
             ,
             or
             a
             Traytor
             ,
             
             but
             like
             Zeal
             and
             Learning
             in
             a
             pernicious
             Heretick
             .
          
           
             YOU
             may
             note
             further
             ,
             that
             Goodness
             is
             a
             principal
             Ingredient
             in
             the
             excellency
             of
             this
             Vertue
             ,
             tho
             it
             be
             distinct
             in
             its
             Nature
             from
             the
             Being
             of
             Courage
             .
             A
             brave
             man
             will
             expose
             his
             Life
             in
             an
             Honest
             cause
             ,
             for
             the
             Benefit
             and
             preservation
             of
             others
             ,
             tho
             not
             for
             the
             Dammage
             or
             Destruction
             of
             any
             .
             He
             will
             slight
             his
             own
             safety
             ,
             and
             despise
             his
             Repose
             to
             make
             himself
             a
             Saviour
             ,
             and
             a
             Benefactor
             .
             A
             true
             Courage
             holdeth
             Vertuous
             Actions
             at
             such
             a
             Price
             ,
             that
             Death
             ,
             Imprisonment
             ,
             Famine
             ,
             Dishonour
             ,
             Poverty
             ,
             Shame
             ,
             Indignation
             ,
             all
             Allurements
             and
             Temptations
             are
             nothing
             ,
             compared
             to
             the
             Performance
             of
             Heroick
             Deeds
             .
             He
             exceedeth
             all
             constraint
             ,
             and
             walketh
             in
             the
             Glorious
             Liberty
             of
             the
             Sons
             of
             GOD.
             
          
           
             THE
             last
             note
             which
             I
             shall
             offer
             to
             your
             Observation
             on
             this
             Occasion
             ,
             is
             this
             ,
             (
             for
             the
             Illustration
             of
             the
             Reason
             and
             excellency
             ,
             of
             GODS
             Dispensations
             :
             )
             The
             Great
             End
             for
             which
             GOD
             was
             pleased
             not
             to
             seat
             us
             immediately
             in
             the
             Throne
             ,
             but
             to
             place
             us
             first
             in
             an
             estate
             of
             Trial
             ,
             
             was
             the
             Multiplication
             of
             our
             Vertues
             .
             For
             had
             we
             been
             seated
             in
             the
             Glory
             of
             Heaven
             at
             the
             first
             ,
             there
             had
             no
             such
             Vertues
             as
             Patience
             ,
             and
             Courage
             ,
             and
             Fidelity
             been
             seen
             ,
             no
             Faith
             ,
             or
             Hope
             ,
             or
             Meekness
             ,
             no
             Temparance
             ,
             or
             Prudence
             ,
             or
             self
             Denial
             ,
             in
             the
             World.
             Which
             Vertues
             are
             the
             very
             clothes
             and
             Habits
             of
             the
             Soul
             in
             Glory
             .
             The
             Graces
             and
             Beauties
             of
             the
             Soul
             are
             founded
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             them
             .
             Actions
             pass
             not
             away
             ,
             but
             are
             fixed
             ,
             by
             the
             permanent
             Continuance
             of
             all
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             tho
             done
             never
             so
             long
             ago
             ,
             shall
             appear
             before
             the
             Eye
             of
             the
             Soul
             for
             ever
             in
             their
             places
             ,
             be
             the
             Glory
             of
             their
             Author
             ,
             the
             Lineaments
             and
             Colours
             of
             his
             Beauty
             ,
             seen
             by
             GOD
             and
             his
             holy
             Angels
             ,
             and
             Delightful
             to
             all
             that
             love
             and
             delight
             in
             worthy
             things
             .
             Our
             Life
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             being
             so
             diversified
             like
             a
             Sphere
             of
             Beauty
             ,
             so
             variously
             adorned
             with
             all
             sorts
             of
             Excellent
             Actions
             ,
             shall
             wholly
             and
             at
             once
             be
             seen
             as
             an
             intire
             Object
             ,
             rarely
             and
             curiously
             wrought
             ;
             a
             Lively
             Mirror
             of
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Elements
             of
             which
             it
             is
             compounded
             ,
             all
             the
             Parts
             that
             conspire
             in
             its
             Symetry
             ,
             
             all
             the
             Qualities
             ,
             Operations
             ,
             and
             Perfections
             that
             contribute
             to
             its
             Glory
             ,
             shall
             afford
             wonder
             and
             pleasure
             to
             all
             Spectators
             .
             While
             every
             Soul
             shall
             be
             concerned
             more
             in
             its
             Actions
             then
             in
             its
             Essence
             ;
             indeed
             its
             Essence
             ,
             (
             how
             ever
             considerable
             )
             is
             of
             little
             or
             no
             Value
             in
             Comparison
             of
             its
             Operations
             .
             Every
             Vertue
             being
             the
             Natural
             Off-spring
             and
             production
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             in
             which
             its
             Vigor
             principally
             appeareth
             ,
             an
             effect
             discovering
             the
             Nature
             of
             the
             cause
             ,
             and
             the
             sole
             occasion
             of
             its
             shame
             or
             Glory
             .
             For
             if
             the
             Essence
             of
             the
             Soul
             be
             all
             Power
             and
             its
             power
             exerted
             in
             its
             operation
             ,
             the
             Soul
             must
             needs
             enter
             into
             its
             Actions
             ,
             and
             consequently
             be
             affected
             with
             all
             that
             befalls
             its
             Operation
             .
             All
             Acts
             are
             Immortal
             in
             their
             places
             ,
             being
             enbalmed
             as
             it
             were
             by
             Eternity
             ,
             till
             the
             Soul
             revive
             and
             be
             united
             to
             them
             .
             Then
             shall
             it
             appear
             in
             its
             own
             Age
             ,
             and
             in
             eternity
             too
             ,
             in
             its
             last
             life
             enjoying
             the
             Benefit
             of
             its
             first
             .
             And
             in
             that
             sence
             is
             that
             voice
             from
             Heaven
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             which
             commanded
             the
             Divine
             to
             write
             
               Blessed
               are
               they
               that
               die
               in
               the
               Lord
               ,
               from
               henceforth
               ,
               yea
               saith
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               that
               they
               may
               rest
               from
               their
               Labours
               ,
               and
               their
               Works
               do
               follow
               them
               .
            
             
             For
             the
             Glory
             of
             the
             place
             is
             nothing
             to
             us
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             not
             endued
             with
             those
             Glorious
             Habits
             ,
             which
             will
             make
             our
             Souls
             
               all
               Glorious
               within
            
             .
             
             We
             must
             be
             Glorious
             and
             Illustrious
             our selves
             ,
             and
             appear
             in
             Actions
             that
             will
             Beautifie
             the
             Throne
             to
             which
             we
             are
             exalted
             .
          
           
             THAT
             these
             Actions
             may
             be
             Great
             and
             Amiable
             ,
             manifold
             and
             Excellent
             ,
             is
             the
             desire
             of
             every
             soul
             ,
             the
             natural
             Wish
             and
             Expectation
             both
             of
             Reason
             it self
             and
             of
             self
             Love.
             
          
           
             HOW
             Glorious
             the
             Counsel
             and
             Design
             of
             GOD
             is
             for
             the
             Archieving
             of
             this
             Great
             End
             ,
             for
             the
             making
             of
             all
             Vertues
             more
             compleat
             and
             Excellent
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             Heightening
             of
             their
             Beauty
             and
             Perfection
             we
             will
             exemplifie
             here
             in
             the
             Perfection
             of
             Courage
             .
             For
             the
             Hieght
             ,
             and
             depth
             ,
             and
             Splendor
             of
             every
             Vertue
             is
             of
             great
             Concernment
             to
             the
             Perfection
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             since
             the
             Glory
             of
             its
             Life
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             Accomplishment
             of
             its
             essence
             ,
             in
             the
             Fruit
             it
             yeildeth
             in
             its
             Operations
             .
             Take
             it
             in
             Verse
             made
             long
             ago
             upon
             this
             occasion
             .
          
           
             
               For
               Man
               to
               Act
               as
               if
               his
               Soul
               did
               see
            
             
               The
               very
               Brightness
               of
               Eternity
               ;
            
             
               For
               Man
               to
               Act
               as
               if
               his
               Love
               did
               burn
            
             
               Above
               the
               Spheres
               ,
               even
               while
               its
               in
               its
               Urne
               ;
            
             
               For
               Man
               to
               Act
               even
               in
               the
               Wilderness
               ,
            
             
               As
               if
               he
               did
               those
               Sovereign
               Joys
               possess
               ,
            
             
               Which
               do
               at
               once
               confirm
               ,
               stir
               up
               ,
               enflame
               ,
            
             
               And
               perfect
               Angels
               ;
               having
               not
               the
               same
               !
            
             
               It
               doth
               increase
               the
               Value
               of
               his
               Deeds
               ,
            
             
               In
               this
               a
               Man
               a
               Seraphim
               exceeds
               :
            
          
           
             
             
               To
               Act
               on
               Obligations
               yet
               unknown
               .
            
             
               To
               Act
               upon
               Rewards
               as
               yet
               unshewn
               ,
            
             
               To
               keep
               Commands
               whose
               Beauty
               's
               yet
               unseen
               ,
            
             
               To
               cherish
               and
               retain
               a
               Zeal
               between
            
             
               Sleeping
               and
               Waking
               ;
               shews
               a
               constant
               care
               ;
            
             
               And
               that
               a
               deeper
               Love
               ,
               a
               Love
               so
               Rare
               ,
            
             
               That
               no
               Eye
               Service
               may
               with
               it
               compare
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Angels
               ,
               who
               are
               faithful
               while
               they
               view
            
             
               His
               Glory
               ,
               know
               not
               what
               themselves
               would
               do
               ,
            
             
               Were
               they
               in
               our
               Estate
               !
               A
               Dimmer
               Light
            
             
               Perhaps
               would
               make
               them
               erre
               as
               well
               as
               We
               ;
            
             
               And
               in
               the
               Coldness
               of
               a
               darker
               Night
               ,
            
             
               Forgetful
               and
               Lukewarm
               Themselves
               might
               be
               .
            
             
               Our
               very
               Rust
               shall
               cover
               us
               with
               Gold
               ,
            
             
               Our
               Dust
               shall
               sprinkle
               while
               their
               Eyes
               behold
            
             
               The
               Glory
               Springing
               from
               a
               feeble
               State
               ,
            
             
               Where
               meer
               Belief
               doth
               ,
               if
               not
               conquer
               Fate
               ,
            
             
               Surmount
               ,
               and
               pass
               what
               it
               doth
               Antedate
               .
            
          
           
             THE
             Beatifick
             Vision
             is
             so
             sweet
             and
             Strong
             a
             Light
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             any
             thing
             that
             Loves
             it self
             ,
             (
             and
             sees
             the
             Face
             of
             GOD
             )
             to
             turn
             away
             to
             any
             vanity
             from
             so
             Divine
             and
             Strong
             a
             Blessedness
             .
             To
             Love
             GOD
             in
             the
             clear
             and
             perfect
             Light
             is
             a
             cheap
             and
             Easie
             Thing
             :
             The
             Love
             that
             is
             shewed
             in
             a
             more
             weak
             Estate
             to
             an
             absent
             Object
             ,
             is
             more
             remiss
             perhaps
             ,
             and
             Black
             in
             appearance
             ;
             but
             far
             Deeper
             ,
             if
             in
             the
             Lovers
             Weakness
             ,
             and
             its
             Objects
             absence
             ;
             it
             be
             Faithful
             to
             the
             Death
             ;
             constantly
             Solicitous
             ,
             and
             Careful
             to
             please
             ,
             Laborious
             and
             Industrious
             ,
             Wakeful
             and
             Circumspect
             ,
             even
             
             and
             immutable
             ,
             and
             freely
             springing
             from
             its
             own
             Desire
             ,
             not
             out
             of
             bare
             pleasure
             ;
             but
             humble
             Obedience
             to
             the
             Laws
             of
             its
             Benefactor
             .
             All
             the
             Courage
             which
             it
             shews
             in
             such
             Occasions
             is
             more
             full
             of
             Mystery
             and
             Divinity
             then
             is
             imaginable
             ;
             far
             more
             Moving
             and
             full
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             while
             it
             struggles
             with
             Impediment
             ,
             Disadvantages
             ,
             and
             Difficulties
             ,
             then
             if
             without
             any
             such
             Occasion
             of
             shewing
             its
             Vertue
             ,
             it
             did
             smoothly
             and
             Peaceably
             proceed
             in
             the
             Highest
             Rapture
             .
             Add
             to
             that
             the
             mysteriousness
             of
             its
             Beauty
             in
             all
             the
             varieties
             of
             its
             Operation
             ,
             and
             the
             Different
             Sweetnesses
             that
             still
             appear
             in
             all
             its
             several
             Effects
             upon
             new
             occasions
             .
             The
             very
             Representation
             of
             Love
             upon
             the
             stage
             ,
             in
             its
             Conflicts
             and
             Agonies
             ,
             produces
             another
             kind
             of
             sence
             in
             the
             Spectator
             ,
             then
             that
             of
             Embraces
             .
             It
             is
             more
             Tender
             and
             endearing
             ,
             touches
             the
             Soul
             (
             of
             its
             Beloved
             especially
             )
             in
             a
             more
             Vigorous
             and
             lively
             manner
             ,
             it
             makes
             all
             fruitions
             (
             afterward
             )
             more
             precious
             ;
             by
             Fidelity
             ,
             Courage
             ,
             and
             Immoveable
             Perfection
             it
             maketh
             the
             Lover
             more
             Honourable
             ,
             and
             Effects
             far
             more
             Serious
             .
             Alterations
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             solid
             Joys
             and
             tender
             Compassions
             ,
             moving
             and
             Bleeding
             Resentments
             ;
             all
             which
             ,
             End
             in
             satisfactions
             heightened
             with
             more
             Perfect
             Complacencies
             .
          
           
           
             THUS
             you
             see
             Courage
             in
             the
             Root
             made
             more
             Glorious
             by
             a
             Persons
             Exposure
             and
             Abasement
             .
             In
             the
             fruit
             and
             Exercise
             it
             is
             otherwise
             to
             be
             considered
             .
             Where
             there
             is
             no
             Evil
             to
             be
             endured
             ,
             or
             no
             Strength
             to
             be
             resisted
             ,
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Courage
             or
             Vertue
             at
             all
             .
             Where
             the
             conflict
             is
             more
             sharp
             the
             Victory
             is
             more
             pleasant
             ,
             and
             the
             success
             of
             the
             fight
             is
             far
             more
             Honourable
             .
             Where
             a
             Giant
             is
             to
             fight
             with
             a
             Gnat
             ,
             or
             a
             Dwarf
             ,
             the
             Disproportion
             of
             his
             Strength
             takes
             away
             the
             Pleasure
             of
             its
             Trial
             ,
             and
             a
             Glory
             of
             the
             Combate
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Room
             ,
             or
             occasion
             for
             its
             Exercise
             .
             And
             tho
             it
             might
             without
             any
             Trial
             be
             known
             by
             him
             that
             sees
             all
             things
             in
             their
             hidden
             Essences
             ,
             yet
             without
             its
             Exercise
             it
             remaineth
             unexcrted
             ,
             is
             wholly
             vain
             ,
             especially
             when
             there
             is
             no
             occasion
             for
             it
             in
             Nature
             ,
             The
             Pleasure
             of
             the
             Spectacle
             springeth
             from
             its
             Operation
             .
          
           
             TO
             see
             a
             Seraphim
             surmount
             one
             of
             our
             Difficulties
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             all
             his
             Strengths
             and
             Advantages
             ,
             is
             no
             more
             then
             to
             see
             a
             Giant
             destroy
             a
             Gnat
             ,
             or
             subdue
             a
             Grass
             hopper
             .
             But
             in
             Man
             there
             is
             a
             certain
             Degree
             of
             strength
             ,
             that
             makes
             him
             
               a
               fit
               Match
            
             for
             the
             appointed
             Encounter
             .
             In
             the
             Estate
             of
             Innocency
             indeed
             his
             Enemies
             and
             Difficulties
             were
             very
             few
             ,
             just
             as
             many
             as
             were
             needful
             for
             the
             trial
             of
             his
             Obedience
             ,
             Gratitude
             ,
             Fidelity
             .
             All
             
             the
             Hardship
             he
             was
             to
             undergo
             ,
             was
             to
             cross
             his
             Appetite
             in
             an
             Apple
             ,
             and
             and
             tho
             ,
             he
             did
             not
             as
             yet
             see
             which
             way
             it
             was
             reserved
             for
             him
             ,
             to
             be
             so
             Couragious
             as
             to
             hope
             well
             ,
             so
             Grateful
             to
             GOD
             ,
             as
             to
             dare
             to
             confide
             in
             him
             ,
             rather
             let
             go
             the
             Knowledge
             he
             might
             gain
             by
             eating
             it
             ,
             than
             break
             his
             Commandement
             .
             All
             other
             Duties
             were
             his
             Pleasure
             and
             Felicity
             :
             here
             lay
             his
             Trial
             ,
             and
             his
             Obedience
             should
             have
             been
             crowned
             with
             infinite
             Reward
             .
             All
             which
             would
             in
             some
             Measure
             have
             risen
             out
             of
             the
             Duty
             discharged
             by
             him
             .
             For
             by
             this
             Resignation
             and
             Self-Denial
             he
             had
             manifested
             his
             Obedience
             ,
             and
             acquitted
             himself
             ,
             and
             shewed
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             his
             Prelation
             of
             his
             Makers
             Pleasure
             above
             all
             other
             Concernes
             ,
             wherein
             he
             had
             been
             approved
             ;
             and
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Holy
             ,
             and
             well
             pleasing
             to
             GOD
             ,
             he
             would
             have
             put
             the
             Crown
             upon
             all
             Gods
             Works
             in
             accomplishing
             the
             End
             for
             which
             he
             was
             made
             ,
             and
             been
             very
             Delightful
             to
             all
             the
             Angels
             :
             He
             had
             been
             crowned
             with
             Glory
             and
             Honour
             in
             all
             their
             Complacency
             .
             If
             that
             were
             too
             little
             ,
             because
             he
             had
             then
             no
             enemy
             but
             his
             Appetite
             ,
             the
             Dimness
             of
             his
             Sight
             maketh
             up
             the
             Mystery
             .
             If
             his
             Clarity
             was
             too
             Great
             ,
             and
             
             there
             was
             no
             Proportion
             between
             his
             Strength
             and
             the
             Temptation
             ;
             that
             proceeded
             of
             the
             Tenderness
             of
             GODS
             Love
             ,
             which
             feared
             to
             adventure
             him
             too
             far
             ,
             and
             had
             rather
             something
             of
             Honour
             should
             be
             endangered
             ,
             then
             his
             Soul
             lost
             ,
             or
             thrust
             upon
             the
             Hazzard
             of
             too
             great
             a
             Temptation
             .
             When
             the
             Angels
             fell
             ,
             the
             Devil
             was
             let
             loose
             upon
             man
             ,
             for
             the
             increase
             of
             his
             Honour
             and
             Dominion
             :
             Yet
             like
             a
             Dog
             in
             his
             Chain
             so
             far
             ,
             and
             no
             further
             .
             He
             had
             but
             one
             Way
             ,
             and
             that
             was
             to
             perswade
             our
             first
             Parents
             to
             do
             what
             was
             forbidden
             :
             Perswade
             he
             might
             ,
             and
             try
             his
             Skill
             to
             deceive
             ,
             but
             could
             not
             compell
             ,
             nor
             otherwise
             afflict
             ,
             or
             hurt
             him
             in
             the
             least
             .
             He
             had
             not
             Power
             so
             much
             as
             to
             diminish
             the
             least
             Hair
             of
             his
             Head
             :
             yet
             so
             Gracious
             was
             Almighty
             GOD
             ,
             that
             upon
             this
             Trial
             of
             his
             Prudence
             and
             Courage
             ,
             the
             Exercise
             of
             these
             Vertues
             had
             been
             infinitely
             pleasing
             to
             his
             Eternal
             Love
             ,
             because
             he
             infinitely
             delighted
             in
             the
             Welfare
             and
             Preservation
             of
             what
             was
             so
             precious
             to
             himself
             ,
             as
             a
             Soul
             is
             ,
             that
             is
             infinitely
             Beloved
             .
             In
             that
             Complacency
             Adam
             had
             found
             little
             less
             then
             infinite
             Glory
             .
             It
             did
             not
             become
             the
             tenderness
             of
             GODS
             Love
             to
             expose
             him
             to
             any
             Severer
             Trial.
             
          
           
             
             
               For
               there
               are
               certain
               Periods
               and
               fit
               Bounds
               ,
            
             
               Which
               he
               that
               passeth
               ,
               all
               his
               Work
               confouds
               .
            
          
           
             But
             when
             Adam
             fell
             ,
             and
             brought
             more
             Hazzards
             and
             Difficulties
             on
             himself
             GOD
             might
             justly
             leave
             him
             to
             them
             ,
             for
             his
             greater
             Trial
             and
             more
             perfect
             Glory
             .
             Now
             we
             are
             more
             blind
             and
             Weak
             by
             Nature
             ,
             yet
             infinitely
             Beloved
             and
             more
             Precious
             :
             For
             the
             price
             of
             the
             Blood
             of
             the
             Eternal
             Son
             of
             GOD
             is
             laid
             upon
             the
             Soul
             as
             an
             Addition
             to
             its
             interior
             Value
             .
             We
             are
             even
             in
             our
             corruption
             to
             Grapple
             with
             Sin
             ,
             and
             Hell
             ,
             and
             Death
             ,
             and
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             Poverty
             ,
             and
             Fear
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Devils
             ,
             and
             Afflictions
             in
             the
             World
             ;
             nay
             which
             is
             worse
             then
             all
             ,
             with
             our
             own
             Errors
             ,
             Lusts
             and
             Passions
             ,
             more
             neer
             and
             Bitter
             Enemies
             :
             A
             poor
             Clod
             of
             Earth
             is
             to
             overcome
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             to
             fight
             (
             as
             the
             Apostle
             speaks
             )
             
               with
               Principallities
               and
               Powers
               ,
               with
               the
               Rulers
               of
               the
               Darkness
               in
               this
               World
               ,
               with
               spiritnal
               Wickednesses
               in
               high
               places
               .
            
             And
             to
             return
             laden
             with
             Victories
             and
             Trophies
             into
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Heaven
             .
             Nor
             is
             the
             Combat
             so
             unequal
             ,
             but
             that
             there
             is
             a
             mighty
             Hope
             and
             Assurance
             of
             triumphing
             ,
             tho
             Lucifer
             and
             all
             his
             Angels
             are
             to
             be
             
             trampled
             under
             fect
             .
             For
             under
             the
             Disguise
             of
             this
             apparent
             Clod
             ,
             there
             lies
             concealed
             a
             mighty
             Great
             and
             Coelestial
             Personage
             ,
             a
             Divine
             and
             Glorious
             Creature
             ,
             Miraculous
             and
             M●sterious
             ,
             even
             the
             Image
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             that
             can
             derive
             Strengths
             and
             Succours
             from
             all
             eternity
             ,
             and
             being
             aided
             by
             the
             Conduct
             of
             so
             great
             a
             Captain
             as
             our
             Lord
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             who
             has
             taught
             us
             by
             his
             example
             not
             to
             fear
             ,
             because
             he
             has
             
               overcome
               the
               World
            
             ,
             we
             may
             safely
             sing
             ,
             
               O
               Death
               where
               is
               thy
               sting
               ?
               O
               Grave
               where
               is
               thy
               Victory
               !
            
             And
             challenge
             all
             the
             powers
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             Earth
             ,
             and
             Hell
             to
             the
             combat
             ,
             Which
             for
             one
             single
             person
             to
             do
             against
             all
             the
             Creation
             ,
             is
             the
             most
             Glorious
             Spectacle
             which
             the
             universe
             affords
             .
             
               Who
               shall
               separate
               us
               from
               the
               Love
               of
               Christ
               ?
               shall
               Tribulation
               ,
               or
               Distress
               ,
               or
               Persecution
               ,
               or
               Famine
               ,
               or
               Nakedness
               ,
               or
               Peril
               ,
               or
               Sword
               ?
               as
               it
               is
               writen
               ,
               for
               thy
               sake
               we
               are
               Killed
               all
               the
               day
               long
               ,
               we
               are
               accounted
               as
               Sheep
               to
               the
               slaughter
               .
               Nay
               in
               all
               these
               things
               me
               are
               nore
               then
               Conquerors
               through
               him
               that
               loved
               us
               .
               For
               I
               am
               perswaded
               ,
               that
               neither
               Death
               ,
               nor
               Life
               ,
               nor
               Angels
               ,
               nor
               Principalities
               ,
               nor
               Powers
               ,
               nor
               things
               present
               ,
               nor
               things
               to
               come
               ,
               nor
               Height
               
               nor
               Depth
               ,
               nor
               any
               other
               Creature
               shall
               be
               able
               to
               separate
               us
               ,
               from
               the
               Love
               of
               GOD
               which
               is
               in
               Christ
               Jesus
               our
               Lord.
               
            
          
           
             
               A
               REMARK
               .
            
             
               To
               be
               Couragious
               is
               the
               Easiest
               thing
               in
               the
               World
               ,
               when
               we
               consider
               the
               certain
               success
               ,
               which
               Courage
               founded
               on
               Goodness
               must
               needs
               attain
               .
               For
               he
               that
               makes
               his
               Fortitude
               subservient
               onely
               to
               the
               excess
               of
               his
               Love
               ,
               has
               all
               the
               Powers
               of
               Heaven
               and
               earth
               on
               his
               side
               ,
               and
               the
               Powers
               of
               Hell
               that
               are
               already
               subdued
               are
               the
               only
               foes
               that
               are
               to
               be
               vanquished
               by
               him
               .
               To
               dare
               to
               be
               Good
               ,
               is
               the
               Office
               of
               true
               and
               Religious
               valour
               .
               And
               he
               that
               makes
               it
               his
               Business
               to
               oblige
               all
               the
               world
               ,
               he
               whose
               design
               it
               is
               to
               be
               delightful
               to
               all
               mankind
               ,
               has
               nothing
               to
               overcome
               ,
               but
               their
               error
               &
               bitterness
               ,
               which
               by
               meekness
               ,
               and
               Kindness
               ,
               and
               Prudence
               ,
               and
               liberality
               will
               easily
               be
               accomplished
               .
               For
               they
               all
               love
               themselves
               ,
               and
               cannot
               chuse
               but
               desire
               those
               that
               are
               kind
               and
               Serviceable
               to
               them
               ,
               and
               must
               so
               far
               forth
               as
               they
               love
               themselves
               ,
               honor
               &
               delight
               in
               their
               Benefactors
               .
               So
               that
               Courage
               thus
               guided
               by
               Prudence
               to
               the
               works
               of
               Charity
               and
               goodness
               must
               surely
               be
               safe
               and
               prosperous
               on
               earth
               ,
               its
               Admirableness
               and
               its
               Beauty
               being
               a
               powerful
               Charm
               ,
               an
               Invincible
               Armour
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Temperance
               in
               Matters
               of
               Art
               ,
               as
               Musick
               ,
               Dancing
               ,
               Painting
               ,
               Cookery
               ;
               Physick
               ,
               &c.
               
               In
               the
               works
               of
               Nature
               ;
               Eating
               ,
               Drinking
               ,
               Sports
               and
               Recreations
               :
               In
               occasions
               of
               Passion
               ,
               in
               our
               Lives
               and
               Conversations
               .
               It
               s
               exercise
               in
               Self-denial
               ,
               Measure
               ,
               Mixture
               and
               Proportion
               .
               Its
               effects
               and
               atchievments
               .
            
          
           
             PRUDENCE
             giveth
             Counsel
             what
             Measure
             and
             Proportion
             ought
             to
             be
             held
             in
             our
             Actions
             ,
             Fortitude
             inspires
             Boldness
             and
             Strength
             to
             undertake
             ,
             and
             set
             upon
             the
             Work
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             Temperance
             doth
             execute
             what
             both
             of
             them
             design
             .
             For
             Temperance
             is
             that
             Vertue
             ,
             whereby
             the
             actions
             of
             Prudence
             and
             Power
             are
             moderated
             ,
             when
             they
             come
             to
             be
             exerted
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             the
             Opinion
             of
             some
             ,
             that
             as
             Patience
             respects
             Afflictions
             ,
             so
             Temperance
             is
             wholy
             taken
             up
             in
             moderating
             our
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             hath
             no
             employment
             but
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Prosperities
             .
             But
             since
             there
             are
             certain
             bounds
             which
             Fear
             and
             Sorrow
             ought
             not
             to
             exceed
             ,
             Temperance
             hath
             its
             work
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Calamities
             ,
             
             and
             being
             needful
             to
             moderate
             all
             our
             Passions
             ,
             hath
             a
             wider
             sphere
             to
             move
             in
             ,
             than
             Prosperity
             alone
             ;
             its
             Province
             is
             more
             large
             and
             comprehensive
             ,
             including
             all
             estates
             and
             conditions
             of
             Life
             whatsoever
             .
          
           
             OTHERS
             there
             are
             that
             admit
             of
             its
             use
             in
             all
             Conditions
             ,
             but
             confine
             it
             to
             one
             particular
             employment
             ,
             even
             that
             of
             enlarging
             or
             bounding
             the
             Measure
             of
             every
             Operation
             :
             but
             in
             real
             truth
             it
             has
             another
             Office
             ,
             and
             that
             more
             deep
             perhaps
             ,
             and
             more
             important
             than
             the
             former
             .
             For
             Actions
             are
             of
             two
             kinds
             ,
             either
             Mixt
             ,
             or
             Simple
             .
             Where
             the
             work
             is
             single
             and
             but
             one
             ,
             it
             is
             exprest
             in
             nothing
             else
             but
             the
             Measure
             of
             the
             Action
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             neither
             too
             short
             ,
             nor
             too
             long
             ;
             too
             remiss
             ,
             nor
             too
             violent
             ;
             too
             slow
             ,
             nor
             too
             quick
             ;
             too
             great
             ,
             nor
             too
             little
             :
             But
             where
             many
             things
             are
             mixt
             and
             meet
             together
             in
             the
             Action
             (
             as
             they
             generally
             do
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             affairs
             of
             our
             Lives
             ;
             )
             there
             its
             business
             is
             to
             consider
             what
             ,
             and
             how
             many
             things
             are
             to
             enter
             the
             Composition
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             their
             Proportion
             just
             and
             convenient
             .
             As
             in
             preparing
             Medicines
             ,
             the
             skill
             whereby
             we
             know
             what
             is
             to
             be
             put
             in
             ,
             and
             what
             left
             
             out
             is
             of
             one
             kind
             ,
             and
             that
             of
             discerning
             how
             much
             of
             every
             Ingredient
             will
             serve
             the
             turn
             ,
             of
             another
             .
             The
             skill
             of
             Mingling
             is
             like
             the
             vertue
             of
             Prudence
             ,
             but
             the
             actual
             tempering
             of
             all
             together
             ,
             exhibits
             the
             vertue
             of
             Temperance
             to
             the
             Life
             ,
             because
             it
             reduces
             the
             Skill
             to
             its
             operation
             .
             It
             s
             End
             is
             the
             beauty
             and
             success
             of
             our
             Endeavours
             .
          
           
             OF
             what
             use
             and
             value
             Temperance
             is
             in
             our
             Lives
             and
             Conversations
             ,
             we
             may
             guess
             by
             its
             necessity
             ,
             force
             and
             efficacy
             on
             all
             Occasions
             .
          
           
             THE
             fit
             mixture
             and
             proportion
             of
             the
             four
             Elements
             in
             all
             Bodies
             ,
             is
             that
             upon
             which
             their
             Nature
             ,
             Form
             and
             Perfection
             dependeth
             .
             Too
             much
             of
             the
             Fire
             ,
             too
             much
             of
             the
             Water
             ,
             too
             much
             of
             the
             Air
             ,
             too
             much
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             are
             pernicious
             and
             destructive
             .
             There
             is
             an
             infinite
             wisdom
             exprest
             in
             the
             Mixture
             and
             Proportion
             in
             every
             Creature
             .
          
           
             BEAUTY
             and
             Health
             ,
             Agility
             ,
             Repose
             ,
             and
             Strength
             ,
             depend
             upon
             the
             due
             Temperament
             of
             Humane
             Bodies
             .
             The
             four
             Humors
             of
             Choler
             ,
             Melancholy
             ,
             Flegm
             ,
             and
             Blood
             are
             generally
             known
             :
             But
             there
             are
             many
             other
             Juyces
             talkt
             of
             besides
             ,
             by
             the
             discreet
             and
             accurate
             
             mixture
             of
             which
             the
             Body
             of
             a
             Man
             ,
             or
             Beast
             ,
             is
             perfected
             .
             Some
             great
             inconvenience
             alwaies
             follows
             the
             excess
             or
             defect
             of
             these
             .
             Disorder
             and
             Disproportion
             go
             hand
             in
             hand
             ,
             and
             are
             attended
             by
             Sickness
             ,
             and
             Death
             it self
             .
          
           
             IN
             matters
             of
             Art
             ,
             the
             force
             of
             Temperance
             is
             undeniable
             .
             It
             relateth
             not
             only
             to
             our
             Meats
             and
             Drinks
             ,
             but
             to
             all
             our
             Behaviours
             ,
             Passions
             ,
             and
             Desires
             .
          
           
             
               All
               Musick
               ,
               Sawces
               ,
               Feasts
               ,
               Delights
               and
               Pleasures
               ,
            
             
               Games
               ,
               Dancing
               ,
               Arts
               consist
               in
               govern'd
               Measures
               ;
            
             
               Much
               more
               do
               Words
               ,
               and
               Passions
               of
               the
               Mind
            
             
               In
               Temperance
               their
               sacred
               Beauty
               find
               .
            
          
           
             A
             Musician
             might
             rash
             his
             finger
             over
             all
             his
             strings
             in
             a
             moment
             ,
             but
             Melody
             is
             an
             effect
             of
             Judgment
             and
             Order
             :
             It
             springs
             from
             a
             variety
             of
             Notes
             to
             which
             Skill
             giveth
             Time
             and
             Place
             in
             their
             Union
             .
             A
             Painter
             may
             daub
             his
             Table
             
               all
               over
            
             in
             an
             instant
             ,
             but
             a
             Picture
             is
             made
             by
             a
             regulated
             Hand
             ,
             and
             by
             variety
             of
             Colours
             .
             A
             Cook
             may
             put
             a
             Tun
             of
             Sugar
             ,
             or
             Pepper
             ,
             or
             Salt
             in
             his
             Dishes
             :
             but
             Delicates
             are
             made
             by
             Mixture
             and
             Proportion
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Temperance
             also
             
             in
             the
             Gesture
             of
             the
             Body
             ,
             the
             Air
             of
             the
             Face
             ,
             the
             carriage
             of
             the
             Eye
             ,
             the
             Smile
             ;
             the
             Motion
             of
             the
             Feet
             and
             Hands
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             Harmony
             of
             these
             is
             the
             best
             Beauty
             in
             the
             World
             either
             much
             commended
             ,
             or
             disgraced
             .
             A
             Clown
             and
             a
             Courtier
             are
             known
             by
             their
             Postures
             .
             A
             Dancer
             might
             run
             into
             Extreams
             ,
             but
             his
             Art
             is
             seen
             in
             the
             measure
             of
             his
             Paces
             ,
             and
             adorned
             with
             a
             variety
             of
             sweet
             and
             suitable
             Behaviours
             .
             A
             Physician
             may
             kill
             a
             man
             with
             the
             best
             Ingredients
             ,
             but
             good
             Medicines
             are
             those
             wherein
             every
             Simple
             hath
             its
             proper
             Dose
             ,
             and
             every
             Composition
             a
             fit
             admixture
             of
             good
             Ingredients
             .
             A
             Poem
             ,
             an
             Oration
             ,
             a
             Play
             ,
             a
             Sermon
             ,
             may
             be
             too
             tedious
             ,
             or
             too
             dull
             ,
             or
             too
             feeble
             and
             impertinent
             ;
             but
             all
             its
             faults
             are
             avoided
             by
             a
             fit
             Temperance
             of
             Words
             and
             Materials
             .
             Temperance
             every
             where
             yields
             the
             Pleasure
             :
             And
             Excess
             is
             as
             destructive
             as
             Defect
             ,
             in
             any
             Accomplishment
             whatsoever
             ;
             Vertue
             being
             seated
             in
             the
             Golden
             Mean
             ;
             It
             is
             by
             an
             Artificial
             limiting
             of
             Power
             that
             every
             Thing
             is
             made
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             Compleat
             and
             Perfect
             .
             All
             kind
             of
             Excellence
             in
             every
             sort
             of
             Operation
             springs
             from
             Temperance
             .
             A
             curious
             Picture
             ,
             
             a
             melodious
             Song
             ,
             a
             delicious
             Harmony
             by
             little
             invisible
             motions
             of
             the
             Pen
             or
             Pencil
             ,
             or
             by
             Ductures
             scarce
             perceivable
             in
             the
             throat
             ,
             or
             fingers
             ,
             finisheth
             the
             Work
             ,
             where
             Art
             is
             the
             only
             power
             of
             performing
             .
          
           
             WE
             know
             that
             upon
             Mens
             Actions
             far
             more
             does
             depend
             ,
             than
             upon
             Dancing
             and
             Painting
             :
             their
             Wisdom
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             their
             Honour
             ,
             Life
             and
             Happiness
             .
             And
             therefore
             more
             Care
             ought
             to
             be
             exhibited
             in
             the
             Actions
             of
             which
             their
             Conversation
             is
             made
             up
             and
             accomplished
             .
             In
             their
             Meats
             and
             Drinks
             ,
             and
             Recreations
             ,
             it
             is
             apparent
             ,
             that
             without
             Temperance
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Success
             or
             Order
             .
             The
             best
             Wine
             in
             the
             World
             makes
             him
             that
             is
             lavish
             in
             the
             use
             of
             it
             a
             Sot.
             The
             most
             wholsom
             and
             delicious
             Meat
             upon
             Earth
             by
             excess
             in
             eating
             ,
             may
             turn
             to
             a
             Surfeit
             .
             If
             Sports
             and
             Recreations
             take
             up
             all
             a
             mans
             Time
             ,
             his
             Life
             is
             unprofitable
             :
             their
             End
             is
             lost
             ,
             and
             their
             Nature
             changed
             ;
             for
             instead
             of
             recruiting
             ,
             they
             consume
             ones
             Strength
             ;
             and
             instead
             of
             sitting
             a
             Man
             for
             it
             ,
             devour
             his
             Calling
             .
          
           
           
             AN
             exact
             hand
             over
             all
             our
             Passions
             ,
             and
             a
             diligent
             Eye
             to
             extravagant
             Actions
             ,
             tend
             much
             to
             our
             Welfare
             ,
             Repose
             ,
             and
             Honour
             .
             Loose
             and
             impertinent
             Laughter
             ,
             excessive
             Cost
             in
             Apparel
             ,
             a
             Lascivious
             wandering
             of
             the
             Eyes
             ,
             an
             ungoverned
             Boldness
             which
             turns
             into
             Impudence
             ,
             an
             extremity
             of
             Fear
             which
             degenerates
             into
             Baseness
             ,
             a
             Morose
             and
             sour
             Disposition
             ,
             Anxiety
             and
             needless
             Care
             ,
             immodest
             and
             violent
             strivings
             after
             Things
             we
             too
             eagerly
             desire
             ,
             inordinate
             Love
             ,
             too
             keen
             and
             bitter
             Resentments
             ,
             a
             fierce
             and
             raging
             Anger
             ,
             a
             blockish
             Stupidity
             ,
             a
             predominant
             Humour
             of
             Melancholy
             ,
             too
             much
             Sloth
             and
             too
             much
             Activity
             ,
             too
             much
             Talk
             ,
             and
             too
             much
             Silence
             :
             all
             these
             are
             diligently
             to
             be
             ordered
             and
             avoided
             :
             for
             upon
             the
             right
             Temperament
             of
             these
             we
             are
             made
             Acceptable
             and
             Amiable
             ,
             and
             being
             so
             ,
             are
             full
             of
             Authority
             ,
             and
             can
             do
             within
             the
             compass
             of
             Vertue
             and
             Reason
             ,
             all
             that
             we
             desire
             ,
             among
             our
             Friends
             and
             Companions
             ,
             for
             our
             own
             good
             ,
             or
             the
             benefit
             of
             others
             .
             And
             by
             this
             means
             also
             we
             shall
             be
             admitted
             to
             the
             society
             and
             friendship
             of
             Great
             men
             ,
             where
             a
             Nod
             or
             a
             Word
             is
             able
             to
             prevail
             
             more
             ,
             than
             the
             strength
             of
             Oxen
             and
             Horses
             among
             the
             dregs
             of
             the
             People
             .
             But
             for
             lack
             of
             tempering
             these
             Ingredients
             aright
             ,
             and
             as
             we
             ought
             ,
             we
             become
             odious
             and
             insupportable
             ,
             lose
             all
             Esteem
             and
             Interest
             ,
             are
             rejected
             ,
             and
             trampled
             under
             feet
             ,
             as
             vicious
             and
             deformed
             .
          
           
             HERE
             you
             may
             observe
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             qualities
             and
             dispositions
             in
             Nature
             ,
             are
             ingredients
             and
             materials
             in
             our
             Lives
             and
             Conversations
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             most
             part
             it
             is
             their
             Excess
             or
             Defect
             that
             makes
             the
             miscarriage
             ,
             when
             we
             erre
             in
             the
             Measure
             .
             There
             is
             a
             certain
             mixture
             of
             Gravity
             and
             Chearfulness
             ,
             Remisness
             and
             Severity
             ,
             Fear
             and
             Boldness
             ,
             Anger
             and
             Complacency
             ,
             Kindness
             and
             Displeasure
             ,
             Care
             and
             Carelesness
             ,
             Activity
             and
             Idleness
             ,
             Joy
             and
             Sorrow
             ,
             Forwardness
             and
             Reservedness
             ;
             nay
             of
             Envy
             ,
             Pride
             ,
             and
             Revenge
             in
             every
             Mans
             life
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             Selfishness
             and
             flowing
             Courtesie
             ,
             Plainness
             and
             Policy
             ;
             at
             least
             the
             grounds
             of
             these
             things
             ,
             which
             are
             neither
             Vertues
             nor
             Vices
             in
             themselves
             ,
             yet
             make
             Conversation
             transcendently
             Vertuous
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             wisely
             tempered
             and
             united
             together
             .
          
           
           
             I
             do
             not
             look
             upon
             Ambition
             and
             Avarice
             ,
             nay
             nor
             upon
             Envy
             and
             Revenge
             ,
             as
             things
             that
             are
             evil
             in
             their
             root
             and
             fountain
             .
             If
             they
             be
             ,
             Temperance
             has
             a
             strange
             vertue
             in
             its
             Nature
             ,
             for
             as
             Chymists
             make
             Antidotes
             of
             Poysons
             ,
             so
             doth
             this
             vertue
             turn
             the
             Matter
             of
             all
             these
             into
             a
             Quintessential
             perfection
             .
             Nay
             Selfishness
             and
             Pride
             it self
             escape
             not
             its
             influence
             .
             A
             little
             touch
             of
             something
             like
             Pride
             ,
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             true
             sence
             of
             a
             mans
             own
             Greatness
             :
             without
             which
             his
             Humility
             and
             Modesty
             would
             be
             contemptible
             Vertues
             .
             In
             all
             baseness
             of
             Mind
             there
             is
             a
             kind
             of
             folly
             and
             Cowardice
             apparent
             ;
             and
             more
             veneration
             follows
             an
             humble
             Man
             that
             is
             sensible
             of
             his
             Excellency
             .
             An
             aiery
             Humor
             without
             something
             of
             the
             Melancholy
             to
             ballast
             it
             a
             little
             ,
             would
             be
             light
             and
             trifling
             :
             And
             a
             melancholy
             Humor
             without
             something
             of
             Air
             and
             Jovialness
             in
             it
             ,
             too
             sour
             and
             disobliging
             .
             Anger
             without
             Softness
             is
             like
             untemper'd
             Steel
             ,
             brittle
             and
             destructive
             :
             and
             a
             plyant
             Humor
             without
             some
             degree
             of
             stiffness
             ,
             too
             near
             to
             Flattery
             and
             Servility
             .
             Anger
             is
             the
             matter
             and
             fuel
             of
             Courage
             ,
             and
             its
             appearance
             afar
             off
             puts
             a
             Majesty
             
             into
             Meekness
             ,
             that
             makes
             it
             redoubted
             .
             A
             sorrowful
             Humor
             neatly
             allayed
             with
             a
             mixture
             of
             sweetness
             ,
             begets
             a
             tenderness
             and
             compassion
             in
             the
             Spectator
             ,
             that
             turns
             into
             a
             deeper
             and
             more
             serious
             Love
             :
             A
             little
             Selfishness
             puts
             our
             Companions
             in
             mind
             of
             our
             own
             Interest
             ,
             and
             makes
             them
             perceive
             that
             we
             understand
             it
             :
             which
             adds
             a
             lustre
             to
             our
             Self-denial
             ,
             and
             renders
             our
             Liberality
             more
             safe
             and
             precious
             .
             Plainness
             without
             Policy
             is
             downright
             Simplicity
             ,
             and
             Policy
             without
             Plainness
             void
             of
             Honesty
             .
             The
             one
             makes
             us
             Crafty
             ,
             and
             renders
             us
             suspected
             ;
             the
             other
             exposes
             us
             ,
             and
             makes
             us
             Ridiculous
             ;
             but
             both
             united
             are
             venerable
             and
             prudent
             .
             By
             the
             appearance
             of
             Revenge
             in
             its
             shady
             Possibility
             ,
             a
             man
             that
             never
             does
             other
             than
             Actually
             forgive
             ,
             does
             oblige
             for
             what
             is
             past
             ,
             yet
             threaten
             and
             discourage
             from
             the
             like
             Offences
             .
             All
             these
             are
             the
             Subjects
             of
             Temperance
             .
             A
             little
             spice
             of
             Jealousie
             and
             Emulation
             are
             advantagious
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             our
             Security
             and
             Resignation
             .
             They
             give
             a
             relish
             to
             our
             Confidence
             in
             ,
             and
             Prelation
             of
             others
             ;
             and
             make
             our
             Security
             and
             Civility
             taste
             of
             our
             Love
             to
             the
             Person
             we
             prefer
             ,
             and
             of
             our
             Love
             
             to
             Vertue
             .
             There
             is
             not
             one
             Humor
             ,
             nor
             Inclination
             ,
             nor
             Passion
             ,
             nor
             Power
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             that
             may
             not
             be
             admitted
             to
             act
             its
             part
             ,
             when
             directed
             by
             Temperance
             .
          
           
             NOR
             is
             it
             unlawful
             to
             alter
             the
             Natural
             Complexion
             by
             Care
             and
             Study
             .
             I
             know
             very
             well
             ,
             that
             the
             Complexion
             of
             the
             Body
             can
             hardly
             be
             changed
             by
             the
             strongest
             Physick
             :
             and
             that
             Choler
             ,
             and
             Phlegm
             ,
             and
             abundance
             of
             Blood
             ,
             will
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             ,
             have
             their
             Natural
             Course
             without
             any
             remedy
             .
             But
             the
             Humors
             of
             the
             Soul
             are
             more
             tractable
             things
             ;
             they
             are
             all
             subject
             to
             the
             Will
             in
             their
             operations
             :
             and
             though
             they
             incline
             ,
             yet
             they
             cannot
             act
             ,
             but
             by
             consent
             and
             permission
             .
             I
             know
             furthermore
             that
             Custom
             and
             Habit
             is
             a
             Second
             Nature
             :
             what
             was
             difficult
             at
             first
             ,
             becomes
             at
             last
             as
             easie
             in
             its
             Exercise
             as
             if
             it
             were
             innate
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             Soul
             of
             a
             Vertuous
             man
             does
             in
             process
             of
             time
             act
             by
             a
             new
             Disposition
             .
             I
             know
             further
             that
             all
             vertuous
             Operations
             are
             free
             and
             voluntary
             ;
             and
             that
             the
             office
             of
             Vertue
             is
             to
             correct
             and
             amend
             an
             Evil
             Nature
             .
             Let
             no
             man
             therefore
             be
             disgusted
             ,
             because
             a
             
               Made-up
               man
            
             is
             Artificial
             ,
             and
             not
             Natural
             :
             for
             
             when
             the
             Conversation
             is
             sincerely
             guided
             to
             a
             good
             End
             ,
             the
             more
             free
             and
             voluntary
             it
             is
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             more
             Noble
             :
             the
             more
             Industry
             and
             Desire
             a
             man
             expresses
             in
             attaining
             all
             these
             measures
             and
             perfections
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             more
             Vertuous
             :
             and
             the
             Probity
             of
             his
             Will
             is
             to
             be
             the
             more
             accepted
             .
             For
             Vertues
             are
             not
             effects
             of
             Nature
             ,
             but
             Choice
             .
             Which
             how
             free
             soever
             it
             may
             appear
             ,
             is
             as
             stable
             as
             the
             Sun
             ,
             when
             founded
             on
             Eternal
             principles
             :
             it
             secures
             any
             Friend
             in
             the
             good
             and
             amiable
             Qualities
             he
             desires
             in
             his
             Beloved
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             Nature
             it self
             could
             do
             ,
             though
             they
             depend
             upon
             the
             Will
             ,
             which
             is
             capable
             of
             changing
             every
             moment
             .
             This
             of
             Temperance
             in
             the
             Government
             of
             our
             Humors
             .
          
           
             I
             shall
             add
             but
             one
             Note
             more
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             ,
             That
             a
             wise
             man
             discards
             the
             Predominancy
             of
             all
             Humors
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             yield
             himself
             up
             to
             the
             Empire
             of
             any
             :
             for
             he
             is
             to
             live
             the
             life
             of
             Reason
             ;
             not
             of
             Humor
             .
             Nor
             will
             he
             have
             any
             Humor
             of
             his
             own
             ,
             but
             what
             he
             can
             put
             off
             and
             on
             ,
             as
             he
             sees
             occasion
             .
             He
             will
             cleave
             eternally
             to
             the
             Rules
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             but
             will
             comply
             in
             his
             Humor
             so
             far
             as
             to
             make
             his
             conversation
             sweet
             and
             agreeable
             to
             
             every
             Temper
             .
             Religion
             and
             Charity
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Courtesie
             and
             Civility
             ,
             prompt
             to
             this
             ;
             and
             where
             these
             concur
             with
             his
             Reason
             ,
             and
             favour
             his
             Interest
             ,
             he
             may
             well
             do
             what
             S.
             Paul
             taught
             him
             ,
             
               become
               all
               things
               to
               all
               men
               ,
               that
               he
               might
               gain
               some
               .
            
             And
             this
             encouragement
             he
             hath
             ,
             A
             man
             by
             sacrificing
             his
             own
             ,
             may
             comply
             with
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             all
             the
             World
             :
             and
             find
             his
             own
             far
             more
             great
             and
             honourable
             ,
             and
             sweet
             and
             amiable
             in
             the
             End
             ,
             far
             more
             high
             and
             blessed
             ,
             in
             the
             Love
             and
             Esteem
             he
             shall
             obtain
             thereby
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             had
             gratified
             his
             first
             inclination
             without
             any
             respect
             to
             the
             Prelation
             of
             others
             .
             It
             will
             bring
             him
             to
             the
             fruition
             of
             Pleasures
             ,
             far
             greater
             than
             those
             he
             despised
             .
          
           
             TEMPERANGE
             in
             the
             full
             composition
             and
             use
             of
             Vertues
             ,
             is
             far
             more
             sublime
             ,
             and
             more
             immediately
             approacheth
             the
             end
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             than
             any
             Temperance
             in
             Meats
             and
             Drinks
             :
             It
             is
             resident
             nearer
             the
             Throne
             of
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             seateth
             us
             by
             her
             .
             You
             may
             see
             its
             Task
             as
             it
             is
             prescribed
             in
             Prudence
             .
             But
             for
             Example
             sake
             we
             will
             instance
             it
             in
             Meekness
             ,
             which
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             is
             the
             most
             weak
             and
             naked
             .
             A
             meek
             Spirit
             
             receiveth
             its
             Temper
             ,
             its
             encouragement
             ,
             strength
             ,
             and
             facility
             ,
             from
             the
             union
             and
             concurrence
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             .
             Knowledg
             is
             its
             light
             ,
             and
             Love
             the
             principle
             of
             its
             life
             and
             motion
             .
             Wisdom
             guideth
             it
             to
             the
             highest
             End
             ;
             Righteousness
             is
             a
             great
             incentive
             thereunto
             ,
             while
             it
             teacheth
             us
             to
             esteem
             the
             favour
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             excellency
             of
             those
             Souls
             ,
             whose
             value
             maketh
             us
             tender
             of
             their
             Repose
             ,
             and
             prone
             to
             honour
             them
             with
             a
             due
             esteem
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             desire
             their
             peace
             and
             salvation
             .
             Holiness
             maketh
             us
             to
             delight
             in
             our
             Duty
             .
             Goodness
             inclines
             us
             to
             sacrifice
             our
             own
             ,
             to
             the
             welfare
             of
             others
             .
             Mercy
             leads
             us
             to
             pity
             their
             Infirmities
             ,
             and
             more
             to
             compassionate
             their
             Misery
             ,
             than
             to
             be
             provoked
             with
             their
             Distemper
             .
             Justice
             makes
             us
             to
             pay
             our
             Saviours
             Love
             and
             Merits
             ,
             what
             we
             owe
             unto
             him
             .
             All
             these
             establish
             the
             habit
             of
             Meekness
             in
             our
             Souls
             .
             Fortitude
             does
             several
             waies
             conspire
             thereunto
             ,
             for
             it
             makes
             us
             to
             adventure
             upon
             any
             Trouble
             that
             we
             can
             fall
             into
             thereby
             ,
             and
             puts
             a
             lustre
             upon
             us
             in
             the
             act
             of
             Meekness
             .
             Patience
             habituates
             the
             Soul
             to
             Afflictions
             ,
             and
             makes
             our
             sence
             of
             Injuries
             easie
             .
             Repentance
             
             minds
             us
             of
             other
             employments
             than
             Anger
             and
             Revenge
             ,
             even
             a
             contrite
             Sorrow
             for
             our
             own
             Offences
             .
             Humility
             gives
             us
             a
             sence
             of
             our
             own
             Unworthiness
             ;
             and
             a
             willingness
             to
             be
             yet
             more
             low
             than
             our
             Enemies
             can
             make
             us
             .
             It
             inclines
             us
             also
             to
             confess
             ,
             that
             we
             have
             deserved
             far
             worse
             ,
             and
             more
             bitter
             Evils
             ;
             and
             to
             despise
             our selves
             ;
             which
             when
             we
             truly
             do
             ,
             no
             Injuries
             or
             Wrongs
             can
             move
             us
             .
             Faith
             carries
             us
             up
             to
             higher
             Enjoyments
             .
             Hope
             hath
             respect
             to
             the
             promised
             Reward
             .
             Our
             Love
             towards
             GOD
             enflames
             us
             with
             Desire
             to
             please
             him
             ,
             Charity
             to
             our
             Neighbour
             is
             prone
             to
             forgive
             him
             .
             Prudence
             teacheth
             us
             to
             expect
             no
             Figs
             from
             Thorns
             ,
             nor
             better
             entertainment
             from
             Briars
             and
             Brambles
             :
             but
             rather
             to
             right
             our selves
             by
             improving
             their
             Wrongs
             ,
             and
             to
             turn
             their
             Vices
             into
             our
             Vertues
             .
             Magnanimity
             despiseth
             the
             Courtship
             of
             Worms
             ,
             and
             scorneth
             to
             place
             its
             rest
             and
             felicity
             in
             Trifles
             .
             Liberality
             is
             industrious
             to
             find
             out
             occasions
             of
             Obliging
             and
             Conquering
             :
             Contentment
             is
             fed
             by
             higher
             Delights
             ,
             and
             beautifies
             our
             Meekness
             with
             a
             chearful
             Behaviour
             .
             Magnificence
             carries
             
             us
             to
             the
             most
             high
             and
             illustrious
             Deeds
             ,
             and
             by
             very
             great
             and
             expensive
             Methods
             to
             multiply
             favours
             and
             benefits
             on
             our
             Beloved
             :
             for
             all
             are
             our
             Beloved
             whether
             Friends
             or
             Enemies
             .
             Temperance
             it self
             takes
             off
             the
             stupidity
             and
             sluggishness
             of
             our
             Meekness
             ;
             puts
             activity
             and
             vigour
             into
             it
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             not
             be
             a
             Sleepish
             ,
             but
             Heroick
             Vertue
             ;
             nay
             ,
             adorns
             ,
             secures
             ,
             and
             perfects
             it
             by
             the
             Addition
             and
             Exercise
             of
             all
             these
             ;
             and
             by
             giving
             to
             every
             other
             Vertue
             its
             Form
             and
             Perfection
             ,
             makes
             them
             more
             fit
             and
             able
             to
             aid
             and
             assist
             us
             here
             .
             It
             moderates
             our
             Passions
             ,
             and
             puts
             a
             better
             dose
             of
             Life
             into
             our
             Consideration
             .
             If
             there
             be
             any
             other
             Virtue
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             so
             remote
             ,
             but
             that
             it
             may
             lend
             us
             its
             helping
             hand
             ,
             and
             be
             subservient
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             our
             Love
             and
             Meekness
             .
             Which
             ,
             however
             simple
             it
             may
             appear
             in
             Solitude
             ,
             is
             very
             strong
             and
             irresistable
             ,
             amazing
             ,
             as
             far
             from
             Contempt
             as
             the
             Sun
             is
             from
             Darkness
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             animated
             with
             Courage
             ,
             and
             made
             illustrious
             by
             Love
             ,
             enriched
             with
             Liberality
             ,
             and
             made
             bright
             by
             Knowledg
             ,
             guided
             by
             Wisdom
             to
             the
             highest
             End
             ,
             and
             by
             Prudence
             to
             well-known
             and
             
             advantagious
             ,
             tho
             inferiour
             Purposes
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             appeareth
             neither
             foolish
             ,
             nor
             Cowardly
             ,
             nor
             base
             ,
             nor
             soft
             ,
             but
             High
             and
             Magnanimous
             in
             its
             Operation
             ,
             Meekness
             is
             redoubted
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             Throne
             of
             Glory
             all
             the
             acts
             of
             Faith
             ,
             and
             Hope
             ,
             and
             Repentance
             shall
             be
             for
             ever
             perfected
             ,
             or
             swallowed
             up
             in
             fruition
             .
             The
             fruit
             of
             all
             occasional
             and
             transient
             Vertues
             shall
             remain
             ,
             the
             Divine
             Vertues
             shall
             be
             so
             firmly
             united
             ,
             that
             in
             their
             Act
             and
             Exercise
             they
             shall
             be
             one
             for
             ever
             .
             By
             Knowledg
             we
             shall
             see
             all
             that
             the
             light
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Eternity
             can
             reveal
             .
             By
             Love
             we
             shall
             embrace
             all
             that
             is
             amiable
             before
             GOD
             and
             his
             holy
             Angels
             .
             By
             Wisdom
             we
             shall
             use
             the
             most
             glorious
             Means
             for
             the
             attainment
             and
             enjoyment
             of
             the
             highest
             End
             ;
             which
             is
             GOD
             in
             all
             his
             Joys
             and
             Treasures
             :
             in
             the
             use
             of
             those
             Means
             we
             must
             actually
             enjoy
             all
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             .
             Righteousness
             and
             Holiness
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             and
             Charity
             shall
             with
             all
             the
             rest
             be
             the
             Lineaments
             and
             Colours
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             the
             Graces
             and
             Beauties
             of
             the
             blessed
             Soul
             :
             They
             shall
             shine
             upon
             its
             face
             ,
             and
             it self
             shall
             be
             glorious
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             their
             Beauty
             ,
             
             as
             GOD
             is
             .
             It
             s
             Goodness
             shall
             make
             it
             a
             fountain
             of
             Delights
             to
             all
             the
             other
             Creatures
             .
             It
             shall
             be
             all
             Humility
             ,
             yet
             all
             Enjoyment
             :
             Amazed
             at
             its
             own
             Nothingness
             and
             Vileness
             ,
             yet
             ravished
             with
             wonder
             and
             the
             height
             of
             its
             Felicity
             :
             For
             the
             lower
             it
             is
             in
             its
             own
             Eyes
             ,
             the
             more
             Great
             doth
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             appear
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             transcendently
             Sweet
             is
             its
             Adoration
             and
             Satisfaction
             .
             By
             its
             Gratitude
             it
             sacrifices
             it self
             Eternally
             to
             the
             Deity
             ,
             and
             taketh
             more
             pleasure
             in
             his
             Glory
             than
             its
             own
             .
             It
             is
             all
             Godliness
             and
             Contentment
             .
             All
             these
             Vertues
             are
             exercised
             together
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Glory
             ,
             not
             so
             much
             by
             our
             own
             Temperance
             ,
             as
             by
             the
             Infusion
             of
             his
             most
             Heavenly
             Grace
             ,
             who
             fills
             us
             with
             his
             own
             Fulness
             and
             Perfection
             by
             way
             of
             Reward
             ,
             and
             causing
             us
             to
             enter
             into
             his
             Eternal
             Rest
             ,
             maketh
             us
             
               to
               cease
               from
               our
               own
               Works
               ,
               as
               he
               also
               did
               from
               his
               ,
            
             by
             inspiring
             us
             with
             his
             own
             Wisdom
             ,
             Life
             and
             Strength
             ,
             and
             actuating
             all
             our
             Powers
             by
             his
             own
             for
             ever
             :
             That
             we
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             his
             Grace
             infused
             ,
             may
             live
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Moderation
             ,
             and
             attain
             that
             extremity
             of
             Bliss
             and
             Glory
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             (
             exceeding
             his
             
             Almighty
             Power
             )
             by
             an
             exquisite
             and
             mysterious
             Temperance
             in
             all
             his
             Operations
             ,
             Divinely
             attained
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXIII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Temperance
               in
               GOD.
               How
               the
               Moderation
               of
               Almighty
               Power
               guided
               in
               its
               Works
               by
               Wisdom
               ,
               perfecteth
               the
               Creation
               .
               How
               it
               hath
               raised
               his
               own
               Glory
               and
               our
               Felicity
               beyond
               all
               that
               Simple
               Power
               could
               effect
               by
               its
               Infiniteness
               .
            
          
           
             IF
             Moderation
             hath
             such
             happy
             effects
             in
             Men
             ,
             where
             the
             Strength
             is
             small
             ,
             the
             Wisdom
             little
             ,
             the
             Matter
             base
             ,
             the
             Occasion
             low
             ,
             as
             in
             divers
             Instances
             it
             is
             manifest
             it
             hath
             :
             how
             glorious
             must
             this
             Vertue
             be
             ,
             where
             the
             Power
             is
             Almighty
             ,
             the
             Wisdom
             Infinite
             ,
             the
             Subject-Matter
             Perfect
             ,
             the
             End
             ,
             and
             the
             Occasion
             most
             Divine
             and
             Glorious
             !
          
           
             IT
             would
             seem
             a
             strange
             Paradox
             ,
             to
             say
             ,
             That
             Almighty
             Power
             could
             not
             exist
             without
             Infinite
             Wisdom
             :
             but
             it
             is
             
             infinitely
             true
             :
             For
             the
             Wisdom
             and
             Power
             of
             GOD
             are
             one
             .
             No
             Blind
             Power
             can
             be
             Almighty
             ,
             because
             it
             cannot
             do
             all
             that
             is
             Excellent
             .
             That
             Power
             would
             without
             Wisdom
             be
             Blind
             ,
             is
             as
             evident
             as
             the
             Sun
             ,
             the
             want
             of
             that
             being
             as
             great
             an
             impediment
             to
             its
             Operations
             ,
             as
             the
             lack
             of
             Eyes
             is
             to
             a
             Man
             upon
             Earth
             :
             which
             so
             Eclipseth
             and
             darkneth
             his
             Power
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             perform
             those
             excellent
             Works
             ,
             to
             which
             Light
             is
             necessary
             .
             There
             is
             no
             Blind
             Power
             in
             GOD
             ,
             and
             therefore
             no
             Power
             distinct
             from
             his
             Understanding
             .
             
             
               By
               his
               Wisdom
               he
               made
               the
               Heavens
               ,
               by
               his
               Understanding
               be
               established
               the
               Earth
               .
               By
               his
               knowledge
               the
               Depths
               are
               broken
               up
               ,
               and
               the
               Clouds
               drop
               down
               the
               Dew
               .
            
             Wisdom
             is
             the
             Tree
             of
             Life
             ,
             which
             beareth
             all
             the
             fruits
             of
             Immortality
             and
             Honour
             .
             Inartificial
             Violence
             will
             never
             carry
             it
             :
             There
             is
             a
             Mark
             to
             be
             hit
             ;
             and
             that
             is
             in
             every
             thing
             what
             is
             most
             fair
             and
             eligible
             .
             It
             may
             be
             miss'd
             as
             much
             by
             shooting
             over
             it
             ,
             as
             by
             falling
             short
             of
             it
             .
             Naked
             Power
             cannot
             tell
             what
             to
             propose
             as
             its
             Aim
             and
             Object
             .
             Only
             that
             which
             is
             able
             to
             contrive
             ,
             is
             able
             to
             effect
             its
             Desire
             ,
             in
             the
             Work
             it
             conceiveth
             most
             
             fit
             and
             excellent
             for
             its
             Power
             to
             perform
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             stranger
             Paradox
             yet
             ,
             That
             Power
             limited
             is
             Greater
             and
             more
             Effectual
             ,
             than
             Power
             let
             loose
             ;
             for
             this
             importeth
             ,
             that
             Power
             is
             more
             infinite
             when
             bounded
             ,
             than
             Power
             in
             its
             utmost
             liberty
             .
             But
             that
             which
             solveth
             the
             Riddle
             ,
             and
             removeth
             the
             Inconvenience
             ,
             is
             our
             Assurance
             of
             this
             ,
             That
             GOD
             can
             do
             nothing
             but
             what
             is
             Wise
             ,
             and
             that
             his
             Wisdom
             therefore
             is
             all
             his
             Power
             .
             And
             of
             this
             it
             followeth
             ,
             That
             nothing
             is
             possible
             with
             GOD
             ,
             but
             what
             is
             infinitely
             Excellent
             :
             for
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             less
             than
             the
             Best
             is
             unwise
             ;
             and
             being
             so
             ,
             is
             contrary
             to
             the
             Nature
             of
             Wisdom
             which
             is
             his
             Power
             .
          
           
             THE
             Will
             of
             GOD
             is
             his
             Wisdom
             :
             By
             the
             meer
             Motion
             of
             his
             Will
             he
             Created
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             therefore
             it
             is
             his
             Power
             :
             his
             Power
             and
             his
             Wisdom
             meet
             in
             his
             Will
             and
             are
             both
             the
             same
             .
             By
             his
             Word
             he
             made
             the
             Worlds
             ,
             and
             his
             Eternal
             Word
             is
             his
             Eternal
             Wisdom
             .
          
           
             ALL
             this
             I
             speak
             because
             it
             is
             the
             Office
             of
             Wisdom
             to
             propose
             the
             most
             excellent
             End
             ,
             and
             to
             pursue
             it
             by
             the
             
             most
             efficacious
             Means
             :
             And
             because
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             GOD
             will
             be
             found
             one
             with
             his
             Eternal
             Moderation
             .
          
           
             THE
             utmost
             End
             of
             all
             that
             is
             aimed
             at
             ,
             is
             indeed
             illimited
             :
             It
             is
             the
             Best
             and
             Greatest
             Thing
             that
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Wisdom
             could
             conceive
             :
             but
             being
             out
             of
             all
             measure
             High
             and
             Excellent
             ,
             it
             includeth
             innumerable
             Varieties
             ,
             that
             are
             shut
             up
             in
             bounds
             for
             their
             greater
             Perfection
             .
             Whereupon
             it
             followeth
             ,
             that
             GOD
             hath
             attained
             a
             more
             excellent
             Effect
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             had
             made
             any
             one
             Thing
             singly
             infinite
             .
          
           
             HIS
             Love
             being
             Infinite
             and
             Eternal
             ,
             in
             sacrificing
             it self
             in
             all
             its
             Works
             for
             its
             Objects
             welfare
             ,
             became
             an
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Act
             ;
             Which
             was
             not
             contented
             ,
             unless
             in
             all
             its
             Works
             ,
             it
             added
             Art
             unto
             Power
             ,
             and
             exerted
             its
             Wisdom
             in
             all
             its
             Productions
             .
             Had
             it
             made
             one
             Infinite
             ,
             some
             are
             of
             Opinion
             ,
             it
             had
             exceeded
             it self
             ;
             at
             least
             done
             all
             that
             was
             possible
             ,
             both
             for
             it self
             ,
             and
             for
             its
             Object
             ,
             and
             that
             one
             Infinite
             ,
             being
             so
             Created
             ,
             must
             be
             its
             only
             Object
             .
             For
             more
             than
             Infinite
             what
             can
             be
             ?
             We
             are
             apt
             to
             think
             that
             nothing
             can
             be
             beside
             .
             But
             to
             shew
             that
             GOD
             is
             infinitely
             more
             than
             
             what
             we
             conceive
             ,
             while
             we
             think
             him
             infinite
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             infinitely
             wrong
             him
             ,
             while
             we
             limit
             his
             Essence
             to
             one
             single
             Infinity
             ;
             Who
             is
             every
             way
             Infinite
             ,
             in
             Himself
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Works
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Waies
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Counsels
             ,
             in
             every
             one
             of
             his
             Perfections
             ;
             He
             hath
             made
             every
             thing
             either
             Infinite
             ,
             or
             better
             than
             so
             .
             For
             by
             variety
             of
             Effects
             he
             hath
             attained
             an
             End
             in
             the
             Beauty
             and
             Correspondence
             of
             all
             his
             Productions
             ,
             far
             more
             Amiable
             and
             Divine
             than
             any
             one
             Effect
             is
             capable
             of
             being
             .
             All
             Things
             by
             a
             kind
             of
             Temperance
             are
             made
             and
             ordered
             in
             Number
             ,
             Weight
             and
             Measure
             ,
             so
             that
             they
             give
             and
             receive
             a
             Beauty
             and
             Perfection
             every
             thing
             to
             ,
             and
             from
             all
             the
             residue
             ,
             of
             inestimable
             value
             ,
             in
             relation
             to
             the
             Goodness
             and
             Love
             of
             their
             Creator
             .
          
           
             I
             doubt
             not
             but
             GOD
             (
             would
             his
             Wisdom
             have
             permitted
             such
             a
             thing
             )
             could
             have
             made
             an
             infinite
             Object
             .
             For
             whereever
             GOD
             is
             ,
             he
             is
             able
             to
             Act
             ;
             and
             his
             Omnipresence
             is
             infinite
             Wisdom
             and
             Power
             ;
             which
             filling
             Infinity
             is
             able
             to
             exert
             it self
             beyond
             all
             the
             bounds
             of
             Space
             in
             an
             infinite
             Manner
             all
             at
             once
             .
             If
             it
             so
             do
             ,
             it
             cannot
             rest
             in
             a
             less
             Attainment
             ,
             
             than
             one
             that
             answers
             the
             measure
             of
             its
             Operation
             :
             if
             it
             did
             ,
             that
             Attainment
             would
             be
             infinitely
             defective
             :
             For
             infinite
             Wisdom
             could
             certainly
             conceive
             one
             infinitely
             Better
             .
             But
             this
             I
             will
             aver
             ,
             that
             GOD
             hath
             wrought
             abundantly
             more
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             had
             made
             any
             one
             single
             Effect
             of
             his
             Power
             infinite
             .
             He
             hath
             wrought
             a
             Work
             that
             pleaseth
             him
             infinitely
             Better
             ,
             and
             so
             will
             it
             please
             us
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             Wise
             as
             he
             is
             .
          
           
             HAD
             he
             made
             any
             one
             single
             Infinite
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             either
             Corporeal
             ,
             or
             Spiritual
             :
             Be
             it
             either
             ,
             there
             is
             room
             enough
             in
             his
             Understanding
             and
             Omnipresence
             to
             receive
             it
             .
             Empty
             Space
             is
             an
             infinite
             Object
             in
             his
             understanding
             .
             But
             for
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Moderation
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             he
             hath
             attained
             a
             far
             greater
             and
             more
             perfect
             End.
             
          
           
             HAD
             he
             made
             an
             Infinite
             Object
             of
             a
             Spiritual
             Nature
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             a
             Spirit
             endued
             with
             illimited
             Power
             ,
             to
             see
             his
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             .
             And
             had
             he
             made
             no
             more
             but
             only
             this
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             be
             feared
             that
             the
             Spectator
             would
             be
             displeased
             for
             want
             of
             Objects
             ,
             in
             preparing
             which
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             should
             
             have
             glorified
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             for
             its
             fruition
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             say
             ,
             the
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             of
             GOD
             had
             been
             filled
             with
             that
             Creature
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             Spirits
             fill
             no
             Room
             ,
             though
             they
             see
             all
             things
             :
             and
             that
             it
             had
             been
             much
             better
             if
             Objects
             had
             been
             prepared
             for
             its
             Enjoyment
             .
          
           
             HAD
             he
             prepared
             any
             one
             Corporeal
             Object
             for
             the
             fruition
             of
             that
             Creature
             ;
             any
             Corporeal
             Object
             if
             infinite
             in
             Dimensions
             ,
             would
             be
             wholly
             useless
             :
             nay
             pernicious
             and
             destructive
             :
             for
             it
             would
             exclude
             all
             other
             Beings
             to
             which
             it
             might
             be
             serviceable
             ,
             out
             of
             place
             ,
             and
             have
             nothing
             whereto
             to
             be
             beneficial
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             say
             it
             would
             be
             Beneficial
             to
             GOD
             ,
             or
             to
             that
             Spectator
             ,
             or
             that
             Intelligible
             Power
             ,
             that
             Spirit
             for
             whom
             it
             was
             made
             :
             It
             is
             apparent
             that
             no
             Corporeal
             Being
             can
             be
             serviceable
             to
             a
             Spirit
             ,
             but
             only
             by
             the
             Beauty
             of
             those
             Services
             it
             performeth
             to
             other
             Corporeals
             ,
             that
             are
             capable
             of
             receiving
             them
             :
             and
             that
             therefore
             all
             Corporeals
             must
             be
             limited
             and
             bounded
             for
             each
             others
             sake
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             a
             Philosophical
             Poet
             said
             ;
          
           
             
             
               As
               in
               a
               Clock
               ,
               't
               is
               hinder'd-Force
               doth
               bring
            
             
               The
               Wheels
               to
               order'd
               Motion
               ,
               by
               a
               spring
               ;
            
             
               Which
               order'd
               Motion
               guides
               a
               steddy
               Hand
            
             
               In
               useful
               sort
               at
               Figures
               just
               to
               stand
               ;
            
             
               Which
               ,
               were
               it
               not
               by
               Counter-ballance
               staid
               ,
            
             
               The
               Fabrick
               quickly
               would
               aside
               be
               laid
            
             
               As
               wholly
               useless
               :
               So
               a
               Might
               too
               Great
               ,
            
             
               But
               well
               proportion'd
               ,
               makes
               the
               World
               compleat
               .
            
             
               Power
               well-bounded
               is
               more
               Great
               in
               Might
               ,
            
             
               Than
               if
               let
               loose
               't
               were
               wholly
               Infinite
               .
            
             
               He
               could
               have
               made
               an
               endless
               Sea
               by
               this
               ,
            
             
               But
               then
               it
               had
               not
               been
               a
               Sea
               of
               Bliss
               ;
            
             
               A
               Sea
               that
               's
               bounded
               in
               a
               finite
               shore
               ,
            
             
               Is
               better
               far
               because
               it
               is
               no
               more
               .
            
             
               Should
               Waters
               endlesly
               exceed
               the
               skies
               ,
            
             
               They
               'd
               drown
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               all
               whate're
               we
               prize
               .
            
             
               Had
               the
               bright
               Sun
               been
               Infinite
               ,
               its
               Flame
            
             
               Had
               burnt
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               quite
               consum'd
               the
               same
               ,
            
             
               That
               Flame
               would
               yield
               no
               splendor
               to
               the
               Sight
               ,
            
             
               'T
               would
               be
               but
               Darkness
               though
               't
               were
               Infinite
               .
            
             
               One
               Star
               made
               Infinite
               would
               all
               exclude
               ,
            
             
               An
               Farth
               made
               Infinite
               could
               ne're
               be
               view'd
               .
            
             
               But
               all
               being
               bounded
               for
               each
               others
               sake
               ,
            
             
               He
               bounding
               all
               did
               all
               most
               useful
               make
               .
            
             
               And
               which
               is
               best
               ,
               in
               Profit
               and
               Delight
               ,
            
             
               Though
               not
               in
               Bulk
               ,
               he
               made
               all
               Infinite
               .
            
             
               He
               in
               his
               Wisdom
               did
               their
               use
               extend
               ,
            
             
               By
               all
               ,
               to
               all
               the
               World
               from
               End
               to
               End.
            
             
             
               In
               all
               Things
               ,
               all
               Things
               service
               do
               to
               all
               :
            
             
               And
               thus
               a
               Sand
               is
               Endless
               ,
               though
               most
               small
               .
            
             
               And
               every
               Thing
               is
               truly
               Infinite
               ,
            
             
               In
               its
               Relation
               deep
               and
               exquisite
               .
            
          
           
             THIS
             is
             the
             best
             way
             of
             accommodating
             things
             to
             the
             Service
             of
             each
             other
             ,
             for
             the
             fruition
             of
             all
             Spectators
             .
          
           
             MODERATION
             is
             not
             so
             called
             from
             Limiting
             and
             Restraining
             ,
             but
             from
             Moderating
             and
             Ruling
             .
             If
             Reason
             require
             that
             a
             Thing
             should
             be
             Great
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             part
             of
             Temperance
             to
             make
             it
             so
             .
             Where
             Reason
             requires
             it
             is
             a
             point
             of
             Moderation
             to
             enlarge
             and
             extend
             Power
             :
             Nay
             to
             stretch
             it
             out
             to
             the
             utmost
             of
             its
             Capacity
             if
             Wisdom
             order
             it
             ,
             is
             but
             equal
             .
             To
             moderate
             Almighty
             Power
             is
             to
             limit
             or
             extend
             it
             ,
             as
             Reason
             requires
             .
             Reason
             requires
             that
             it
             should
             be
             so
             limited
             and
             extended
             ,
             as
             most
             tends
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Universe
             .
          
           
             IF
             it
             be
             more
             Wise
             ,
             and
             more
             tends
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Universe
             ,
             that
             Millions
             of
             intelligible
             Spirits
             should
             be
             Created
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             of
             them
             be
             made
             in
             finite
             in
             Understanding
             ,
             it
             shall
             be
             done
             :
             If
             not
             ,
             Temperance
             forbears
             .
             
             If
             Sands
             and
             Atoms
             tend
             more
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             World
             than
             Angels
             ;
             there
             where
             they
             do
             so
             ,
             Sands
             and
             Atoms
             shall
             be
             made
             ,
             and
             Angels
             there
             where
             they
             tend
             more
             to
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             World.
             So
             that
             every
             thing
             is
             best
             in
             its
             proper
             place
             .
             Were
             there
             no
             Sands
             or
             Atoms
             there
             would
             be
             no
             Universe
             :
             For
             the
             Earth
             ,
             the
             Sea
             ,
             the
             Skie
             ,
             the
             Air
             ,
             all
             Bodies
             consist
             of
             these
             ,
             either
             united
             or
             divided
             .
             If
             they
             had
             been
             lest
             unmade
             ,
             and
             Angels
             had
             been
             created
             in
             their
             Places
             ,
             there
             had
             been
             no
             visible
             World
             at
             all
             .
          
           
             TO
             make
             Visible
             Objects
             useful
             it
             was
             necessary
             to
             enshrine
             some
             Spirits
             in
             Corporeal
             Bodies
             ,
             and
             therefore
             to
             make
             such
             Creatures
             as
             Men
             ,
             that
             might
             see
             ,
             and
             feel
             ,
             and
             smell
             ,
             and
             taste
             ,
             and
             hear
             ,
             and
             eat
             and
             drink
             by
             their
             Bodies
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             all
             the
             Pleasures
             of
             the
             World
             by
             their
             Souls
             :
             And
             by
             their
             Souls
             moreover
             know
             the
             Original
             and
             End
             of
             all
             ,
             understand
             the
             design
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             be
             able
             to
             celebrate
             the
             Praises
             of
             the
             Creator
             .
             For
             by
             this
             means
             pure
             Essences
             abstracted
             from
             all
             Corporeity
             might
             enjoy
             the
             World
             ,
             while
             they
             delight
             in
             the
             glory
             of
             its
             Uses
             ,
             and
             especially
             in
             those
             
             compleat
             and
             amiable
             Creatures
             ,
             for
             whom
             it
             was
             prepared
             .
          
           
             IT
             was
             expedient
             also
             to
             make
             their
             Bodies
             finite
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             converse
             together
             :
             but
             their
             inward
             Intelligences
             of
             endless
             reach
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             see
             the
             holy
             Angels
             ,
             delight
             in
             them
             ,
             and
             by
             their
             Love
             be
             delightful
             to
             them
             :
             that
             they
             might
             also
             be
             able
             to
             search
             into
             the
             depth
             of
             all
             Things
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             Eternity
             ;
             Nay
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             be
             fit
             Recipients
             for
             the
             infinite
             Bounty
             and
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             which
             is
             infinite
             in
             its
             Communications
             .
          
           
             THAT
             they
             should
             be
             subject
             to
             his
             Laws
             ,
             and
             depend
             upon
             him
             ,
             was
             necessary
             in
             like
             manner
             .
             For
             by
             that
             distinction
             an
             infinite
             difference
             was
             between
             him
             and
             them
             :
             that
             disparity
             being
             laid
             in
             the
             foundation
             ,
             though
             the
             benefits
             they
             receive
             are
             altogether
             infinite
             ,
             the
             distance
             is
             still
             the
             more
             infinite
             between
             them
             :
             for
             the
             greater
             the
             Bounty
             is
             ,
             the
             deeper
             is
             the
             Obligation
             .
             The
             Love
             and
             Service
             they
             owe
             is
             infinite
             ,
             and
             so
             is
             the
             Gratitude
             .
          
           
             TO
             see
             all
             his
             Glory
             is
             to
             be
             able
             to
             admire
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             adore
             it
             with
             infinite
             amazement
             and
             joy
             ,
             which
             is
             to
             be
             compleatly
             
             just
             unto
             it
             ,
             and
             perfectly
             blessed
             .
          
           
             There
             is
             but
             one
             thing
             more
             ,
             wherein
             Almighty
             Power
             was
             by
             Wisdom
             infinite
             to
             restrain
             it self
             for
             the
             perfection
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             :
             And
             that
             is
             to
             create
             them
             free
             ,
             that
             were
             made
             to
             enjoy
             it
             .
             Not
             to
             determine
             their
             Wills
             by
             a
             fatal
             Necessity
             ,
             but
             to
             make
             their
             esteem
             and
             fruition
             of
             GOD
             and
             his
             Works
             their
             duty
             ,
             and
             to
             leave
             them
             to
             themselves
             for
             the
             more
             free
             and
             voluntary
             discharge
             of
             their
             duty
             .
             For
             by
             that
             means
             ,
             it
             would
             make
             them
             capable
             of
             Rewards
             and
             Punishments
             ,
             in
             the
             Righteous
             distribution
             of
             which
             the
             nature
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             a
             Righteous
             Kingdom
             consisteth
             .
          
           
             THUS
             did
             GOD
             by
             infinite
             Moderation
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             sublime
             and
             transcendent
             Temperance
             prepare
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             make
             every
             Thing
             exquisite
             in
             his
             whole
             Dominion
             ,
             to
             the
             praise
             of
             his
             Glory
             ,
             and
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             his
             infinite
             and
             Eternal
             Reason
             .
             The
             similitude
             of
             which
             Reason
             being
             the
             Essence
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             all
             these
             things
             fall
             out
             for
             our
             glory
             and
             satisfaction
             also
             .
          
           
           
             NOW
             if
             GOD
             himself
             acquired
             all
             his
             Joyes
             by
             Temperance
             :
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             is
             wholly
             founded
             in
             his
             Moderation
             :
             We
             may
             hope
             that
             our
             Moderation
             and
             Temperance
             in
             its
             place
             ,
             may
             accomplish
             Wonders
             ,
             and
             lead
             us
             to
             the
             fruition
             of
             his
             ,
             by
             certain
             steps
             and
             degrees
             ,
             like
             those
             that
             are
             observed
             in
             the
             Womb
             towards
             Manhood
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             School
             of
             our
             Childhood
             towards
             perfect
             Learning
             .
          
           
             TOO
             much
             Rain
             ,
             or
             too
             much
             Drought
             will
             produce
             a
             Famine
             :
             the
             Earth
             is
             made
             fertile
             by
             a
             seasonable
             mixture
             of
             Heat
             and
             Moisture
             .
             Excess
             of
             Power
             may
             overwhelm
             ,
             but
             moderation
             is
             that
             which
             perfecteth
             and
             blesseth
             the
             Creation
             .
          
           
             ALMIGHTY
             Power
             is
             carried
             far
             beyond
             it self
             ,
             or
             really
             is
             made
             Almighty
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             that
             Temperance
             ,
             wherein
             Eternal
             Wisdom
             is
             eternally
             Glorified
             .
          
           
             IF
             any
             thing
             be
             wanting
             to
             the
             full
             demonstration
             of
             the
             perfection
             of
             GODS
             Kingdom
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             consideration
             of
             his
             Delay
             :
             for
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             think
             ,
             he
             might
             have
             made
             it
             Eternally
             before
             he
             did
             .
             But
             to
             this
             no
             other
             Answer
             is
             necessary
             
             (
             though
             many
             might
             be
             made
             )
             then
             that
             all
             Things
             were
             from
             all
             Eternity
             before
             his
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             he
             saw
             the
             fittest
             Moments
             wherein
             to
             produce
             them
             :
             and
             judged
             it
             fit
             in
             his
             Wisdom
             first
             to
             fill
             Eternity
             with
             his
             deliberations
             and
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             then
             to
             beautifie
             Time
             with
             the
             execution
             of
             his
             Decrees
             .
             For
             were
             there
             no
             more
             to
             be
             said
             but
             this
             ,
             his
             Empire
             is
             eternal
             ,
             because
             all
             Possibilities
             ,
             nay
             and
             all
             Impossibilities
             are
             subject
             to
             his
             Will.
             But
             if
             it
             be
             confessed
             that
             Eternity
             is
             an
             everlasting
             Moment
             ,
             infinite
             in
             duration
             ,
             but
             permanent
             in
             all
             its
             parts
             ,
             all
             Things
             past
             ,
             present
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             ,
             are
             at
             once
             before
             him
             ,
             and
             eternally
             together
             .
             Which
             is
             the
             true
             Reason
             ,
             why
             Eternity
             is
             a
             standing
             Object
             before
             the
             Eye
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             parts
             ,
             being
             full
             of
             Beauty
             and
             Perfection
             ,
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             IF
             any
             man
             be
             disposed
             to
             cavil
             further
             ,
             and
             to
             urge
             ,
             that
             GOD
             might
             at
             the
             very
             first
             have
             placed
             Angels
             and
             Men
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Glory
             ,
             the
             Reply
             is
             at
             hand
             :
             that
             GOD
             very
             well
             understandeth
             the
             beauty
             of
             Proportion
             ,
             that
             Harmony
             and
             Symmetry
             springs
             from
             a
             variety
             of
             excellent
             Things
             in
             several
             
             places
             ,
             fitly
             answering
             to
             ,
             and
             perfecting
             each
             other
             :
             that
             the
             state
             of
             Trial
             ,
             and
             the
             state
             of
             Glory
             are
             so
             mysterious
             in
             their
             Relation
             ,
             that
             neither
             without
             the
             other
             could
             be
             absolutely
             perfect
             :
             Innumerable
             Beauties
             would
             be
             lost
             ,
             and
             many
             transcendent
             Vertues
             and
             Perfections
             be
             abolished
             ,
             with
             the
             estate
             of
             Trial
             ,
             if
             that
             had
             been
             laid
             aside
             ,
             the
             continual
             appearance
             and
             effect
             of
             which
             is
             to
             enrich
             and
             beautifie
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             everlastingly
             :
             That
             GOD
             loveth
             Man
             far
             more
             than
             if
             he
             had
             placed
             him
             in
             the
             Throne
             at
             first
             ,
             and
             designeth
             more
             Glory
             and
             Perfection
             for
             him
             ,
             than
             in
             that
             dispensation
             he
             could
             have
             been
             capable
             of
             :
             all
             which
             springeth
             from
             the
             Restraint
             of
             his
             Power
             in
             some
             occasions
             ,
             that
             it
             might
             more
             fully
             be
             exerted
             in
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             whole
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             things
             that
             were
             possible
             to
             be
             made
             ,
             might
             end
             in
             the
             Supream
             ,
             and
             most
             absolutely
             Blessed
             .
          
           
             
               Therefore
               upon
               the
               whole
               Matter
               ,
               we
               may
               conclude
               with
            
             solomon
             ,
             Happy
             is
             the
             man
             that
             findeth
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             the
             man
             that
             getteth
             Understanding
             .
             For
             the
             Merchandize
             of
             it
             is
             better
             than
             the
             Merchandize
             of
             Silver
             ,
             and
             the
             Gain
             thereof
             than
             of
             
             fine
             Gold.
             She
             is
             more
             precious
             than
             Rubies
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             things
             thou
             canst
             desire
             are
             not
             to
             be
             compared
             with
             her
             .
             Length
             of
             Daies
             is
             in
             her
             right
             hand
             ,
             and
             in
             her
             left
             hand
             Riches
             and
             Honour
             .
             Her
             Waies
             are
             waies
             of
             Pleasantness
             ,
             and
             all
             her
             Paths
             are
             Peace
             .
             She
             is
             a
             Tree
             of
             Life
             to
             them
             that
             lay
             hold
             upon
             her
             ,
             and
             happy
             is
             every
             one
             that
             retaineth
             her
             .
             The
             LORD
             by
             Wisdom
             hath
             founded
             the
             Earth
             ,
             by
             Understanding
             hath
             he
             established
             the
             Heavens
             .
             My
             Son
             ,
             let
             not
             them
             depart
             from
             thine
             Eyes
             :
             Keep
             sound
             Wisdom
             and
             Discretion
             .
             
               Wisdom
               is
               the
               principal
               Thing
               :
               therefore
               get
               Wisdom
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               thy
               Getting
               get
               Understanding
               .
               For
               the
               same
               Wisdom
               which
               created
               the
               World
               ,
               is
               the
               only
               Light
               wherein
               it
               is
               enjoyed
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXIV
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Patience
               .
               It
               s
               Original
               .
               How
               GOD
               was
               the
               first
               Patient
               Person
               in
               the
               World.
               The
               Nature
               ,
               and
               the
               Glory
               ,
               and
               the
               blessed
               Effects
               of
               his
               Eternal
               Patience
               .
               The
               Reason
               and
               Design
               of
               all
               Calamities
               .
               Of
               Patience
               in
               Martyrdom
               .
               The
               extraordinary
               Reward
               of
               ordinary
               Patience
               in
               its
               meanest
               obscurity
               .
            
          
           
             PATIENCE
             is
             a
             Vertue
             of
             the
             Third
             estate
             ;
             it
             belongs
             not
             to
             the
             estate
             of
             Innocence
             ,
             because
             in
             it
             there
             was
             no
             Affliction
             ;
             nor
             to
             the
             estate
             of
             Misery
             ,
             because
             in
             it
             there
             is
             no
             Vertue
             :
             but
             to
             the
             estate
             of
             Grace
             it
             appertains
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             an
             estate
             of
             Reconciliation
             ,
             and
             an
             estate
             of
             Trial
             :
             wherein
             Affliction
             and
             Vertue
             meet
             together
             .
             In
             the
             estate
             of
             Glory
             there
             is
             no
             Patience
             .
          
           
             THIS
             is
             one
             of
             those
             distastful
             Vertues
             ,
             which
             GOD
             never
             intended
             .
             It
             received
             its
             bitterness
             from
             Sin
             ,
             its
             life
             and
             beauty
             from
             GOD's
             Mercy
             .
             If
             we
             dislike
             this
             Vertue
             we
             may
             thank
             our selves
             ,
             for
             we
             made
             GOD
             first
             to
             endure
             
             it
             .
             And
             if
             all
             things
             are
             rightly
             weighed
             ,
             no
             Creature
             is
             equal
             to
             GOD
             in
             Sufferings
             .
             We
             made
             it
             necessary
             for
             the
             Eternal
             GOD-HEAD
             to
             be
             Incarnate
             ,
             and
             to
             suffer
             all
             the
             Incommodities
             of
             Life
             ,
             and
             the
             bitter
             Torments
             of
             a
             bloody
             Death
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             bear
             the
             Penance
             of
             our
             Sins
             ,
             and
             deliver
             us
             from
             eternal
             Perdition
             .
          
           
             THE
             Corporeal
             Sufferings
             of
             our
             Saviour
             are
             not
             comparable
             to
             the
             Afflictions
             of
             his
             Spirit
             .
             Nor
             are
             there
             any
             Sufferings
             or
             Losses
             so
             great
             as
             those
             we
             cast
             upon
             the
             GOD-HEAD
             .
             He
             infinitely
             hateth
             Sin
             ,
             more
             than
             Death
             :
             and
             had
             rather
             be
             Crucified
             a
             thousand
             times
             over
             ,
             than
             that
             one
             Transgression
             should
             be
             brought
             into
             the
             World.
             Nothing
             is
             so
             quick
             and
             tender
             as
             Love
             ,
             nothing
             so
             lively
             and
             sensible
             in
             resenting
             .
             No
             loss
             is
             comparable
             to
             that
             of
             Souls
             ,
             nor
             any
             one
             so
             deeply
             concerned
             in
             the
             loss
             ,
             as
             GOD
             Almighty
             :
             No
             Calamity
             more
             peircing
             ,
             than
             to
             see
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             Works
             made
             Vain
             ,
             to
             be
             bereaved
             of
             his
             Desire
             ,
             and
             frustrated
             of
             his
             End
             in
             the
             whole
             Creation
             .
             He
             had
             rather
             we
             should
             give
             him
             the
             Blood
             of
             Dragons
             ,
             or
             the
             cruel
             Venom
             of
             Asps
             ,
             to
             drink
             ,
             
             than
             that
             we
             should
             pollute
             our selves
             ,
             or
             his
             Kingdom
             with
             a
             Sin.
             Nay
             it
             were
             better
             (
             if
             without
             a
             Sin
             it
             could
             be
             done
             )
             that
             the
             whole
             World
             should
             be
             annihilated
             ,
             than
             a
             Sin
             committed
             .
             For
             the
             World
             might
             be
             Created
             again
             with
             ease
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             is
             in
             it
             be
             repaired
             with
             a
             word
             :
             but
             a
             Sin
             once
             committed
             ,
             can
             never
             be
             undone
             ;
             it
             will
             appear
             in
             its
             place
             throughout
             all
             Eternity
             :
             Yet
             is
             so
             odious
             ,
             and
             so
             infinitely
             opposite
             to
             the
             Holiness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             that
             no
             Gall
             or
             Wormwood
             is
             comparable
             thereunto
             .
             To
             see
             his
             Beloved
             blasted
             ,
             his
             Love
             despised
             ,
             and
             his
             Son
             rebellious
             ;
             to
             see
             the
             most
             amiable
             Law
             in
             the
             World
             broken
             ,
             his
             Kingdom
             laid
             waste
             ,
             and
             his
             Image
             defaced
             ;
             to
             see
             all
             his
             Labour
             marred
             and
             spoiled
             ,
             his
             Benefits
             slighted
             ;
             and
             his
             infinite
             Goodness
             abused
             and
             undervalued
             ;
             all
             Obligations
             imposed
             ,
             and
             all
             Rewards
             prepared
             ,
             in
             vain
             :
             is
             worse
             than
             to
             see
             ones
             Palace
             on
             fire
             as
             soon
             as
             it
             is
             builded
             ,
             or
             ones
             Wife
             smitten
             with
             Leprosie
             ,
             and
             ones
             only
             beloved
             Son
             run
             mad
             .
             For
             a
             Child
             to
             trample
             on
             his
             Fathers
             Bowels
             is
             nothing
             in
             Comparison
             !
             He
             therefore
             that
             feels
             what
             he
             made
             GOD
             to
             endure
             ,
             what
             Grapes
             
             of
             Sodom
             ,
             and
             Clusters
             of
             Gomorrah
             he
             offered
             to
             his
             Teeth
             ,
             how
             evil
             a
             thing
             and
             bitter
             it
             is
             ,
             to
             forsake
             GOD
             ,
             how
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             
               He
               was
               grieved
               at
               the
               Heart
               ,
            
             when
             he
             saw
             the
             Corruption
             and
             Impiety
             of
             the
             Earth
             ;
             and
             how
             the
             Sorrow
             inflicted
             was
             so
             sore
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             him
             
               repent
               that
               he
               had
               made
               Man
            
             in
             the
             World
             :
             he
             surely
             will
             be
             more
             concerned
             at
             the
             Evil
             he
             hath
             done
             ,
             than
             at
             any
             Evil
             he
             can
             otherwise
             suffer
             :
             and
             his
             Godly
             Sorrow
             (
             as
             Moses's
             Rod
             did
             eat
             up
             all
             the
             Rods
             of
             the
             Egyptians
             )
             will
             devour
             all
             other
             Sorrows
             whatsoever
             .
          
           
             TO
             consider
             that
             GOD
             was
             the
             first
             Patient
             Person
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             must
             needs
             sweeten
             the
             Bitterness
             of
             Patience
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             acceptable
             unto
             us
             :
             to
             consider
             that
             we
             alone
             brought
             it
             upon
             our selves
             ,
             and
             may
             thank
             our selves
             for
             the
             folly
             of
             its
             Introduction
             ,
             must
             make
             us
             out
             of
             very
             Indignation
             against
             our selves
             contented
             to
             suffer
             ,
             and
             in
             pure
             Justice
             ,
             quietly
             to
             digest
             it
             :
             but
             to
             consider
             yet
             further
             ,
             that
             GOD
             ,
             by
             bearing
             our
             Offences
             with
             Patience
             ,
             took
             off
             the
             trouble
             of
             them
             from
             us
             ,
             and
             by
             refusing
             to
             ease
             himself
             of
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             displeasure
             ,
             
             in
             pouring
             it
             back
             again
             on
             our
             own
             heads
             ,
             digested
             it
             so
             ,
             as
             to
             turn
             our
             eternal
             Torments
             into
             transitory
             Woes
             ,
             nay
             into
             his
             own
             Agonies
             and
             Pains
             on
             the
             Cross
             :
             this
             will
             help
             our
             Reason
             to
             rejoyce
             at
             
               our
               light
               Afflictions
               which
               are
               but
               for
               a
               moment
            
             ;
             especially
             since
             they
             work
             out
             
               for
               us
               a
               far
               more
               exceeding
               ,
               and
               eternal
               weight
               of
               Glory
               .
            
          
           
             The
             first
             Impression
             of
             that
             abominable
             Mischief
             ,
             which
             occasioned
             Patience
             in
             GOD
             ,
             made
             it
             a
             Calamity
             ,
             but
             not
             a
             Vertue
             .
             Detestation
             and
             Grief
             in
             themselves
             are
             but
             Sufferings
             ,
             and
             meer
             Sufferings
             have
             no
             Vertue
             ,
             nor
             so
             much
             almost
             as
             Action
             in
             them
             .
             If
             his
             detestation
             and
             grief
             had
             broken
             out
             in
             Impatience
             ,
             we
             had
             all
             been
             destroyed
             :
             Anger
             and
             Fury
             had
             been
             poured
             down
             upon
             us
             .
             That
             which
             made
             it
             a
             Vertue
             was
             the
             great
             and
             mighty
             Continence
             ,
             whereby
             it
             was
             kept
             in
             ,
             and
             governed
             for
             all
             our
             Benefit
             .
             For
             it
             was
             full
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Compassion
             ,
             and
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             Love
             ;
             and
             that
             was
             indeed
             the
             vertue
             of
             Patience
             ,
             in
             which
             so
             much
             Magnanimity
             and
             Government
             did
             appear
             ,
             so
             much
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             Stedfastness
             ,
             and
             Immutability
             ;
             and
             upon
             this
             vertue
             
             of
             that
             Act
             whereby
             he
             retained
             his
             displeasure
             ,
             the
             whole
             Kingdom
             of
             Grace
             ,
             and
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Mercy
             and
             Love
             ,
             and
             the
             blessedness
             and
             exaltation
             of
             his
             Church
             is
             founded
             ,
             it
             depended
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             from
             his
             Patience
             it
             proceeded
             .
          
           
             PATIENCE
             then
             is
             that
             Vertue
             by
             which
             we
             behave
             our selves
             constantly
             and
             prudently
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Misfortunes
             and
             Troubles
             :
             That
             Vertue
             whereby
             we
             do
             not
             only
             forbear
             to
             break
             out
             in
             Murmurings
             and
             Repinings
             ,
             or
             support
             our selves
             from
             sinking
             under
             Afflictions
             ,
             or
             suppress
             our
             Discontentments
             ,
             and
             refrain
             from
             Anger
             and
             Disquiet
             ;
             but
             whereby
             we
             retain
             our
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             the
             goodness
             of
             our
             Mind
             ,
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             Confusions
             and
             Disorders
             that
             would
             disturb
             us
             ,
             and
             demean
             our selves
             in
             a
             serene
             and
             honourable
             manner
             ,
             surmounting
             the
             Pains
             and
             Calamities
             that
             trouble
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             would
             otherwise
             overwhelm
             us
             .
             While
             we
             move
             in
             a
             quick
             and
             vigorous
             manner
             under
             our
             Burthen
             ;
             and
             by
             a
             true
             Courage
             improve
             our
             Afflictions
             ,
             and
             turn
             them
             into
             the
             Spoils
             of
             Invincible
             Reason
             .
          
           
           
             IT
             is
             an
             easie
             Observation
             ,
             that
             Troublous
             Times
             are
             the
             Seasons
             of
             Honour
             ,
             and
             that
             a
             Warlike-Field
             is
             the
             Seed-Plot
             of
             great
             and
             Heroical
             Actions
             .
             Men
             that
             live
             in
             quiet
             and
             peaceful
             Ages
             ,
             pass
             through
             the
             World
             as
             insensibly
             as
             if
             they
             had
             all
             their
             daies
             been
             asleep
             .
             Hazards
             ,
             and
             Calamities
             ,
             and
             Battles
             ,
             and
             Victories
             fill
             the
             Annals
             with
             Wonder
             ,
             and
             raise
             Great
             Men
             to
             an
             eminent
             degree
             of
             Fame
             and
             Glory
             .
             It
             is
             Saint
             Chrysostoms
             opinion
             ,
             That
             a
             Man
             shews
             far
             greater
             Bravery
             ,
             that
             grapples
             with
             a
             Disease
             ,
             or
             surmounts
             his
             evil
             Fortune
             ,
             or
             behaves
             himself
             with
             Courage
             in
             distress
             ,
             bears
             the
             burning
             of
             his
             House
             ,
             or
             the
             loss
             of
             his
             Goods
             ,
             or
             the
             death
             of
             his
             Children
             with
             an
             equal
             Spirit
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             all
             Calamities
             retains
             his
             Integrity
             with
             Humility
             and
             Patience
             ,
             and
             Blesses
             GOD
             ,
             chearfully
             submitting
             with
             Resignation
             to
             his
             Will
             ,
             and
             shews
             himself
             Constant
             in
             all
             Estates
             :
             then
             he
             that
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             prosperous
             Condition
             ,
             buildeth
             Hospitals
             and
             Temples
             ,
             shineth
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             Bounty
             and
             Magnificence
             ,
             and
             obligeth
             all
             the
             World
             without
             any
             other
             Expence
             than
             that
             of
             his
             Monies
             .
             A
             Pelican
             that
             feeds
             her
             young
             
             ones
             with
             her
             Blood
             ,
             is
             a
             more
             Noble
             Bird
             than
             an
             Eagle
             ,
             that
             fills
             her
             Nest
             with
             Ravine
             ,
             though
             taken
             from
             the
             Altar
             :
             For
             though
             that
             of
             a
             Sacrifice
             be
             the
             more
             Sacred
             food
             ,
             that
             of
             ones
             own
             Blood
             is
             more
             near
             and
             costly
             .
          
           
             TIMES
             of
             Affliction
             are
             Seed-times
             for
             a
             future
             Harvest
             .
             
               We
               are
               made
               perfect
               through
               Sufferings
            
             :
             though
             the
             Way
             be
             mysterious
             ,
             and
             the
             Manner
             almost
             incomprehensible
             ,
             whereby
             the
             Sufferings
             we
             endure
             conduce
             to
             our
             Perfection
             .
             
               Consider
               the
               Patience
               of
            
             Job
             ,
             how
             great
             a
             spectacle
             his
             Sufferings
             made
             him
             
               to
               GOD
               ,
               Angels
               ,
               and
               Men
               ,
            
             and
             how
             glorious
             he
             became
             by
             his
             Patience
             to
             all
             Generations
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Vertue
             has
             an
             Appearance
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             its
             Objects
             and
             Materials
             ,
             so
             cross
             to
             its
             disposition
             ,
             that
             if
             any
             thing
             be
             difficult
             in
             all
             Nature
             to
             be
             understood
             ,
             Patience
             is
             one
             ,
             it
             being
             a
             thing
             of
             the
             most
             deep
             and
             obscure
             value
             .
             It
             s
             Nature
             and
             Effect
             seem
             contrary
             to
             each
             other
             .
             It
             raises
             a
             Man
             by
             depressing
             him
             ,
             it
             elevates
             by
             overwhelming
             ,
             it
             honours
             by
             debafing
             ,
             it
             saves
             by
             killing
             him
             .
             By
             making
             a
             Man
             little
             and
             nothing
             ,
             it
             magnifies
             and
             exalts
             him
             .
             No
             
             Act
             of
             Love
             is
             attended
             with
             such
             bleeding
             Circumstances
             as
             that
             of
             Cruel
             Resolution
             ,
             in
             exposing
             our selves
             to
             all
             Calamities
             that
             can
             befal
             our
             Souls
             ,
             for
             our
             Beloved's
             sake
             .
             It
             is
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             good
             Shepheard
             that
             
               He
               laies
               down
               his
               life
               for
               the
               Sheep
               .
            
             And
             for
             this
             very
             Cause
             is
             our
             Saviour
             honoured
             by
             GOD
             and
             Men
             ,
             
               because
               being
               in
               the
               form
               of
               GOD
               he
               made
               himself
               of
               no
               Reputation
               ,
               but
               took
               on
               himself
               the
               form
               of
               a
               Servant
               ,
            
             and
             died
             the
             most
             cursed
             
               Death
               of
               the
               Cross
            
             ,
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             the
             World
             :
             Wherefore
             ,
             saith
             the
             Text
             (
             that
             is
             ,
             
               For
               which
               very
               Cause
               )
               GOD
               also
               hath
               highly
               exalted
               him
               ,
               and
               given
               him
               a
               Name
               which
               is
               above
               every
               Name
               ,
               that
               at
               the
               Name
               of
            
             JESUS
             
               every
               Knee
               should
               bow
               ,
               of
               things
               in
               the
               Heaven
               ,
               things
               in
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               things
               under
               the
               Earth
               .
            
             Nor
             is
             this
             Gift
             of
             GOD
             so
             purely
             Arbitrary
             ,
             but
             that
             it
             has
             a
             foundation
             in
             Nature
             .
             Angels
             and
             Men
             do
             not
             bow
             their
             Knees
             only
             because
             they
             are
             commanded
             ;
             but
             because
             they
             see
             Reason
             to
             incline
             them
             to
             bow
             their
             Knees
             .
             There
             is
             something
             in
             our
             Saviours
             Nature
             ,
             Action
             ,
             and
             Merit
             ,
             that
             deserves
             it
             at
             their
             Hands
             .
             The
             wonderful
             Love
             wherewith
             he
             loved
             us
             is
             
             the
             Root
             ,
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             Glory
             of
             his
             Passion
             .
             It
             is
             wonderful
             as
             it
             made
             him
             willing
             to
             become
             Death
             ,
             and
             Sin
             ,
             and
             a
             Curse
             for
             us
             .
             But
             the
             height
             of
             our
             Extasie
             is
             in
             the
             Reality
             of
             his
             Passion
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             full
             accomplishment
             of
             all
             its
             Purposes
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             the
             Vertue
             of
             Love
             which
             is
             infused
             into
             Patience
             ,
             and
             the
             chief
             Elixir
             of
             its
             Nature
             is
             founded
             in
             the
             Excellency
             of
             a
             Spirit
             ,
             that
             Suffers
             for
             anothers
             sake
             .
             This
             therefore
             we
             ought
             ever
             to
             remember
             ,
             That
             Patience
             when
             it
             is
             a
             Vertue
             springs
             from
             Love
             ;
             and
             that
             this
             Love
             is
             chiefly
             towards
             GOD
             ,
             and
             next
             that
             to
             our
             Neighbour
             .
             When
             we
             suffer
             any
             thing
             for
             
             GOD's
             sake
             ,
             or
             for
             our
             Neighbours
             good
             ,
             we
             suffer
             in
             a
             Wise
             and
             Vertuous
             manner
             .
             And
             the
             Honour
             which
             follows
             such
             a
             Suffering
             is
             the
             Crown
             of
             Glory
             which
             it
             shall
             for
             eyer
             wear
             .
             It
             is
             a
             vain
             and
             insipid
             thing
             to
             Suffer
             without
             loving
             GOD
             or
             Man.
             Love
             is
             a
             transcendent
             Excellence
             in
             every
             Duty
             ,
             and
             must
             of
             necessity
             enter
             into
             the
             Nature
             of
             every
             Grace
             and
             Vertue
             .
             That
             which
             maketh
             the
             solid
             Benefit
             of
             Patience
             unknown
             ,
             its
             Taste
             so
             bitter
             and
             comfortless
             to
             Men
             ,
             is
             its
             
             Death
             in
             the
             separation
             and
             absence
             of
             its
             Soul.
             We
             Suffer
             ,
             but
             Love
             not
             .
             Otherwise
             Love
             to
             the
             Person
             for
             whose
             sake
             we
             Suffer
             ,
             is
             its
             own
             support
             and
             comfort
             ;
             It
             makes
             the
             Action
             to
             be
             valuable
             ;
             and
             insuses
             a
             sweetness
             into
             all
             the
             Affliction
             it
             can
             make
             us
             endure
             :
             A
             Sweetness
             answerable
             to
             the
             Welfare
             and
             Pleasure
             ,
             which
             is
             either
             caused
             or
             secured
             ,
             to
             our
             Object
             thereby
             .
             Our
             own
             growth
             in
             the
             approbation
             and
             esteem
             of
             the
             Person
             we
             love
             ,
             is
             the
             desirable
             Greatness
             which
             we
             covet
             to
             attain
             ,
             which
             can
             no
             way
             be
             confirmed
             ,
             and
             increased
             so
             perfectly
             ,
             as
             by
             Suffering
             for
             him
             .
             For
             our
             Fidelity
             ,
             Sincerity
             ,
             Reality
             ,
             Vigour
             ,
             Life
             and
             Industry
             ,
             can
             never
             be
             made
             so
             fair
             and
             apparent
             ,
             as
             when
             we
             pursue
             our
             love
             ,
             and
             are
             carried
             by
             it
             to
             the
             utmost
             extremities
             of
             Death
             and
             Misery
             ,
             and
             labour
             through
             all
             disasters
             ,
             Persecutions
             ,
             and
             Calamities
             ,
             to
             obey
             ,
             and
             honour
             ,
             and
             please
             ,
             and
             glorifie
             the
             Object
             which
             in
             times
             of
             quiet
             we
             pretend
             to
             love
             .
             In
             an
             easie
             and
             prosperous
             Estate
             there
             is
             little
             difference
             between
             Friendship
             and
             Flattery
             :
             but
             he
             that
             sticks
             firm
             in
             Calamity
             is
             a
             Friend
             indeed
             .
             The
             Trial
             of
             Love
             
             consists
             in
             the
             difficulties
             it
             endures
             for
             its
             Beloved
             .
          
           
             AND
             for
             this
             Cause
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             GOD
             will
             expose
             us
             to
             so
             severe
             a
             Trial
             :
             himself
             ordaining
             some
             Trials
             in
             the
             beginning
             ;
             but
             permitting
             more
             ,
             when
             we
             brought
             them
             upon
             our selves
             :
             Many
             also
             he
             suffereth
             to
             come
             ,
             which
             we
             daily
             bring
             upon
             our
             own
             heads
             by
             our
             own
             folly
             .
             Some
             he
             inflicteth
             perhaps
             himself
             ,
             for
             the
             Chastisement
             of
             our
             Sins
             ,
             or
             the
             Medicine
             of
             our
             Souls
             ,
             to
             abate
             our
             Confidence
             ,
             and
             to
             excite
             our
             Care
             ;
             to
             awaken
             us
             out
             of
             our
             Lethargy
             ,
             and
             to
             quicken
             our
             sence
             both
             of
             our
             Miserable
             Condition
             ,
             and
             our
             need
             of
             his
             Favour
             :
             to
             humble
             our
             Rebellion
             ,
             to
             heal
             and
             purge
             our
             Corruptions
             ,
             to
             moderate
             our
             Passions
             ,
             to
             heighten
             our
             Penitence
             ,
             to
             abate
             our
             Pride
             ,
             to
             increase
             our
             Ardour
             in
             Devotion
             and
             Prayer
             ;
             to
             make
             our
             subjection
             to
             ,
             and
             dependance
             on
             him
             Clear
             ;
             to
             stir
             us
             up
             to
             a
             more
             strict
             Examination
             of
             our selves
             in
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             Words
             ,
             and
             Deeds
             ,
             least
             some
             Jonas
             or
             other
             should
             lie
             in
             the
             Ship
             ,
             that
             continues
             the
             Tempest
             upon
             us
             ;
             to
             enkindle
             our
             Compassion
             towards
             our
             afflicted
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             to
             enflame
             us
             with
             more
             
             perfect
             Zeal
             ,
             and
             Love
             towards
             GOD
             ;
             It
             is
             like
             Wormwood
             that
             imbitters
             the
             Nipple
             ,
             to
             wean
             us
             from
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             augment
             our
             desire
             
               to
               be
               dissolved
               and
               to
               be
               with
               Christ
            
             ;
             to
             make
             us
             groan
             after
             our
             
               Eternal
               Rest
            
             ,
             and
             long
             for
             the
             
               glorious
               Liberty
               of
               the
               Sons
               of
               GOD.
            
             Sometimes
             he
             suffereth
             Tribulations
             and
             Trials
             to
             come
             upon
             us
             ,
             by
             the
             Perverseness
             of
             Men
             ,
             who
             being
             left
             at
             Liberty
             in
             their
             dominion
             over
             the
             World
             ,
             are
             the
             principal
             Authors
             of
             all
             the
             Troubles
             and
             disorders
             in
             it
             .
             To
             know
             the
             several
             springs
             and
             sources
             of
             Affliction
             is
             very
             expedient
             ;
             for
             our
             Patience
             and
             Contentment
             much
             dependeth
             upon
             it
             .
             A
             confused
             Apprehension
             makes
             us
             blind
             ,
             but
             a
             clear
             Sight
             distinguisheth
             between
             the
             Will
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             Corruption
             of
             Nature
             ;
             which
             in
             our selves
             and
             others
             is
             the
             principal
             Cause
             of
             all
             our
             disturbances
             .
          
           
             BE
             it
             by
             which
             of
             all
             these
             Occasions
             it
             will
             ,
             or
             for
             which
             of
             all
             these
             Ends
             it
             can
             befal
             us
             ,
             it
             is
             evermore
             to
             increase
             our
             Conquest
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             us
             like
             the
             King
             of
             Sufferings
             pure
             and
             perfect
             .
             And
             the
             Consideration
             of
             Gods
             over-ruling
             Power
             and
             Providence
             therein
             ,
             which
             
             makes
             all
             these
             Things
             work
             to
             together
             for
             our
             good
             ,
             begetteth
             a
             grateful
             Admiration
             in
             us
             as
             well
             as
             a
             sence
             of
             our
             dependance
             on
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             increaseth
             the
             Fear
             of
             GOD
             in
             our
             Souls
             ,
             and
             animates
             us
             with
             great
             Wonder
             ,
             that
             he
             should
             put
             his
             hand
             to
             touch
             the
             vile
             and
             evil
             Off-spring
             of
             our
             Sin
             ,
             and
             turn
             all
             into
             Good
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             to
             rest
             in
             our
             Exaltation
             and
             Glory
             by
             his
             Wisdom
             and
             Mercy
             .
          
           
             Concerning
             GOD's
             
               End
               in
               bringing
               ,
               and
               permitting
               all
               these
               Evils
               ,
               the
               Scripture
               is
               very
               frequent
               :
               It
               was
               one
               of
            
             Job's
             
             Contemplations
             ,
             What
             is
             Man
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             magnifie
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             set
             thine
             Heart
             upon
             him
             ;
             and
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             visit
             him
             every
             Morning
             ,
             and
             try
             him
             every
             Moment
             ?
             
               Man
               is
               magnified
               by
               his
               Trials
               .
               It
               was
            
             David's
             Observation
             ,
             The
             LORD
             is
             in
             his
             holy
             Temple
             ,
             the
             Lords
             Throne
             is
             in
             Heaven
             :
             his
             Eyes
             behold
             ,
             his
             Eye-lids
             try
             the
             Children
             of
             Men.
             
             The
             Lord
             trieth
             the
             Righteous
             ;
             but
             the
             Wicked
             and
             him
             that
             loveth
             Violence
             his
             Soul
             hateth
             .
             
               It
               was
            
             Daniel's
             Prophesie
             ,
             
             And
             some
             of
             them
             of
             Understanding
             shall
             fall
             ,
             to
             try
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             purge
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             them
             White
             ,
             even
             to
             the
             time
             
             of
             the
             End.
             GOD
             
               himself
               expresseth
               his
               own
               Resolution
            
             ,
             I
             will
             bring
             part
             of
             them
             through
             the
             fire
             ,
             and
             will
             refine
             them
             as
             Silver
             is
             refined
             ,
             and
             try
             them
             as
             Gold
             is
             tried
             :
             They
             shall
             call
             on
             my
             Name
             and
             I
             will
             hear
             them
             ;
             I
             will
             say
             ,
             It
             is
             my
             People
             ,
             and
             they
             shall
             say
             ,
             The
             LORD
             is
             my
             GOD.
             
             
          
           
             THE
             meaning
             of
             all
             which
             places
             is
             ,
             not
             as
             if
             GOD
             did
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             all
             these
             Trials
             to
             know
             what
             is
             in
             us
             :
             for
             he
             knoweth
             what
             is
             in
             Man
             from
             all
             Eternity
             :
             before
             these
             Trials
             come
             he
             
               searcheth
               the
               Heart
               ,
               and
               trieth
               the
               Reins
               ,
            
             and
             discerneth
             the
             thoughts
             ,
             and
             purposes
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             He
             seeth
             every
             Inclination
             in
             the
             seed
             ,
             every
             Grace
             in
             the
             secret
             habit
             of
             the
             Mind
             ,
             and
             every
             Vertue
             in
             the
             Root
             .
             They
             lie
             in
             the
             Seed
             ,
             but
             yet
             he
             seeth
             a
             mighty
             difference
             between
             quiet
             Habits
             ,
             and
             effectual
             Operations
             :
             for
             they
             differ
             as
             much
             as
             the
             Root
             and
             the
             Blossom
             ,
             or
             the
             Blossom
             and
             the
             Fruit.
             For
             Vertues
             to
             lie
             asleep
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             for
             Vertues
             to
             be
             actually
             and
             fully
             perfected
             ,
             is
             as
             great
             a
             difference
             ,
             as
             for
             a
             Vine
             to
             be
             of
             a
             generous
             kind
             ,
             and
             prone
             to
             bear
             ,
             but
             to
             remain
             without
             Fruit
             ;
             or
             for
             a
             Vine
             to
             
             bring
             forth
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             really
             laden
             with
             all
             the
             bunches
             of
             Grapes
             that
             beautifie
             it
             .
             The
             Excellency
             of
             its
             Nature
             is
             vain
             ,
             if
             its
             Fruit
             be
             never
             brought
             to
             perfection
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Glory
             in
             the
             Work
             which
             the
             silent
             Habit
             is
             uncapable
             of
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Life
             and
             Vigour
             of
             the
             Exercise
             in
             which
             all
             the
             brightness
             consisteth
             .
             Even
             Diamonds
             in
             the
             Quarry
             are
             dull
             and
             dim
             ,
             they
             receive
             not
             their
             full
             lustre
             and
             Price
             till
             they
             are
             cut
             and
             polished
             .
             GOD
             hath
             placed
             our
             Trial
             in
             sharp
             and
             bitter
             Atchievments
             ,
             because
             the
             Love
             that
             is
             exprest
             in
             Agonies
             and
             Conflicts
             ,
             acquires
             other
             kind
             of
             Beauties
             ,
             that
             produce
             more
             violent
             and
             strong
             Effects
             in
             the
             Mind
             of
             the
             Spectator
             ,
             and
             touch
             the
             Soul
             of
             the
             Beloved
             with
             more
             quick
             and
             feeling
             Compassions
             ,
             than
             any
             Love
             expressed
             in
             Ease
             and
             Pleasure
             can
             pretend
             to
             .
             And
             since
             all
             our
             Felicity
             consists
             in
             the
             violence
             of
             Gods
             Love
             ,
             his
             great
             and
             perfect
             Sence
             of
             our
             Beauty
             and
             Honour
             ,
             his
             full
             and
             compleat
             delight
             and
             Complacency
             ,
             all
             that
             which
             affecteth
             his
             Soul
             with
             more
             feeling
             and
             tender
             Resentment
             ,
             must
             be
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             and
             precious
             to
             us
             ,
             because
             〈◊〉
             〈◊〉
             us
             more
             dear
             and
             precious
             to
             
             him
             .
             We
             live
             in
             him
             more
             effectually
             ,
             and
             feel
             our selves
             rooted
             in
             his
             Love
             ,
             and
             crowned
             with
             his
             Com●lacency
             more
             abundantly
             ,
             by
             how
             much
             the
             more
             his
             Affection
             bleedeth
             ,
             and
             his
             Pity
             (
             which
             enbalms
             Love
             )
             is
             stirred
             up
             to
             receive
             us
             .
             And
             therefore
             it
             is
             that
             St.
             Peter
             saith
             ,
             
               We
               are
               in
               Heaviness
               for
               a
               season
               through
               manifold
               Temptations
               ,
               that
               the
               Trial
               of
               our
               Faith
               being
               much
               more
               precious
               than
               of
               Gold
               that
               perisheth
               ,
               though
               it
               be
               tried
               with
               Fire
               ,
               might
               be
               found
               unto
               Praise
               ,
               and
               Honour
               ,
               and
               Glory
               at
               the
               Appearing
               of
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             
             For
             as
             we
             have
             before
             observed
             ,
             Love
             is
             more
             effeminate
             in
             a
             condition
             of
             Repose
             ,
             where
             all
             is
             sweet
             and
             easie
             to
             our selves
             :
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Fidelity
             ,
             no
             Patience
             ,
             no
             Fortitude
             ,
             no
             actual
             Sacrificing
             of
             all
             our
             Contentments
             and
             Joyes
             to
             our
             Beloved
             ;
             no
             Victory
             over
             Death
             ,
             and
             Hell
             ,
             and
             the
             Grave
             ;
             no
             Self
             denial
             ,
             no
             Endearments
             springing
             from
             the
             same
             ,
             no
             Prelation
             of
             our
             Object
             above
             our selves
             ;
             no
             loss
             of
             Honours
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             Liberties
             ,
             and
             Lives
             for
             our
             Objects
             sake
             ;
             and
             the
             more
             of
             this
             is
             Actually
             done
             ,
             the
             more
             of
             Necessity
             must
             be
             the
             following
             Joy
             of
             Glory
             .
             And
             for
             this
             Cause
             doth
             St.
             Peter
             further
             
             exhort
             us
             ,
             
               Beloved
               ,
               think
               it
               not
               strange
               concerning
               the
               fiery
               Trial
               which
               is
               to
               try
               you
               ,
               as
               though
               some
               strange
               thing
               happened
               unto
               you
               :
               But
               rejoyce
               ,
               in
               as
               much
               as
               ye
               are
               Partakers
               of
               Christs
               Sufferings
               :
               that
               when
               his
               Glory
               is
               revealed
               ,
               you
               may
               be
               glad
               also
               with
               exceeding
               Joy.
               If
               ye
               be
               reproached
               for
               the
               Name
               of
               Christ
               happy
               are
               ye
               ,
               for
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Glory
               and
               of
               God
               resteth
               upon
               you
               :
               on
               their
               part
               he
               is
               evil
               spoken
               of
               ,
               but
               on
               your
               part
               he
               is
               glorisied
               .
            
             
          
           
             THIS
             he
             speaketh
             I
             confess
             of
             the
             Persecutions
             ,
             Imprisonments
             ,
             and
             Flames
             of
             the
             Martyrs
             ,
             that
             were
             Gods
             Friends
             ,
             and
             the
             Champions
             of
             his
             Truth
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             in
             vindication
             of
             his
             Glory
             endured
             the
             Brunt
             ,
             and
             received
             all
             the
             Arrows
             of
             his
             Enemies
             in
             their
             Bosom
             :
             but
             no
             Man
             has
             cause
             to
             be
             discouraged
             .
             For
             where
             the
             greatness
             of
             the
             Cause
             is
             wanting
             ,
             and
             the
             apparent
             glory
             of
             the
             Consequence
             unseen
             ,
             as
             for
             the
             most
             part
             it
             is
             in
             all
             our
             common
             and
             ordinary
             Afflictions
             ;
             there
             to
             submit
             to
             the
             Will
             of
             GOD
             ,
             where
             there
             is
             so
             much
             Baseness
             as
             in
             Poverty
             :
             in
             Sickness
             where
             there
             is
             so
             much
             Unprofitableness
             ,
             in
             private
             Losses
             and
             Calamities
             where
             there
             is
             so
             much
             Obscurity
             ;
             meerly
             because
             it
             is
             
             GODS
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             because
             in
             other
             things
             he
             hath
             infinitely
             obliged
             us
             ,
             and
             prepared
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Joyes
             :
             this
             hath
             a
             peculiar
             Grace
             in
             its
             nature
             ,
             that
             in
             ordinary
             occurrences
             makes
             our
             Patience
             more
             rare
             and
             extraordinary
             .
          
           
             THERE
             are
             a
             thousand
             things
             that
             may
             be
             said
             on
             this
             Theme
             ,
             which
             for
             brevity
             I
             must
             pass
             :
             All
             I
             shall
             observe
             further
             is
             this
             ,
             that
             as
             the
             Scriptures
             open
             the
             design
             of
             Patience
             ,
             and
             unvail
             the
             face
             of
             its
             mysterious
             Nature
             ,
             so
             doth
             Reason
             shew
             its
             invincible
             height
             and
             magnanimity
             .
             Patience
             is
             a
             Vertue
             whose
             element
             is
             in
             Miseries
             :
             it
             owes
             its
             being
             to
             Pains
             and
             Calamities
             :
             were
             there
             no
             Miseries
             there
             could
             be
             no
             Patience
             .
             Evils
             are
             its
             Play-sellows
             ,
             it
             feeds
             upon
             Sorrows
             ,
             thrives
             by
             Disadvantages
             ,
             grows
             rich
             by
             Poverties
             ,
             it
             must
             needs
             surmount
             all
             Opposition
             ,
             for
             the
             more
             it
             endures
             the
             greater
             it
             is
             .
             It
             is
             impossible
             for
             Calamity
             to
             hurt
             Patience
             :
             it
             is
             made
             perfect
             by
             Sufferings
             .
             The
             more
             Patient
             a
             man
             is
             ,
             his
             Patience
             is
             the
             greater
             :
             and
             the
             greater
             his
             Patience
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             strong
             and
             mighty
             his
             Soul
             is
             .
             Nothing
             can
             quell
             him
             ,
             or
             discourage
             ,
             or
             overcome
             him
             ,
             that
             is
             compleat
             in
             Patience
             .
          
           
           
             He
             dareth
             all
             things
             ,
             because
             he
             can
             endure
             them
             .
             All
             his
             Martial
             and
             Heroical
             Vertues
             are
             knit
             together
             in
             Patience
             .
             Fortitude
             it self
             cannot
             win
             the
             field
             without
             it
             .
             The
             most
             valiant
             Souldier
             is
             but
             useless
             if
             he
             cannot
             endure
             Hunger
             and
             Cold
             ,
             and
             Heat
             and
             Rain
             ,
             the
             Incommodities
             of
             a
             March
             ,
             and
             lying
             on
             the
             Ground
             .
             VVhile
             he
             that
             endures
             all
             things
             marches
             on
             ,
             and
             gets
             into
             the
             Field
             where
             Fidelity
             ,
             Love
             ,
             and
             Loyalty
             are
             tried
             ,
             and
             cannot
             be
             hindered
             from
             the
             full
             and
             perfect
             exercise
             of
             all
             these
             ,
             because
             he
             can
             bear
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             Evil
             ,
             he
             can
             do
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             Good
             :
             He
             will
             fight
             the
             good
             fight
             with
             alacrity
             ,
             and
             at
             last
             most
             certainly
             attain
             the
             Crown
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             and
             the
             Kings
             favour
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXV
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Cause
               of
               Meekness
               is
               Love.
               It
               respects
               the
               future
               beauty
               and
               perfection
               of
               its
               object
               .
               It
               is
               the
               most
               supernatural
               of
               all
               the
               Vertues
               .
               The
               Reasons
               and
               Grounds
               of
               this
               Vertue
               in
               the
               estate
               of
               Grace
               and
               Misery
               .
               It
               s
               manifold
               Effects
               and
               Excellencies
               .
               Of
               the
               Meekness
               of
               Moses
               and
               Joseph
               .
            
          
           
             MEEKNESS
             is
             a
             Vertue
             of
             the
             Third
             estate
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             Patience
             .
             Patience
             regards
             Calamities
             ,
             Meekness
             VVrongs
             .
             The
             Injuries
             that
             we
             receive
             from
             others
             are
             its
             proper
             Objects
             .
             It
             springs
             from
             Love
             ,
             and
             tends
             to
             its
             Continuance
             and
             Preservation
             .
             It
             hath
             something
             peculiar
             in
             its
             nature
             ,
             because
             it
             gives
             Immutability
             to
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             makes
             our
             VVorth
             not
             to
             depend
             on
             other
             Mens
             Deservings
             ,
             but
             our
             own
             Resolutions
             .
             It
             is
             fed
             by
             Charity
             ,
             and
             like
             a
             grateful
             Off
             spring
             of
             a
             Parent
             so
             amiable
             ,
             helps
             in
             its
             greatest
             extremity
             to
             preserve
             it
             from
             its
             extinction
             .
             For
             all
             Love
             by
             Nature
             dies
             into
             Distaste
             ,
             
             when
             its
             Object
             hath
             offended
             :
             because
             Approbation
             which
             is
             the
             first
             step
             to
             Esteem
             ,
             and
             Esteem
             it self
             which
             is
             a
             degree
             to
             Love
             ,
             have
             no
             other
             Object
             but
             something
             that
             is
             Amiable
             and
             sit
             to
             be
             beloved
             .
             And
             again
             every
             thing
             that
             is
             divested
             of
             all
             its
             excellence
             ,
             is
             common
             ,
             if
             not
             odious
             ;
             and
             lost
             to
             our
             Affection
             ,
             till
             Meekness
             comes
             in
             to
             rescue
             and
             save
             both
             our
             Love
             and
             it
             from
             its
             dismal
             Period
             .
             It
             s
             End
             is
             the
             Recovery
             of
             what
             has
             offended
             ,
             Hope
             and
             Possibility
             are
             the
             foundation
             of
             its
             exercise
             ,
             Prudence
             is
             the
             Guide
             by
             which
             it
             is
             conducted
             to
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             our
             desire
             in
             the
             restitution
             of
             Amity
             between
             us
             and
             our
             Adversary
             .
          
           
             WHERE
             there
             is
             no
             hope
             that
             the
             Beauty
             of
             what
             we
             love
             may
             be
             regained
             ,
             Meekness
             hath
             lost
             its
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             with
             that
             its
             Existence
             .
             For
             if
             it
             be
             impossible
             that
             an
             evil
             Person
             should
             ever
             be
             reclaimed
             ,
             it
             is
             to
             no
             purpose
             to
             be
             Meek
             .
             He
             that
             can
             never
             be
             delightful
             more
             ,
             is
             utterly
             useless
             :
             Meekness
             therefore
             which
             derives
             its
             solidity
             and
             Power
             from
             its
             End
             ,
             is
             in
             such
             cases
             utterly
             abolished
             .
             For
             this
             cause
             it
             is
             that
             we
             are
             to
             esteem
             our
             Saviours
             Blood
             
             the
             ground
             on
             which
             it
             stands
             :
             since
             all
             Nature
             without
             his
             Incarnation
             ,
             Death
             ,
             and
             Passion
             ,
             could
             never
             restore
             a
             Sinner
             to
             the
             possibility
             of
             becoming
             Just
             and
             Amiable
             .
             This
             Vertue
             of
             Meekness
             respects
             the
             future
             beauty
             and
             perfection
             of
             an
             Object
             that
             is
             now
             deformed
             ;
             It
             must
             needs
             be
             of
             transcendent
             excellency
             ,
             since
             the
             practice
             of
             Meekness
             is
             acquired
             by
             the
             price
             of
             our
             Saviours
             Blood
             ,
             and
             the
             first
             step
             to
             its
             exercise
             did
             cost
             the
             death
             of
             the
             Eternal
             GOD.
             
          
           
             IT
             is
             a
             transcendent
             Vertue
             ,
             because
             the
             Means
             of
             introducing
             it
             are
             wholy
             Supernatural
             .
             It
             carries
             us
             above
             all
             the
             Rules
             of
             Nature
             ,
             above
             all
             the
             Principles
             of
             Reason
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             is
             Supernatural
             .
             For
             by
             Nature
             we
             are
             to
             be
             Just
             and
             Good
             towards
             all
             that
             are
             Innocent
             ,
             and
             kind
             to
             all
             those
             to
             whom
             Kindness
             is
             due
             :
             but
             it
             is
             not
             by
             Nature
             either
             just
             or
             rational
             that
             we
             should
             love
             any
             Creature
             that
             is
             Evil
             :
             and
             how
             GOD
             came
             to
             do
             it
             first
             is
             an
             infinite
             VVonder
             .
             Though
             now
             since
             
               he
               hath
               first
               loved
               us
            
             who
             are
             so
             vile
             ,
             nothing
             is
             more
             natural
             than
             that
             we
             should
             do
             as
             we
             are
             done
             unto
             ,
             imitate
             him
             ,
             and
             love
             those
             whom
             
             our
             Creatour
             loveth
             :
             With
             Pity
             and
             Benevolence
             at
             first
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             hereafter
             do
             it
             ,
             with
             full
             Complacency
             .
          
           
             That
             Humane
             Nature
             is
             infinitely
             exalted
             by
             the
             Incarnation
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             GOD
             is
             confessed
             by
             all
             those
             ,
             that
             believe
             the
             Article
             of
             our
             Saviours
             Incarnation
             :
             that
             the
             Earth
             how
             base
             soever
             it
             seem
             is
             the
             Bride
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             it
             s
             own
             quiet
             ,
             and
             the
             embraces
             of
             the
             Skies
             ,
             that
             make
             it
             the
             Centre
             of
             all
             their
             Revolutions
             ,
             sufficiently
             demonstrate
             ;
             though
             few
             have
             observed
             that
             the
             Sun
             ,
             and
             Moon
             ,
             and
             Stars
             dance
             attendance
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             cherish
             it
             with
             their
             Influences
             ,
             while
             the
             Earthly
             Globe
             is
             crowned
             with
             the
             fruits
             of
             all
             their
             secret
             Endeavours
             :
             That
             the
             Angels
             desire
             to
             look
             down
             into
             those
             things
             which
             are
             done
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             the
             very
             Scriptures
             witness
             ;
             and
             yet
             for
             all
             this
             ,
             it
             would
             seem
             a
             New
             Doctrine
             ,
             to
             affirm
             ,
             that
             there
             are
             Works
             done
             here
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             that
             are
             by
             Nature
             above
             the
             Heavens
             .
             Yet
             all
             the
             Operations
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Good
             Works
             of
             Holy
             Men
             ,
             especially
             the
             Meekness
             and
             Patience
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             which
             are
             founded
             on
             the
             greatest
             Miracle
             in
             all
             Eternity
             ,
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             to
             
             Sinners
             ,
             and
             his
             stupendious
             Humiliation
             and
             Passion
             for
             them
             ,
             are
             set
             upon
             a
             higher
             Basis
             than
             all
             Nature
             ,
             except
             that
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             can
             afford
             unto
             us
             .
             Which
             Note
             I
             make
             for
             our
             greater
             encouragement
             to
             the
             works
             of
             Meekness
             .
             They
             are
             all
             in
             Nature
             like
             the
             effects
             of
             our
             Saviours
             Love
             to
             the
             greatest
             Offendors
             .
             Reason
             it self
             is
             now
             exalted
             above
             all
             its
             former
             heights
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             reason
             since
             our
             Saviours
             Death
             for
             the
             doing
             of
             that
             which
             no
             reason
             ,
             before
             he
             designed
             to
             forgive
             ,
             and
             Die
             for
             us
             ,
             could
             lead
             us
             to
             do
             .
          
           
             THAT
             GOD
             through
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             Love
             may
             condescend
             to
             such
             Indignities
             as
             are
             infinitely
             unworthy
             of
             him
             ,
             we
             see
             by
             the
             Examples
             of
             Kings
             and
             Queens
             ,
             and
             other
             high
             and
             delicate
             Personages
             ,
             that
             suffer
             their
             Children
             to
             play
             with
             their
             Beards
             ,
             and
             the
             Tresses
             of
             their
             Hair
             ;
             which
             other
             Persons
             dare
             not
             so
             much
             as
             approach
             ,
             for
             the
             Reverence
             of
             their
             Majesty
             .
             I
             have
             oftentimes
             admired
             at
             the
             mean
             Offices
             to
             which
             Parents
             stoop
             ,
             and
             the
             familiar
             boldness
             they
             permit
             to
             their
             little
             ones
             ,
             to
             play
             with
             their
             Scepters
             ,
             and
             Crowns
             ,
             and
             Eyes
             ,
             and
             Lips
             ,
             with
             their
             Breasts
             
             and
             Jewels
             ,
             and
             sometimes
             to
             pinch
             and
             hurt
             ,
             nay
             and
             to
             defile
             them
             too
             ,
             being
             unmindful
             of
             their
             State
             ,
             and
             far
             from
             all
             Anger
             and
             Indignation
             .
             But
             the
             free
             Pardon
             ,
             and
             desire
             of
             the
             Return
             of
             vicious
             and
             debauched
             Children
             ,
             is
             a
             nearer
             instance
             and
             resemblance
             of
             GOD
             ,
             in
             his
             gracious
             Dispensations
             ,
             who
             suffers
             all
             Nature
             still
             to
             attend
             us
             ,
             though
             we
             continually
             prophane
             his
             Name
             ,
             and
             injure
             his
             eternal
             Goodness
             by
             our
             manifold
             Transgressions
             .
          
           
             THIS
             Example
             of
             GOD
             ,
             who
             died
             for
             Sinners
             ,
             in
             the
             Person
             of
             his
             Son
             ,
             and
             prayed
             for
             his
             Tormentors
             ,
             in
             the
             very
             Act
             of
             their
             Cruelty
             and
             Rage
             against
             him
             ,
             should
             prevail
             with
             us
             to
             esteem
             all
             those
             whom
             he
             owneth
             for
             his
             Children
             ,
             as
             our
             own
             Bowels
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             as
             Meek
             and
             Condescending
             to
             all
             Mankind
             ,
             as
             Parents
             are
             to
             their
             Children
             .
             The
             Reasons
             of
             which
             Duty
             are
             thus
             variously
             offered
             to
             our
             Consideration
             .
          
           
             TO
             labour
             after
             those
             Principles
             only
             that
             establish
             our
             repose
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             Bliss
             and
             Innocency
             ,
             is
             utterly
             impertinent
             to
             our
             present
             Condition
             .
             —
          
           
             
             
               Were
               all
               the
               World
               a
               Paradice
               of
               Ease
            
             
               'T
               were
               easie
               then
               to
               live
               in
               Peace
               .
            
             
               Were
               all
               men
               Wise
               ,
               Divine
               ,
               and
               Innocent
               ,
            
             
               Just
               ,
               Holy
               ,
               Peaceful
               ,
               and
               Content
               ,
            
             
               Kind
               ,
               Loving
               ,
               True
               ,
               and
               alwaies
               Good
               ,
            
             
               As
               in
               the
               Golden-Age
               they
               stood
               ;
            
             
               'T
               were
               easie
               then
               to
               live
            
             
               In
               all
               Delight
               and
               Glory
               ,
               full
               of
               Love
               ,
            
             
               Blest
               as
               the
               Angels
               are
               above
               .
            
          
           
             
               But
               we
               such
               Principles
               must
               now
               attain
               ,
            
             
               (
               If
               we
               true
               Blessedness
               would
               gain
               )
            
             
               As
               those
               are
               ,
               which
               will
               help
               to
               make
               us
               reign
            
             
               Over
               Disorders
               ,
               Injuries
               ,
            
             
               Ingratitudes
               ,
               Calamities
               ,
            
             
               Affronts
               ,
               Oppressions
               ,
               Slanders
               ,
               Wrongs
               ,
            
             
               Lies
               ,
               Anger
               's
               ,
               bitter
               Tongues
               ,
            
             
               The
               reach
               of
               Malice
               must
               surmount
               ,
               and
               quell
            
             
               The
               very
               Rage
               ,
               and
               Power
               of
               Hell.
               
            
          
           
             NO
             Man
             but
             he
             that
             came
             down
             from
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             gave
             his
             Apostles
             power
             to
             handle
             Vipers
             ,
             and
             drink
             any
             deadly
             thing
             without
             harm
             ,
             was
             able
             to
             reveal
             the
             way
             of
             Peace
             and
             Felicity
             to
             Sinners
             .
             He
             ,
             and
             only
             he
             that
             made
             them
             able
             to
             trample
             Satan
             under
             feet
             ,
             and
             taught
             them
             how
             to
             vanquish
             all
             the
             Powers
             of
             
             Darkness
             ,
             was
             worthy
             to
             make
             known
             this
             glorious
             mystery
             of
             Patience
             and
             Meekness
             ,
             by
             which
             in
             despite
             of
             all
             the
             Corruptions
             and
             Violences
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             holy
             Soul
             of
             a
             quiet
             Man
             is
             armed
             and
             prepared
             for
             all
             Assaults
             ,
             and
             so
             invironed
             with
             its
             own
             repose
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Provocations
             it
             is
             undisturbed
             ,
             and
             dwells
             as
             it
             were
             in
             a
             Sanctuary
             of
             Peace
             within
             it self
             ,
             in
             a
             Paradice
             of
             Bliss
             ,
             while
             it
             is
             surrounded
             with
             the
             howlings
             of
             a
             terrible
             Wilderness
             .
             Nothing
             else
             can
             make
             us
             live
             happily
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             for
             among
             so
             many
             Causes
             of
             Anger
             and
             Distaste
             ,
             no
             man
             can
             live
             well
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             carries
             about
             him
             perpetual
             Antidotes
             and
             Victories
             .
          
           
             THERE
             are
             two
             things
             absolutely
             necessary
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             outward
             Security
             ,
             and
             inward
             Contentment
             .
             Meekness
             is
             as
             it
             were
             the
             Bulwark
             of
             Security
             ,
             which
             though
             it
             be
             as
             soft
             as
             Wool
             ,
             is
             able
             with
             more
             success
             to
             repel
             the
             violence
             of
             a
             Cannon-Bullet
             ,
             than
             the
             rough
             temper
             of
             a
             
               Stone-Wall
               .
               Contentment
            
             springs
             from
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             Desire
             in
             the
             sight
             and
             fruition
             of
             all
             Treasures
             and
             Glories
             :
             And
             as
             the
             Sun
             is
             surrounded
             with
             its
             own
             Light
             ,
             the
             felicity
             of
             the
             Enjoyment
             
             becomes
             its
             own
             fortress
             and
             security
             .
             For
             he
             that
             is
             throughly
             Happy
             ,
             has
             so
             much
             work
             to
             do
             in
             Contemplation
             and
             Thanksgiving
             ,
             that
             he
             cannot
             have
             while
             to
             be
             concerned
             with
             other
             mens
             disorders
             ,
             he
             loves
             his
             Employment
             too
             well
             to
             be
             disturbed
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             allow
             himself
             the
             thoughts
             of
             Revenge
             or
             Anger
             .
          
           
             IN
             two
             things
             Meekness
             is
             greatly
             profitable
             to
             a
             Mans
             self
             ,
             Possession
             and
             Triumph
             .
             He
             that
             permits
             the
             Tumult
             of
             the
             World
             to
             enter
             into
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             suffers
             the
             Temple
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             to
             be
             defiled
             with
             Rage
             and
             Anger
             ,
             makes
             it
             an
             unfit
             habitation
             for
             the
             Blessed
             Spirit
             .
             Doves
             will
             not
             dwell
             in
             Pigeon-Houses
             disturbed
             ,
             or
             haunted
             with
             Vermin
             :
             nor
             can
             Felicity
             be
             enjoyed
             but
             by
             serene
             and
             quiet
             Thoughts
             that
             are
             full
             of
             tranquillity
             .
             For
             
               where
               Envying
               and
               Strife
               is
               ,
               there
               is
               Confusion
               and
               every
               evil
               Work.
               But
               the
               Wisdom
               that
               is
               from
               above
               is
               first
               pure
               ,
               then
               peaceable
               ,
               gentle
               and
               easie
               to
               be
               intreated
               ,
               full
               of
               Mercy
               and
               good
               Fruits
               .
               And
               the
               fruit
               of
               Righteousness
               is
               sown
               in
               Peace
               of
               them
               that
               make
               Peace
               .
            
             Which
             must
             of
             necessity
             precede
             fruition
             ,
             as
             Triumph
             followeth
             .
          
           
           
             WERE
             I
             for
             my
             life
             to
             interpret
             that
             Text
             of
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             
               The
               Meek
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Earth
               ,
            
             I
             should
             in
             the
             first
             place
             say
             ,
             that
             every
             Knowing
             man
             may
             enjoy
             the
             beauty
             and
             glory
             of
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             and
             by
             sweet
             Contemplations
             delight
             in
             all
             the
             abundance
             of
             Treasures
             and
             pleasant
             Varieties
             that
             are
             here
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             especially
             since
             by
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             Nature
             all
             men
             are
             to
             be
             his
             peculiar
             Treasures
             .
             This
             he
             might
             do
             ,
             I
             say
             ,
             did
             all
             men
             love
             him
             ,
             and
             fill
             the
             World
             with
             Glory
             and
             Vertue
             .
             But
             since
             all
             is
             confounded
             by
             their
             perverseness
             and
             disorder
             ,
             his
             Fruition
             is
             utterly
             lost
             ,
             unless
             he
             will
             forgive
             all
             Injuries
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             vertue
             of
             Meekness
             maintain
             the
             quiet
             of
             his
             own
             Soul
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             their
             distempers
             .
             The
             Meek
             man
             is
             not
             fretted
             nor
             disturbed
             ,
             but
             may
             enjoy
             all
             Still
             :
             and
             the
             unspeakable
             Joy
             which
             all
             the
             Glories
             of
             Gods
             Kingdom
             do
             afford
             him
             ,
             shall
             make
             him
             more
             meek
             ,
             and
             able
             also
             to
             pacifie
             ,
             and
             rule
             ,
             and
             heal
             the
             minds
             of
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             and
             even
             by
             the
             love
             of
             Sinners
             to
             recover
             his
             Right
             ,
             and
             ancient
             Fruitions
             .
          
           
           
             TO
             be
             able
             to
             live
             at
             quiet
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             the
             felicity
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             attempts
             of
             our
             Enemies
             ,
             makes
             them
             mad
             when
             they
             see
             they
             cannot
             fret
             us
             ,
             and
             so
             by
             Consequence
             a
             greater
             Revenge
             is
             seated
             in
             Meekness
             than
             in
             Revenge
             it self
             .
             For
             our
             Repose
             is
             their
             punishment
             and
             torment
             that
             hate
             us
             .
             Their
             vexation
             falleth
             on
             their
             own
             head
             ,
             when
             they
             see
             they
             miss
             of
             their
             aim
             ,
             and
             cannot
             molest
             us
             :
             but
             it
             is
             a
             joy
             to
             see
             our selves
             seated
             in
             a
             throne
             of
             Repose
             ,
             clean
             out
             of
             their
             reach
             ;
             it
             breeds
             a
             kind
             of
             triumph
             and
             ovation
             in
             the
             Soul.
             The
             secret
             Conscience
             of
             its
             own
             Power
             is
             a
             glory
             and
             satisfaction
             unimaginable
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             masters
             his
             own
             Passion
             is
             master
             of
             anothers
             mans
             ,
             and
             seldom
             falls
             into
             those
             Broils
             and
             Inconveniencies
             that
             are
             the
             destruction
             of
             ungoverned
             and
             hasty
             Spirits
             .
             Which
             made
             Solomon
             to
             say
             ,
             
               He
               that
               is
               slow
               to
               Anger
               is
               better
               than
               the
               Mighty
               ,
               and
               he
               that
               ruleth
               his
               Spirit
               ,
               than
               he
               that
               taketh
               a
               City
               .
            
          
           
             
               HE
               that
               troubleth
               his
               own
               house
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Wind
            
             ;
             he
             that
             is
             nice
             and
             exquisite
             in
             exacting
             all
             Faults
             shall
             never
             
             be
             beloved
             .
             They
             are
             disobliging
             ,
             angry
             ,
             testy
             men
             that
             are
             hated
             ;
             and
             the
             Revengful
             that
             do
             frequently
             fall
             into
             mischief
             .
             But
             to
             be
             kind
             to
             the
             Unthankful
             and
             the
             Evil
             ,
             and
             to
             deal
             with
             all
             men
             better
             than
             they
             deserve
             ,
             is
             the
             way
             to
             be
             beloved
             by
             the
             worst
             of
             men
             ,
             and
             admired
             by
             the
             best
             .
          
           
             MEEKNESS
             is
             the
             retreat
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             force
             in
             the
             rear
             of
             Liberality
             .
             He
             that
             does
             one
             Injury
             after
             forty
             Kindnesses
             ,
             blots
             out
             the
             memory
             of
             all
             his
             Courtesies
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             revenges
             an
             Injury
             seems
             to
             do
             one
             .
             For
             he
             that
             did
             the
             Wrong
             ,
             seems
             innocent
             to
             himself
             ,
             because
             he
             felt
             it
             not
             ;
             and
             seeming
             innocent
             takes
             the
             Revenge
             as
             an
             undeserved
             Injury
             ,
             and
             is
             lost
             for
             ever
             .
             Now
             some
             Injuries
             we
             must
             expect
             from
             our
             best
             Friends
             ,
             which
             are
             alwaies
             lost
             for
             want
             of
             Meekness
             .
             So
             are
             all
             the
             Benefits
             we
             do
             ,
             unless
             we
             will
             forgive
             as
             well
             as
             give
             .
             But
             an
             Injury
             forgiven
             is
             forgotten
             by
             him
             that
             did
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             Friendship
             continues
             at
             the
             expence
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             honour
             and
             comfort
             of
             the
             Pardoner
             ,
             as
             if
             no
             Offence
             had
             ever
             been
             committed
             :
             Nay
             if
             afterwards
             he
             comes
             to
             see
             the
             Candor
             of
             his
             abused
             
             Friend
             ,
             he
             that
             did
             the
             Injury
             loves
             him
             better
             than
             before
             ,
             because
             he
             pardoned
             the
             Wrong
             .
          
           
             MEEKNESS
             as
             it
             preserves
             Friendship
             between
             two
             ,
             makes
             Goodness
             invincible
             and
             unalterable
             in
             one
             .
             He
             shall
             not
             be
             good
             long
             whose
             Goodness
             dependeth
             on
             others
             Merits
             .
             He
             is
             a
             miserable
             weak
             man
             ,
             that
             is
             of
             an
             Exceptious
             humor
             ;
             he
             is
             a
             trouble
             to
             his
             own
             flesh
             ,
             and
             subject
             to
             the
             power
             of
             every
             Wasp
             ,
             whether
             he
             shall
             be
             good
             or
             no.
             He
             is
             quickly
             stopt
             in
             his
             Careir
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             easily
             turned
             out
             of
             the
             way
             ,
             that
             is
             apt
             to
             be
             infected
             with
             anothers
             Malice
             .
             He
             carries
             no
             Antidotes
             about
             him
             ,
             and
             for
             want
             of
             a
             Preservative
             ,
             is
             in
             danger
             of
             the
             Contagion
             .
             Meekness
             is
             a
             means
             of
             the
             health
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             a
             Passionate
             man
             being
             all
             over
             sore
             ,
             is
             covered
             with
             hot
             and
             angry
             Boils
             ,
             which
             cannot
             be
             touched
             .
          
           
             IT
             preventeth
             much
             mischief
             in
             Families
             .
             An
             occasion
             of
             Anger
             is
             like
             a
             spark
             of
             Fire
             ,
             it
             is
             of
             great
             Consequence
             where
             it
             falleth
             .
             If
             it
             falls
             into
             barrels
             of
             Gunpowder
             ,
             it
             blows
             up
             the
             World
             ;
             if
             into
             green
             Wood
             or
             watery
             places
             ,
             it
             does
             no
             harm
             .
             Penitent
             Tears
             ,
             and
             the
             
             verdure
             of
             Humility
             prevent
             such
             flames
             ,
             and
             extinguish
             the
             quarrel
             .
             If
             Wild-fire
             be
             thrown
             ,
             I
             will
             put
             it
             out
             with
             my
             foot
             ,
             and
             not
             by
             throwing
             it
             back
             ,
             give
             my
             Enemy
             the
             advantage
             of
             retorting
             it
             upon
             me
             .
             
               A
               soft
               Answer
               pacifieth
               much
               Wrath
               ,
            
             but
             virulent
             Speeches
             are
             a
             fire-ball
             tossed
             to
             and
             fro
             ,
             of
             them
             that
             love
             Death
             .
          
           
             BY
             Revenge
             a
             man
             at
             best
             can
             but
             preserve
             himself
             ,
             by
             killing
             his
             Enemy
             :
             but
             Meekness
             well
             managed
             ,
             destroys
             the
             Enmity
             ,
             preserves
             the
             Person
             ,
             and
             turns
             the
             Enemy
             into
             an
             excellent
             Friend
             .
          
           
             MEEKNESS
             is
             not
             the
             way
             to
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Repose
             ,
             and
             Victory
             only
             ,
             but
             to
             Honour
             and
             Glory
             .
             As
             it
             is
             the
             strength
             ,
             
               it
               is
               the
               Glory
               of
               a
               man
               to
               pass
               over
               a
               Transgression
            
             :
             He
             that
             is
             lightly
             angered
             is
             quickly
             lost
             ,
             and
             a
             fickle
             Friend
             is
             not
             worth
             a
             farthing
             .
             A
             straw
             and
             a
             feather
             shall
             forfeit
             all
             the
             Obligations
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             in
             some
             Tempers
             .
             Nay
             he
             that
             is
             Revengful
             ,
             is
             a
             dangerous
             Person
             :
             and
             
               with
               an
               Angry
               man
               thou
               shalt
               not
               go
            
             :
             He
             has
             the
             Plague
             upon
             him
             and
             is
             prohibited
             Company
             .
             All
             this
             is
             dishonourable
             .
             But
             a
             man
             that
             is
             a
             resolved
             and
             
             stable
             Friend
             ,
             that
             cannot
             be
             alter'd
             ,
             that
             will
             not
             change
             ,
             though
             he
             be
             wronged
             ,
             but
             forgive
             ,
             and
             pity
             ,
             and
             continue
             to
             serve
             and
             love
             his
             Friend
             ,
             though
             he
             shews
             him
             some
             dirty
             Tricks
             ;
             he
             that
             will
             surmount
             all
             by
             invincible
             Kindness
             ,
             he
             is
             a
             solid
             and
             weighty
             Friend
             ,
             a
             rare
             Treasure
             ,
             and
             exceeding
             precious
             .
             Neither
             my
             Errors
             nor
             Misfortunes
             are
             able
             to
             change
             him
             that
             loveth
             me
             purely
             because
             he
             will
             love
             me
             .
             When
             his
             Excellency
             be
             found
             out
             ,
             he
             will
             more
             highly
             be
             esteemed
             ,
             not
             only
             by
             his
             Friend
             ,
             but
             by
             all
             that
             see
             him
             ,
             and
             note
             his
             Fidelity
             .
          
           
             INJURIES
             well
             forgiven
             are
             the
             highest
             Obligations
             in
             the
             World
             :
             especially
             if
             a
             man
             has
             been
             injured
             after
             many
             Benefits
             .
             A
             Friend
             that
             will
             so
             oblige
             ,
             is
             more
             to
             be
             preferred
             than
             the
             Gold
             of
             Ophir
          
           
             MEEKNESS
             brings
             a
             man
             into
             respect
             with
             his
             Servants
             ,
             and
             into
             power
             with
             his
             Neighbours
             .
             
               Anger
               resteth
               in
               the
               bosom
               of
               Fools
               ,
            
             but
             Meekness
             hath
             alwaies
             this
             advantage
             ,
             it
             is
             attended
             with
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             other
             Vertues
             ,
             as
             Goodness
             and
             Courage
             .
             A
             man
             that
             is
             prudent
             in
             Affairs
             ,
             and
             zealous
             of
             Good
             Works
             ,
             
             faithful
             in
             retaining
             Secrets
             ,
             and
             so
             full
             of
             Love
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             prone
             to
             do
             all
             manner
             of
             Good
             with
             industry
             ,
             and
             is
             couragious
             to
             expose
             himself
             to
             any
             Hazard
             ,
             for
             the
             benefit
             of
             his
             Neighbours
             ,
             shall
             keep
             his
             Servants
             in
             awe
             ,
             and
             yet
             be
             beloved
             of
             them
             :
             He
             shall
             be
             able
             to
             do
             among
             his
             Neighbours
             what
             he
             pleaseth
             :
             He
             shall
             when
             known
             well
             ,
             become
             the
             Father
             of
             all
             their
             Families
             ,
             they
             will
             entrust
             their
             Wives
             and
             Children
             in
             his
             hands
             ,
             as
             I
             have
             often
             experienced
             ;
             their
             Gold
             ,
             their
             Bonds
             ,
             their
             Souls
             ,
             their
             Affairs
             ,
             their
             Lives
             ,
             their
             Secrets
             ,
             Houses
             ,
             Liberties
             ,
             and
             Lands
             ;
             and
             be
             glad
             of
             such
             a
             Friend
             in
             whom
             to
             be
             safe
             ,
             and
             by
             whom
             to
             be
             assisted
             .
             But
             though
             you
             have
             all
             the
             Vertues
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             way
             to
             the
             use
             of
             them
             is
             blockt
             up
             without
             Meekness
             :
             for
             your
             Neighbours
             are
             few
             of
             them
             Wise
             ,
             or
             Good
             ;
             and
             if
             you
             will
             be
             provoked
             by
             Injuries
             ,
             you
             will
             upon
             forty
             occasions
             so
             distaste
             them
             ,
             that
             they
             will
             never
             trust
             you
             .
             You
             will
             look
             as
             like
             a
             Trifle
             ,
             a
             Knave
             ,
             or
             a
             Fool
             ,
             as
             one
             of
             them
             ;
             and
             be
             as
             very
             a
             Mad
             man.
             He
             that
             will
             not
             do
             good
             but
             to
             deserving
             Persons
             ,
             shall
             find
             very
             few
             to
             do
             good
             to
             .
             For
             he
             shall
             
             not
             be
             acquainted
             with
             Good
             men
             ,
             and
             from
             doing
             good
             to
             others
             he
             excludes
             himself
             .
             But
             if
             all
             his
             other
             Vertues
             are
             beautified
             by
             Meekness
             ,
             such
             a
             man
             will
             be
             like
             an
             Angel
             ,
             and
             live
             above
             all
             his
             Neighbours
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             were
             in
             Heaven
             .
             So
             that
             Meekness
             is
             his
             real
             exaltation
             .
             And
             this
             made
             our
             Saviour
             to
             cull
             out
             that
             Blessing
             for
             the
             Meek
             ,
             
               The
               Meek
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Earth
               .
            
             Even
             here
             upon
             Earth
             the
             Meek
             are
             they
             that
             are
             most
             blessed
             .
          
           
             TO
             do
             good
             to
             an
             innocent
             Person
             is
             Humane
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             kind
             and
             bountiful
             to
             a
             man
             ,
             after
             he
             has
             been
             Injurious
             ,
             is
             Divine
             .
             Philanthus
             gave
             Laws
             and
             Countries
             to
             the
             Parthenians
             ,
             and
             was
             disgraced
             and
             banished
             :
             But
             he
             did
             them
             good
             after
             the
             Injury
             ,
             and
             was
             made
             their
             God
             ,
             as
             Justine
             recordeth
             .
          
           
             THE
             very
             nature
             of
             the
             Work
             encourageth
             us
             to
             its
             exercise
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             GOD-like
             ,
             and
             truly
             Blessed
             .
             But
             there
             are
             many
             other
             Considerations
             moving
             us
             unto
             it
             .
          
           
             
             
               Mankind
               is
               sick
               ,
               the
               World
               distemper'd
               lies
               ,
            
             
               Opprest
               with
               Sins
               and
               Miseries
               .
            
             
               Their
               Sins
               are
               Woes
               ;
               a
               long
               corrupted
               Train
            
             
               Of
               Poyson
               ,
               drawn
               from
               Adam's
               vein
               ,
            
             
               Stains
               all
               his
               Seod
               ,
               and
               all
               his
               Kin
            
             
               Are
               one
               Disease
               of
               Life
               within
               .
            
             
               They
               all
               torment
               themselves
               !
            
             
               The
               World's
               one
               Bedlam
               ,
               or
               a
               greater
               Cave
            
             
               Of
               Mad-men
               ,
               that
               do
               alwaies
               rave
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               Wise
               and
               Good
               like
               kind
               Physicians
               are
               ,
            
             
               That
               strive
               to
               heal
               them
               by
               their
               Care.
            
             
               They
               physick
               and
               their
               Learning
               calmly
               use
               ,
            
             
               Although
               the
               Patient
               them
               abuse
               .
            
             
               For
               since
               the
               Sickness
               is
               (
               they
               find
               )
            
             
               A
               sad
               Distemper
               of
               the
               Mind
               ;
            
             
               All
               railings
               they
               impute
               ,
            
             
               All
               Injuries
               ,
               unto
               the
               sore
               Disease
               ,
            
             
               They
               are
               expresly
               come
               to
               ease
               !
            
          
           
             
               If
               we
               would
               to
               the
               Worlds
               distemper'd
               Mind
            
             
               Impute
               the
               Rage
               which
               there
               we
               find
               ,
            
             
               We
               might
               ,
               even
               in
               the
               midst
               of
               all
               our
               Foes
               ,
            
             
               Enjoy
               and
               feel
               a
               sweet
               Repose
               .
            
             
               Might
               pity
               all
               the
               Griefs
               we
               see
               ,
            
             
               Anointing
               every
               Malady
            
             
               With
               precious
               Oyl
               and
               Balm
               ;
            
             
               And
               while
               our selves
               are
               Calm
               ,
               our
               Art
               improve
            
             
               To
               rescue
               them
               ,
               and
               shew
               our
               Love.
               
            
          
           
             
             
               But
               let
               's
               not
               fondly
               our
               own
               selves
               beguile
               ;
            
             
               If
               we
               Revile
               '
               cause
               they
               Revile
               ,
            
             
               Our selves
               infected
               with
               their
               sore
               Disease
               ,
            
             
               Need
               others
               Helps
               to
               give
               us
               ease
               .
            
             
               For
               we
               more
               Mad
               then
               they
               remain
               ,
            
             
               Need
               to
               be
               cut
               ,
               and
               need
               a
               Chain
            
             
               Far
               more
               than
               they
               .
               Our
               Brain
            
             
               Is
               craz'd
               ;
               and
               if
               we
               put
               our
               Wit
               to
               theirs
               ,
            
             
               We
               may
               be
               justly
               made
               their
               Heirs
               .
            
          
           
             
               But
               while
               with
               open
               eyes
               we
               clearly
               see
            
             
               The
               brightness
               of
               his
               Majesty
               ;
            
             
               While
               all
               the
               World
               ,
               by
               Sin
               to
               Satan
               sold
               ,
            
             
               In
               daily
               Wickedness
               grows
               old
               ,
            
             
               Men
               in
               Chains
               of
               Darkness
               lye
               ,
            
             
               In
               Bondage
               and
               Iniquity
               ,
            
             
               And
               pierce
               and
               grieve
               themselves
               !
            
             
               The
               dismal
               Woes
               wherein
               they
               crawl
               ,
               enhance
            
             
               The
               Peace
               of
               our
               Inheritance
               .
            
          
           
             
               We
               wonder
               to
               behold
               our selves
               so
               nigh
            
             
               To
               so
               much
               Sin
               and
               Misery
               ,
            
             
               And
               yet
               to
               see
               our selves
               so
               safe
               from
               harm
               !
            
             
               What
               Amulet
               ,
               what
               hidden
               Charm
            
             
               Could
               fortifie
               and
               raise
               the
               Soul
            
             
               So
               far
               above
               them
               ;
               and
               controul
            
             
               Such
               fierce
               Malignity
               !
            
             
               The
               brightness
               and
               the
               glory
               which
               we
               see
            
             
               Is
               made
               a
               greater
               Mystery
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               And
               while
               we
               feel
               how
               much
               our
               GOD
               doth
               love
            
             
               The
               Peace
               of
               Sinners
               ,
               how
               much
               move
               ,
            
             
               And
               sue
               ,
               and
               thirst
               ,
               intreat
               ,
               lament
               and
               grieve
               ,
            
             
               For
               all
               the
               Crimes
               in
               which
               they
               live
               ,
            
             
               And
               seek
               and
               wait
               ,
               and
               call
               again
               ,
            
             
               And
               long
               to
               save
               them
               from
               the
               pain
            
             
               Of
               Sin
               ,
               from
               all
               their
               Woe
               !
            
             
               With
               greater
               thirst
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               grief
               we
               try
               ,
            
             
               How
               to
               relieve
               their
               Misery
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               life
               and
               splendour
               of
               Felicity
               ,
            
             
               Whose
               floods
               so
               over
               flowing
               be
               ,
            
             
               The
               streams
               of
               Joy
               which
               round
               about
               his
               Throne
               ,
            
             
               Enrich
               and
               fill
               each
               Holy
               One
               ,
            
             
               Are
               so
               abundant
               ,
               that
               we
               can
            
             
               Spare
               all
               ,
               even
               all
               to
               any
               Man
               !
            
             
               And
               have
               it
               all
               our selves
               !
            
             
               Nay
               have
               the
               more
               !
               We
               long
               to
               make
               them
               see
            
             
               The
               sweetness
               of
               Felicity
               .
            
          
           
             
               While
               we
               contemplate
               their
               Distresses
               ,
               how
               ,
            
             
               Blind
               Wretches
               ,
               they
               in
               bondage
               bow
               ,
            
             
               And
               tear
               and
               wound
               themselves
               ,
               and
               vex
               and
               groan
               ,
            
             
               And
               chase
               and
               fret
               so
               near
               his
               Throne
               ,
            
             
               And
               know
               not
               what
               they
               ail
               ,
               but
               lye
            
             
               Tormented
               in
               their
               Misery
            
             
               (
               Like
               Mad-men
               that
               are
               blind
               )
            
             
               In
               works
               of
               darkness
               nigh
               such
               full
               Delight
               :
            
             
               That
               they
               might
               find
               and
               see
               the
               sight
               ,
            
          
           
             
             
               What
               would
               we
               give
               !
               that
               they
               might
               likewise
               see
            
             
               The
               Glory
               of
               his
               Majesty
               !
            
             
               The
               joy
               and
               fulness
               of
               that
               high
               delight
               ,
            
             
               Whole
               Blessedness
               is
               infinite
               !
            
             
               We
               would
               even
               cease
               to
               live
               ,
               to
               gain
            
             
               Them
               from
               their
               misery
               and
               pain
               ,
            
             
               And
               make
               them
               with
               us
               reign
               .
            
             
               For
               they
               themselves
               would
               be
               our
               greatest
               Treasures
            
             
               When
               sav'd
               ,
               our
               own
               most
               Heavenly
               Pleasures
               .
            
          
           
             
               O
               holy
               JESUS
               who
               didst
               for
               us
               die
               ,
            
             
               And
               on
               the
               Altar
               bleeding
               lie
               ,
            
             
               Bearing
               all
               Torment
               ,
               pain
               ,
               reproach
               and
               shame
               ,
            
             
               That
               we
               by
               vertue
               of
               the
               same
               ,
            
             
               Though
               enemies
               to
               GOD
               ,
               might
               be
            
             
               Redeem'd
               ,
               and
               set
               at
               liberty
               .
            
             
               As
               thou
               didst
               us
               forgive
               ,
            
             
               So
               meekly
               let
               us
               Love
               to
               others
               shew
               ,
            
             
               And
               live
               in
               Heaven
               on
               Earth
               below
               !
            
          
           
             
               Let
               's
               prize
               their
               Souls
               ,
               and
               let
               them
               be
               our
               Gems
               ,
            
             
               Our
               Temples
               and
               our
               Diadems
               ,
            
             
               Our
               Brides
               ,
               our
               Friends
               ,
               our
               fellow-Members
               ,
               Eyes
            
             
               Hands
               ,
               Hearts
               and
               Souls
               ,
               our
               Victories
               ,
            
             
               And
               Spoils
               and
               Trophies
               ,
               our
               own
               Joyes
               !
            
             
               Compar'd
               to
               Souls
               all
               else
               are
               Toyes
               !
            
             
               O
               JESUS
               let
               them
               be
            
             
               Such
               unto
               us
               as
               they
               are
               unto
               thee
            
             
               Vessels
               of
               Glory
               and
               Felicitie
               !
            
          
           
             
             
               How
               will
               they
               love
               us
               ,
               when
               they
               find
               our
               Care
            
             
               Brought
               them
               all
               thither
               where
               they
               are
               !
            
             
               When
               they
               conceive
               ,
               what
               terrour
               't
               is
               to
               dwell
            
             
               In
               all
               the
               punishments
               of
               Hell
               :
            
             
               And
               in
               a
               lively
               manner
               see
               ,
            
             
               O
               Christ
               ,
               eternal
               Joyes
               in
               thee
               !
            
             
               How
               will
               they
               all
               delight
            
             
               In
               praising
               thee
               for
               us
               ,
               with
               all
               their
               might
               ,
            
             
               How
               sweet
               a
               Grace
               ,
               how
               infinite
               !
            
          
           
             WHEN
             we
             understand
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             the
             excellency
             of
             immortal
             Souls
             ,
             the
             price
             and
             value
             of
             our
             Saviours
             Blood
             ,
             the
             misery
             of
             Sin
             ,
             and
             the
             malady
             of
             distemper'd
             Nature
             ,
             the
             danger
             of
             Hell
             ,
             and
             the
             Joyes
             of
             which
             our
             sorest
             Enemies
             are
             capable
             ,
             the
             Obligations
             that
             lie
             on
             our selves
             ,
             and
             the
             peace
             and
             blessedness
             of
             so
             sweet
             a
             Duty
             .
             Compassion
             it self
             will
             melt
             us
             into
             Meekness
             ,
             and
             the
             wisdom
             of
             knowing
             these
             great
             things
             will
             make
             it
             as
             natural
             to
             us
             as
             Enjoyment
             it self
             ,
             as
             sweet
             and
             easie
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             to
             live
             and
             breath
             .
             It
             will
             seem
             the
             harshest
             and
             most
             unnatural
             thing
             in
             the
             World
             to
             sorbear
             so
             fair
             ,
             so
             just
             ,
             so
             reasonable
             ,
             so
             divine
             a
             Duty
             .
          
           
           
             NOR
             is
             it
             a
             small
             comfort
             ,
             that
             the
             more
             vile
             our
             Enemies
             are
             ,
             the
             more
             price
             and
             lustre
             is
             set
             upon
             our
             Actions
             .
             Our
             Goodness
             is
             made
             by
             their
             Evil
             ,
             the
             more
             eminent
             and
             conspicuous
             :
             we
             improve
             their
             Injuries
             and
             turn
             them
             into
             Benefits
             ,
             we
             make
             a
             Vertue
             of
             Necessity
             ,
             and
             turn
             their
             Vices
             into
             Graces
             ,
             make
             them
             appear
             more
             abominable
             and
             vile
             if
             they
             continue
             obstinate
             ;
             and
             the
             greater
             their
             Perversness
             is
             ,
             the
             more
             great
             and
             honourable
             is
             our
             Vertue
             .
             It
             was
             the
             praise
             of
             Moses
             ,
             that
             
               the
               Man
               Moses
               was
               the
               Meekest
               man
               upon
               all
               the
               Earth
               ,
            
             yet
             one
             passionate
             expression
             lost
             him
             so
             much
             in
             the
             esteem
             of
             GOD
             ,
             that
             it
             hindered
             his
             entrance
             into
             the
             Land
             of
             Canaan
             .
             How
             great
             an
             Instrument
             he
             was
             nevertheless
             in
             the
             Conduct
             and
             Felicity
             of
             the
             Jews
             ,
             and
             how
             much
             he
             profited
             the
             whole
             Nation
             by
             his
             Meekness
             Sacred
             story
             does
             record
             .
             How
             Joseph
             also
             dealt
             with
             his
             Brethren
             ,
             how
             he
             saved
             all
             the
             Family
             of
             Israel
             in
             the
             Root
             by
             his
             Meekness
             ,
             and
             by
             Meekness
             purchased
             an
             everlasting
             Name
             of
             Glory
             and
             Renown
             ,
             all
             Christian
             Ages
             and
             Nations
             understand
             ,
             where
             his
             Praises
             are
             celebrated
             to
             this
             
             day
             :
             And
             the
             benefit
             thereof
             is
             spread
             abroad
             ,
             and
             propagated
             throughout
             all
             Generations
             for
             evermore
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVI
             .
          
           
             
               Humility
               is
               the
               basis
               of
               all
               Vertue
               and
               Felicity
               ,
               in
               all
               Estates
               ,
               and
               for
               ever
               to
               be
               exercised
               .
               As
               Pride
               does
               alienate
               the
               Soul
               from
               GOD
               ,
               Humility
               unites
               it
               to
               him
               in
               Adoration
               and
               Amity
               .
               It
               maketh
               infinite
               Blessedness
               infinitely
               greater
               ,
               is
               agreeable
               to
               the
               Truth
               of
               our
               Condition
               ,
               and
               leads
               us
               through
               a
               dark
               and
               mysterious
               way
               to
               Glory
               .
            
          
           
             MEEKNESS
             respecteth
             others
             faults
             ;
             Humility
             and
             Penitence
             our
             own
             .
             But
             Humility
             is
             more
             large
             than
             Penitence
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             distinct
             Affection
             of
             another
             nature
             .
             Penitence
             is
             an
             exercise
             of
             the
             Affection
             of
             Sorrow
             ,
             and
             that
             only
             for
             Sin.
             Humility
             is
             an
             acknowledgment
             of
             all
             our
             Vileness
             ;
             it
             respects
             our
             Original
             out
             of
             nothing
             as
             well
             as
             our
             Guilt
             ,
             our
             Weakness
             and
             Unworthiness
             ,
             
             our
             dependance
             upon
             anothers
             Will
             ,
             our
             Debt
             and
             Obligation
             ,
             the
             duty
             of
             Obedience
             and
             Allegiance
             which
             we
             owe
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             naked
             Truth
             of
             our
             Condition
             .
             It
             confesseth
             our
             homage
             ,
             and
             is
             sensible
             of
             our
             Smallness
             and
             Subjection
             .
             All
             that
             a
             man
             hath
             received
             it
             distinguisheth
             from
             what
             he
             is
             of
             himself
             :
             And
             its
             Fruits
             or
             Effects
             are
             suitable
             to
             its
             Nature
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Vertue
             by
             which
             we
             think
             basely
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             behave
             our selves
             in
             a
             lowly
             and
             submissive
             manner
             .
             It
             makes
             us
             soft
             and
             pliant
             as
             Wax
             ,
             susceptible
             of
             any
             form
             that
             shall
             be
             imposed
             on
             us
             by
             our
             Benefactour
             ,
             and
             prone
             to
             Gratitude
             .
             It
             is
             accompanied
             with
             a
             high
             and
             mighty
             sence
             of
             Benefits
             received
             ,
             and
             made
             Noble
             by
             the
             honour
             which
             it
             inclines
             us
             to
             return
             to
             GOD
             and
             Man
             for
             all
             the
             goodness
             which
             they
             shew
             unto
             us
             .
             It
             is
             of
             incomparable
             use
             in
             our
             Felicity
             ,
             because
             it
             magnifies
             our
             esteem
             of
             all
             our
             happiness
             and
             glory
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             not
             through
             Ignorance
             ,
             or
             want
             of
             good
             Will
             ,
             that
             we
             speak
             nothing
             of
             Vices
             ,
             the
             woful
             deformity
             of
             which
             being
             exposed
             to
             view
             ,
             near
             the
             excellence
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             would
             put
             a
             greater
             lustre
             on
             
             all
             their
             brightness
             :
             but
             the
             abundance
             of
             matter
             which
             Vertue
             it self
             doth
             afford
             ,
             forbids
             us
             to
             waste
             our
             Time
             and
             Paper
             in
             the
             description
             of
             their
             Contraries
             .
             The
             glory
             of
             their
             nature
             being
             so
             full
             and
             perfect
             in
             it self
             ,
             that
             it
             needeth
             not
             the
             aid
             of
             those
             additional
             Arts
             ,
             which
             labour
             to
             set
             off
             the
             dignity
             of
             imperfect
             things
             by
             borrowed
             Commendations
             .
             And
             besides
             this
             ,
             the
             mischief
             and
             inconveniency
             of
             every
             Vice
             is
             so
             great
             and
             manifold
             ,
             that
             it
             would
             require
             a
             distinct
             and
             intire
             Volume
             to
             unfold
             the
             deformity
             of
             their
             destructive
             nature
             ,
             so
             fully
             as
             their
             baseness
             and
             demerit
             requires
             .
             It
             is
             sufficient
             therefore
             here
             to
             observe
             ,
             that
             Pride
             is
             of
             all
             other
             things
             most
             odious
             to
             GOD
             ;
             because
             it
             puffeth
             up
             the
             Soul
             with
             Self-conceit
             ,
             is
             forgetful
             of
             its
             Original
             ,
             void
             of
             all
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             prone
             to
             Rebellion
             .
             Is
             it
             not
             an
             odious
             and
             abominable
             thing
             ,
             for
             a
             Creature
             that
             is
             nothing
             in
             himself
             to
             flie
             in
             his
             Creators
             face
             ,
             and
             to
             usurp
             a
             dominion
             over
             it self
             to
             the
             apparent
             wrong
             of
             its
             Soveraign
             Lord
             ,
             to
             rob
             its
             Benefactor
             of
             all
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Bounty
             ,
             to
             renounce
             and
             deny
             all
             dependance
             on
             him
             ,
             and
             to
             forswear
             its
             homage
             and
             
             allegiance
             ,
             to
             ascribe
             all
             its
             Glories
             to
             it self
             ,
             and
             abhor
             all
             sence
             of
             honour
             and
             gratitude
             ,
             to
             look
             upon
             it self
             as
             the
             sole
             original
             and
             author
             of
             all
             its
             Greatness
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             dazled
             so
             with
             the
             brightness
             of
             its
             condition
             ,
             as
             to
             forget
             the
             true
             fountain
             of
             it
             ,
             the
             goodness
             and
             the
             love
             of
             him
             that
             first
             raised
             him
             to
             all
             that
             Treasure
             and
             Dominion
             :
             to
             dote
             on
             its
             own
             Perfections
             without
             any
             reflexion
             on
             the
             Bounty
             of
             him
             that
             gave
             them
             !
             All
             this
             is
             to
             act
             a
             Lie
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             guilty
             of
             apparent
             Falshood
             :
             It
             is
             as
             full
             of
             Fraud
             and
             Injustice
             as
             is
             possible
             :
             and
             as
             full
             of
             Folly
             as
             it
             is
             of
             Impiety
             .
             For
             Pride
             aimeth
             at
             the
             utmost
             height
             of
             Esteem
             and
             Honour
             ;
             and
             is
             fed
             by
             its
             own
             beauty
             and
             glory
             :
             yet
             foolishly
             undermineth
             and
             blasteth
             the
             Person
             it
             would
             advance
             with
             the
             greatest
             baseness
             and
             shame
             imaginable
             ,
             it
             devours
             the
             Beauty
             which
             ought
             to
             seed
             it
             ,
             and
             destroies
             the
             Glory
             in
             which
             it
             delighteth
             .
             The
             higher
             ,
             the
             greater
             ,
             the
             more
             perfectly
             glorious
             and
             blessed
             the
             Person
             is
             that
             is
             exalted
             ,
             his
             Ingratitude
             (
             which
             is
             the
             dregs
             of
             Baseness
             )
             is
             the
             more
             black
             and
             horrid
             ,
             and
             provokes
             the
             greater
             detestation
             .
             It
             forfeits
             and
             renounces
             all
             the
             Delight
             
             which
             the
             goodness
             of
             its
             Lord
             and
             Benefactor
             affordeth
             ,
             it
             cuts
             off
             the
             Soul
             like
             a
             branch
             from
             the
             root
             that
             gave
             it
             life
             and
             verdure
             ,
             it
             tends
             all
             to
             division
             ,
             alienation
             and
             enmity
             ,
             it
             turns
             that
             Complacency
             ,
             which
             is
             its
             only
             bliss
             ,
             into
             wrath
             and
             indignation
             :
             And
             whereas
             it
             delights
             in
             nothing
             more
             than
             appearing
             highly
             amiable
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             all
             Spectators
             ,
             it
             falleth
             into
             contempt
             and
             extream
             disgrace
             before
             all
             the
             Creatures
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             that
             look
             upon
             it
             ,
             and
             behold
             its
             Unworthiness
             .
             No
             Toad
             has
             so
             much
             deformity
             ,
             or
             poyson
             ,
             or
             malignity
             as
             Pride
             ,
             in
             its
             nature
             .
             It
             is
             the
             ruine
             of
             all
             that
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             turns
             the
             brightest
             of
             the
             Seraphims
             into
             the
             most
             abominable
             of
             Devils
             .
          
           
             NOW
             if
             Pride
             be
             so
             pernicious
             ,
             and
             be
             by
             nature
             (
             though
             a
             meer
             Phantasie
             )
             so
             destructive
             :
             what
             shall
             Humility
             be
             which
             is
             full
             of
             truth
             and
             reality
             !
             How
             forcible
             ,
             how
             divine
             ,
             how
             amiable
             ,
             how
             full
             of
             truth
             ,
             how
             bright
             and
             glorious
             ,
             how
             solid
             and
             real
             ,
             how
             agreeable
             to
             all
             Objects
             ,
             how
             void
             of
             errour
             and
             disparity
             ,
             how
             just
             and
             reasonable
             ,
             how
             wise
             and
             holy
             ,
             how
             deep
             ,
             how
             righteous
             ,
             how
             good
             and
             profitable
             ,
             how
             mightily
             prone
             
             to
             exalt
             us
             in
             the
             esteem
             of
             GOD
             and
             Man
             !
             How
             agreeable
             to
             all
             its
             Causes
             and
             Ends
             ,
             how
             fit
             and
             suitable
             to
             all
             the
             circumstances
             of
             Mans
             Condition
             !
             I
             need
             not
             say
             more
             :
             It
             bears
             its
             own
             evidence
             ,
             and
             carries
             Causes
             in
             it
             that
             will
             justifie
             our
             Saviours
             words
             ,
             
               He
               that
               humbleth
               himself
               shall
               be
               exalted
               .
            
             He
             that
             is
             puffed
             up
             has
             but
             a
             counterfeit
             glory
             ,
             but
             Humility
             is
             full
             of
             solid
             glory
             .
             It
             s
             beauty
             is
             so
             amiable
             that
             there
             is
             no
             end
             of
             counting
             its
             proportions
             and
             excellencies
             .
             The
             Wise
             man
             that
             saw
             into
             the
             nature
             of
             all
             things
             very
             clearly
             ,
             said
             long
             before
             our
             Saviour
             was
             born
             ,
             
               Pride
               goeth
               before
               a
               fall
               ,
               but
               before
               Honour
               is
               Humility
               .
            
             He
             that
             exalteth
             himself
             must
             needs
             be
             humbled
             ,
             because
             the
             Colours
             are
             envenomed
             wherewith
             he
             painteth
             his
             face
             ,
             which
             in
             a
             little
             time
             is
             discerned
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             very
             first
             instant
             the
             Painting
             begins
             to
             turn
             into
             a
             Canker
             .
          
           
             THE
             Amiableness
             of
             Humility
             appeareth
             by
             its
             Excellency
             ;
             on
             these
             two
             the
             greatness
             of
             its
             beauty
             and
             success
             is
             founded
             .
             It
             is
             so
             agreeable
             to
             all
             the
             principles
             of
             Nature
             ,
             and
             Grace
             ,
             and
             Glory
             ,
             to
             all
             the
             desires
             of
             Angels
             and
             
             Men
             ,
             to
             all
             the
             designs
             of
             GOD
             himself
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             the
             interests
             and
             concerns
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             that
             it
             cannot
             but
             be
             the
             most
             advantagious
             Vertue
             in
             the
             vvhole
             World.
             It
             is
             strange
             that
             a
             man
             should
             look
             with
             the
             same
             Eye
             upon
             two
             Objects
             so
             infinitely
             distant
             and
             different
             from
             each
             other
             .
             But
             at
             the
             same
             time
             he
             seeth
             GOD
             and
             Nothing
             ,
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             eternal
             Love
             and
             Dust
             to
             be
             his
             Original
             .
             Self-love
             and
             Justice
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             Joy
             and
             Gratitude
             have
             the
             same
             Objects
             ,
             but
             look
             upon
             them
             in
             a
             several
             manner
             :
             and
             are
             very
             differently
             affected
             with
             them
             .
             Humility
             regards
             all
             Objects
             high
             and
             low
             ,
             Good
             and
             Evil
             :
             but
             with
             a
             peculiar
             remark
             and
             notice
             of
             its
             own
             .
             It
             takes
             them
             in
             in
             another
             light
             ,
             and
             discerns
             them
             all
             with
             another
             kind
             of
             sence
             .
             It
             is
             in
             some
             manner
             the
             taste
             of
             the
             Soul.
             Their
             Truth
             appeareth
             to
             the
             eye
             of
             Knowledge
             ,
             their
             Goodness
             is
             apprehended
             by
             the
             ●●fe
             of
             Love
             ,
             the
             perfection
             of
             their
             serviceableness
             to
             the
             most
             perfect
             End
             is
             discerned
             by
             Wisdom
             ,
             the
             benefit
             which
             all
             Spectators
             receive
             is
             the
             delight
             of
             Goodness
             ,
             the
             incomprehensible
             depth
             and
             mysterious
             intricacy
             of
             their
             
             frame
             and
             nature
             is
             the
             peculiar
             Object
             of
             our
             Wonder
             and
             Curiosity
             :
             they
             help
             our
             Faith
             as
             they
             shew
             a
             Deity
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             of
             all
             Religion
             and
             Blessedness
             .
             As
             they
             are
             the
             gifts
             of
             GOD
             they
             are
             the
             provocations
             of
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             as
             they
             are
             aggravations
             of
             Sin
             they
             are
             respected
             by
             Repentance
             .
             As
             they
             are
             the
             means
             of
             our
             Glory
             ,
             and
             our
             proper
             Treasures
             ,
             they
             are
             the
             Objects
             of
             Contentment
             ;
             but
             Humility
             looks
             upon
             them
             in
             relation
             to
             its
             Unworthiness
             ,
             compares
             them
             with
             it self
             and
             its
             own
             deserts
             ,
             and
             admires
             the
             disproportion
             that
             is
             between
             them
             .
             It
             useth
             them
             all
             as
             grounds
             of
             a
             deeper
             and
             profounder
             Lowness
             in
             the
             esteem
             which
             it
             ought
             to
             have
             of
             it self
             ,
             and
             as
             the
             incentives
             to
             Love
             and
             Gratitude
             ;
             which
             it
             paies
             in
             the
             depth
             of
             a
             more
             profound
             Acknowledgment
             and
             Adoration
             .
          
           
             THIS
             habit
             or
             affection
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             not
             inconsistent
             with
             its
             Joy
             and
             Glory
             (
             as
             by
             some
             foolish
             people
             ,
             that
             are
             by
             Ignorance
             and
             Errors
             far
             from
             GOD
             ,
             is
             generally
             supposed
             )
             but
             highly
             conducive
             and
             subservient
             to
             its
             perfection
             .
             It
             gives
             us
             the
             tenderest
             and
             greatest
             sence
             ;
             it
             passeth
             thorow
             all
             things
             ,
             embraceth
             
             the
             Poles
             ,
             and
             toucheth
             all
             Extreams
             together
             .
             The
             Centre
             it self
             is
             but
             the
             middle
             of
             its
             profundity
             :
             it
             hath
             a
             Nadir
             beneath
             it
             ,
             a
             lower
             point
             in
             another
             Heaven
             ,
             on
             the
             other
             side
             opposite
             to
             its
             Zenith
             .
             In
             its
             own
             depth
             it
             containeth
             all
             the
             height
             of
             Felicity
             and
             Glory
             ,
             and
             doubles
             all
             by
             a
             mystery
             in
             Nature
             .
             It
             is
             like
             a
             Mirror
             lying
             on
             the
             ground
             with
             its
             face
             upwards
             :
             All
             the
             height
             above
             increaseth
             the
             depth
             of
             its
             Beauty
             within
             ,
             nay
             turneth
             into
             a
             new
             depth
             ,
             an
             inferiour
             Heaven
             is
             in
             the
             glass
             it self
             ;
             at
             the
             bottom
             of
             which
             we
             see
             the
             Skie
             ,
             though
             it
             be
             not
             transplanted
             ,
             removed
             thither
             .
             Humility
             is
             the
             fittest
             Glass
             of
             the
             Divine
             Greatness
             ,
             and
             the
             fittest
             Womb
             for
             the
             conception
             of
             all
             Felicity
             ;
             for
             it
             hath
             a
             double
             Heaven
             .
             It
             is
             the
             way
             to
             full
             and
             perfect
             Sublimity
             .
             A
             man
             would
             little
             think
             ,
             that
             by
             sinking
             into
             the
             Earth
             he
             should
             come
             to
             Heaven
             .
             He
             doth
             not
             ,
             but
             is
             buried
             ,
             that
             fixeth
             and
             abideth
             there
             .
             But
             if
             he
             pierceth
             through
             all
             the
             Rocks
             and
             Minerals
             of
             the
             inferiour
             World
             ,
             and
             passeth
             on
             to
             the
             end
             of
             his
             Journey
             in
             a
             strait
             line
             downward
             ,
             in
             the
             middle
             of
             his
             way
             he
             will
             find
             the
             Centre
             of
             Nature
             ,
             
             and
             by
             going
             downward
             still
             begin
             to
             ascend
             ,
             when
             he
             is
             past
             the
             Centre
             ;
             through
             many
             Obstacles
             full
             of
             gross
             and
             subterraneous
             Darkness
             ,
             which
             seem
             to
             affright
             and
             stifle
             the
             Soul
             ,
             he
             will
             arrive
             at
             last
             to
             a
             new
             Light
             and
             Glory
             ,
             room
             and
             liberty
             ,
             breathing-place
             and
             fresh-air
             among
             the
             Antipodes
             ,
             and
             by
             passing
             on
             still
             through
             those
             inferiour
             Regions
             that
             are
             under
             his
             feet
             ,
             but
             over
             the
             head
             of
             those
             that
             are
             beneath
             him
             ,
             finally
             come
             to
             another
             Skie
             ,
             penetrate
             that
             ,
             and
             leaving
             it
             behind
             him
             sink
             down
             into
             the
             depth
             of
             all
             Immensity
             .
             This
             he
             cannot
             do
             in
             his
             Body
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             gross
             and
             dull
             ,
             and
             heavy
             and
             confined
             :
             but
             by
             a
             Thought
             in
             his
             Soul
             he
             may
             ,
             because
             it
             is
             subtile
             ,
             quick
             ,
             aiery
             ,
             free
             ,
             and
             infinite
             ;
             Nothing
             can
             stop
             or
             exclude
             it
             ,
             oppress
             or
             stifle
             it
             .
             This
             local
             descent
             through
             all
             the
             inferiour
             Space
             and
             Immensity
             ,
             though
             it
             brings
             us
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             his
             Throne
             ,
             and
             another
             Heaven
             full
             of
             Joyes
             and
             Angels
             ,
             on
             the
             other
             side
             the
             World
             ;
             yet
             is
             it
             but
             a
             real
             Emblem
             of
             the
             more
             spiritual
             and
             mysterious
             flight
             of
             Humility
             in
             the
             mind
             .
             We
             all
             know
             that
             the
             way
             to
             Heaven
             is
             through
             Death
             and
             the
             Grave
             ,
             beyond
             which
             we
             
             come
             to
             another
             Life
             ,
             in
             Eternity
             :
             but
             how
             to
             accommodate
             this
             to
             the
             business
             of
             Humility
             ,
             few
             understand
             .
             By
             this
             Vertue
             we
             are
             inclined
             to
             despise
             our selves
             ,
             and
             to
             leave
             all
             the
             garish
             Ornaments
             of
             Earthly
             bliss
             ,
             to
             divest
             our selves
             of
             the
             splendors
             of
             Temporal
             prosperity
             ,
             and
             to
             submit
             to
             all
             Afflictions
             ,
             Contempts
             and
             Miseries
             ,
             that
             a
             good
             Cause
             can
             bring
             upon
             us
             .
             In
             the
             eyes
             of
             other
             men
             we
             are
             beneath
             their
             feet
             ,
             and
             so
             we
             are
             in
             our
             own
             ,
             till
             we
             are
             gone
             a
             little
             further
             :
             but
             on
             the
             other
             side
             of
             all
             this
             Baseness
             ,
             we
             find
             a
             better
             Life
             in
             Communion
             with
             the
             Deity
             .
             
               For
               asmuch
               then
            
             ,
             saith
             St.
             
               Peter
               ,
               as
               Christ
               hath
               suffered
               for
               us
               in
               the
               flesh
               ,
               
               arm
               your selves
               likewise
               with
               the
               same
               mind
               :
               for
               he
               that
               hath
               suffered
               in
               the
               flesh
               hath
               ceased
               from
               sin
               :
               That
               he
               no
               longer
               should
               live
               the
               rest
               of
               his
               time
               in
               the
               flesh
               ,
               to
               the
               lusts
               of
               Men
               ,
               but
               to
               the
               will
               of
               GOD.
               For
               the
               time
               past
               of
               our
               life
               may
               suffice
               us
               to
               have
               wrought
               the
               will
               of
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               when
               we
               walked
               in
               Lasciviousness
               ,
               Lusts
               ,
               Excess
               of
               Wine
               ,
               Revellings
               ,
               Banquettings
               ,
               and
               abominable
               Idolatries
               ;
               wherein
               they
               think
               it
               strange
               that
               ye
               run
               not
               with
               them
               to
               the
               same
               excess
               of
               Riot
               .
            
             There
             is
             a
             motion
             from
             Vice
             to
             Vertue
             ,
             
             and
             from
             one
             degree
             of
             Grace
             to
             another
             :
             by
             which
             we
             leave
             the
             phantastick
             World
             ,
             with
             all
             its
             Shews
             and
             Gauderies
             ;
             and
             through
             many
             Afflictions
             and
             Persecutions
             ,
             come
             to
             the
             real
             and
             solid
             World
             of
             Bliss
             and
             Glory
             .
          
           
             WHAT
             hand
             Humility
             has
             in
             leading
             us
             through
             all
             Afflictions
             ,
             and
             in
             facilitating
             the
             way
             of
             Pressure
             and
             Calamity
             ,
             I
             need
             not
             observe
             ;
             I
             shall
             note
             the
             Errour
             which
             men
             incur
             ,
             by
             their
             Weariness
             and
             Haste
             ;
             who
             because
             they
             do
             not
             immediately
             see
             the
             Bliss
             of
             Humility
             and
             Patience
             ,
             if
             they
             do
             not
             curse
             ,
             yet
             they
             boggle
             at
             all
             Calamity
             .
             These
             men
             ought
             to
             be
             informed
             ,
             that
             the
             middle
             of
             the
             Way
             is
             not
             the
             place
             of
             Rest
             and
             Perfection
             .
             They
             must
             pass
             thorow
             all
             these
             things
             to
             the
             further
             Regions
             of
             Clarity
             and
             Glory
             .
             Men
             are
             not
             to
             stick
             in
             Calamities
             themselves
             :
             but
             if
             Humility
             lead
             them
             to
             suffer
             all
             Indignities
             with
             Patience
             ,
             it
             must
             lead
             them
             further
             to
             the
             bottom
             of
             their
             estate
             and
             condition
             ;
             to
             the
             true
             light
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             clear
             and
             perfect
             sight
             of
             their
             own
             Vileness
             :
             In
             which
             they
             shall
             see
             their
             Original
             ,
             their
             Misery
             ,
             their
             Sin
             ,
             their
             Glory
             ;
             their
             GOD
             and
             themselves
             ,
             
             their
             Bliss
             and
             their
             Forfeiture
             ,
             their
             Recovery
             and
             their
             Saviour
             ,
             their
             Hope
             and
             Despair
             ,
             their
             Obligations
             in
             the
             height
             of
             eternal
             Love
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             and
             their
             shame
             and
             confusion
             in
             the
             depth
             of
             their
             Apostasie
             and
             Ingratitude
             ;
             their
             infinite
             demerit
             ,
             and
             GODS
             infinite
             Mercy
             ;
             the
             riches
             of
             free
             Grace
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Unworthiness
             :
             And
             in
             all
             these
             ,
             
               the
               length
               ,
               and
               breadth
               ,
               and
               depth
               ,
               and
               height
               of
               the
               Love
               of
               GOD
               which
               passeth
               Knowledge
               ,
               that
               they
               might
               be
               filled
               with
               all
               the
               Fulness
               of
               GOD.
               
            
          
           
             HUMILITY
             makes
             men
             capable
             of
             all
             Felicity
             .
             All
             deep
             Apprehensions
             and
             great
             Resentments
             ,
             all
             extents
             and
             distances
             of
             things
             ,
             all
             degrees
             of
             Grace
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             all
             Circumstances
             that
             increase
             the
             guilt
             of
             Sin
             ,
             all
             Adorations
             ,
             Prostrations
             ,
             Admirations
             ,
             Debasements
             ,
             Thanksgivings
             ,
             Praises
             ,
             Exaltations
             ,
             are
             founded
             in
             Humility
             .
             All
             the
             Fulness
             of
             all
             Estates
             ,
             all
             Honour
             and
             Obedience
             ,
             all
             Devotion
             and
             Worship
             ,
             all
             the
             beauty
             of
             Innocence
             ,
             all
             the
             deformity
             of
             Sin
             ,
             all
             the
             danger
             of
             Hell
             ,
             all
             the
             cost
             of
             our
             Redemption
             ,
             all
             the
             hatred
             of
             our
             Stupidity
             and
             Perverseness
             ,
             all
             the
             hope
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             all
             our
             Penitence
             and
             Grief
             ,
             
             all
             our
             Fear
             and
             Expectation
             ,
             all
             our
             Love
             and
             all
             our
             Joy
             are
             contained
             in
             Humility
             :
             there
             they
             are
             expressed
             ,
             there
             they
             are
             exercised
             :
             There
             they
             are
             enlarged
             ,
             and
             beautified
             in
             like
             manner
             :
             There
             they
             grow
             deep
             ,
             and
             serious
             ,
             and
             infinite
             :
             there
             they
             become
             vigorous
             and
             strong
             ;
             there
             they
             are
             made
             substantial
             and
             eternal
             .
             All
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             are
             employed
             ,
             extended
             and
             made
             perfect
             in
             this
             depth
             of
             Abysses
             .
             It
             is
             the
             basis
             and
             foundation
             of
             all
             Vertue
             and
             Gratitude
             whatsoever
             .
             It
             is
             in
             some
             sort
             the
             very
             fountain
             of
             Life
             and
             Felicity
             it self
             .
             For
             as
             nothing
             is
             great
             but
             in
             comparison
             of
             somewhat
             less
             ;
             so
             nothing
             is
             sweet
             but
             what
             is
             New
             and
             Eternal
             .
             All
             Life
             consists
             in
             Motion
             and
             Change.
             The
             pleasure
             of
             Acquiring
             is
             oftentimes
             as
             great
             ,
             and
             perhaps
             alwaies
             greater
             than
             that
             of
             Enjoying
             .
             The
             long
             possession
             of
             that
             which
             we
             have
             alwaies
             had
             ,
             takes
             away
             the
             sence
             ,
             and
             maketh
             us
             dull
             :
             Old
             and
             Common
             things
             are
             less
             esteemed
             ,
             unless
             we
             rub
             up
             our
             Memories
             with
             some
             helps
             ,
             to
             renew
             them
             and
             our
             sences
             together
             .
             Gifts
             are
             alwaies
             sweeter
             in
             the
             coming
             ,
             than
             in
             the
             abiding
             with
             us
             .
             And
             if
             what
             I
             observe
             in
             
             the
             course
             of
             nature
             be
             of
             any
             force
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             possibility
             of
             enjoyment
             ,
             at
             least
             no
             perfection
             in
             fruition
             ,
             without
             some
             relation
             to
             the
             first
             Acquisition
             .
             Old
             things
             are
             apt
             to
             grow
             stale
             ,
             and
             their
             value
             to
             be
             neglected
             ,
             by
             their
             continuance
             with
             us
             .
             I
             have
             noted
             it
             often
             in
             the
             joy
             that
             young
             Heirs
             have
             ,
             when
             they
             first
             come
             to
             their
             Estates
             ,
             and
             the
             great
             felicity
             which
             Lovers
             promise
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             taste
             also
             when
             they
             meet
             together
             in
             the
             Marriage-bed
             .
             The
             pleasures
             of
             all
             which
             pass
             off
             by
             degrees
             ,
             not
             solely
             by
             reason
             of
             our
             dulness
             and
             stupidity
             ,
             but
             far
             more
             from
             a
             secret
             in
             the
             nature
             of
             things
             .
             For
             all
             Delight
             springs
             from
             the
             satisfaction
             of
             violent
             Desire
             :
             when
             the
             desire
             is
             forgotten
             ,
             the
             delight
             is
             abated
             .
             All
             Pleasure
             consists
             in
             Activity
             and
             Motion
             :
             While
             the
             Object
             stands
             still
             ,
             it
             seemeth
             dead
             and
             idle
             .
             The
             sence
             of
             our
             want
             must
             be
             quick
             upon
             us
             to
             make
             the
             sence
             of
             our
             enjoyment
             perfect
             .
             The
             rapture
             proceeds
             from
             the
             convenience
             between
             us
             ,
             the
             marvellous
             fitness
             that
             is
             in
             such
             Objects
             to
             satisfie
             our
             Capacities
             and
             Inclinations
             .
             The
             misery
             and
             vacuity
             must
             needs
             be
             remembred
             to
             make
             that
             Convenience
             
             live
             ,
             and
             to
             inspire
             a
             sence
             of
             it
             perpetually
             into
             us
             .
             The
             coming
             of
             a
             Crown
             ,
             and
             the
             joy
             of
             a
             Kingdom
             is
             far
             more
             quick
             and
             powerful
             in
             the
             surprize
             and
             novelty
             of
             the
             Glory
             ,
             than
             in
             the
             length
             of
             its
             Continuance
             .
             We
             perceive
             it
             by
             the
             delight
             which
             Lovers
             taste
             in
             recounting
             their
             Adventures
             .
             The
             Nature
             of
             the
             thing
             makes
             the
             memory
             of
             their
             first
             Amours
             more
             pleasant
             ,
             than
             the
             possession
             of
             the
             last
             .
             There
             is
             an
             instinct
             that
             carries
             us
             to
             the
             beginning
             of
             our
             Lives
             .
             How
             do
             Old
             men
             even
             dote
             into
             lavish
             discourses
             of
             the
             beginning
             of
             their
             lives
             ?
             The
             delight
             in
             telling
             their
             old
             Stories
             is
             as
             great
             to
             themselves
             as
             wearisom
             to
             others
             .
             Even
             Kings
             themselves
             ,
             would
             they
             give
             themselves
             the
             liberty
             of
             looking
             back
             ,
             might
             enjoy
             their
             Dominions
             with
             double
             lustre
             ,
             and
             see
             and
             feel
             their
             former
             Resentments
             ,
             and
             enrich
             their
             present
             Security
             with
             them
             .
             All
             a
             mans
             Life
             put
             together
             contributes
             a
             perfection
             to
             every
             part
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             Memory
             of
             things
             past
             is
             the
             most
             advantagious
             light
             of
             our
             present
             Condition
             .
             Now
             all
             these
             sparkles
             of
             Joy
             ,
             these
             accidental
             hints
             of
             Nature
             ,
             and
             little
             raies
             of
             Wisdom
             ,
             meet
             together
             
             in
             Humility
             .
             For
             an
             Humble
             man
             condescendeth
             to
             look
             into
             his
             Wants
             ,
             to
             reflect
             upon
             all
             his
             Vices
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             Beginnings
             ,
             with
             far
             deeper
             designs
             than
             is
             ordinarily
             done
             .
          
           
             WE
             recount
             these
             ordinary
             discoveries
             of
             the
             inclination
             of
             Nature
             ,
             because
             Humility
             is
             (
             if
             I
             may
             so
             speak
             )
             the
             Rendezvous
             of
             their
             perfection
             .
             All
             the
             stirrings
             of
             Grace
             and
             Nature
             ,
             all
             the
             acts
             of
             GOD
             and
             the
             Soul
             ,
             all
             his
             Condescensions
             ,
             and
             beginnings
             to
             advance
             us
             ,
             all
             his
             Gifts
             at
             their
             first
             coming
             ,
             all
             the
             depths
             and
             changes
             of
             our
             Condition
             ,
             all
             our
             Desires
             ,
             all
             our
             primitive
             and
             virgin
             Joyes
             ,
             the
             whole
             story
             of
             our
             Creation
             ,
             and
             Life
             ,
             and
             Fall
             ,
             and
             Redemption
             ,
             in
             all
             the
             newness
             of
             its
             first
             appearance
             ,
             all
             our
             Wants
             and
             Dangers
             ,
             Exigencies
             and
             Extremities
             ,
             all
             our
             Satisfactions
             and
             Delights
             are
             present
             together
             in
             our
             Humility
             ;
             and
             are
             so
             infinitely
             near
             and
             present
             thereunto
             ,
             so
             sweet
             and
             vigorous
             in
             their
             mixture
             ,
             so
             strangely
             powerful
             in
             their
             influence
             ,
             that
             they
             inspire
             our
             Hearts
             ,
             enter
             our
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             incorporate
             with
             our
             Souls
             ,
             and
             are
             as
             near
             and
             sweet
             ,
             as
             our
             present
             condition
             ,
             be
             it
             never
             so
             blessed
             :
             
             All
             put
             together
             is
             far
             more
             sweet
             than
             our
             present
             Condition
             ,
             a
             great
             part
             of
             our
             felicity
             and
             glory
             is
             in
             it
             ,
             while
             we
             take
             it
             in
             by
             our
             Conceptions
             here
             ,
             and
             apply
             it
             to
             our
             Souls
             ,
             in
             an
             humble
             manner
             ;
             but
             it
             will
             be
             much
             more
             our
             felicity
             in
             Heaven
             .
             It
             is
             of
             so
             much
             concernment
             ,
             that
             a
             Great
             Divine
             in
             our
             English
             Zion
             said
             ,
             
             
               The
               greater
               part
               of
               our
               eternal
               happiness
               will
               consist
               in
               a
               grateful
               Recognition
            
             (
             not
             of
             our
             Joyes
             to
             come
             ,
             but
             )
             
               of
               Benefits
               already
               received
            
             .
          
           
             NOW
             look
             into
             the
             office
             and
             work
             of
             Humility
             .
             I
             will
             not
             tell
             you
             how
             here
             upon
             Earth
             it
             shunneth
             all
             strife
             and
             contention
             about
             Places
             ;
             and
             all
             the
             Mischiefs
             consequent
             thereto
             ;
             nor
             of
             the
             Unity
             ,
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Honour
             it
             produceth
             .
             These
             are
             all
             but
             Temporal
             Benefits
             .
             It
             has
             ten
             thousand
             other
             Walks
             and
             Circuits
             ,
             and
             periods
             of
             Revolution
             .
             I
             will
             tell
             you
             how
             it
             behaves
             it self
             in
             Paradice
             and
             in
             Heaven
             .
          
           
             HUMILITY
             by
             leading
             us
             to
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             Condition
             ,
             sets
             our
             Original
             before
             our
             eyes
             ,
             considers
             that
             eternal
             abyss
             of
             Idleness
             and
             Vacuity
             out
             of
             which
             we
             were
             taken
             ,
             that
             miracle
             by
             which
             we
             were
             made
             of
             Nothing
             .
          
           
           
             How
             destitute
             we
             should
             have
             been
             in
             our selves
             had
             not
             GOD
             created
             the
             World
             ,
             had
             he
             not
             been
             pleased
             to
             communicate
             himself
             and
             his
             Glory
             to
             us
             .
             How
             weak
             and
             unable
             we
             were
             to
             devise
             or
             desire
             any
             Felicity
             ,
             yet
             how
             infinitely
             necessary
             the
             preparation
             of
             it
             after
             we
             were
             created
             .
             How
             great
             our
             desires
             and
             expectations
             were
             ,
             how
             sore
             and
             urgent
             our
             wants
             and
             necessities
             :
             how
             much
             we
             needed
             infinite
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             almighty
             Power
             to
             fill
             Immensity
             with
             the
             omnipresence
             of
             their
             Glory
             ,
             and
             to
             fill
             their
             omnipresence
             with
             Effects
             and
             Treasures
             :
             How
             gracious
             and
             good
             GOD
             was
             to
             do
             all
             this
             for
             us
             ,
             without
             our
             asking
             :
             and
             how
             justly
             Davids
             rapture
             may
             be
             taken
             up
             by
             the
             Soul
             ,
             
             
               The
               King
               shall
               joy
               in
               thy
               strength
               ,
               O
               Lord
               ,
               and
               in
               thy
               Salvation
               how
               greatly
               shall
               he
               rejoyce
               !
               Thou
               preventest
               him
               with
               the
               blessings
               of
               Goodness
               ,
               thou
               settest
               a
               Crown
               of
               pure
               Gold
               on
               his
               head
               !
               His
               glory
               is
               great
               in
               thy
               Salvation
               ,
               Honour
               and
               Majesty
               hast
               thou
               laid
               upon
               him
               .
               For
               thou
               hast
               made
               him
               most
               Blessed
               for
               ever
               ;
               thou
               hast
               made
               him
               exceeding
               glad
               with
               thy
               Countenance
               !
            
             We
             might
             have
             been
             made
             ,
             and
             put
             ,
             in
             the
             condition
             of
             Toads
             ;
             
             who
             are
             now
             created
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             have
             dominion
             over
             all
             his
             Works
             ,
             and
             are
             made
             capable
             of
             all
             Eternity
             .
             The
             infinite
             condescention
             of
             GOD
             is
             the
             amazement
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             The
             depth
             of
             its
             low
             estate
             increaseth
             the
             height
             of
             its
             exaltation
             .
             All
             that
             it
             wanted
             in
             it self
             it
             findeth
             in
             the
             goodness
             of
             its
             Benefactour
             ,
             and
             the
             joy
             of
             being
             so
             Beloved
             ,
             is
             greater
             than
             that
             of
             having
             all
             these
             things
             of
             our selves
             for
             ever
             .
             For
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             alone
             ,
             and
             his
             goodness
             in
             Giving
             ,
             is
             our
             last
             ,
             and
             best
             ,
             and
             proper
             Felicity
             .
             Hereupon
             follows
             the
             extinction
             of
             all
             Envy
             ,
             Regret
             ,
             and
             Discontentment
             ;
             the
             sacrificing
             of
             our selves
             ,
             the
             annihilating
             of
             our selves
             ,
             the
             lowliness
             of
             our selves
             ;
             And
             the
             Exaltation
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             Adoration
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             Joy
             of
             adoring
             the
             Greatest
             of
             all
             other
             ;
             The
             Amity
             and
             Friendship
             between
             GOD
             and
             his
             Creature
             ,
             the
             Unity
             of
             both
             ,
             and
             their
             happiness
             for
             ever
             .
             Without
             this
             Humility
             of
             looking
             into
             the
             bottom
             of
             our
             first
             Condition
             ,
             all
             this
             is
             impossible
             :
             And
             for
             this
             cause
             is
             Humility
             an
             eternal
             Vertue
             ,
             in
             all
             estates
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             ;
             (
             I
             might
             have
             said
             )
             exercised
             .
          
           
           
             THUS
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             Sin
             and
             Misery
             ,
             all
             the
             odiousness
             of
             our
             Guilt
             ,
             all
             our
             despair
             and
             deformity
             ,
             all
             our
             shame
             and
             misery
             ,
             all
             the
             necessity
             of
             Hating
             GOD
             and
             being
             hated
             of
             him
             ,
             comes
             before
             the
             eyes
             of
             an
             humble
             Soul
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             mercies
             and
             condescentions
             of
             eternal
             Love
             in
             the
             work
             of
             Redemption
             .
          
           
             AND
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Glory
             it self
             all
             the
             particular
             Sins
             ,
             Neglects
             ,
             Rebellions
             ,
             Apostasies
             ,
             and
             Villanies
             we
             committed
             against
             GOD
             after
             all
             his
             mercy
             and
             goodness
             in
             the
             Death
             of
             his
             Son
             ;
             how
             infinitely
             base
             we
             were
             in
             despising
             all
             his
             Bounties
             and
             Glories
             ;
             how
             infinitely
             those
             Offences
             made
             us
             unworthy
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             eternal
             Glory
             we
             now
             enjoy
             ;
             how
             marvellous
             and
             incomparable
             his
             Love
             was
             ,
             in
             pursuing
             us
             with
             so
             much
             Long-suffering
             and
             Patience
             ;
             how
             amiable
             he
             is
             ,
             and
             how
             vile
             and
             unworthy
             we
             are
             in
             all
             this
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             office
             of
             Humility
             to
             feel
             and
             ponder
             .
             Thus
             you
             see
             its
             work
             ,
             and
             you
             may
             easily
             conjecture
             at
             its
             eternal
             Reward
             .
             All
             things
             are
             in
             it
             ,
             in
             the
             utmost
             height
             and
             depth
             of
             Resignation
             and
             Contentment
             ,
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
           
             I
             need
             not
             observe
             that
             sweetness
             of
             Conversation
             ,
             that
             Civility
             ,
             and
             Courtesie
             ,
             that
             springs
             from
             Humility
             .
             The
             Meek
             and
             Lowly
             are
             the
             same
             men
             :
             the
             Kind
             ,
             and
             Charitable
             ,
             and
             the
             Affable
             and
             the
             good
             are
             all
             of
             them
             Humble
             ,
             and
             so
             are
             all
             they
             that
             prefer
             others
             above
             themselves
             ,
             and
             render
             themselves
             amiable
             by
             honouring
             their
             Inferiours
             ,
             and
             giving
             place
             to
             their
             Equals
             .
             At
             least
             they
             imitate
             Humility
             as
             Complemental
             Courtiers
             do
             ,
             for
             their
             advantage
             .
             And
             it
             is
             no
             small
             token
             of
             its
             excellency
             ,
             that
             the
             greatest
             enemies
             of
             Humility
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             are
             forced
             sometimes
             to
             flie
             to
             it
             for
             succour
             ;
             as
             those
             that
             well
             know
             they
             can
             never
             thrive
             ,
             nor
             prosper
             in
             the
             World
             without
             Esteem
             ,
             nor
             gain
             Esteem
             without
             covering
             their
             Vices
             under
             the
             mask
             of
             Vertue
             .
             All
             the
             advantages
             and
             effects
             of
             this
             will
             be
             enjoyed
             eternally
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXVII
             .
          
           
             
               That
               Contentment
               is
               a
               Vertue
               .
               Its
               Causes
               and
               its
               Endi
               :
               Its
               Impediments
               ,
               Effects
               ,
               and
               Advantages
               .
               The
               way
               to
               attain
               and
               secure
               Contentment
               .
            
          
           
             THOUGH
             we
             have
             not
             named
             it
             ,
             in
             our
             first
             distribution
             of
             Vertue
             into
             its
             several
             kinds
             ,
             yet
             the
             commendation
             which
             Contentment
             hath
             in
             Scripture
             ,
             imports
             it
             to
             be
             a
             Vertue
             :
             so
             does
             the
             difficulty
             of
             attaining
             it
             ,
             and
             the
             great
             and
             mighty
             force
             it
             is
             of
             in
             our
             Lives
             and
             Conversations
             .
             
               Having
               Food
               and
               Rayment
            
             ,
             saith
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             
               let
               us
               therewith
               be
               content
               :
               For
               Godliness
               with
               Contentment
               is
               great
               Gain
               .
            
             Where
             he
             fitly
             noteth
             ,
             that
             Godliness
             is
             the
             original
             of
             true
             Contentment
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Gain
             of
             so
             great
             a
             Vertue
             is
             inestimable
             .
             The
             truth
             is
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             be
             happy
             ,
             or
             grateful
             without
             it
             .
             A
             discontented
             Mind
             is
             exceeding
             prone
             to
             be
             peevish
             and
             fretful
             ,
             and
             throws
             a
             man
             into
             all
             the
             indecencies
             of
             Avarice
             ,
             Ambition
             ,
             Envy
             ,
             Treason
             ,
             Murther
             ,
             Contention
             ,
             
             Turbulency
             ,
             Murmuring
             ,
             Repining
             ,
             Melancholy
             and
             Sowrness
             ,
             Anger
             ,
             Baseness
             and
             Folly
             ,
             into
             all
             the
             Malevolence
             and
             Misery
             which
             can
             disorder
             the
             Soul
             ,
             or
             disturb
             the
             World.
             Suspicion
             ,
             Unbelief
             ,
             Enmity
             against
             GOD
             ,
             Fear
             and
             Cowardice
             ,
             Barrenness
             in
             good
             and
             praise-worthy
             Employments
             ,
             Weariness
             and
             Complaint
             ,
             hatred
             of
             Retirement
             ,
             Spiritual
             Idleness
             and
             Ignorance
             are
             its
             Companions
             ,
             followed
             by
             Debaucheries
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             sorts
             of
             vile
             and
             wicked
             Diversions
             .
             For
             Man
             is
             an
             unwelcome
             Creature
             to
             himself
             till
             he
             can
             delight
             in
             his
             Condition
             ,
             and
             while
             he
             hates
             to
             be
             alone
             ,
             exposeth
             himself
             to
             all
             kind
             of
             Mischiefs
             and
             Temptations
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             an
             active
             Creature
             ,
             and
             must
             be
             doing
             something
             ,
             either
             Good
             ,
             or
             Evil
             .
          
           
             
               TRUE
               Contentment
               is
               the
               full
               satisfaction
               of
               a
               Knowing
               Mind
               .
            
             It
             is
             not
             a
             vain
             and
             empty
             Contentment
             ,
             which
             is
             falsely
             so
             called
             ,
             springing
             from
             some
             one
             particular
             little
             satisfaction
             ,
             that
             however
             Momentany
             it
             be
             ,
             does
             for
             the
             present
             delight
             our
             Humour
             :
             but
             a
             long
             habit
             of
             solid
             Repose
             ,
             after
             much
             study
             and
             serious
             Consideration
             .
             It
             is
             not
             the
             slavish
             
             and
             forced
             Contentment
             ,
             which
             the
             Philosophers
             among
             the
             Heathen
             did
             force
             upon
             themselves
             ;
             but
             a
             free
             and
             easie
             Mind
             attended
             with
             pleasure
             ,
             and
             naturally
             rising
             from
             ones
             present
             Condition
             .
             It
             is
             not
             a
             morose
             and
             sullen
             Contempt
             of
             all
             that
             is
             Good.
             That
             Negative
             Contentment
             ,
             which
             past
             of
             Old
             for
             so
             great
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             is
             not
             at
             all
             conducive
             to
             Felicity
             ,
             but
             is
             a
             real
             Vice
             :
             for
             to
             be
             Content
             without
             cause
             ,
             is
             to
             sit
             down
             in
             our
             Imperfection
             :
             and
             to
             seek
             all
             ones
             Blis
             in
             ones
             self
             alone
             ,
             is
             to
             scorn
             all
             other
             Objects
             ,
             even
             GOD
             himself
             and
             all
             the
             Creation
             .
             It
             is
             a
             high
             piece
             of
             Pride
             and
             stiffness
             in
             a
             man
             ,
             that
             renders
             him
             good
             for
             nothing
             ,
             but
             makes
             him
             Arrogant
             and
             Presumptuous
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             blindness
             ,
             his
             own
             slave
             and
             his
             own
             Idol
             ,
             a
             Tyrant
             over
             himself
             ,
             and
             yet
             his
             only
             Deity
             .
             It
             makes
             a
             man
             to
             live
             without
             GOD
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             cuts
             him
             off
             from
             the
             Universe
             .
             It
             makes
             him
             incapable
             either
             of
             Obligation
             or
             Gratitude
             ,
             his
             own
             Prison
             and
             his
             own
             Torm●ntour
             .
             It
             shuts
             up
             the
             Soul
             in
             a
             Grave
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             to
             lead
             a
             living
             Death
             ,
             and
             robs
             it
             of
             all
             its
             Objects
             .
             It
             mingles
             Nature
             and
             Vice
             in
             a
             confusion
             ,
             and
             
             makes
             a
             man
             fight
             against
             Appetite
             and
             Reason
             .
             Certainly
             that
             Philosopher
             has
             a
             hard
             task
             ,
             that
             must
             fight
             against
             Reason
             ,
             and
             trample
             under
             foot
             the
             essence
             of
             his
             Soul
             ,
             to
             establish
             his
             Felicity
             !
          
           
             
               Contentment
               is
               a
               sleepy
               thing
               !
            
             
               If
               it
               in
               Death
               alone
               must
               die
               ;
            
             
               A
               quiet
               Mind
               is
               worse
               than
               Poverty
               !
            
             
               Unless
               it
               from
               Enjoyment
               spring
               !
            
             
               That
               's
               Blessedness
               alone
               that
               makes
               a
               King
               !
            
             
               Wherein
               the
               Joyes
               and
               Treasures
               are
               so
               great
               ,
            
             
               They
               all
               the
               powers
               of
               the
               Soul
               employ
               ,
            
             
               And
               fill
               it
               with
               a
               Work
               compleat
               ,
            
             
               While
               it
               doth
               all
               enjoy
               .
            
             
               True
               Joyes
               alone
               Contentment
               do
               inspire
               ,
            
             
               Enrich
               Content
               ,
               and
               make
               our
               Courage
               higher
               .
            
             
               Content
               alone
               's
               a
               dead
               and
               silent
               Stone
               :
            
             
               The
               real
               life
               of
               Bliss
            
             
               Is
               Glory
               reigning
               in
               a
               Throne
               ,
            
             
               Where
               all
               Enjoyment
               is
            
             
               The
               Soul
               of
               Man
               is
               so
               inclin'd
               to
               see
               ,
            
             
               Without
               his
               Treasures
               no
               mans
               Soul
               can
               be
               ,
            
             
               Nor
               rest
               content
               Uncrown'd
               !
            
             
               Desire
               and
               Love
            
             
               Must
               in
               the
               height
               of
               all
               their
               Rapture
               move
               ,
            
             
               Where
               there
               is
               true
               Felicity
               .
            
             
             
               Employment
               is
               the
               very
               life
               and
               ground
            
             
               Of
               Life
               it self
               :
               whose
               pleasant
               Motion
               is
            
             
               The
               form
               of
               Bliss
               :
            
             
               All
               Blessedness
               a
               life
               with
               Glory
               Crown'd
               .
            
             
               Life
               !
               Life
               is
               all
               :
               in
               its
               most
               full
               extent
            
             
               Stretcht
               out
               to
               all
               things
               ,
               and
               with
               all
               Content
               !
            
          
           
             The
             only
             reason
             why
             a
             Wise
             and
             Holy
             man
             is
             satisfied
             with
             Food
             and
             Rayment
             ,
             is
             because
             he
             sees
             himself
             made
             possessour
             of
             all
             Felicity
             ,
             the
             image
             of
             the
             Deity
             ,
             the
             great
             Object
             of
             his
             eternal
             Love
             ,
             and
             in
             another
             way
             far
             more
             Divine
             and
             perfect
             ,
             the
             Heir
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             Eternity
             .
             He
             knows
             very
             well
             ,
             that
             if
             his
             honour
             be
             so
             great
             ,
             as
             to
             live
             in
             Communion
             with
             GOD
             in
             the
             fruition
             of
             all
             his
             Joyes
             ,
             he
             may
             very
             well
             spare
             the
             foul
             and
             feeble
             Delights
             of
             men
             :
             And
             though
             the
             Law
             be
             not
             so
             severe
             ,
             as
             to
             command
             him
             to
             be
             Content
             without
             Food
             and
             Rayment
             :
             yet
             if
             for
             GOD's
             sake
             he
             should
             by
             the
             wickedness
             of
             Men
             be
             bereaved
             of
             both
             ,
             he
             may
             well
             be
             Patient
             ,
             nay
             and
             die
             with
             glory
             .
             And
             this
             indeed
             is
             that
             which
             maketh
             Contentment
             so
             great
             a
             Vertue
             .
             It
             hath
             a
             powerful
             influence
             upon
             us
             in
             all
             Estates
             ;
             to
             take
             off
             our
             Perplexity
             ,
             
             Sollicitude
             and
             Care
             ,
             and
             to
             adorn
             our
             lives
             with
             Liberty
             and
             Chearfulness
             ,
             by
             which
             we
             become
             acceptable
             and
             admirable
             to
             the
             Sons
             of
             Men.
             It
             makes
             us
             prone
             to
             be
             Kind
             and
             Liberal
             ,
             whereby
             we
             become
             Obliging
             and
             full
             of
             good
             Works
             .
             For
             it
             delivers
             us
             from
             all
             servile
             Fear
             ,
             and
             gives
             us
             Courage
             and
             Confidence
             in
             GOD.
             For
             well
             may
             we
             dare
             to
             trust
             him
             in
             such
             little
             Matters
             ,
             who
             has
             manifested
             his
             Friendship
             and
             Bounty
             in
             such
             infinite
             good
             things
             ,
             and
             made
             it
             impossible
             for
             us
             to
             be
             Miserable
             ,
             if
             we
             are
             pleasing
             to
             him
             .
             An
             intelligent
             and
             full
             Contentment
             elevates
             the
             Soul
             above
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             Angelical
             :
             it
             instills
             a
             Divine
             and
             Heavenly
             Nature
             ,
             enflames
             the
             Soul
             with
             the
             love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             moves
             it
             to
             delight
             in
             Devotion
             and
             Prayer
             .
             The
             sweetness
             of
             his
             Thoughts
             ,
             and
             the
             beauty
             of
             his
             Object
             draws
             a
             Lover
             often
             into
             Solitudes
             .
             And
             a
             Royal
             Man
             in
             a
             strange
             Country
             (
             especially
             when
             he
             has
             heard
             tidings
             of
             his
             Fathers
             Death
             ,
             and
             the
             devolving
             of
             his
             Crown
             and
             Throne
             on
             himself
             )
             desires
             to
             be
             alone
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             digest
             these
             Affairs
             in
             his
             Thoughts
             a
             little
             :
             He
             delights
             in
             being
             retired
             ,
             because
             he
             can
             
             find
             nothing
             worthy
             of
             himself
             in
             Company
             .
             Magnanimous
             Souls
             are
             above
             Garlands
             and
             Shepherds
             :
             And
             there
             is
             no
             greatness
             of
             Soul
             like
             that
             which
             perfect
             Contentment
             inspires
             .
          
           
             BUT
             that
             which
             above
             all
             other
             things
             makes
             me
             to
             note
             the
             Vertue
             of
             Contentment
             ,
             is
             its
             great
             influence
             ,
             efficacy
             ,
             and
             power
             in
             confirming
             our
             Faith.
             For
             when
             I
             see
             the
             Beauty
             of
             Religion
             I
             know
             it
             to
             be
             true
             .
             For
             such
             is
             its
             excellency
             ,
             that
             if
             you
             remove
             it
             out
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             all
             the
             things
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             will
             be
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             The
             business
             of
             Religion
             is
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             the
             Love
             of
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             and
             the
             due
             esteem
             we
             owe
             to
             inferiour
             Creatures
             .
             Remove
             this
             Love
             ,
             this
             Charity
             ,
             this
             Due
             Esteem
             ,
             this
             delight
             that
             we
             should
             take
             in
             all
             amiable
             Objects
             ;
             Life
             and
             Pleasure
             are
             extinguished
             .
             I
             see
             Nature
             it self
             teaching
             me
             Religion
             :
             And
             by
             the
             admirable
             Contexture
             of
             the
             Powers
             of
             my
             Soul
             ,
             and
             their
             fitness
             for
             all
             Objects
             and
             Ends
             ,
             by
             the
             incomparable
             Excellency
             of
             the
             Laws
             prescribed
             ,
             and
             the
             worthiness
             and
             Beauty
             of
             all
             the
             Objects
             for
             which
             my
             power
             are
             prepared
             ,
             see
             plainly
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             infinitely
             
             Beloved
             :
             and
             that
             all
             the
             cross
             and
             disorderly
             things
             ,
             that
             are
             now
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             are
             meer
             Corruptions
             and
             depravations
             of
             Nature
             ,
             which
             free
             Agents
             have
             let
             in
             upon
             themselves
             .
             All
             which
             since
             they
             are
             reducible
             to
             the
             Government
             of
             Reason
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             Wisdom
             be
             improved
             to
             my
             higher
             happiness
             ,
             I
             am
             sure
             I
             am
             redeemed
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             is
             some
             eternal
             Power
             that
             governs
             the
             World
             with
             so
             much
             Goodness
             for
             my
             felicity
             ,
             since
             I
             my self
             was
             not
             able
             to
             do
             it
             .
             That
             all
             Ages
             are
             beautified
             by
             his
             Wisdom
             for
             my
             enjoyment
             I
             hope
             in
             like
             manner
             :
             nay
             I
             see
             it
             plainly
             .
             And
             of
             all
             these
             Joyes
             the
             Cross
             of
             Christ
             is
             the
             Root
             and
             Centre
             .
          
           
             I
             confess
             it
             is
             difficult
             to
             gain
             this
             high
             and
             divine
             Contentment
             ,
             because
             its
             measure
             and
             value
             is
             infinite
             :
             Nay
             there
             are
             other
             causes
             both
             Temporal
             and
             Eternal
             that
             may
             seem
             to
             be
             impediments
             .
             One
             was
             a
             business
             which
             David
             did
             experience
             ,
             
               The
               prosperity
               of
               the
               Wicked
            
             .
             They
             live
             in
             so
             much
             Splendour
             ,
             Pomp
             ,
             and
             Grandeur
             ,
             have
             so
             much
             Respect
             and
             Reverence
             paid
             unto
             them
             ,
             and
             reign
             as
             it
             were
             in
             the
             high
             Esteem
             of
             all
             that
             are
             round
             about
             them
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             ,
             that
             
             a
             Poor
             good
             man
             is
             hardly
             lookt
             upon
             among
             them
             .
             His
             condition
             seemeth
             Servile
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             little
             regarded
             .
             David
             carried
             the
             Temptation
             far
             higher
             ,
             yet
             triumphed
             over
             it
             ,
             Psal.
             73.
             1
             ,
             &c.
             
             
               Truly
               GOD
               is
               good
               to
            
             Israel
             ,
             
               even
               to
               such
               as
               are
               of
               a
               clean
               heart
               .
               But
               as
               for
               me
               my
               feet
               were
               almost
               gone
               ,
               my
               steps
               had
               well
               nigh
               slipt
               .
               For
               I
               was
               envious
               at
               the
               foolish
               ,
               when
               I
               saw
               the
               prosperity
               of
               the
               Wicked
               .
               For
               all
               the
               day
               long
               have
               I
               been
               plagued
               ,
               and
               chastened
               every
               morning
               .
            
             Whether
             it
             be
             through
             Nature
             ,
             or
             its
             Corruption
             ,
             I
             cannot
             tell
             (
             at
             least
             I
             will
             not
             stand
             to
             dispute
             it
             )
             but
             it
             is
             somewhat
             grievous
             ,
             to
             see
             men
             of
             the
             same
             mould
             with
             our selves
             so
             highly
             magnified
             ,
             and
             our selves
             slighted
             ,
             and
             unable
             to
             appear
             with
             Equality
             among
             them
             :
             because
             the
             true
             Greatness
             of
             our
             Souls
             is
             hidden
             ,
             oppressed
             ,
             and
             buried
             as
             it
             were
             in
             the
             Meanness
             of
             our
             Condition
             .
             But
             yet
             we
             have
             excellent
             Company
             ,
             David
             and
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Martyrs
             ,
             that
             are
             now
             so
             glorious
             .
             And
             if
             you
             please
             you
             may
             consider
             ,
             what
             these
             Great
             men
             do
             when
             the
             shew
             is
             over
             :
             We
             when
             we
             come
             abroad
             are
             weak
             and
             despised
             ,
             and
             they
             when
             they
             
             
               are
               alone
            
             .
             A
             Vertuous
             man
             is
             Great
             within
             ,
             and
             glorious
             in
             his
             Retirements
             ,
             is
             honoured
             also
             among
             men
             in
             Truth
             and
             Reality
             ;
             the
             rest
             make
             an
             outward
             shew
             ,
             and
             are
             honoured
             in
             Ceremony
             .
             We
             are
             accepted
             in
             the
             eyes
             of
             GOD
             and
             his
             holy
             Angels
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             condemned
             :
             Their
             Life
             is
             a
             Dream
             ,
             and
             ours
             is
             Eternal
             :
             We
             expatiate
             over
             all
             the
             World
             with
             infinite
             Joy
             and
             Pleasure
             in
             our
             Solitudes
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             nothing
             when
             they
             return
             to
             themselves
             .
             That
             wherein
             the
             greatest
             difficulty
             of
             all
             doth
             consist
             ,
             is
             the
             boundless
             desire
             and
             ambition
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             tempted
             to
             envy
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             above
             us
             ,
             and
             for
             ever
             to
             be
             displeased
             unless
             our
             glory
             and
             blessedness
             be
             Eternal
             ;
             I
             do
             not
             mean
             Immortal
             only
             ,
             but
             of
             everlasting
             Extent
             ,
             and
             infinite
             Beauty
             .
             We
             soar
             to
             the
             Best
             and
             highest
             of
             all
             that
             is
             possible
             :
             And
             unless
             in
             all
             Ages
             and
             Kingdoms
             our
             Satisfaction
             be
             compleat
             ,
             and
             our
             Pleasure
             exquisite
             ;
             we
             are
             prone
             to
             be
             tormented
             with
             the
             perfection
             of
             our
             Desires
             .
             But
             GOD
             having
             given
             himself
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             Kingdom
             and
             Glory
             to
             us
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             room
             for
             Complaint
             .
             All
             his
             Power
             being
             glorified
             by
             his
             Wisdom
             
             and
             Goodness
             for
             our
             advancement
             ,
             we
             need
             nothing
             but
             a
             clear
             sight
             of
             the
             face
             of
             Truth
             ,
             and
             a
             lively
             sence
             of
             our
             Condition
             ,
             to
             ravish
             and
             transport
             us
             into
             Extasies
             ,
             and
             Praises
             .
          
           
             THE
             happiness
             of
             a
             Contented
             Spirit
             consists
             not
             alone
             in
             the
             fruitions
             of
             its
             Bliss
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             fruits
             and
             effects
             it
             produceth
             in
             our
             Lives
             .
             It
             gives
             us
             many
             advantages
             over
             Sin
             ,
             Temptation
             ,
             Fear
             ,
             Affliction
             ,
             Poverty
             ,
             Sickness
             ,
             Death
             ,
             and
             all
             other
             Casualties
             to
             which
             we
             are
             obnoxious
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             our
             frail
             and
             fickle
             condition
             .
             But
             all
             these
             I
             shall
             pass
             over
             ,
             and
             only
             mention
             two
             ,
             which
             are
             worth
             our
             care
             and
             desire
             ;
             Security
             and
             Power
             .
          
           
             AS
             there
             is
             a
             vain
             and
             empty
             Contentment
             ,
             so
             there
             is
             a
             rash
             and
             foolish
             Security
             .
             For
             a
             man
             to
             wink
             at
             all
             Hazards
             to
             which
             he
             is
             exposed
             ,
             and
             without
             any
             consideration
             of
             what
             may
             befal
             him
             ,
             to
             give
             himself
             up
             to
             his
             ease
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             is
             as
             great
             a
             madness
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             for
             a
             General
             environed
             with
             Enemies
             to
             sleep
             without
             his
             Guards
             ,
             or
             be
             totally
             negligent
             of
             his
             Camp
             ,
             and
             his
             Army
             .
             But
             when
             he
             has
             Conquered
             all
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             then
             to
             be
             filled
             with
             Melancholy
             
             fears
             ,
             and
             Pannick
             terrours
             ,
             is
             as
             great
             a
             weakness
             ,
             as
             a
             man
             of
             Worth
             can
             be
             capable
             of
             .
             Even
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             them
             ,
             when
             he
             has
             surveyed
             all
             their
             strengths
             ,
             and
             made
             full
             provision
             for
             their
             incursions
             ;
             he
             may
             take
             his
             rest
             with
             liberty
             :
             provided
             he
             be
             moderate
             and
             wary
             in
             his
             proceedings
             .
             This
             last
             is
             our
             Condition
             .
             We
             must
             not
             live
             as
             if
             there
             were
             no
             Sickness
             and
             Death
             in
             the
             World.
             We
             must
             remember
             there
             are
             Calamities
             of
             every
             kind
             ,
             and
             fortifie
             our selves
             with
             Principles
             and
             Resolutions
             against
             them
             all
             ,
             
               put
               on
               the
               whole
               Armour
               of
               GOD
               ,
            
             which
             is
             called
             sometimes
             
               the
               Armour
               of
               Light
            
             ,
             and
             stand
             prepared
             for
             all
             Assaults
             whatsoever
             .
             When
             we
             have
             so
             done
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             a
             terrible
             thing
             to
             be
             surprized
             ,
             so
             it
             is
             a
             glorious
             thing
             with
             open
             eyes
             to
             see
             and
             know
             all
             the
             Evil
             that
             is
             in
             Death
             ,
             Imprisonment
             ,
             Persecution
             ,
             Shame
             and
             Poverty
             ,
             Famine
             ,
             Banishment
             ,
             Pain
             and
             Torment
             ;
             and
             yet
             to
             be
             secure
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             our
             fruitions
             .
             There
             is
             a
             worthless
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             a
             divine
             Security
             :
             It
             is
             a
             poor
             business
             for
             a
             man
             to
             be
             secure
             ,
             that
             has
             nothing
             to
             lose
             .
             A
             Beggar
             sings
             upon
             the
             Road
             without
             any
             fear
             of
             Thieves
             .
             But
             to
             be
             
             full
             of
             Gold
             and
             Jewels
             ,
             yet
             safe
             from
             danger
             ;
             to
             be
             secure
             in
             a
             Palace
             of
             Delights
             ;
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             a
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             possession
             of
             all
             its
             glory
             to
             rest
             with
             safety
             ,
             this
             is
             a
             valuable
             and
             sweet
             Security
             ,
             a
             safety
             enriched
             with
             solid
             Enjoyments
             ,
             much
             more
             is
             it
             here
             upon
             Earth
             to
             have
             the
             bliss
             and
             security
             of
             Angels
             .
             Among
             Wolves
             ,
             and
             Tygers
             ,
             and
             Bears
             and
             Dragons
             ;
             among
             Thieves
             and
             Murtherers
             ,
             Bloody
             Men
             and
             Devils
             ;
             among
             Dead-mens
             Bones
             ,
             and
             Graves
             and
             Sepulchres
             ,
             when
             showers
             of
             Arrows
             fall
             round
             about
             us
             ,
             and
             Hell
             is
             beneath
             us
             ;
             this
             is
             something
             more
             than
             to
             be
             secure
             where
             no
             danger
             is
             near
             ,
             no
             Calamity
             possible
             .
             It
             is
             a
             kind
             of
             triumph
             in
             Security
             ,
             and
             hath
             a
             peculiar
             glory
             in
             it
             which
             the
             very
             security
             of
             Heaven
             is
             incapable
             of
             .
             And
             yet
             poor
             frail
             Man
             obnoxious
             and
             liable
             to
             all
             these
             destructions
             is
             safe
             among
             them
             all
             ,
             when
             he
             is
             once
             gotten
             into
             the
             heart
             of
             GOD's
             Kingdom
             ,
             and
             surrounded
             with
             Felicity
             .
             It
             s
             very
             Beauties
             are
             its
             Strengths
             .
             He
             knows
             himself
             beloved
             of
             the
             eternal
             GOD
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             King
             of
             Terrors
             is
             but
             a
             disguised
             Bug-Bear
             ,
             a
             dark
             and
             doleful
             passage
             to
             
             the
             Ignorant
             ,
             but
             to
             him
             a
             bright
             and
             transparent
             way
             to
             the
             King
             of
             Glory
             .
             This
             Blessedness
             is
             of
             stable
             ,
             incorruptible
             nature
             ,
             which
             nothing
             can
             destroy
             .
             It
             digesteth
             all
             kind
             of
             Evils
             ,
             and
             turneth
             them
             into
             nourishment
             .
             There
             is
             a
             Wisdom
             above
             us
             ,
             and
             a
             Wisdom
             within
             us
             ,
             that
             maketh
             
               all
               things
               work
               together
               for
               good
               to
               them
               that
               love
               GOD
               ,
            
             and
             nothing
             is
             able
             to
             hurt
             us
             but
             our selves
             .
          
           
             Now
             for
             Power
             which
             Felicity
             giveth
             :
             There
             is
             an
             intrinsick
             power
             in
             the
             enjoyment
             it self
             ,
             for
             which
             Felicity
             is
             to
             be
             admired
             :
             in
             comparison
             of
             which
             all
             other
             Powers
             are
             but
             poor
             and
             feeble
             .
             To
             speak
             with
             the
             tongue
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             ,
             to
             move
             Mountains
             ,
             or
             turn
             them
             into
             Gold
             ,
             to
             raise
             the
             Dead
             ,
             to
             command
             the
             Sun
             ,
             are
             common
             things
             :
             The
             power
             of
             creating
             Worlds
             is
             but
             vain
             ,
             without
             the
             power
             of
             enjoying
             them
             .
             All
             Honour
             ,
             Pleasure
             and
             Glory
             are
             shut
             up
             in
             Felicity
             .
             Had
             we
             a
             power
             of
             Creating
             and
             enjoying
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             it
             were
             infinitely
             short
             of
             the
             power
             of
             enjoying
             GOD
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             infinitely
             greater
             and
             higher
             than
             all
             .
             the
             Creating
             Power
             is
             superfluous
             to
             us
             ,
             
             because
             all
             is
             most
             exquisite
             and
             perfect
             already
             .
             The
             fools
             Wishing
             Cap
             ,
             and
             the
             Philosophers
             Stone
             are
             but
             trifles
             :
             All
             things
             (
             that
             are
             not
             gold
             )
             are
             better
             than
             gold
             .
             Felicity
             giveth
             us
             the
             power
             of
             enjoying
             all
             ,
             even
             GOD
             himself
             ,
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             and
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             nay
             all
             their
             Riches
             ,
             Splendors
             and
             Pomps
             in
             their
             places
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             most
             amiable
             and
             desirable
             ,
             the
             most
             sweet
             and
             profitable
             Power
             of
             all
             other
             .
          
           
             BUT
             when
             we
             are
             Contented
             ,
             there
             is
             another
             Power
             worth
             the
             having
             ,
             which
             Felicity
             giveth
             us
             .
             It
             enables
             us
             to
             despise
             the
             Menaces
             and
             Anger
             's
             of
             Men
             ,
             it
             setteth
             us
             above
             their
             reach
             ,
             and
             inspires
             us
             with
             a
             comely
             boldness
             to
             dare
             to
             do
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             good
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             with
             ability
             to
             dare
             to
             suffer
             any
             thing
             that
             is
             evil
             .
             He
             that
             is
             secure
             ,
             and
             he
             that
             hath
             enough
             ,
             is
             independant
             ,
             and
             
               bold
               as
               a
               Lion
            
             :
             And
             besides
             all
             this
             he
             has
             a
             certain
             lustre
             in
             his
             Actions
             ,
             that
             gives
             him
             authority
             and
             power
             over
             others
             ,
             to
             intercede
             and
             prevail
             in
             his
             requests
             ,
             to
             live
             in
             honour
             and
             good
             esteem
             ,
             and
             to
             make
             many
             subservient
             to
             his
             best
             occasions
             .
             He
             is
             great
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             whatever
             he
             asks
             of
             his
             eternal
             
             Father
             in
             his
             Sons
             Name
             ,
             with
             Wisdom
             and
             Piety
             ,
             shall
             not
             be
             denied
             him
             .
             He
             can
             touch
             the
             hearts
             of
             millions
             by
             his
             Fathers
             Mediation
             :
             
               For
               the
               hearts
               of
               Kings
               are
               in
               the
               hands
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               to
               turn
               them
               as
               the
               Rivers
               of
               water
               .
            
             He
             made
             his
             people
             to
             be
             pitied
             of
             all
             them
             that
             carried
             them
             away
             Captive
             ,
             and
             gave
             them
             favour
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             the
             Egyptians
             .
             And
             this
             secret
             alone
             is
             of
             more
             value
             then
             we
             can
             well
             describe
             .
          
           
             To
             receive
             power
             from
             Heaven
             to
             be
             Vertuous
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             Vertue
             ,
             to
             be
             irresistible
             and
             invincible
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             it
             ,
             is
             a
             very
             divine
             and
             glorious
             Priviledge
             .
             Felicity
             it self
             is
             the
             fountain
             of
             this
             Power
             ,
             and
             the
             knowledge
             of
             its
             greatness
             that
             which
             enflames
             us
             with
             the
             love
             of
             it
             .
             Felicity
             is
             excellent
             not
             only
             as
             it
             is
             the
             end
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             but
             the
             encouragement
             of
             it
             .
             He
             that
             is
             Content
             has
             a
             great
             advantage
             above
             all
             other
             men
             ,
             because
             he
             moves
             with
             greater
             ease
             ,
             and
             passeth
             through
             all
             difficulties
             with
             greater
             pleasure
             .
             A
             general
             of
             an
             Army
             ,
             that
             works
             with
             the
             Common
             Souldiers
             in
             the
             Trenches
             ,
             does
             the
             same
             work
             ,
             but
             with
             more
             honour
             and
             less
             labour
             .
             He
             is
             not
             servile
             in
             it
             as
             the
             rest
             
             are
             ,
             but
             his
             pleasure
             is
             to
             do
             it
             for
             all
             their
             encouragement
             .
             He
             does
             it
             in
             the
             quality
             of
             a
             Prince
             ,
             and
             with
             less
             molestation
             ;
             he
             has
             higher
             Incentives
             ,
             and
             more
             sublime
             Rewards
             .
             Yet
             he
             does
             it
             too
             with
             greater
             merit
             and
             acceptance
             .
             A
             man
             that
             sees
             and
             knows
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             high
             and
             heavenly
             Estate
             ,
             does
             all
             things
             triumphantly
             .
             The
             sweetness
             of
             his
             Bliss
             alters
             the
             very
             nature
             of
             his
             Fights
             and
             Battles
             .
             He
             does
             all
             things
             in
             the
             light
             ,
             without
             groaning
             and
             reluctancy
             :
             He
             marches
             on
             with
             dancing
             and
             melody
             ,
             and
             chearful
             looks
             ,
             and
             smiles
             ,
             and
             thanksgivings
             :
             whereas
             they
             that
             know
             not
             the
             glory
             of
             Felicity
             groap
             in
             the
             dark
             ;
             they
             that
             are
             discontented
             move
             heavily
             ,
             and
             are
             in
             all
             their
             proceedings
             lame
             and
             maimed
             .
          
           
             THE
             way
             to
             attain
             the
             felicity
             of
             Contentment
             ,
             is
             to
             attain
             Felicity
             that
             we
             may
             be
             contented
             .
             True
             Felicity
             is
             the
             source
             of
             Contentment
             ,
             and
             of
             all
             Vertue
             .
             It
             is
             never
             to
             be
             gotten
             but
             by
             digging
             after
             Knowledge
             as
             for
             hidden
             Treasures
             .
             Praying
             for
             it
             is
             a
             good
             way
             ,
             but
             Prayers
             without
             Industry
             is
             a
             meer
             mockery
             .
             Industry
             on
             the
             other
             
             side
             without
             Prayer
             is
             loose
             Presumption
             .
             For
             a
             man
             to
             pray
             to
             GOD
             to
             make
             his
             Field
             fruitful
             without
             ploughing
             and
             sowing
             is
             madness
             ,
             and
             to
             expect
             all
             from
             his
             own
             labour
             ,
             without
             GOD's
             Blessing
             ,
             impiety
             .
             But
             GOD
             never
             yet
             said
             to
             any
             of
             the
             seed
             of
             
               Jacob
               ,
               Seek
               ye
               my
               face
               in
               vain
               .
            
          
           
             WHEN
             Contentment
             is
             gotten
             ,
             it
             must
             be
             secured
             by
             the
             same
             means
             by
             which
             it
             was
             obtained
             .
             Care
             in
             fencing
             is
             as
             necessary
             as
             Care
             in
             ploughing
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             Labour
             too
             but
             sweet
             and
             delightful
             even
             in
             reaping
             in
             the
             Harvest
             .
             But
             all
             the
             work
             is
             reduced
             into
             narrow
             room
             :
             Thou
             hast
             no
             charge
             over
             any
             other
             than
             thine
             own
             Vineyard
             .
             When
             thou
             hast
             gotten
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Felicity
             and
             thy self
             ,
             the
             grand
             means
             of
             Contentment
             is
             continually
             to
             enjoy
             it
             .
             With
             all
             thy
             getting
             get
             Wisdom
             ,
             and
             with
             all
             thy
             keeping
             keep
             thy
             Heart
             ;
             
               For
               out
               of
               it
               are
               the
               Issues
               of
               Life
               and
               Death
               .
            
             Nothing
             can
             waste
             thy
             Conscience
             but
             Sin
             ,
             and
             nothing
             trouble
             thy
             Repose
             ,
             but
             what
             disturbs
             thy
             Conscience
             .
             Let
             Vertue
             and
             Felicity
             be
             thy
             only
             good
             ,
             and
             believe
             firmly
             that
             nothing
             can
             hurt
             thee
             but
             SIN
             alone
             .
          
           
           
             One
             evil
             action
             done
             by
             thy self
             ,
             is
             more
             mischievous
             to
             thee
             ,
             then
             all
             the
             Calamities
             and
             Sufferings
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXVIII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Magnanimity
               ,
               or
               Greatness
               of
               Soul.
               Its
               Nature
               .
               It
               s
               Foundation
               in
               the
               vast
               Capacity
               of
               the
               Understanding
               .
               It
               s
               Desire
               .
               Its
               Objects
               are
               infinite
               and
               eternal
               .
               Its
               Enquiries
               are
               most
               profound
               and
               earnest
               .
               It
               disdaineth
               all
               feeble
               Honours
               ,
               Pleasures
               and
               Treasures
               .
               A
               Magnanimous
               Man
               is
               the
               only
               Great
               and
               undaunted
               Creature
               .
            
          
           
             MAGNANIMITY
             and
             Contentment
             are
             very
             near
             allyed
             ,
             like
             Brothers
             and
             Sisters
             they
             spring
             from
             the
             same
             Parents
             ,
             but
             are
             of
             several
             Features
             .
             Fortitude
             and
             Patience
             are
             Kindred
             too
             to
             this
             incomparable
             Vertue
             .
             Moralists
             distinguish
             Magnanimity
             and
             Modesty
             ,
             by
             making
             the
             one
             the
             desire
             of
             greater
             ,
             the
             other
             of
             less
             and
             inferiour
             Honours
             .
             But
             in
             my
             apprehension
             
             there
             is
             more
             in
             Magnanimity
             .
             It
             includes
             all
             that
             belongs
             to
             
               a
               Great
               Soul
            
             :
             A
             high
             and
             mighty
             Courage
             ,
             an
             invincible
             Patience
             ,
             an
             immoveable
             Grandeur
             which
             is
             above
             the
             reach
             of
             Injuries
             ,
             a
             contempt
             of
             all
             little
             and
             feeble
             Enjoyments
             ,
             and
             a
             certain
             kind
             of
             Majesty
             that
             is
             conversant
             only
             with
             Great
             things
             ;
             a
             high
             and
             lofty
             frame
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             allayed
             with
             the
             sweetness
             of
             Courtesie
             and
             Respect
             ;
             a
             deep
             and
             stable
             Resolution
             founded
             on
             Humility
             without
             any
             baseness
             ;
             an
             infinite
             Hope
             ;
             and
             a
             vast
             Desire
             ;
             a
             Divine
             ,
             profound
             ,
             uncontrolable
             sence
             of
             ones
             own
             Capacity
             ,
             a
             generous
             Confidence
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             inclination
             to
             Heroical
             deeds
             ;
             all
             these
             conspire
             to
             compleat
             it
             ,
             with
             a
             severe
             and
             mighty
             expectation
             of
             Bliss
             incomprehensible
             .
             It
             soars
             up
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             looks
             down
             upon
             all
             the
             dominion
             of
             Fortune
             with
             pity
             and
             disdain
             .
             Its
             aims
             and
             designs
             are
             transcendent
             to
             all
             the
             Concerns
             of
             this
             little
             World.
             Its
             Objects
             and
             its
             Ends
             are
             worthy
             of
             a
             Soul
             that
             is
             like
             GOD
             in
             Nature
             ;
             and
             nothing
             less
             than
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             ,
             his
             Life
             and
             Image
             ;
             nothing
             beneath
             the
             Friendship
             and
             Communion
             with
             him
             ,
             can
             be
             its
             
             satisfaction
             .
             The
             Terrours
             ,
             Allurements
             and
             Censures
             of
             men
             are
             the
             dust
             of
             its
             feet
             :
             their
             Avarice
             and
             Ambition
             are
             but
             feebleness
             before
             it
             .
             Their
             Riches
             and
             Contentions
             ,
             and
             Interests
             and
             Honours
             ,
             but
             insignificant
             and
             empty
             trifles
             .
             All
             the
             World
             is
             but
             a
             little
             Bubble
             ,
             Infinity
             and
             Eternity
             the
             only
             great
             and
             soveraign
             things
             wherewith
             it
             converseth
             .
             A
             Magnanimous
             Soul
             is
             alwaies
             awake
             .
             The
             whole
             globe
             of
             the
             Earth
             is
             but
             a
             Nutshell
             in
             comparison
             of
             its
             enjoyments
             .
             The
             Sun
             is
             its
             Lamp
             ,
             the
             Sea
             its
             Fishpond
             ,
             the
             Stars
             its
             Jewels
             ,
             Men
             ,
             Angels
             its
             Attendance
             ,
             and
             GOD
             alone
             its
             soveraign
             Delight
             and
             supream
             Complacency
             .
             The
             Earth
             is
             its
             Garden
             ,
             all
             Palaces
             its
             Summer
             houses
             ,
             Cities
             are
             its
             Cottages
             ,
             Empires
             its
             more
             spacious
             Conrts
             ,
             all
             Ages
             and
             Kingdoms
             its
             Demeans
             ,
             Monarchs
             its
             Ministers
             and
             publick
             Agents
             ,
             the
             whole
             Catholick
             Church
             its
             Family
             ,
             the
             eternal
             Son
             of
             GOD
             its
             Pattern
             and
             Example
             .
             Nothing
             is
             great
             if
             compared
             to
             a
             
               Magnanimous
               Soul
            
             ,
             but
             the
             Soveraign
             Lord
             of
             all
             Worlds
             .
          
           
           
             Mistake
             not
             these
             things
             for
             arbitrary
             flourishes
             of
             Luxuriant
             fancy
             :
             I
             speak
             as
             I
             am
             inspired
             by
             Felicity
             .
             GOD
             is
             the
             Cause
             ,
             but
             the
             knowledge
             of
             a
             Mans
             self
             the
             Foundation
             of
             Magnanimity
             .
             Trismegistus
             counteth
             thus
             ,
             
               First
               GOD
               ,
               secondly
               the
               World
               ,
               thirdly
               Man
               :
               the
               World
               for
               Man
               ,
               and
               Man
               for
               GOD.
               Of
               the
               Soul
               that
               which
               is
               sensible
               is
               Mortal
               ,
               but
               that
               which
               is
               reasonable
               Immortal
               .
               The
               Father
               of
               all
               things
               being
               full
               of
               Light
               and
               Life
               ,
               brought
               forth
               Man
               like
               unto
               himself
               ,
               whom
               he
               loved
               as
               his
               proper
               Off-spring
               :
               for
               he
               was
               all
               Beauteous
               having
               the
               Image
               of
               his
               Father
               .
            
             This
             in
             his
             Poemander
             .
             Again
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Man
               is
               a
               divine
               and
               living
               thing
               ,
               not
               to
               be
               compared
               to
               any
               Beast
               that
               lives
               upon
               the
               Earth
               ,
               but
               to
               them
               that
               are
               above
               (
               in
               the
               highest
               Heavens
               )
               that
               are
               called
               Gods.
               Nay
               rather
               if
               we
               shall
               be
               bold
               to
               speak
               the
               truth
               ,
               he
               that
               is
               a
               MAN
               INDEED
               is
               above
               them
               !
            
             He
             is
             infinitely
             greater
             than
             the
             gods
             of
             the
             Heathen
             :
             And
             a
             God
             like
             unto
             himself
             (
             as
             the
             Wise
             Man
             observes
             )
             he
             cannot
             make
             .
             
               At
               least
            
             ,
             saith
             
               Trismegistus
               ,
               they
               are
               equal
               in
               Power
               :
               For
               none
               of
               the
               things
               in
               Heaven
               will
               come
               down
               upon
               Earth
               ,
               and
               leave
               the
               limits
               of
               Heaven
               :
               bur
               a
               Man
               ascends
               
               up
               into
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               measures
               it
               .
               He
               knoweth
               what
               things
               are
               on
               high
               ,
               and
               what
               below
               .
               And
               that
               which
               is
               the
               greatest
               of
               all
               ,
               he
               leaveth
               not
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               yet
               is
               above
               :
               so
               mighty
               and
               vast
               is
               the
               greatness
               of
               his
               Nature
               !
               Wherefore
               we
               must
               be
               bold
               to
               say
               ,
               that
               an
               Earthly
               Man
               is
               a
               Mortal
               God
               ,
               and
               the
               Heavenly
               GOD
               is
               an
               Immortal
               MAN.
               
            
          
           
             
               THIS
               is
               the
               Philosophy
               of
               the
               ancient
               Heathen
               :
               wherein
               though
               there
               be
               some
               Errors
               ,
               yet
               was
               he
               guided
               to
               it
               by
               a
               mighty
               sence
               of
               the
               interiour
               Excellency
               of
               the
               Soul
               of
               Man
               ,
               and
               the
               boldness
               he
               assumes
               is
               not
               so
               profane
               ,
               but
               that
               it
               is
               countenanced
               here
               and
               there
               in
               the
               Holy
               Scripture
               .
               GOD
               himself
               said
               unto
            
             Moses
             ,
             Lo
             ,
             I
             have
             made
             thee
             a
             God
             to
             
               Pharoah
               .
               Again
               he
               telleth
               him
               concerning
            
             Aaron
             ,
             He
             shall
             be
             to
             thee
             instead
             of
             a
             Mouth
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             be
             to
             him
             instead
             of
             God.
             
               And
               again
               concerning
               all
               the
               Great
               men
               of
               the
               World
               in
               general
               ,
            
             I
             have
             said
             ye
             are
             Gods
             ,
             but
             ye
             shall
             die
             like
             Men.
             
               But
               let
               us
               see
               the
               Reason
               of
               the
               Heathen
               a
               little
               ,
               on
               which
               he
               foundeth
               his
               great
               Opinions
               .
               In
               one
               place
               he
               maketh
               his
               Son
            
             Tatius
             to
             say
             ,
             I
             conceive
             and
             understand
             ,
             not
             by
             the
             sight
             
             of
             mine
             Eyes
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             intellectual
             Operation
             ,
             &c.
             
             I
             am
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             in
             the
             Earth
             ,
             in
             the
             Water
             ,
             in
             the
             Air
             :
             I
             am
             in
             the
             living
             Creatures
             ,
             in
             Plants
             ,
             in
             the
             Womb
             :
             every
             where
             .
             
               Whereupon
               he
               asketh
               him
            
             ,
             Dost
             thou
             not
             know
             (
             O
             my
             Son
             )
             that
             thou
             art
             born
             a
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Son
             of
             The
             One
             as
             I
             am
             ?
             
               And
               the
               ground
               of
               this
               Question
               he
               unfoldeth
               in
               another
               place
               thus
            
             ;
             Consider
             him
             that
             contains
             all
             things
             ,
             and
             understand
             ,
             that
             nothing
             is
             more
             Capacious
             than
             that
             which
             is
             Incorporeal
             ,
             nothing
             more
             swift
             ,
             nothing
             more
             powerful
             :
             but
             (
             of
             all
             other
             things
             )
             it
             is
             most
             Capacious
             ,
             most
             swift
             ,
             and
             most
             strong
             .
             And
             judge
             of
             this
             by
             thy self
             .
             Command
             thy
             Soul
             to
             go
             into
             India
             ,
             and
             sooner
             than
             thou
             canst
             bid
             it
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             there
             .
             Bid
             it
             pass
             over
             the
             Ocean
             ,
             and
             suddenly
             it
             will
             be
             there
             :
             not
             as
             passing
             from
             place
             to
             place
             ,
             but
             suddenly
             it
             will
             be
             there
             .
             Command
             it
             to
             flie
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             it
             will
             need
             no
             wings
             ,
             neither
             shall
             any
             thing
             hinder
             it
             ;
             not
             the
             fire
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             nor
             the
             AEther
             ,
             nor
             the
             turning
             of
             the
             Sphears
             ,
             nor
             the
             bodies
             of
             any
             of
             the
             Stars
             ,
             but
             cutting
             through
             all
             it
             will
             flie
             up
             to
             the
             last
             and
             furthest
             Body
             .
             And
             if
             thou
             wilt
             even
             break
             through
             the
             Whole
             ,
             and
             see
             those
             things
             that
             are
             without
             
             the
             World
             (
             if
             there
             be
             any
             thing
             without
             )
             
               i.e.
               if
               the
               World
               be
               confined
               ,
            
             ]
             thou
             maist
             .
             Behold
             how
             great
             Power
             ,
             how
             great
             swiftness
             thou
             hast
             !
             Canst
             thou
             do
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             cannot
             GOD
             ?
             After
             this
             manner
             therefore
             contemplate
             GOD
             to
             have
             all
             the
             whole
             World
             in
             himself
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             all
             Thoughts
             or
             Intellections
             .
             If
             therefore
             thou
             wilt
             not
             equal
             thy self
             to
             GOD
             ,
             thou
             canst
             not
             understand
             GOD.
             For
             the
             like
             is
             intelligible
             by
             the
             like
             .
             Increase
             thy self
             to
             an
             immeasurable
             Greatness
             ,
             leaping
             beyond
             every
             Body
             ,
             and
             transcending
             all
             Time
             ,
             become
             ETERNITY
             ;
             And
             thou
             shalt
             understand
             GOD.
             If
             thou
             belive
             in
             thy self
             that
             nothing
             is
             impossible
             ,
             but
             accountest
             thy self
             Immortal
             ,
             and
             that
             thou
             canst
             understand
             all
             things
             ,
             every
             Art
             ,
             every
             Science
             ,
             and
             the
             manner
             and
             custom
             of
             every
             living
             thing
             ,
             become
             higher
             than
             all
             Height
             ,
             and
             lower
             than
             all
             Depth
             ,
             comprehend
             in
             thy self
             the
             qualities
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             of
             the
             Fire
             ,
             the
             Water
             ,
             the
             Dry
             and
             the
             Moist
             ,
             and
             conceive
             likewise
             that
             thou
             canst
             at
             once
             be
             every
             where
             ,
             in
             the
             sea
             ,
             in
             the
             Earth
             ;
             at
             once
             understand
             thy self
             not
             yet
             begotten
             ,
             in
             the
             Womb
             ,
             Young
             ,
             Old
             ,
             Dead
             ,
             the
             things
             after
             Death
             ,
             and
             all
             these
             together
             ;
             as
             also
             all
             Times
             ,
             Places
             ,
             Deeds
             ,
             Qualities
             ,
             Quantities
             ,
             
             thou
             maist
             ,
             or
             else
             thou
             canst
             not
             yet
             understand
             GOD.
             But
             if
             thou
             shut
             up
             thy
             Soul
             in
             thy
             Body
             ,
             and
             abuse
             it
             ;
             and
             say
             ,
             I
             understand
             nothing
             ,
             I
             am
             afraid
             of
             the
             Sea
             ,
             I
             cannot
             climb
             up
             into
             Heaven
             ,
             I
             know
             not
             who
             I
             am
             ,
             I
             cannot
             what
             I
             shall
             be
             ;
             what
             hast
             thou
             to
             do
             with
             GOD
             ?
             For
             thou
             canst
             understand
             none
             of
             those
             fair
             and
             good
             things
             ,
             but
             must
             be
             a
             lover
             of
             the
             Body
             and
             Evil.
             For
             it
             is
             the
             greatest
             evil
             not
             to
             know
             GOD.
             But
             to
             be
             able
             to
             Know
             ,
             and
             to
             Will
             ,
             and
             to
             Hope
             ,
             is
             the
             strait
             Way
             ,
             and
             the
             divine
             Way
             proper
             to
             the
             Good.
             It
             will
             every
             where
             meet
             thee
             ,
             and
             every
             where
             be
             seen
             of
             thee
             plain
             and
             easie
             ,
             when
             thou
             dost
             expect
             ,
             or
             look
             for
             it
             .
             It
             will
             meet
             thee
             Waking
             ,
             Sleeping
             ,
             Sailing
             ,
             Travelling
             ,
             by
             Night
             ,
             by
             Day
             ,
             when
             thou
             speakest
             ,
             and
             when
             thou
             keepest
             silence
             .
             For
             it
             is
             nothing
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD.
             
               His
               Close
               is
               most
               divine
            
             ;
             And
             yet
             thou
             sayest
             ,
             GOD
             is
             Invisible
             ;
             but
             be
             advised
             :
             for
             who
             is
             more
             manifest
             than
             he
             ?
             For
             therefore
             he
             made
             all
             things
             ,
             that
             thou
             by
             all
             things
             mightst
             see
             him
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Good
             of
             GOD
             ,
             his
             Vertue
             is
             this
             ,
             to
             appear
             ,
             and
             be
             seen
             in
             all
             Things
             .
             
               This
               is
               the
               bottom
               of
               all
               other
               Greatnesses
               whatsoever
               :
               GOD
               is
               infinitely
               communicative
               ,
               infinitely
               prone
               
               to
               reveal
               himself
               ,
               infinitely
               Wise
               ,
               and
               able
               to
               do
               it
               .
               He
               hath
               made
               the
               Soul
               on
               purpose
               that
               it
               might
               see
               him
               :
               And
               if
               the
               Eye
               that
               was
               made
               for
               the
               World
               ,
               being
               so
               little
               a
               ball
               of
               Earth
               and
               Water
               ,
               can
               take
               in
               all
               ,
               and
               see
               all
               that
               is
               visible
               ,
               if
               the
               sight
               of
               the
               Eye
               be
               present
               with
               all
               it
               beholdeth
               ;
               much
               more
               is
               the
               Soul
               both
               able
               to
               see
               ,
               and
               to
               be
               present
               with
               all
               ,
               that
               is
               Divine
               and
               Eternal
               .
            
          
           
             I
             know
             very
             well
             that
             a
             Man
             divided
             from
             GOD
             is
             a
             weak
             inconsiderable
             Creature
             ,
             as
             the
             Eye
             is
             ,
             if
             divided
             from
             the
             Body
             ,
             and
             without
             the
             Soul
             :
             but
             united
             to
             GOD
             a
             Man
             is
             a
             transcendent
             and
             Celestial
             thing
             .
             GOD
             is
             his
             Life
             ,
             his
             Greatness
             ,
             his
             Power
             ,
             his
             Blessedness
             and
             Perfection
             .
             And
             as
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             
               He
               that
               is
               joyned
               to
               the
               Lord
               is
               one
               SPIRIT
               .
            
             His
             Omnipresence
             and
             Eternity
             fill
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             make
             it
             able
             to
             contain
             all
             Heights
             and
             Depths
             ,
             and
             Lengths
             and
             Breadths
             whatsoever
             .
             And
             it
             is
             the
             desire
             of
             the
             Soul
             
               to
               be
               filled
               with
               all
               the
               fulness
               of
               GOD.
               
            
          
           
             Magnanimous
             desires
             are
             the
             natural
             results
             of
             a
             Magnanimous
             Capacity
             .
             The
             desire
             of
             being
             
               like
               Gods
               ,
               knowing
               Good
               and
               Evil
               ,
            
             was
             the
             destruction
             of
             the
             
             World.
             Not
             as
             if
             it
             were
             unlawful
             to
             desire
             to
             be
             
               Like
               GOD
            
             :
             but
             to
             aspire
             to
             the
             Perfection
             in
             a
             forbidden
             way
             ,
             was
             unlawful
             .
             By
             Disobedience
             ,
             and
             by
             following
             our
             own
             Inventions
             ,
             by
             seeking
             to
             the
             Creature
             ,
             to
             the
             stock
             of
             a
             Tree
             ,
             to
             make
             us
             
               Like
               GOD
            
             ;
             that
             is
             erroneous
             ,
             and
             poor
             ,
             and
             despicable
             :
             but
             to
             know
             our selves
             ,
             and
             in
             
               the
               strait
               and
               divine
               Way
            
             to
             come
             immediately
             to
             GOD
             ,
             to
             contemplate
             him
             in
             his
             Eternity
             and
             Glory
             ,
             is
             a
             right
             and
             safe
             Way
             :
             for
             the
             Soul
             will
             by
             that
             means
             be
             the
             Sphere
             of
             is
             Omnipresence
             ,
             and
             the
             Temple
             of
             the
             God-head
             :
             It
             will
             become
             ETERNITY
             ,
             as
             Trismegistus
             speaketh
             ,
             or
             ONE
             SPIRIT
             with
             God
             ,
             as
             the
             Apostle
             .
             And
             then
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             present
             with
             all
             things
             
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Earth
               ,
               and
               in
               the
               Sea
               ,
            
             as
             GOD
             is
             :
             for
             all
             things
             will
             be
             in
             it
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             
               by
               Thoughts
               and
               Intellections
            
             .
          
           
             A
             Magnanimous
             Soul
             then
             ,
             if
             we
             respect
             its
             Capacity
             ,
             is
             an
             immovable
             sphere
             of
             Power
             and
             Knowledge
             ,
             far
             greater
             than
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             by
             its
             Vertue
             and
             Power
             passing
             through
             all
             things
             ,
             through
             the
             Centre
             of
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             through
             all
             Existencies
             .
             And
             shall
             such
             a
             Creature
             
             as
             this
             be
             contented
             with
             Vanities
             and
             Trlfles
             ,
             Straws
             and
             Feathers
             ,
             painted
             Butterflies
             ,
             Hobby-horses
             and
             Rattles
             .
             These
             are
             the
             Treasures
             of
             little
             Children
             !
             but
             you
             will
             say
             a
             Man
             delighteth
             in
             Purses
             of
             Gold
             ,
             and
             Cabinets
             of
             Jewels
             ,
             in
             Houses
             and
             Palaces
             ,
             in
             Crowns
             and
             Scepters
             .
             Add
             Kingly
             Delights
             ,
             and
             say
             he
             delighteth
             in
             Armies
             and
             Victories
             ,
             and
             Triumphs
             and
             Coronations
             .
             These
             are
             great
             in
             respect
             of
             Play-things
             .
             But
             all
             these
             are
             feeble
             and
             pusillanimous
             to
             a
             great
             Soul.
             
             As
             Scipio
             was
             going
             up
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             the
             Earth
             it self
             seemed
             but
             a
             Nutshel
             ,
             and
             he
             was
             ashamed
             of
             all
             his
             Victories
             and
             Triumhs
             ,
             amazed
             at
             his
             madness
             in
             Quarrelling
             ,
             and
             fighting
             about
             Territories
             and
             Kingdoms
             contracted
             to
             a
             Star
             ,
             and
             lost
             into
             nothing
             .
             the
             whole
             Earth
             is
             but
             one
             invisible
             Point
             ,
             when
             a
             man
             foareth
             to
             the
             height
             of
             Immensity
             ,
             and
             beholdeth
             and
             compasseth
             its
             everlasting
             Circumference
             ,
             which
             is
             infinite
             every
             way
             beyond
             the
             Heavens
             .
             It
             is
             the
             true
             and
             proper
             Immensity
             of
             the
             Soul
             :
             Which
             can
             no
             more
             be
             contented
             with
             the
             narrow
             confinement
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             no
             more
             rest
             in
             the
             Childishness
             of
             all
             the
             noise
             of
             the
             Interests
             
             of
             Men
             ,
             be
             no
             more
             satisfied
             with
             its
             Earthly
             Glories
             ,
             than
             the
             SUN
             can
             be
             shut
             up
             in
             a
             Dark-Lanthorn
             .
             It
             is
             true
             indeed
             it
             would
             desire
             to
             see
             ,
             as
             the
             Angels
             do
             ,
             the
             least
             and
             lowest
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             full
             of
             the
             Glory
             and
             Blessedness
             of
             GOD
             ,
             all
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             in
             every
             thing
             ,
             and
             is
             apt
             to
             complain
             for
             want
             of
             some
             eternal
             and
             Celestial
             Light
             wherein
             to
             behold
             them
             :
             but
             if
             all
             the
             expansions
             of
             Time
             and
             Eternity
             should
             be
             void
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             extents
             and
             out-goings
             of
             Infinity
             empty
             round
             about
             them
             ;
             though
             things
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             nay
             and
             things
             in
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             should
             be
             never
             so
             Rich
             ,
             and
             divine
             ,
             and
             beautiful
             ,
             yet
             such
             is
             the
             Magnanimity
             of
             a
             Great
             Soul
             ,
             that
             it
             would
             hugely
             be
             displeased
             :
             its
             loss
             and
             its
             distaste
             would
             be
             alike
             Infinite
             .
             Infinite
             Honours
             ,
             infinite
             Treasures
             ,
             infinite
             Enjoyments
             ,
             things
             endless
             in
             number
             ,
             value
             ,
             and
             excellency
             are
             the
             Objects
             of
             its
             Care
             and
             Desire
             ;
             the
             greatness
             of
             its
             Spirit
             leads
             it
             to
             consider
             and
             enquire
             ,
             whether
             all
             the
             spaces
             above
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             GOD's
             everlasting
             Kingdom
             be
             full
             of
             Joyes
             ,
             whether
             there
             be
             any
             end
             or
             bound
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             ;
             whether
             
             ther
             there
             be
             any
             defect
             or
             miscarriage
             ,
             any
             blemish
             or
             disorder
             in
             it
             ,
             any
             vile
             and
             common
             thing
             ,
             any
             remissness
             or
             neglect
             ,
             any
             cause
             of
             complaint
             or
             deformity
             ?
             As
             also
             whether
             all
             the
             Ages
             of
             the
             World
             are
             Divine
             and
             Sacred
             ;
             whether
             after
             they
             are
             gone
             ,
             they
             abide
             in
             their
             places
             ;
             whether
             there
             be
             anything
             in
             them
             to
             entertain
             the
             Powers
             of
             the
             Soul
             with
             delight
             ,
             and
             feed
             them
             with
             satisfaction
             ?
             What
             end
             ,
             what
             use
             ,
             what
             excellency
             there
             is
             in
             Men
             ?
             Whether
             all
             the
             waies
             of
             GOD
             are
             full
             of
             beauty
             and
             perfection
             ;
             all
             Wisdom
             ,
             Justice
             ,
             Holiness
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             Love
             and
             Power
             ?
             What
             Regions
             eternal
             Blessedness
             is
             seated
             in
             ?
             What
             Glory
             ,
             what
             Reason
             ,
             what
             Agreeableness
             and
             Harmony
             is
             in
             all
             his
             Counsels
             ?
             Whether
             those
             durations
             of
             Eternity
             before
             the
             World
             is
             made
             ,
             are
             full
             or
             empty
             ,
             full
             of
             bright
             and
             amiable
             Objects
             ,
             or
             dark
             and
             obscure
             ?
             Whether
             the
             government
             of
             the
             World
             be
             perfect
             ;
             whether
             the
             Soul
             be
             Divine
             in
             it self
             ;
             whether
             it
             be
             conducive
             to
             its
             own
             felicity
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             happiness
             of
             all
             those
             in
             whom
             it
             is
             concerned
             ?
             Whether
             the
             World
             shall
             end
             ?
             If
             it
             shall
             ,
             after
             what
             manner
             ;
             whether
             by
             Design
             or
             Accident
             ?
             
             Whether
             All
             Ages
             and
             Nations
             shall
             rise
             from
             the
             Dead
             ?
             Whether
             there
             shall
             be
             a
             general
             Doom
             ,
             or
             a
             day
             of
             Judgment
             ?
             Whether
             I
             am
             concerned
             in
             all
             the
             transactions
             and
             passages
             at
             that
             day
             ?
             Whether
             all
             Mankind
             shall
             be
             united
             into
             one
             ,
             to
             make
             up
             one
             compleat
             and
             perfect
             Body
             ,
             whereof
             they
             all
             are
             the
             fellow-Members
             ?
             What
             shall
             be
             after
             the
             End
             of
             the
             VVorld
             ?
             Whether
             we
             shall
             live
             for
             ever
             ?
             Whether
             we
             shall
             see
             GOD
             ,
             and
             know
             one
             another
             ?
             Whether
             we
             shall
             reign
             in
             eternal
             Glory
             ?
             Whether
             in
             the
             Confusions
             of
             Hell
             there
             be
             any
             Beauty
             ,
             and
             whether
             in
             the
             Torments
             of
             the
             damned
             we
             shall
             find
             any
             joy
             or
             satisfaction
             ?
             Whether
             all
             the
             Riches
             ,
             Customs
             and
             Pleasures
             of
             this
             World
             shall
             be
             seen
             ?
             Whether
             in
             the
             World
             to
             come
             any
             fruit
             shall
             appear
             and
             arise
             from
             them
             ,
             for
             which
             they
             shall
             be
             esteemed
             to
             have
             been
             not
             in
             vain
             ,
             but
             profitable
             in
             relation
             to
             all
             Eternity
             ?
             What
             kind
             of
             Life
             we
             shall
             lead
             ,
             and
             what
             kind
             of
             Communion
             and
             fellowship
             Angels
             and
             Men
             shall
             have
             with
             each
             other
             ?
             VVhether
             the
             VVorks
             of
             GOD
             were
             unworthy
             of
             his
             Choice
             ,
             or
             the
             best
             of
             all
             that
             were
             possible
             ?
             What
             
             his
             Laws
             are
             as
             to
             their
             nature
             and
             excellency
             ?
             Whether
             his
             Love
             be
             really
             sincere
             and
             infinite
             ?
             Whether
             there
             be
             any
             such
             thing
             as
             infinite
             Wisdom
             ,
             Goodness
             and
             Bounty
             ,
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             ?
             Such
             things
             as
             these
             are
             the
             Concerns
             and
             Inquiries
             of
             a
             Magnanimous
             Soul.
             And
             if
             its
             expectations
             and
             desires
             are
             absolutely
             satisfied
             ,
             it
             will
             easily
             appear
             ,
             and
             break
             forth
             upon
             all
             Occasions
             ,
             into
             the
             most
             high
             and
             Magnanimous
             Actions
             .
          
           
             Trismegistus
             (
             or
             whoever
             else
             was
             the
             Author
             of
             that
             Book
             )
             saw
             the
             deep
             Capacity
             of
             his
             own
             Soul
             ,
             but
             if
             a
             Conjecture
             may
             be
             made
             by
             the
             residue
             of
             the
             discourse
             ,
             did
             not
             understand
             the
             end
             (
             at
             least
             not
             clearly
             )
             for
             which
             it
             was
             implanted
             .
             Some
             knowledge
             he
             had
             ,
             that
             all
             the
             things
             in
             Eternity
             were
             the
             Objects
             of
             that
             Power
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             which
             he
             calls
             them
             
               Fair
               and
               Good
            
             :
             but
             that
             they
             were
             to
             be
             the
             Treasures
             and
             Enjoyments
             of
             the
             Soul
             I
             do
             not
             find
             him
             affirming
             .
             He
             that
             knows
             this
             must
             needs
             be
             of
             our
             Saviours
             mind
             ,
             who
             when
             all
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             Glory
             of
             them
             were
             shewed
             him
             by
             Satan
             in
             a
             moment
             of
             time
             ,
             despised
             them
             all
             .
             For
             the
             divine
             and
             Celestial
             Kingdom
             
             is
             infinitely
             greater
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             far
             more
             perfect
             manner
             to
             be
             enjoyed
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             knoweth
             the
             Honour
             which
             cometh
             from
             above
             ,
             will
             despise
             the
             Honour
             which
             men
             can
             pay
             ,
             and
             in
             comparison
             of
             that
             Honour
             which
             cometh
             from
             GOD
             only
             ,
             esteem
             all
             the
             Honour
             of
             this
             World
             but
             false
             and
             feeble
             .
             Not
             as
             if
             Men
             were
             in
             the
             truth
             of
             Nature
             vile
             and
             despicable
             Creatures
             ;
             a
             Magnanimous
             man
             knows
             all
             others
             to
             be
             by
             Nature
             like
             himself
             ,
             and
             is
             apt
             to
             reverence
             all
             of
             his
             kind
             as
             sublime
             and
             Celestial
             Creatures
             .
             But
             he
             is
             a
             Man
             of
             a
             clear
             and
             discerning
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             the
             Corruption
             of
             Nature
             makes
             him
             to
             slight
             all
             that
             is
             defiled
             .
             He
             sees
             that
             Men
             are
             generally
             Evil
             ,
             deformed
             and
             blind
             ,
             erroneous
             ,
             perverse
             and
             foolish
             ,
             poor
             and
             miserable
             :
             And
             that
             all
             the
             Honour
             which
             they
             generally
             give
             is
             irrational
             and
             feigned
             .
             A
             little
             colour
             in
             the
             face
             ,
             a
             gay
             Coat
             ,
             a
             fine
             Horse
             ,
             a
             Palace
             and
             a
             Coach
             ,
             an
             Exchequer
             full
             of
             Gold
             ,
             or
             some
             such
             light
             and
             superficial
             Causes
             ,
             are
             all
             the
             grounds
             of
             the
             respect
             that
             they
             pay
             us
             .
          
           
             
             
               And
               if
               the
               Glory
               and
               Esteem
               I
               have
               ,
            
             
               Be
               nothing
               else
               than
               what
               my
               Silver
               gave
               ;
            
             
               If
               for
               no
               other
               ground
            
             
               I
               am
               with
               Love
               or
               Praises
               crown'd
               ,
            
             
               'T
               is
               such
               a
               shame
               ,
               such
               vile
               ,
               such
               base
               Repute
               ,
            
             
               'T
               is
               is
               better
               starve
               ,
               than
               eat
               such
               empty
               Fruit.
               
            
          
           
             IF
             a
             King
             be
             dejected
             from
             his
             Throne
             ,
             it
             is
             but
             a
             poor
             comfort
             that
             he
             is
             admired
             by
             Persons
             condemned
             to
             die
             ,
             and
             praised
             by
             Beggars
             .
             The
             dignity
             and
             power
             of
             the
             Persons
             that
             admire
             us
             ,
             is
             of
             great
             consideration
             ,
             in
             the
             love
             and
             delight
             which
             they
             take
             in
             us
             .
             They
             all
             must
             vanish
             and
             perish
             as
             a
             Dream
             :
             no
             Honour
             is
             truly
             great
             ,
             but
             that
             which
             is
             continual
             and
             endless
             too
             .
             A
             great
             and
             mighty
             Soul
             can
             care
             for
             no
             Honour
             but
             that
             which
             comes
             from
             wise
             and
             amiable
             Persons
             ,
             that
             are
             themselves
             great
             and
             honourable
             ,
             most
             rich
             and
             powerful
             ,
             holy
             ,
             just
             ,
             blessed
             and
             glorious
             .
             Honour
             from
             GOD
             and
             his
             holy
             Angels
             ,
             from
             the
             eternal
             Son
             of
             GOD
             and
             all
             his
             Saints
             ,
             is
             marvellous
             and
             substantial
             .
             That
             Honour
             which
             is
             paid
             upon
             great
             and
             solid
             causes
             ;
             because
             a
             Man
             is
             well-pleasing
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             exalted
             to
             his
             Throne
             ;
             because
             he
             is
             the
             
             very
             true
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             has
             dominion
             over
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ;
             because
             he
             is
             infinitely
             beloved
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             are
             commanded
             to
             love
             him
             ;
             because
             he
             is
             redeemed
             by
             the
             Blood
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             made
             a
             Temple
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ;
             because
             he
             is
             a
             Priest
             and
             King
             to
             his
             eternal
             Creatour
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             full
             of
             Goodness
             and
             Wisdom
             ,
             adorned
             with
             all
             kind
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             made
             an
             Heir
             of
             eternal
             Glory
             ;
             because
             he
             is
             Faithful
             and
             True
             ,
             and
             Just
             and
             Holy
             ;
             because
             he
             hath
             conquered
             Death
             ,
             and
             Hell
             ,
             and
             Sin
             ,
             and
             the
             Grave
             ,
             and
             triumpheth
             over
             them
             ,
             this
             is
             being
             paid
             by
             such
             Persons
             ,
             Honour
             indeed
             :
             and
             to
             desire
             this
             Honour
             is
             the
             Property
             and
             the
             Vertue
             of
             a
             Magnanimous
             Soul.
             
          
           
             An
             Eagle
             cannot
             stoop
             at
             Flies
             .
             An
             Alexander
             ,
             or
             a
             Caesar
             cannot
             debase
             or
             confine
             their
             Souls
             to
             the
             pleasures
             of
             a
             Cottage
             in
             a
             Wilderness
             .
             Infinite
             Hopes
             and
             infinite
             Desires
             ,
             infinite
             Fears
             ,
             and
             Despairs
             ,
             and
             Sorrows
             ,
             infinite
             Joyes
             ,
             and
             Delights
             ,
             and
             Glories
             ,
             infinite
             Adorations
             ,
             Praises
             and
             Thanksgivings
             ,
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Objects
             are
             the
             only
             fit
             and
             proper
             Concerns
             for
             the
             Affections
             of
             a
             
             Great
             and
             Magnanimous
             Soul.
             The
             very
             signification
             of
             the
             word
             is
             
               Greatness
               of
               Soul
            
             ,
             or
             if
             you
             please
             ,
             
               of
               Mind
            
             :
             For
             a
             distinction
             may
             be
             made
             between
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             Mind
             .
             The
             Soul
             of
             Man
             is
             the
             immutable
             essence
             ,
             or
             form
             of
             his
             Nature
             ,
             unimployed
             .
             His
             power
             of
             Reasoning
             is
             alive
             ,
             even
             then
             when
             it
             is
             quiet
             and
             unactive
             ;
             and
             this
             is
             his
             Soul.
             It
             is
             one
             and
             the
             same
             in
             all
             men
             ,
             and
             of
             it self
             equally
             inclined
             to
             all
             great
             and
             transcendent
             things
             :
             but
             in
             the
             most
             it
             is
             misguided
             ,
             baffled
             and
             suppressed
             ,
             and
             though
             it
             be
             never
             so
             great
             it
             is
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             This
             greatness
             implanted
             by
             Nature
             is
             not
             Magnanimity
             :
             It
             is
             a
             Natural
             disposition
             ,
             not
             an
             acquired
             habit
             ,
             as
             all
             Vertue
             is
             .
             A
             Man
             is
             then
             said
             to
             be
             of
             such
             a
             Mind
             ,
             when
             he
             determines
             ,
             or
             thinks
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             .
             His
             mind
             is
             Good
             that
             intendeth
             well
             ,
             his
             mind
             is
             Evil
             that
             designeth
             mischief
             .
             So
             that
             the
             Mind
             is
             the
             Soul
             exerting
             its
             power
             in
             such
             an
             act
             :
             and
             the
             greatest
             Soul
             in
             all
             the
             World
             is
             but
             Pusillanimous
             that
             mindeth
             little
             things
             .
             A
             great
             Soul
             is
             Magnanimous
             in
             Effect
             ,
             a
             Mind
             applyed
             to
             mighty
             Objects
             .
             Some
             men
             have
             a
             Magnanimity
             infused
             by
             the
             power
             of
             
             Education
             ,
             and
             are
             led
             by
             Custome
             to
             Great
             things
             ,
             and
             in
             a
             manner
             by
             Necessity
             ,
             for
             such
             is
             their
             Place
             and
             Calling
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             frequently
             led
             to
             greater
             Objects
             than
             other
             men
             .
             Of
             this
             sort
             are
             the
             most
             eminent
             rank
             of
             Grandees
             ,
             and
             Princes
             :
             Kingdoms
             ,
             and
             Thrones
             ,
             and
             Privy
             Councils
             ,
             and
             Queens
             ,
             and
             Armies
             are
             their
             natural
             Dialect
             .
             This
             is
             no
             Vertue
             ,
             for
             though
             it
             be
             not
             innate
             by
             Nature
             ,
             yet
             they
             are
             born
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             is
             given
             by
             Fortune
             .
             Others
             consider
             what
             they
             have
             to
             do
             ,
             and
             make
             an
             election
             ,
             and
             though
             they
             are
             born
             in
             a
             poor
             and
             despicable
             estate
             ,
             are
             not
             Magnanimous
             by
             Nature
             ,
             or
             Fortune
             ,
             but
             by
             Choice
             and
             voluntary
             Election
             .
             Not
             to
             satisfie
             the
             humour
             of
             a
             high
             Blood
             ,
             choler
             and
             fire
             ,
             nor
             to
             answer
             the
             necessities
             of
             a
             higher
             Calling
             ;
             but
             to
             discharge
             the
             office
             of
             Vertue
             and
             Wisdom
             .
             And
             this
             is
             the
             Off-spring
             of
             the
             Will
             ,
             the
             true
             and
             genuine
             Vertue
             .
             Which
             as
             it
             is
             far
             more
             worthy
             than
             any
             of
             the
             rest
             ,
             is
             guided
             to
             far
             better
             and
             more
             glorious
             Objects
             ,
             and
             more
             diffusively
             given
             by
             the
             Bounty
             of
             GOD
             to
             all
             kind
             of
             Men
             in
             all
             Conditions
             .
             In
             the
             Poor
             it
             is
             more
             marvellous
             
             than
             in
             the
             Great
             and
             Rich
             :
             It
             has
             such
             an
             undaunted
             property
             in
             its
             Nature
             ,
             that
             though
             the
             disproportion
             between
             them
             and
             their
             Assurance
             ,
             or
             Hope
             ,
             or
             Desire
             seem
             infinite
             ,
             and
             the
             end
             which
             they
             aim
             at
             by
             their
             Magnanimity
             is
             judged
             impossible
             :
             though
             their
             attempt
             appear
             a
             ridiculous
             madness
             to
             them
             to
             whom
             the
             Verities
             of
             Religion
             appear
             incredible
             ,
             yet
             they
             are
             no
             whit
             discouraged
             or
             disheartened
             at
             the
             matter
             ,
             but
             stoutly
             march
             on
             ,
             being
             animated
             by
             the
             alarum
             of
             such
             a
             Trumpet
             ,
             such
             a
             Drum
             as
             Magnanimity
             is
             .
             His
             Faith
             is
             more
             Divine
             by
             conquering
             the
             discouragements
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             met
             with
             no
             censure
             or
             opposition
             .
          
           
             IF
             you
             would
             have
             the
             Character
             of
             a
             Magnanimous
             Soul
             ,
             he
             is
             the
             Son
             of
             eternal
             Power
             ,
             and
             the
             Friend
             of
             infinite
             Goodness
             ,
             a
             Temple
             of
             divine
             and
             heavenly
             Wisdom
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             imposed
             upon
             by
             the
             foul
             and
             ragged
             disguises
             of
             Nature
             ,
             but
             acquainted
             with
             her
             great
             Capacities
             and
             Principles
             ,
             more
             than
             commonly
             sensible
             of
             her
             interests
             ,
             and
             depths
             ,
             and
             desires
             .
             He
             is
             one
             that
             has
             gone
             in
             unto
             Felicity
             ,
             and
             enjoyed
             her
             beauties
             ,
             and
             comes
             out
             again
             her
             perfect
             
             Lover
             and
             Champion
             :
             a
             Man
             whose
             inward
             stature
             is
             miraculous
             ;
             and
             his
             Complexion
             so
             divine
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             King
             of
             as
             many
             Kingdoms
             as
             he
             will
             look
             on
             :
             One
             that
             scorns
             the
             smutty
             way
             of
             enjoying
             things
             like
             a
             Slave
             ,
             because
             he
             delights
             in
             the
             Celestial
             way
             ,
             and
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD.
             He
             knows
             that
             all
             the
             World
             lies
             in
             Wickedness
             ;
             and
             admires
             not
             at
             all
             ,
             that
             things
             palpable
             and
             near
             ,
             and
             natural
             ,
             are
             unseen
             ,
             though
             most
             powerful
             and
             glorious
             ;
             because
             men
             are
             blind
             and
             stupid
             .
             He
             pities
             poor
             vicious
             Kings
             that
             are
             oppressed
             with
             heavy
             Crowns
             of
             Vanity
             and
             Gold
             ,
             and
             admires
             how
             they
             can
             content
             themselves
             with
             such
             narrow
             Territories
             :
             yet
             delights
             in
             their
             Regiment
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             paies
             them
             the
             Honour
             that
             is
             due
             unto
             them
             .
             The
             glorious
             Exaltation
             of
             good
             Kings
             he
             more
             abundantly
             extols
             ,
             because
             so
             many
             thousand
             Magnanimous
             Creatures
             are
             committed
             to
             their
             Trust
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             govern
             them
             understand
             their
             Value
             .
             But
             he
             sees
             well
             enough
             that
             the
             Kings
             glory
             and
             true
             repose
             consists
             in
             the
             Catholick
             and
             eternal
             Kingdom
             .
             As
             for
             himself
             he
             
               is
               come
               unto
               Mount
               Sion
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               City
               of
               the
               living
               
               GOD
               ,
               the
               Heavenly
               Jerusalem
               ,
               and
               to
               an
               innumerable
               Company
               of
               Angels
               ,
               to
               the
               General
               Assembly
               and
               Church
               of
               the
               First-born
               ,
               which
               are
               written
               in
               Heaven
               ,
               and
               to
               GOD
               the
               Judge
               of
               all
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               Spirits
               of
               Just
               men
               made
               perfect
               ,
               and
               to
               JESUS
               the
               Mediatour
               of
               the
               New
               Covenant
            
             :
             And
             therefore
             receiving
             a
             Kingdom
             which
             cannot
             be
             moved
             ,
             he
             desires
             to
             serve
             GOD
             acceptably
             with
             reverence
             and
             godly
             fear
             :
             And
             the
             truth
             is
             he
             can
             fear
             nothing
             else
             ,
             for
             GOD
             alone
             is
             a
             consuming
             fire
             .
             He
             very
             well
             understands
             what
             the
             Apostle
             saith
             ,
             and
             dares
             believe
             him
             :
             
               I
               cease
               not
               to
               give
               thanks
               for
               you
               ,
               making
               mention
               of
               you
               in
               my
               Prayers
               ,
               that
               the
               GOD
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               ,
               the
               Father
               of
               Glory
               ,
               may
               give
               unto
               you
               the
               Spirit
               of
               Wisdom
               and
               Revelation
               in
               the
               knowledge
               of
               him
               ,
               the
               eyes
               of
               your
               Understanding
               being
               enlightened
               ,
               that
               ye
               may
               know
               what
               is
               the
               HOPE
               of
               his
               Calling
               ,
               and
               what
               the
               RICHES
               of
               the
               GLORY
               of
               his
               INHERITANCE
               in
               the
               Saints
               .
               And
               what
               is
               the
               EXCEEDING
               GREATNESS
               of
               his
               POWER
               to
               us-ward
               who
               believe
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               WORKING
               of
               his
               Mighty
               Power
               :
               which
               he
               wrought
               in
               Christ
               when
               he
               raised
               him
               from
               the
               dead
               ,
               and
               set
               him
               at
               his
               own
               
               RIGHT
               HAND
               in
               the
               HEAVENLY
               places
               :
               far
               above
               all
               Principality
               ,
               and
               Power
               ,
               and
               Might
               ,
               and
               Dominion
               ,
               and
               every
               Name
               that
               is
               named
               ,
               not
               only
               in
               this
               WORLD
               ,
               but
               in
               that
               also
               which
               is
               to
               come
               :
               And
               hath
               put
               ALL
               THINGS
               under
               his
               feet
               ,
               and
               he
               gave
               him
               to
               be
               HEAD
               over
               all
               Things
               to
               the
            
             CHURCH
             
               which
               is
               his
               BODY
            
             ,
             THE
             FULNESS
             OF
             HIM
             THAT
             FILLETH
             ALL
             IN
             ALL.
             
               Now
               to
               him
               that
               is
               able
               to
               do
               exceeding
               abundantly
               above
               all
               that
               we
               ask
               or
               think
               ,
               according
               to
               the
               Power
               that
               WORKETH
               in
               us
               ,
               Unto
               him
               be
               Glory
               in
               the
               Church
               by
               Christ
               Jesus
               ,
               throughout
               all
               AGES
               ,
               World
               without
               end
               .
               Amen
               .
            
          
           
             A
             great
             and
             a
             clear
             Soul
             knoweth
             that
             all
             these
             intimations
             must
             needs
             be
             true
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             an
             amazing
             Miracle
             that
             they
             should
             be
             otherwise
             .
             
               Infinite
               Love
            
             and
             
               Eternal
               Blessedness
            
             are
             near
             allyed
             ;
             and
             that
             these
             should
             cease
             ,
             is
             contrary
             to
             all
             Nature
             ,
             in
             GOD
             ,
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             Man
             ,
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             in
             Earth
             ,
             in
             the
             order
             of
             the
             Universe
             ,
             and
             contrary
             to
             all
             that
             VISIBLE
             GLORY
             which
             in
             the
             World
             appeareth
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXIX
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Modesty
               .
               It
               s
               Nature
               .
               It
               s
               Original
               .
               Its
               Effects
               and
               Consequences
               .
            
          
           
             MODESTY
             is
             a
             comely
             Grace
             in
             the
             Behaviour
             of
             a
             Man
             ,
             by
             which
             he
             piously
             dissembleth
             his
             own
             Perfections
             ,
             and
             blusheth
             at
             his
             Praises
             .
             It
             springeth
             from
             a
             certain
             fear
             and
             sence
             of
             his
             Imperfection
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             shadow
             of
             Guilt
             ,
             and
             a
             beautiful
             cover
             of
             Original
             Corruption
             .
             It
             is
             sometimes
             Natural
             ,
             and
             ,
             which
             is
             contrary
             to
             all
             other
             Vertues
             ,
             more
             truly
             vertuous
             for
             being
             so
             .
             For
             then
             it
             is
             Simple
             ,
             Genuine
             ,
             and
             Real
             ;
             but
             studied
             Modesty
             is
             affected
             and
             artificial
             :
             yet
             where
             Nature
             has
             not
             been
             so
             obliging
             as
             to
             give
             the
             endowment
             ,
             't
             is
             not
             altogether
             to
             be
             condemned
             ,
             since
             it
             is
             agreeable
             to
             the
             best
             of
             our
             conditions
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             supplies
             a
             defect
             in
             his
             Nature
             ,
             that
             is
             born
             without
             it
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             akin
             to
             Shame
             ,
             yet
             increases
             the
             honour
             of
             him
             that
             wears
             it
             ;
             it
             is
             the
             shade
             of
             Vertue
             ,
             yet
             makes
             it
             brighter
             :
             
             It
             is
             a
             tincture
             of
             Humility
             ,
             visible
             in
             a
             vermilion
             and
             deeper
             die
             ;
             and
             the
             more
             natural
             and
             easie
             ,
             the
             more
             sweet
             and
             delightful
             .
          
           
             IT
             charms
             the
             Envy
             of
             those
             that
             admire
             us
             ,
             and
             by
             seeming
             to
             extinguish
             our
             worth
             gives
             it
             a
             double
             beauty
             .
             It
             reconciles
             a
             man
             to
             the
             Enemies
             of
             his
             Grace
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             softness
             irresistible
             wins
             a
             Compassion
             in
             all
             Spectators
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Vertue
             which
             by
             refusing
             the
             honour
             that
             is
             due
             unto
             it
             ,
             acquireth
             more
             ;
             a
             real
             Counterfeit
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             honest
             and
             true
             dissimulation
             .
             It
             is
             an
             effeminate
             ,
             yet
             a
             laudable
             quality
             ;
             a
             spice
             of
             Cowardice
             ,
             more
             prevalent
             than
             Courage
             ;
             a
             Vertue
             by
             which
             we
             despise
             all
             meaner
             Honours
             ,
             while
             we
             are
             ambitiously
             carried
             to
             the
             highest
             Glory
             .
             It
             seemeth
             inconsistent
             with
             Magnanimity
             ,
             yet
             is
             her
             youngest
             Sister
             .
          
           
             IT
             hath
             not
             many
             Objects
             ,
             nor
             are
             its
             Aims
             apparent
             ,
             nor
             its
             Ends
             conspicuous
             .
             It
             is
             the
             Mother
             of
             fine
             and
             delicate
             Resentments
             ;
             its
             strength
             consisteth
             in
             tenderness
             and
             fear
             .
             He
             that
             is
             Magnanimous
             in
             one
             respect
             ,
             may
             be
             modest
             in
             another
             .
             Praises
             and
             Commendations
             are
             the
             fuel
             of
             its
             Nature
             ,
             it
             feedeth
             
             upon
             them
             ,
             while
             it
             grows
             by
             rejecting
             them
             .
             It
             delights
             in
             what
             it
             feareth
             ;
             and
             is
             full
             of
             discords
             ,
             but
             more
             full
             of
             harmonies
             .
             It
             is
             pleased
             in
             its
             displeasure
             ,
             and
             alwaies
             fighteth
             with
             its
             own
             Repugnancies
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Vertue
             mixt
             of
             Sence
             and
             Reason
             ;
             its
             region
             is
             in
             the
             Body
             more
             than
             in
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             its
             Spiritual
             motions
             it
             is
             attended
             with
             Corporeal
             impressions
             .
             The
             Blood
             and
             Spirits
             dance
             in
             the
             Veins
             ,
             as
             if
             Nature
             were
             delighted
             with
             its
             own
             Confusions
             .
             By
             captivating
             the
             favour
             of
             Men
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             it
             affecteth
             the
             very
             Angels
             in
             Heaven
             ,
             with
             much
             of
             pleasure
             .
             It
             putteth
             us
             in
             mind
             of
             Guilt
             and
             Innocency
             at
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             and
             by
             confession
             of
             the
             one
             adds
             lustre
             to
             the
             other
             .
             By
             making
             way
             for
             the
             acceptance
             of
             a
             mans
             Person
             ,
             it
             giveth
             more
             esteem
             ,
             success
             ,
             and
             efficacy
             to
             his
             other
             Vertues
             .
             And
             by
             this
             means
             it
             hath
             much
             of
             excellency
             in
             a
             little
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             hath
             it
             not
             ,
             must
             needs
             acquire
             something
             like
             it
             ;
             and
             if
             he
             be
             elaborate
             in
             expressing
             it
             ,
             must
             hide
             his
             Art
             under
             the
             vail
             of
             Nature
             .
             Though
             it
             be
             remote
             from
             the
             highest
             End
             ,
             it
             may
             be
             guided
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             when
             so
             directed
             ,
             
             is
             alwaies
             innocent
             .
             It
             is
             very
             just
             ,
             for
             while
             other
             Vertues
             make
             it
             a
             Vertue
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             Grace
             unto
             them
             all
             .
             You
             may
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             a
             tangible
             flame
             and
             see
             it
             in
             others
             ,
             but
             must
             feel
             it
             in
             your self
             before
             you
             can
             understand
             it
             .
             It
             is
             old
             in
             Children
             ,
             young
             in
             middle
             Aged
             men
             ,
             at
             last
             an
             Infant
             .
             It
             is
             greatest
             in
             the
             beginning
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             it
             decayeth
             in
             Youth
             ,
             in
             Old
             Age
             it
             vanisheth
             ;
             at
             least
             changeth
             its
             dwelling
             ,
             for
             it
             ceaseth
             to
             be
             in
             the
             Body
             of
             an
             Aged
             man
             ,
             and
             turneth
             into
             Courtesie
             or
             Civility
             ,
             in
             the
             Conversation
             .
             When
             it
             dieth
             ,
             it
             is
             buried
             in
             Humility
             ,
             and
             liveth
             in
             its
             Tomb
             ,
             being
             empaled
             in
             as
             it
             were
             with
             Meekness
             ,
             and
             waiting
             daily
             for
             its
             Resurrection
             .
             Much
             cannot
             be
             said
             of
             it
             precisely
             :
             but
             it
             is
             best
             commended
             ,
             when
             left
             to
             your
             Practice
             .
             It
             is
             the
             only
             tender
             Infant
             of
             all
             the
             Vertues
             :
             like
             Cupid
             among
             the
             gods
             :
             it
             appeareth
             frequently
             ,
             and
             is
             much
             exercised
             ,
             in
             the
             School
             of
             Venus
             :
             but
             is
             capable
             of
             more
             high
             and
             more
             noble
             uses
             .
          
           
             MODESTY
             in
             Apparel
             is
             commended
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             .
             It
             implies
             Moderation
             and
             Chastity
             together
             .
             It
             is
             sometimes
             opposed
             to
             Lasciviousness
             ,
             
             sometimes
             to
             Excess
             ,
             sometimes
             to
             Impudence
             :
             And
             is
             a
             great
             Vertue
             ,
             if
             for
             nothing
             else
             ,
             but
             the
             exclusion
             of
             these
             abominable
             Vices
             .
          
           
             THE
             other
             Vertues
             seem
             to
             be
             the
             Members
             ,
             and
             substantial
             parts
             of
             the
             Body
             of
             worth
             :
             Modesty
             like
             the
             Air
             ,
             and
             Meen
             of
             them
             all
             .
             It
             is
             the
             guard
             of
             the
             Soul
             against
             Loosness
             and
             Pride
             ,
             a
             Vertue
             repressing
             the
             sumes
             of
             self-conceit
             ,
             and
             a
             kind
             of
             silent
             restraint
             of
             all
             that
             Arrogance
             ,
             that
             delights
             in
             pomps
             and
             superfluities
             .
          
           
             THOUGH
             it
             be
             a
             little
             Vertue
             ,
             its
             Reality
             is
             apparent
             :
             for
             unless
             it
             be
             made
             up
             with
             some
             other
             supplies
             ,
             the
             want
             of
             Modesty
             is
             pernicious
             and
             destructive
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             exercised
             in
             small
             things
             ,
             but
             is
             of
             long
             extent
             in
             the
             vertue
             of
             its
             influence
             ;
             and
             because
             of
             the
             multiplicity
             of
             its
             uses
             and
             occasions
             ,
             amounts
             to
             a
             considerable
             degree
             of
             Goodness
             .
             It
             hath
             something
             like
             Love
             in
             its
             nature
             ,
             for
             it
             preferreth
             another
             above
             it self
             ,
             and
             in
             that
             its
             magnetical
             and
             obliging
             quality
             much
             consisteth
             .
             
               In
               honour
               preferring
               one
               another
            
             .
             It
             fulfils
             that
             Law
             ,
             wherein
             our
             most
             near
             and
             tender
             Interest
             
             is
             concerned
             .
             In
             preferring
             one
             another
             there
             is
             a
             lovely
             〈◊〉
             ,
             more
             sweet
             and
             happy
             than
             the
             best
             Agreement
             .
             It
             is
             of
             all
             other
             the
             most
             〈◊〉
             strife
             ,
             and
             〈◊〉
             Cont●●●●●●
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXX
             .
          
           
             
               The
               excellent
               Nature
               of
               Liberality
               .
               Rules
               to
               be
               observed
               in
               the
               practice
               of
               it
               .
               Regard
               to
               our
               Servants
               ,
               Relations
               ,
               friends
               and
               Neighbours
               must
               be
               had
               in
               our
               Liberality
               ,
               as
               well
               as
               to
               the
               Poor
               and
               Needy
               .
               How
               our
               external
               acts
               of
               Charity
               ought
               to
               be
               improved
               for
               the
               benefit
               of
               mens
               Souls
               .
               Liberality
               maketh
               Religion
               real
               and
               substantial
               .
            
          
           
             LIBERALITY
             ,
             in
             the
             common
             use
             and
             acceptation
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             differs
             from
             Magnificence
             ,
             as
             Modesty
             from
             Magnanimity
             .
             There
             is
             much
             of
             liberty
             and
             freedom
             in
             its
             Nature
             .
             For
             Avarice
             is
             a
             strict
             and
             sour
             Vice
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             are
             guilty
             of
             it
             are
             called
             Misers
             ;
             but
             a
             Bountiful
             man
             hath
             a
             good
             eye
             ,
             and
             is
             as
             free
             from
             Anxiety
             ,
             as
             he
             is
             free
             in
             disbursing
             .
             
             His
             Communicative
             humor
             is
             much
             his
             enlargement
             :
             he
             knows
             little
             of
             Confinement
             ,
             Care
             or
             Bondage
             .
          
           
             THERE
             are
             two
             Vertues
             that
             endanger
             a
             Mans
             welfare
             in
             this
             World
             ;
             and
             they
             have
             all
             the
             
               Temporal
               Promises
            
             .
             Meekness
             seems
             to
             encourage
             our
             Enemies
             to
             trample
             us
             under
             feet
             ,
             because
             it
             promiseth
             Impunity
             :
             And
             it
             is
             directly
             said
             
               The
               Meek
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Earth
            
             :
             may
             he
             so
             far
             from
             having
             Enemies
             ,
             that
             
               the
               Meek
               shall
               inherit
               the
               abundance
               of
               Peace
               .
            
             And
             concerning
             Liberality
             which
             makes
             a
             man
             a
             Beggar
             ,
             at
             least
             threatens
             to
             make
             him
             so
             ,
             by
             wasting
             his
             Estate
             ,
             the
             Scripture
             saith
             ,
             
               The
               Liberal
               Soul
               shall
               be
               made
               fat
               .
               The
               Liberal
               Heart
               deviseth
               liberal
               things
               ,
               and
               by
               liberal
               things
               shall
               be
               stand
               .
            
          
           
             MEN
             are
             almost
             in
             all
             things
             contrary
             in
             GOD.
             For
             since
             they
             tumbled
             out
             of
             Eden
             ,
             they
             have
             lost
             their
             wits
             ,
             and
             their
             heads
             are
             downwards
             :
             They
             think
             it
             wisdom
             to
             keep
             their
             Mony
             
               against
               a
               rainy
               day
            
             :
             and
             to
             lay
             it
             up
             for
             fear
             of
             Poverty
             .
             But
             Solomon
             adviseth
             them
             to
             the
             direct
             contrary
             ,
             and
             maketh
             it
             an
             Argument
             why
             they
             should
             be
             Liberal
             ,
             
               Becaus
               they
               know
               not
               what
               evil
               may
               come
               upon
               
               the
               Earth
               .
            
             We
             cannot
             put
             our
             Treasures
             into
             safer
             hands
             ,
             than
             into
             GOD
             Almighty's
             :
             Nor
             can
             we
             make
             any
             use
             of
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             ,
             comparable
             to
             that
             of
             Charitable
             uses
             .
             By
             this
             it
             is
             that
             we
             
               lay
               up
               a
               good
               foundation
               against
               the
               time
               to
               come
            
             ;
             and
             oblige
             others
             to
             receive
             us
             into
             Mansions
             here
             ,
             into
             everlasting
             habitations
             hereafter
             .
          
           
             MY
             Lord
             Bridgeman
             ,
             late
             Lord
             Keeper
             ,
             confessed
             himself
             in
             his
             Will
             to
             be
             but
             a
             Steward
             of
             his
             Estate
             ,
             and
             prayed
             GOD
             to
             forgive
             him
             all
             his
             offences
             ,
             
               in
               Getting
               ,
               Mispending
               ,
               or
               not
               Spending
               it
               as
               he
               ought
               to
               do
            
             :
             And
             that
             after
             many
             Charitable
             and
             Pious
             works
             ,
             perhaps
             surmounting
             his
             Estate
             ,
             though
             concealed
             from
             the
             notice
             and
             knowledge
             of
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             I
             have
             heard
             of
             a
             smart
             obliging
             Calumny
             fastned
             on
             a
             Great
             Man
             of
             France
             ,
             by
             one
             that
             had
             largely
             tasted
             of
             his
             Bounty
             :
             for
             having
             been
             in
             his
             House
             honourably
             entertained
             for
             some
             space
             of
             time
             ,
             and
             observing
             how
             much
             the
             Palace
             was
             frequented
             by
             all
             kind
             of
             Learned
             Men
             :
             and
             how
             Liberal
             the
             Master
             of
             it
             was
             ,
             especially
             to
             men
             of
             Worth
             and
             Vertue
             ;
             he
             charges
             the
             Man
             with
             the
             greatest
             Covetousnes
             
             in
             the
             World
             :
             
               because
               he
               turned
               all
               his
               Riches
               into
               Obligations
            
             :
             As
             if
             he
             had
             put
             all
             his
             Estate
             and
             Monies
             to
             Use
             :
             But
             to
             covet
             affections
             ,
             and
             be
             rich
             in
             hearts
             is
             no
             deformity
             .
          
           
             THE
             truth
             is
             ,
             when
             the
             waies
             whereby
             Love
             is
             begotten
             in
             the
             Soul
             are
             well
             examined
             ,
             and
             the
             happiness
             of
             being
             truly
             beloved
             ,
             and
             delighted
             in
             ,
             is
             known
             ;
             no
             man
             is
             so
             wise
             as
             the
             Liberal
             man.
             He
             is
             his
             own
             end
             ,
             while
             he
             thinks
             not
             of
             it
             .
             For
             nothing
             is
             more
             conducive
             to
             his
             〈◊〉
             and
             〈◊〉
             ,
             than
             the
             bounty
             of
             Munificence
             which
             enriches
             his
             Soul.
             There
             are
             three
             things
             which
             beget
             Love
             ,
             
               Beauty
               ,
               Benefits
            
             and
             Praises
             :
             They
             are
             all
             three
             shut
             up
             in
             Goodness
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             fountain
             of
             Liberality
             .
             The
             beauty
             of
             the
             face
             is
             a
             silent
             Oratory
             ,
             a
             high
             stile
             of
             Commendation
             without
             an
             Epistle
             :
             yet
             by
             doing
             Benefits
             it
             prevaileth
             more
             ,
             than
             by
             any
             of
             its
             Charms
             ;
             and
             maketh
             it self
             great
             by
             enriching
             others
             .
             Love
             inspires
             it
             with
             an
             amiable
             Soul
             ;
             and
             if
             others
             are
             delighted
             with
             their
             own
             Praises
             ,
             he
             that
             is
             liberal
             in
             the
             acknowledgment
             of
             m●ns
             Vertues
             ,
             and
             giveth
             Honour
             to
             the
             Worthy
             ,
             is
             full
             of
             musick
             in
             his
             words
             ,
             of
             a
             sweet
             and
             pleasing
             behaviour
             ,
             
             agreeable
             in
             his
             deeds
             ,
             and
             fraught
             with
             the
             Honour
             which
             he
             imparteth
             so
             freely
             .
             A
             Liberal
             man
             is
             cloathed
             like
             the
             Sun
             with
             the
             Raies
             of
             his
             own
             glory
             ,
             and
             establishes
             himself
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             his
             Neighbours
             ,
             and
             reigns
             like
             a
             King
             by
             the
             sole
             interest
             of
             Vertue
             and
             Goodness
             .
             
               Every
               man
               is
               a
               Friend
               to
               him
               that
               giveth
               many
               Gifts
               .
            
             He
             may
             be
             as
             holy
             ,
             and
             as
             temperate
             ,
             and
             as
             wise
             as
             an
             Angel
             ,
             no
             man
             will
             be
             offended
             at
             him
             ,
             because
             he
             beautifies
             his
             Religion
             with
             so
             much
             goodness
             .
             He
             enjoys
             himself
             ,
             and
             his
             Riches
             ,
             and
             his
             Friends
             ,
             and
             may
             do
             what
             he
             will
             (
             with
             perfect
             liberty
             )
             because
             he
             delights
             in
             the
             felicity
             of
             all
             that
             accost
             him
             .
             He
             puts
             embroideries
             on
             Religion
             by
             the
             chearfulness
             of
             his
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             carries
             a
             light
             wherever
             he
             goes
             ,
             that
             makes
             men
             to
             reverence
             his
             Person
             ,
             and
             esteem
             his
             Censures
             .
             He
             moves
             in
             a
             sphere
             of
             Wonders
             ,
             his
             life
             is
             a
             continual
             stream
             of
             Miracles
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             alwaies
             sacrificing
             himself
             and
             his
             Possessions
             ,
             to
             the
             benefit
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             the
             comfort
             of
             others
             .
             Benefits
             and
             Blessings
             are
             his
             Life-guard
             ,
             like
             his
             guardian
             Angels
             alwaies
             attendant
             on
             him
             .
             His
             House
             is
             the
             habitation
             of
             joy
             and
             felicity
             ,
             and
             yields
             a
             spectacle
             
             of
             Contentment
             to
             every
             beholder
             .
             His
             Neighbours
             are
             his
             Security
             ,
             not
             his
             Suspicion
             ;
             and
             other
             mens
             Houses
             the
             forts
             and
             ramparts
             about
             his
             own
             .
             No
             man
             will
             hurt
             him
             ,
             because
             they
             extinguish
             their
             own
             contentment
             and
             benefit
             in
             him
             .
             Theytender
             him
             as
             the
             apple
             of
             their
             eye
             ,
             because
             he
             is
             a
             greater
             comfort
             and
             advantage
             than
             that
             unto
             them
             .
             The
             ancient
             custome
             of
             Paradice
             ,
             so
             long
             since
             lost
             and
             forgotten
             in
             the
             World
             revives
             in
             its
             Family
             ,
             where
             all
             men
             are
             entertained
             as
             Brothers
             and
             Sisters
             ,
             at
             the
             expences
             of
             GOD
             and
             Nature
             .
             He
             taketh
             care
             ,
             because
             Thrift
             is
             the
             suel
             of
             Liberality
             ;
             and
             is
             Frugal
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             be
             Bountiful
             .
             All
             his
             aim
             and
             labour
             is
             that
             he
             may
             
               maintain
               Good
               Works
               ;
               and
               make
            
             his
             
               light
               so
               shine
               before
               men
               ,
               that
               they
               seeing
               his
               good
               works
               may
               glorifie
               his
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               .
            
             There
             is
             a
             generous
             Confidence
             discovered
             in
             all
             his
             Actions
             ,
             and
             a
             little
             glimpse
             of
             Heaven
             in
             his
             Behaviour
             ;
             for
             he
             lives
             as
             if
             he
             were
             among
             a
             company
             of
             Angels
             .
             All
             mens
             Estates
             are
             his
             ,
             and
             his
             is
             theirs
             :
             If
             he
             had
             them
             all
             he
             would
             impart
             them
             ,
             and
             restore
             them
             to
             supply
             their
             Wants
             ;
             perhaps
             not
             with
             so
             much
             wisdom
             as
             GOD
             hath
             done
             ,
             but
             with
             as
             
             much
             pleasure
             and
             contentment
             ,
             as
             his
             goodness
             can
             inspire
             ,
             in
             the
             exercise
             of
             power
             so
             kindly
             and
             well
             employed
             .
             But
             because
             the
             designs
             of
             GOD
             are
             infinitely
             deeper
             than
             he
             can
             well
             apprehend
             ,
             and
             laid
             all
             in
             eternal
             Wisdom
             ,
             he
             is
             pleased
             and
             delighted
             ,
             that
             his
             Care
             is
             prevented
             ;
             and
             that
             GOD
             hath
             done
             that
             for
             other
             men
             ,
             to
             which
             his
             own
             inclination
             would
             readily
             prompt
             him
             were
             it
             left
             undone
             .
             If
             it
             were
             permitted
             him
             to
             wish
             whatsoever
             he
             listed
             ,
             of
             all
             other
             things
             he
             would
             chiefly
             desire
             to
             be
             a
             Blessing
             to
             the
             whole
             World
             ;
             and
             that
             he
             is
             not
             so
             ,
             is
             his
             only
             discontentment
             .
             But
             for
             that
             too
             there
             are
             remedies
             in
             Felicity
             :
             when
             he
             knows
             all
             ,
             his
             desire
             is
             granted
             .
             For
             a
             Life
             beautified
             with
             all
             Vertue
             is
             the
             greatest
             gift
             that
             can
             be
             presented
             to
             GOD
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men.
             And
             when
             all
             Secrets
             shall
             be
             revealed
             ,
             all
             hidden
             things
             brought
             to
             light
             ,
             his
             life
             shall
             be
             seen
             in
             all
             its
             perfection
             ,
             and
             his
             Desires
             themselves
             be
             the
             enjoyments
             and
             pleasures
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
             There
             is
             a
             certain
             kind
             of
             sympathy
             that
             runs
             through
             the
             Universe
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             which
             all
             men
             are
             fed
             in
             the
             feeding
             of
             one
             :
             even
             the
             Angels
             are
             cloathed
             in
             the
             Poor
             
             and
             Needy
             .
             All
             are
             touched
             and
             concerned
             in
             every
             one
             .
             Like
             the
             Brazen
             Pillars
             in
             the
             Temple
             of
             Minerva
             ,
             if
             one
             be
             smitten
             all
             resound
             the
             blow
             throughout
             the
             Temple
             :
             or
             like
             the
             strings
             of
             several
             Lutes
             skrewed
             up
             to
             Unisones
             ,
             the
             one
             is
             made
             to
             quaver
             by
             the
             others
             motions
             .
             If
             Christ
             himself
             be
             fed
             in
             the
             Poor
             ,
             much
             more
             may
             Angels
             and
             Men.
             At
             the
             last
             day
             we
             find
             no
             other
             scrutiny
             about
             Religion
             ,
             but
             what
             we
             have
             done
             or
             neglected
             in
             Liberality
             .
             
               Come
               ye
               blessed
               of
               my
               ●ather
               ,
               inherit
               the
               Kingdom
               prepared
               for
               you
               from
               the
               foundations
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               for
               I
               was
               hungry
               and
               ye
               gave
               me
               meat
               ,
               thirsty
               and
               ye
               gave
               me
               drink
               ,
               naked
               and
               ye
               cloathed
               me
               ,
               a
               Stranger
               and
               ye
               took
               me
               in
               ;
               I
               was
               sick
               and
               ye
               visited
               me
               ,
               I
               was
               in
               Prison
               and
               ye
               came
               unto
               me
               .
               Inas
               much
               as
               ye
               have
               done
               it
               to
               the
               least
               of
               these
               my
               Brethren
               ,
               ye
               have
               done
               it
               unto
               me
               .
            
             LOVE
             it
             seems
             will
             sit
             in
             Judgment
             on
             the
             World
             :
             and
             the
             Rule
             of
             Trial
             shall
             be
             the
             fulfilling
             of
             its
             Laws
             .
             Love
             shall
             be
             the
             glory
             too
             of
             all
             the
             Ass●ssors
             .
             And
             every
             act
             of
             Cruelty
             and
             Oppression
             infinitely
             odious
             in
             all
             their
             eyes
             .
          
           
             
               THERE
               was
               a
               certain
               King
               which
               would
               take
               account
               of
               his
               Servants
               :
               and
               
               when
               he
               had
               begun
               to
               reckon
               ,
               one
               was
               brought
               unto
               him
               ,
               that
               ought
               him
               10000
               Talents
               .
               But
               for
               asmuch
               as
               he
               had
               not
               to
               pay
               ,
               his
               Lord
               commanded
               him
               to
               be
               sold
               ,
               and
               all
               that
               he
               had
               ,
               and
               payment
               to
               be
               made
               .
               The
               Servant
               therefore
               fell
               down
               and
               worshipped
               him
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Lord
               have
               patience
               with
               me
               ,
               and
               I
               will
               pay
               thee
               all
               .
               Then
               the
               Lord
               of
               that
               Servant
               was
               moved
               with
               Compassion
               ,
               and
               loosed
               him
               ,
               and
               forgave
               him
               the
               Debt
               .
               But
               the
               same
               Servant
               went
               out
               ,
               and
               found
               one
               of
               his
               fellow-Servants
               which
               ought
               him
               100
               pence
               ,
               and
               he
               laid
               hold
               on
               him
               and
               took
               him
               by
               the
               throat
               ,
               saying
               ,
               Pay
               me
               that
               thou
               owest
               .
               And
               his
               fellow-Servant
               fell
               down
               at
               his
               feet
               and
               besought
               him
               ,
               Have
               patience
               with
               me
               and
               I
               will
               pay
               thee
               all
               .
               And
               he
               would
               not
               ,
               but
               went
               and
               cast
               him
               into
               Prison
               till
               he
               should
               pay
               the
               Debt
               .
               So
               when
               his
               fellow-Servants
               saw
               what
               was
               done
               ,
               they
               were
               very
               sorry
               ,
               and
               came
               and
               told
               to
               their
               Lord
               all
               that
               was
               done
               .
            
             Every
             neglect
             and
             contempt
             of
             our
             fellow
             Brethren
             is
             injurious
             and
             grievous
             to
             GOD
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             :
             for
             there
             is
             one
             common
             Principle
             in
             all
             Nature
             ,
             to
             hate
             evil
             Deeds
             ,
             and
             especially
             those
             of
             Rigour
             and
             Severity
             ,
             when
             we
             our selves
             stand
             in
             need
             of
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             have
             received
             Favour
             .
             This
             common
             
             principle
             of
             Sympathy
             and
             Compassion
             intitles
             us
             to
             all
             the
             good
             ,
             that
             is
             done
             to
             any
             Man
             in
             the
             World.
             The
             love
             of
             Equity
             and
             Reason
             ,
             and
             the
             natural
             inclination
             that
             carries
             us
             to
             delight
             in
             excellent
             Deeds
             ,
             gives
             us
             an
             interest
             in
             all
             that
             are
             performed
             .
             The
             beauty
             of
             the
             one
             is
             as
             sweet
             and
             blessed
             as
             the
             deformity
             of
             the
             other
             is
             odious
             and
             distastful
             .
             And
             if
             we
             our selves
             are
             infinitely
             obliged
             ,
             and
             live
             by
             the
             bounty
             and
             goodness
             of
             another
             ,
             after
             we
             have
             forfeited
             the
             Kings
             favour
             ,
             have
             received
             it
             again
             with
             pardon
             and
             forgiveness
             ,
             nay
             and
             with
             more
             and
             greater
             benefits
             ;
             if
             we
             shall
             not
             be
             liberal
             to
             one
             another
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             strange
             inequality
             .
             But
             the
             discharge
             of
             our
             duty
             will
             make
             us
             amiable
             and
             delightful
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             King
             of
             Glory
             is
             so
             concerned
             in
             the
             welfare
             of
             his
             Subjects
             ,
             were
             there
             nothing
             else
             in
             the
             Duty
             but
             that
             consideration
             ,
             is
             an
             infinite
             encouragement
             .
             
               He
               that
               receiveth
               you
               ,
               receiveth
               me
               ,
            
             is
             such
             an
             obligation
             ,
             that
             as
             it
             is
             all
             Goodness
             in
             it self
             ,
             so
             is
             it
             all
             Motive
             unto
             us
             .
             Eternity
             will
             scarce
             be
             sufficient
             to
             fathom
             its
             depth
             .
             Do
             we
             feed
             GOD
             himself
             in
             feeding
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             his
             eternal
             
             Son
             Jesus
             Christ
             ?
             Are
             these
             Needy
             persons
             the
             Representatives
             of
             the
             GODHEAD
             ,
             in
             whom
             we
             are
             to
             shew
             all
             our
             affection
             ,
             love
             and
             gratitude
             to
             the
             fountain
             of
             all
             Life
             and
             Happiness
             ?
             How
             infinite
             ought
             our
             Liberality
             to
             be
             ,
             when
             we
             consider
             the
             excellency
             of
             our
             Bliss
             and
             Benefactour
             ?
             Are
             they
             beloved
             ,
             are
             they
             all
             his
             Sons
             ,
             the
             very
             express
             image
             of
             himself
             ;
             all
             disguised
             and
             concealed
             Kings
             ;
             all
             Temples
             of
             eternal
             Glory
             ?
             What
             measure
             can
             confine
             or
             shut
             up
             our
             bowels
             ?
             Are
             the
             Spectators
             so
             innumerable
             ,
             so
             divine
             ,
             so
             blessed
             ,
             so
             nearly
             allyed
             to
             our selves
             ,
             so
             rich
             ,
             and
             great
             ,
             and
             beautiful
             ,
             are
             they
             so
             deeply
             concerned
             in
             the
             welfare
             of
             others
             ,
             and
             does
             every
             act
             of
             Charity
             extend
             to
             all
             ;
             shall
             we
             appear
             in
             the
             very
             act
             it self
             eternally
             before
             them
             ?
             What
             a
             vast
             ambition
             of
             pleasing
             all
             these
             glorious
             Persons
             ,
             should
             be
             exprest
             in
             every
             operation
             of
             the
             Soul
             ?
             As
             every
             Thought
             is
             seen
             throughout
             all
             eternity
             ,
             and
             every
             Word
             that
             is
             spoken
             here
             on
             Earth
             )
             heard
             in
             the
             utmost
             extents
             of
             immensity
             ;
             so
             is
             there
             a
             kind
             of
             Omnipresent
             greatness
             in
             the
             smallest
             action
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             vertually
             extended
             through
             all
             the
             omnipresence
             of
             Almighty
             GOD
             :
             
             even
             as
             every
             Centre
             ,
             wherein
             it
             can
             be
             done
             is
             eternally
             near
             ,
             nay
             and
             within
             him
             in
             the
             remotest
             part
             of
             his
             omnipresence
             .
             'T
             is
             dilated
             in
             a
             moment
             ,
             and
             fills
             the
             immensity
             of
             GOD
             with
             its
             nature
             .
             According
             to
             its
             kind
             it
             affecteth
             all
             his
             Essence
             in
             all
             spaces
             whatsoever
             .
          
           
             YET
             is
             there
             a
             Rule
             for
             the
             bounding
             of
             all
             external
             acts
             of
             Charity
             ,
             and
             another
             for
             improving
             it
             .
             Intelligence
             is
             the
             light
             wherein
             Alms-deeds
             ought
             to
             shine
             ,
             and
             attain
             their
             glory
             :
             Love
             is
             the
             soul
             of
             Compassion
             ,
             and
             Zeal
             the
             fervour
             of
             Perfection
             :
             without
             which
             
               though
               a
               man
               bestow
               all
               his
               Goods
               to
               feed
               the
               Poor
               ,
               and
               give
               his
               Body
               to
               be
               burned
               ,
               it
               profiteth
               nothing
               .
            
             Where
             this
             great
             abyss
             of
             goodness
             is
             ,
             Prudence
             may
             dispence
             it
             ,
             as
             it
             seeth
             occasion
             .
             All
             other
             Vertues
             attending
             upon
             it
             ,
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             destroy
             it self
             here
             on
             earth
             ,
             unless
             the
             case
             be
             so
             urgent
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             better
             die
             ,
             than
             to
             live
             in
             the
             World.
             
               For
               a
               good
               man
               sheweth
               favour
               and
               lendeth
            
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             added
             ,
             
               He
               will
               guide
               his
               affairs
               with
               discretion
               .
            
          
           
             The
             first
             Rule
             is
             ,
             to
             secure
             the
             life
             and
             growth
             of
             the
             tree
             ,
             by
             causing
             it
             so
             to
             bear
             one
             year
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             bring
             forth
             fruit
             another
             .
             It
             is
             no
             good
             husbandry
             to
             cut
             it
             
             down
             :
             nor
             any
             charity
             to
             make
             it
             wither
             and
             expire
             .
             And
             on
             this
             very
             account
             a
             Charitable
             man
             must
             preserve
             himself
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             do
             more
             good
             ,
             by
             continuing
             longer
             able
             to
             do
             it
             .
          
           
             HE
             that
             will
             examine
             the
             proportions
             and
             measures
             of
             his
             Liberality
             may
             take
             this
             Rule
             for
             the
             second
             :
             Let
             thy
             Superfluities
             give
             place
             to
             other
             mens
             Conveniencies
             ,
             thy
             Conveniencies
             to
             their
             Necessities
             ,
             thy
             Necessities
             to
             their
             Extremities
             .
          
           
             A
             third
             Rule
             is
             this
             ;
             Our
             Riches
             must
             be
             expended
             according
             to
             the
             several
             Circumstances
             and
             occasions
             of
             our
             lives
             .
             A
             Liberal
             man
             will
             not
             pinch
             and
             starve
             his
             Servants
             .
             For
             it
             is
             contrary
             to
             the
             nature
             of
             Bounty
             to
             oppress
             any
             ,
             to
             hurt
             any
             ,
             to
             trample
             upon
             any
             .
             He
             will
             be
             good
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             to
             those
             most
             ,
             that
             are
             near
             unto
             him
             .
             GOD
             hateth
             robbery
             for
             burnt
             Offering
             ,
             or
             that
             Strangers
             should
             eat
             the
             Childrens
             meat
             ,
             or
             that
             Beggars
             or
             Riotous
             persons
             should
             devour
             the
             right
             of
             a
             mans
             Servants
             .
             He
             that
             does
             brave
             acts
             abroad
             ,
             but
             is
             a
             Niggard
             within
             doors
             ,
             has
             a
             glorious
             train
             spread
             abroad
             like
             a
             Peacock
             ,
             but
             stands
             upon
             black
             feet
             ;
             and
             may
             bear
             that
             unlucky
             
             bird
             for
             his
             Crest
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             emblem
             of
             Pride
             and
             Vain-glory.
             So
             is
             it
             with
             young
             Prodigals
             that
             oppress
             poor
             Tradesmen
             ,
             by
             defrauding
             them
             of
             their
             Debts
             ,
             yet
             are
             lavish
             enough
             to
             the
             Poor
             and
             Needy
             .
             This
             is
             a
             defect
             with
             which
             Goodness
             is
             inconsistent
             ,
             and
             it
             blasteth
             their
             Charity
             .
             It
             is
             better
             take
             off
             100
             pound
             a
             year
             from
             ones
             benevolence
             to
             the
             poor
             ,
             than
             wrong
             a
             Servant
             or
             Creditour
             of
             a
             shilling
             .
             The
             Rule
             therefore
             is
             this
             ,
             First
             secure
             the
             works
             of
             Necessity
             ;
             have
             food
             and
             rayment
             for
             thy self
             :
             keep
             out
             of
             debt
             .
             Next
             render
             to
             every
             man
             his
             due
             in
             point
             of
             Justice
             ,
             and
             employ
             no
             man
             thou
             canst
             not
             pay
             ;
             rather
             perish
             thy self
             than
             oppress
             another
             .
             If
             thou
             art
             able
             ,
             and
             hast
             any
             thing
             to
             spare
             ,
             then
             let
             the
             miseries
             of
             the
             Needy
             be
             supplied
             in
             the
             works
             of
             Compassion
             and
             Charity
             :
             but
             let
             not
             all
             be
             swallowed
             up
             here
             ,
             thy
             Neighbours
             ,
             and
             Acquaintance
             ,
             and
             Friends
             ,
             and
             Kindred
             claim
             a
             share
             ;
             and
             thou
             must
             secure
             something
             for
             the
             works
             of
             Courtesie
             and
             Hospitality
             .
             So
             order
             all
             both
             in
             thy
             Estate
             and
             Life
             ,
             that
             the
             kindness
             of
             GOD
             may
             shine
             in
             all
             .
             So
             doing
             thy
             Stewardship
             shall
             be
             acceptable
             to
             the
             whole
             World
             ,
             and
             thy
             Memory
             blessed
             among
             men
             and
             Angels
             .
          
           
           
             Our
             Saviour
             when
             he
             wrought
             his
             Miracles
             ,
             as
             he
             opened
             the
             eyes
             of
             the
             blind
             ,
             healed
             the
             sick
             ,
             cast
             out
             Devils
             ,
             raised
             the
             dead
             ,
             gave
             food
             to
             the
             hungry
             ,
             tongues
             to
             the
             dumb
             ,
             ears
             to
             the
             deaf
             ,
             and
             legs
             to
             the
             lame
             :
             so
             did
             he
             give
             advice
             to
             the
             ignorant
             ,
             and
             interpret
             all
             his
             design
             ,
             by
             those
             Parables
             and
             Sermons
             which
             attended
             his
             Cures
             .
             Good
             Counsel
             is
             oftentimes
             a
             greater
             gift
             than
             a
             Trunk
             of
             Mony.
             While
             the
             Iron
             is
             hot
             it
             is
             time
             to
             strike
             .
             Good
             Counsel
             is
             like
             a
             bitter
             Pill
             ,
             that
             must
             be
             gilded
             with
             Liberality
             .
             If
             the
             Word
             of
             GOD
             be
             like
             
               good
               seed
            
             ,
             the
             heart
             in
             which
             it
             is
             sown
             is
             softened
             by
             Sorrow
             ,
             and
             ploughed
             up
             by
             affliction
             ,
             and
             prepared
             to
             receive
             it
             by
             the
             husbandry
             of
             Providence
             .
             And
             the
             properest
             Season
             that
             can
             be
             chosen
             for
             Instruction
             is
             the
             time
             of
             Obliging
             .
             He
             that
             intendeth
             the
             welfare
             of
             the
             Soul
             by
             all
             the
             good
             works
             he
             doth
             to
             the
             Body
             ,
             is
             deep
             and
             perfect
             in
             Charity
             .
             A
             wise
             man
             will
             improve
             his
             advantages
             ,
             and
             enrich
             his
             Gifts
             with
             pious
             discourses
             .
             A
             Benefactour
             has
             authority
             to
             talk
             what
             he
             listeth
             ,
             and
             bribes
             his
             Auditor
             to
             patience
             by
             his
             Bounty
             .
             Since
             
               He
               that
               winneth
               Souls
               is
               wise
               ,
            
             a
             profound
             Liberality
             
             will
             not
             let
             slip
             a
             golden
             Opportunity
             ,
             nor
             suffer
             his
             Gift
             to
             be
             dark
             and
             insignificant
             .
             He
             will
             make
             mention
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             the
             Love
             of
             Christ
             ,
             the
             guilt
             of
             Sin
             ,
             the
             danger
             of
             Hell
             ,
             and
             the
             hope
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             alwaies
             endeavour
             to
             make
             his
             Love
             apparent
             to
             that
             GOD
             ,
             for
             whose
             sake
             he
             pities
             the
             Poor
             ,
             and
             is
             kind
             towards
             all
             .
             For
             as
             much
             as
             man
             hath
             two
             parts
             ,
             and
             his
             Body
             is
             without
             the
             Soul
             but
             a
             putrid
             Carkass
             ;
             he
             will
             put
             life
             into
             his
             Mony
             ,
             and
             inspire
             his
             Munificence
             with
             all
             his
             Reasons
             ,
             that
             his
             Bounty
             may
             consist
             of
             two
             parts
             in
             like
             manner
             ,
             and
             have
             a
             Soul
             for
             its
             Interpreter
             .
             Liberality
             to
             the
             Soul
             is
             the
             Soul
             of
             Liberality
             .
             Paradice
             and
             Heaven
             are
             better
             to
             be
             given
             than
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             .
             And
             every
             Good
             man
             will
             imitate
             the
             Apostle
             ,
             who
             was
             ready
             not
             to
             impart
             the
             Gospel
             of
             GOD
             only
             ,
             but
             his
             own
             Soul
             to
             the
             benefit
             of
             those
             for
             whom
             Christ
             died
             .
          
           
             THIS
             one
             thing
             further
             I
             desire
             you
             to
             note
             ,
             
               He
               that
               soweth
               sparingly
               shall
               reap
               sparingly
               ,
               but
               he
               which
               soweth
               bountifully
               shall
               reap
               also
               bountifully
               .
            
             
             In
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             every
             man
             receiveth
             his
             Penny
             :
             because
             all
             their
             Joyes
             are
             common
             
             and
             equal
             .
             Their
             Treasures
             shall
             be
             the
             same
             ,
             but
             they
             will
             differ
             in
             Glory
             .
             The
             same
             GOD
             ,
             the
             same
             Angels
             ,
             the
             same
             Men
             ,
             all
             the
             same
             Objects
             shall
             be
             round
             about
             every
             man.
             Every
             man
             shall
             see
             and
             enjoy
             all
             the
             Glory
             of
             his
             eternal
             Kingdom
             ,
             because
             every
             ones
             life
             and
             felicity
             shall
             be
             perfect
             .
             But
             yet
             their
             works
             follow
             them
             ;
             and
             every
             man
             shall
             be
             cloathed
             in
             the
             beauty
             of
             his
             own
             actions
             ,
             Vertues
             and
             Graces
             .
             There
             may
             be
             twenty
             Children
             in
             the
             same
             family
             ,
             yet
             all
             of
             several
             Features
             .
             There
             may
             be
             a
             thousand
             Trees
             in
             the
             same
             Orchard
             ,
             yet
             all
             of
             different
             kinds
             .
             The
             same
             brightness
             and
             glory
             may
             be
             round
             about
             them
             ,
             the
             same
             skie
             cover
             them
             ,
             the
             same
             Earth
             support
             them
             ,
             the
             same
             Stars
             serve
             them
             ,
             the
             same
             Sun
             shine
             upon
             them
             ,
             the
             same
             Sea
             ,
             the
             same
             Dew
             ,
             the
             same
             Air
             and
             Nourishment
             feed
             them
             ,
             and
             yet
             the
             one
             be
             more
             fair
             ,
             and
             honourable
             ,
             and
             excellent
             than
             the
             other
             .
             All
             the
             World
             does
             know
             that
             a
             Tree
             laden
             with
             Fruits
             and
             Blossoms
             is
             far
             more
             beautiful
             than
             a
             Tree
             that
             is
             barren
             and
             unfruitful
             .
             And
             the
             degrees
             of
             Beauty
             are
             according
             as
             the
             Fruits
             are
             ,
             more
             or
             less
             .
             And
             as
             the
             Fruits
             they
             bring
             forth
             adorn
             
             them
             ,
             so
             do
             their
             own
             works
             praise
             them
             in
             the
             Gates
             .
             Heaven
             as
             it
             is
             a
             Kingdom
             of
             Light
             and
             Knowledge
             ,
             is
             a
             Kingdom
             of
             Perfection
             ;
             Righteousness
             and
             Justice
             flourish
             there
             in
             their
             fulness
             :
             and
             every
             several
             degree
             of
             excellence
             is
             entertained
             with
             an
             answerable
             degree
             of
             esteem
             :
             according
             to
             the
             number
             and
             greatness
             of
             their
             Vertues
             every
             one
             is
             honoured
             by
             Saints
             and
             Angels
             .
          
           
             NOW
             least
             these
             Fruits
             should
             receive
             any
             impediment
             by
             the
             Vices
             and
             Corruptions
             of
             men
             ,
             order
             is
             taken
             ,
             
               that
               we
               should
               love
               our
               Enemies
               ,
               bless
               them
               that
               curse
               us
               ,
               do
               good
               to
               them
               that
               hate
               us
               ,
               pray
               for
               them
               that
               despightfully
               use
               ,
               and
               persecute
               us
               .
            
             By
             which
             means
             it
             is
             that
             a
             Liberal
             man
             surmounts
             all
             obstacles
             whatsoever
             ,
             lives
             among
             Dragons
             as
             if
             he
             were
             surrounded
             with
             Doves
             ,
             and
             though
             he
             be
             environed
             with
             Devils
             ,
             is
             as
             if
             he
             were
             conversant
             with
             Angels
             :
             Because
             he
             takes
             no
             notice
             of
             any
             Vice
             in
             any
             man
             ,
             to
             stop
             him
             ,
             but
             is
             as
             Liberal
             as
             if
             all
             were
             full
             of
             worth
             and
             vertue
             .
             Nay
             he
             is
             more
             good
             and
             more
             miraculous
             .
             Their
             Vices
             ,
             their
             Provocations
             ,
             their
             Disorders
             cannot
             stain
             or
             imbitter
             his
             Nature
             :
             but
             he
             will
             be
             alwaies
             chearful
             ,
             
             and
             bright
             ,
             and
             fair
             ,
             and
             free
             and
             perfect
             .
             To
             love
             the
             amiable
             ,
             and
             be
             kind
             to
             the
             beautiful
             is
             natural
             and
             easie
             .
             It
             is
             not
             given
             to
             the
             Angels
             but
             to
             visit
             the
             Faithful
             and
             the
             Penitent
             .
             But
             to
             love
             the
             Evil
             ,
             to
             be
             kind
             ,
             and
             good
             and
             serviceable
             to
             the
             Deformed
             and
             the
             Odious
             ,
             to
             the
             Injurious
             and
             Ungrateful
             ,
             is
             somewhat
             more
             than
             Angelical
             .
             We
             learn
             it
             not
             of
             them
             but
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             eternal
             Son
             :
             who
             hath
             commanded
             us
             
               to
               be
               the
               Children
               of
               our
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               ;
               for
               he
               maketh
               his
               Sun
               to
               rise
               on
               the
               Evil
               and
               on
               the
               Good
               ,
               and
               sendeth
               rain
               on
               the
               Just
               and
               on
               the
               Unjust
               .
            
             Even
             Publicans
             and
             Sinners
             do
             in
             some
             manner
             as
             much
             as
             Angels
             ,
             love
             them
             that
             love
             them
             .
             In
             Heaven
             they
             have
             no
             malignity
             ,
             or
             malice
             ,
             or
             wrong
             to
             overcome
             ,
             all
             that
             they
             love
             is
             Beauty
             and
             Goodness
             :
             unless
             they
             learn
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             imitate
             him
             here
             on
             Earth
             towards
             us
             Sinners
             .
             But
             our
             duty
             is
             far
             greater
             ,
             and
             our
             opposition
             more
             .
             Which
             is
             intimated
             also
             in
             our
             Saviours
             words
             :
             
               For
               if
               ye
               love
               them
               which
               love
               you
               ,
               what
               reward
               have
               you
               ?
               Do
               not
               even
               the
               Publicans
               the
               same
               ?
               And
               if
               ye
               salute
               your
               Brethren
               only
               ,
               what
               do
               ye
               more
               than
               others
               ?
               Do
               not
               even
               the
               Publicans
               so
               ?
               Be
               ye
               therefore
               
               perfect
               even
               as
               your
               Father
               which
               is
               in
               Heaven
               is
               perfect
               .
            
          
           
             In
             the
             Close
             of
             all
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             to
             consider
             this
             one
             most
             cogent
             and
             weighty
             expostulation
             .
             It
             is
             the
             beloved
             Disciples
             ,
             
               If
               a
               man
               say
            
             ,
             
             
               I
               love
               GOD
               ,
               and
               hateth
               his
               Brother
               ,
               he
               is
               a
               Liar
               :
               for
               he
               that
               loveth
               not
               his
               Brother
               whom
               he
               hath
               seen
               ,
               how
               can
               he
               love
               God
               whom
               he
               hath
               not
               seen
            
             ?
             Our
             Neighbours
             are
             not
             only
             the
             representatives
             of
             GOD
             ,
             but
             they
             are
             here
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             are
             visible
             ,
             are
             present
             with
             us
             ,
             are
             Corporeal
             as
             we
             are
             ,
             and
             alwaies
             near
             us
             ,
             our
             actions
             among
             them
             are
             palpable
             ,
             and
             our
             Conversation
             with
             them
             real
             .
             GOD
             is
             invisible
             ,
             and
             absent
             from
             us
             ,
             he
             is
             afar
             off
             in
             the
             highest
             Heavens
             ,
             Incorporeal
             ,
             and
             Incomprehensible
             :
             If
             we
             are
             remiss
             and
             careless
             in
             our
             duty
             towards
             our
             Neighbour
             ,
             all
             our
             devotion
             towards
             GOD
             will
             be
             but
             imaginary
             ,
             our
             Religion
             will
             degenerate
             into
             an
             idle
             and
             vain
             Chimera
             ,
             become
             a
             weak
             and
             feeble
             shadow
             ,
             be
             seated
             in
             the
             fancy
             ,
             and
             dwindle
             away
             into
             an
             aiery
             Speculation
             .
             The
             reality
             of
             Religion
             consists
             in
             the
             solid
             practice
             of
             it
             among
             the
             Sons
             of
             men
             that
             are
             daily
             with
             us
             .
             The
             difficult
             and
             serious
             actions
             of
             our
             Lives
             abroad
             ,
             
             feed
             our
             Meditation
             in
             all
             our
             retirements
             ,
             and
             infuse
             a
             reality
             and
             strength
             into
             our
             Devotions
             ,
             which
             make
             them
             solid
             and
             substantial
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXI
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Magnificence
               in
               GOD.
               Its
               resemblance
               in
               Man.
               The
               chief
               Magnificence
               of
               the
               Soul
               is
               Spiritual
               .
               It
               is
               perfectly
               expressed
               in
               the
               outward
               Life
               ,
               when
               the
               whole
               is
               made
               perfect
               ,
               and
               presented
               to
               GOD.
               GOD
               gives
               all
               his
               Life
               to
               us
               :
               and
               we
               should
               give
               ours
               all
               to
               him
               .
               How
               fair
               and
               glorious
               it
               may
               be
               .
            
          
           
             GOD
             being
             proposed
             as
             the
             Pattern
             of
             our
             Liberality
             and
             Kindness
             by
             our
             Saviour
             ,
             the
             nature
             of
             his
             Bounty
             is
             sit
             to
             be
             considered
             for
             our
             Information
             :
             which
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             publick
             ,
             and
             advantagious
             to
             many
             .
             In
             some
             of
             his
             private
             dispensations
             it
             walks
             under
             the
             notion
             and
             form
             of
             Liberality
             ,
             as
             it
             giveth
             food
             and
             Rayment
             ,
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             ,
             Houses
             and
             Lands
             to
             particular
             persons
             :
             But
             in
             other
             effects
             of
             his
             eternal
             love
             ,
             which
             
             are
             great
             and
             publick
             ,
             its
             nature
             is
             changed
             into
             the
             highest
             Magnificence
             .
          
           
             MAGNIFICENCE
             is
             a
             Vertue
             scarcely
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             but
             in
             Kings
             and
             Emperours
             .
             It
             is
             busied
             in
             erecting
             Temples
             and
             Triumphal
             arches
             Magnificent
             Theatres
             ,
             Colledges
             and
             Universities
             ,
             Aquaeducts
             and
             Palaces
             ,
             Royal
             Momuments
             and
             Pyramids
             ,
             Marts
             ,
             Havens
             ,
             Exchanges
             ,
             and
             all
             those
             other
             great
             and
             mighty
             things
             wherein
             the
             glory
             of
             Imperial
             Power
             is
             made
             conspicuous
             ,
             and
             whereby
             whole
             Nations
             are
             benefited
             ,
             and
             Kingdoms
             adorned
             .
          
           
             GREAT
             Power
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             Wisdom
             and
             Goodness
             must
             concur
             in
             the
             effect
             which
             is
             truly
             Magnificent
             .
             It
             must
             be
             of
             great
             lustre
             and
             glory
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             publick
             use
             and
             benefit
             ;
             and
             as
             it
             is
             wrought
             with
             great
             labour
             and
             expence
             ,
             be
             imparted
             by
             a
             great
             Soul
             ,
             and
             freely
             given
             to
             the
             good
             of
             the
             People
             .
             For
             Magnificence
             implies
             Greatness
             and
             Bounty
             united
             .
          
           
             THE
             Creation
             of
             the
             Universe
             was
             a
             great
             and
             Magnificent
             work
             ,
             because
             the
             lustre
             and
             beauty
             of
             the
             WORLD
             is
             a
             sublime
             and
             wonderful
             Gift
             imparted
             to
             millions
             .
             The
             bounty
             of
             GOD
             in
             adorning
             
             all
             ages
             with
             Cities
             and
             Empires
             ,
             for
             the
             benefit
             and
             enjoyment
             of
             all
             the
             World
             is
             another
             piece
             of
             his
             Royal
             Magnificence
             .
             The
             infusion
             of
             a
             Soul
             so
             divine
             and
             everlasting
             into
             the
             Body
             of
             a
             Man
             is
             an
             act
             of
             love
             transcendently
             greater
             than
             all
             the
             Aquaeducts
             and
             Trophies
             in
             the
             World.
             For
             such
             a
             Celestial
             presence
             ,
             such
             a
             sublime
             and
             illimited
             power
             ,
             such
             a
             vast
             and
             noble
             Workmanship
             ,
             as
             that
             is
             ,
             which
             can
             see
             and
             comprehend
             all
             Eternity
             and
             Time
             together
             ,
             extend
             to
             all
             Objects
             in
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             and
             fill
             Immensity
             with
             life
             and
             joy
             ,
             and
             love
             and
             knowledge
             ,
             with
             light
             ,
             and
             beauty
             ,
             and
             glory
             ,
             with
             adorations
             and
             praises
             ;
             though
             its
             essence
             be
             invisible
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             splendour
             within
             ,
             is
             next
             under
             GOD
             the
             highest
             Object
             of
             all
             the
             admiration
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             :
             It
             is
             a
             being
             as
             publick
             as
             the
             Sun
             ,
             the
             great
             occasion
             of
             all
             the
             extasies
             of
             the
             Seraphims
             ,
             the
             wonder
             and
             the
             rapture
             of
             all
             the
             Cherubims
             ,
             the
             glory
             of
             GOD
             communicated
             to
             the
             World
             in
             so
             divine
             a
             Creature
             ;
             a
             miraculous
             effect
             of
             his
             eternal
             Power
             ,
             and
             the
             resemblance
             of
             his
             Godhead
             among
             all
             the
             Creatures
             .
          
           
           
             THE
             Incarnation
             of
             his
             Eternal
             Son
             ,
             and
             the
             giving
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             was
             another
             Magnificent
             effect
             of
             his
             almighty
             Power
             :
             so
             was
             the
             preparation
             of
             his
             Word
             ,
             with
             the
             Gifts
             he
             gave
             unto
             Men
             in
             the
             Patriarchs
             ,
             Prophets
             and
             Apostles
             ,
             adorned
             with
             all
             the
             varieties
             of
             their
             Labours
             and
             Vertues
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             Courage
             and
             Patience
             ,
             Lives
             and
             Examples
             ,
             Deaths
             and
             Sufferings
             ,
             Oppositions
             and
             Successes
             ,
             Miracles
             and
             Revelations
             .
             The
             Jewish
             Nation
             alone
             is
             a
             Magnificent
             gift
             to
             the
             whole
             World.
             The
             Apostle
             phraseth
             the
             Regiment
             of
             it
             as
             a
             matter
             of
             Bounty
             :
             
             
               Now
               if
               the
               Fall
               of
               them
               be
               the
               Riches
               of
               the
               World
               ,
               and
               the
               diminishing
               of
               them
               the
               Riches
               of
               the
            
             Gentiles
             ,
             
               how
               much
               more
               their
               Fulness
            
             !
             And
             again
             ,
             
               When
               he
               ascended
               up
               on
               high
               ,
               and
               led
               Captivity
               captive
               ,
               he
               gave
               Gifts
               unto
               Men
               ,
               some
               Apostles
               ,
               and
               some
               Prophets
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             When
             he
             presented
             all
             Nations
             and
             Kingdoms
             as
             a
             token
             of
             his
             love
             to
             the
             Angels
             ;
             when
             he
             gave
             all
             those
             glorious
             Hosts
             in
             the
             Heavens
             to
             the
             vision
             ,
             service
             and
             pleasure
             of
             Men
             ;
             much
             more
             when
             he
             gave
             all
             these
             in
             their
             marvellous
             order
             and
             amity
             united
             ,
             to
             every
             Soul
             :
             When
             he
             filled
             the
             Heaven
             of
             Heavens
             with
             Joyes
             ;
             
             and
             gave
             all
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             to
             one
             (
             and
             that
             one
             to
             every
             one
             )
             he
             manifested
             the
             glory
             of
             his
             Magnificent
             power
             ,
             in
             that
             of
             his
             great
             and
             transcendent
             goodness
             .
             And
             in
             relation
             to
             this
             we
             may
             cry
             out
             with
             the
             Apostle
             (
             more
             than
             for
             the
             mysterious
             Regiment
             of
             a
             little
             Nation
             ,
             as
             he
             doth
             upon
             the
             account
             of
             GODS
             dealing
             with
             the
             Jews
             )
             
               O
               the
               depth
               of
               the
               riches
               both
               of
               the
               Wisdom
               and
               Knowledge
               of
               GOD
               !
            
             
             
               How
               unsearchable
               are
               his
               judgments
               ,
               and
               his
               waies
               past
               finding
               out
               !
            
             For
             all
             things
             are
             yours
             ,
             
             Whether
             Paul
             ,
             or
             Apollos
             ,
             or
             Cephas
             ,
             
               or
               the
            
             World
             ,
             
               or
               Life
               or
               Death
               ,
               or
               things
               present
               ,
               or
               things
               to
               come
               ,
               all
               are
               yours
               ,
               and
               ye
               are
               CHRISTS
               ,
               and
               CHRIST
               is
               GODS
               .
            
             Wherefore
             he
             saith
             ,
             
             
               My
               Thoughts
               are
               not
               your
               Thoughts
               ,
               nor
               your
               Waies
               my
               Waies
               .
               For
               as
               the
               Heavens
               are
               higher
               than
               the
               Earth
               ,
               so
               are
               my
               Waies
               higher
               than
               your
               Waies
               ,
               and
               my
               Thoughts
               than
               your
               Thoughts
               .
            
             You
             give
             triflles
             ,
             and
             give
             them
             but
             to
             one
             ,
             I
             give
             Worlds
             and
             give
             them
             to
             every
             one
             .
             You
             divide
             and
             disperse
             your
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             lessen
             by
             dispersing
             them
             ,
             I
             communicate
             and
             unite
             my
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             augment
             by
             giving
             them
             :
             You
             think
             it
             impossible
             for
             one
             man
             to
             enjoy
             all
             
             things
             ,
             I
             think
             it
             possible
             for
             innumerable
             Millions
             .
             You
             think
             your
             interest
             is
             abated
             ,
             and
             your
             fruition
             endangered
             by
             the
             communication
             of
             your
             Treasures
             to
             many
             ,
             I
             know
             they
             are
             increased
             and
             multiplied
             by
             the
             number
             of
             the
             Enjoyers
             .
             You
             think
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             to
             be
             the
             greatest
             Gifts
             ,
             and
             that
             nothing
             is
             yours
             but
             what
             is
             shut
             up
             within
             such
             Shores
             ,
             and
             Walls
             ,
             and
             Hedges
             ,
             I
             know
             that
             Men
             are
             the
             greatest
             Treasures
             ,
             and
             that
             your
             interest
             is
             extended
             through
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             and
             your
             Possessions
             illimited
             .
             For
             according
             to
             the
             tenour
             of
             these
             words
             ,
             and
             a
             little
             before
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               break
               forth
               on
               the
               right
               hand
               and
               on
               the
               left
               ,
            
             
             
               and
               thy
               seed
               shall
               inherit
               the
               Gentiles
               ,
               and
               make
               the
               desolate
               Cities
               to
               be
               inhabited
               .
               Fear
               not
               ,
               for
               thou
               shalt
               not
               be
               ashamed
               :
               neither
               be
               thou
               confounded
               ,
               for
               thou
               shalt
               not
               be
               put
               to
               shame
               :
               for
               thou
               shalt
               forget
               the
               shame
               of
               thy
               Youth
               ,
               and
               shalt
               not
               remember
               the
               reproach
               of
               thy
               Widowhood
               any
               more
               .
               For
               thy
               Maker
               is
               thy
               husband
               ,
               the
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               is
               his
               Name
               ,
               &c.
               
            
             
             And
             a
             little
             after
             he
             saith
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               also
               be
               a
               Crown
               of
               Glory
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               the
               Lord
               ,
               and
               a
               royal
               DIADEM
               in
               the
               hand
               of
               thy
               GOD.
               Thou
               shalt
               no
               more
               be
               termed
            
             Forsaken
             ,
             
             
               neither
               shall
               thy
               land
               any
               more
               termed
            
             Desolate
             ,
             
               but
               thou
               shalt
               be
               called
            
             Hephzibah
             ,
             
               and
               thy
               land
            
             Beulah
             :
             
               for
               the
               Lord
               deligheth
               in
               thee
               ,
               and
               thy
               Land
               shall
               be
               married
               .
               For
               as
               a
               young
               Man
               marrieth
               a
               Virgin
               ,
               so
               shall
               thy
               Sons
               marry
               thee
               :
               and
               as
               the
               Bridegroom
               rejoyceth
               over
               the
               Bride
               ,
               so
               shall
               thy
               GOD
               rejoyce
               over
               thee
               .
            
             For
             a
             Son
             to
             marry
             with
             his
             Mother
             is
             Incest
             :
             it
             is
             Confusion
             also
             for
             a
             Child
             to
             go
             in
             unto
             his
             Fathers
             Wife
             :
             And
             yet
             the
             Church
             of
             GOD
             shall
             be
             the
             lawful
             Bride
             of
             every
             one
             of
             all
             her
             Sons
             .
             Here
             is
             Magnificence
             !
             GOD
             giveth
             himself
             ,
             and
             his
             eternal
             Son
             ,
             and
             his
             Holy
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             his
             Bride
             ,
             and
             his
             Apostles
             and
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             Universe
             to
             every
             Soul
             !
             Which
             justifieth
             that
             saying
             of
             St.
             
               Chrysostome
               ,
               GOD
               loveth
               every
               one
               with
               all
               the
               Love
               wherewith
               he
               loveth
               the
               whole
               World.
            
             His
             Magnificence
             exceedeth
             all
             Limits
             ,
             Laws
             ,
             Imaginations
             ,
             Wishes
             ,
             Possibilities
             ,
             and
             he
             maketh
             every
             one
             *
             
               Heir
               of
               the
               World
            
             ,
             †
             
               Coheir
               with
               Christ
            
             ,
             *
             
               to
               inherit
               all
               things
            
             ;
             every
             one
             more
             than
             the
             sole
             end
             of
             all
             his
             Kingdom
             .
             For
             all
             the
             Ornaments
             and
             Riches
             of
             a
             Bride
             are
             given
             with
             her
             Person
             :
             her
             Palace
             and
             Attendants
             are
             her
             Lovers
             upon
             the
             Marriage
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             she
             :
             
             and
             all
             things
             that
             magnifie
             ,
             or
             make
             her
             amiable
             ,
             are
             subservient
             to
             his
             enjoyment
             ,
             and
             really
             his
             that
             is
             her
             Husband
             .
             So
             that
             GOD
             giving
             us
             his
             Church
             to
             be
             our
             Mother
             and
             our
             Bride
             ,
             hath
             intended
             us
             in
             all
             the
             things
             whereby
             he
             benefited
             her
             in
             all
             kingdoms
             and
             ages
             :
             and
             hath
             loved
             us
             in
             all
             the
             Love
             which
             he
             hath
             exercised
             towards
             her
             :
             and
             all
             the
             fruit
             of
             all
             his
             Love
             to
             the
             whole
             World
             resteth
             in
             our
             Exaltation
             .
             This
             is
             the
             Magnificence
             of
             Almighty
             GOD
             to
             every
             Soul
             in
             his
             Kingdom
             .
             And
             for
             this
             it
             is
             that
             the
             Church
             is
             called
             ,
             
               The
               Assembly
               of
               the
               First-born
            
             ,
             because
             all
             her
             Children
             are
             the
             perfect
             Heirs
             ,
             and
             Kings
             ,
             and
             Bridegrooms
             ,
             every
             one
             compleatly
             ,
             and
             more
             to
             his
             satisfaction
             ,
             than
             if
             he
             were
             so
             alone
             .
             For
             as
             GOD
             is
             wholly
             every
             where
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             here
             for
             being
             in
             other
             places
             ;
             and
             infinitely
             here
             because
             he
             is
             Omnipresent
             :
             So
             does
             he
             wholly
             see
             and
             intend
             every
             one
             ,
             as
             if
             him
             alone
             ;
             and
             love
             him
             far
             the
             more
             ,
             by
             loving
             every
             one
             ;
             for
             his
             Love
             being
             infinite
             ,
             it
             is
             expressed
             towards
             him
             in
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             :
             and
             the
             more
             rich
             and
             glorious
             he
             maketh
             all
             things
             ,
             the
             more
             great
             and
             happy
             he
             maketh
             Him
             ,
             according
             to
             
             the
             immeasurable
             All-sufficiency
             of
             his
             infinite
             Wisdom
             .
          
           
             THERE
             is
             in
             the
             Goodness
             of
             GOD
             an
             infinite
             Greatness
             that
             makes
             it
             Magnificent
             :
             for
             he
             gives
             Himself
             .
             When
             a
             Queen
             gives
             her self
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             to
             a
             Beggar
             ,
             or
             to
             one
             of
             her
             Courtiers
             ,
             or
             to
             another
             King
             ,
             if
             it
             proceed
             from
             an
             ardent
             Love
             the
             Gift
             is
             full
             of
             sweetness
             within
             ;
             but
             it
             is
             alwaies
             attended
             with
             great
             Magnificence
             without
             :
             together
             with
             her self
             she
             gives
             him
             her
             Palace
             ,
             her
             Exchequer
             ,
             Gardens
             of
             Pleasure
             ,
             her
             Crown
             and
             Throne
             ,
             her
             Soveraignty
             ,
             her
             Nobles
             ,
             Attendants
             ,
             and
             all
             her
             Kingdom
             .
             GOD
             doth
             infinitely
             more
             .
             He
             gives
             himself
             by
             Loving
             ,
             and
             with
             himself
             gives
             us
             all
             his
             Wisdom
             ,
             Goodness
             and
             Power
             ,
             by
             making
             them
             full
             objects
             of
             Complacency
             :
             by
             doing
             with
             them
             for
             us
             ,
             all
             that
             we
             could
             devise
             ,
             or
             desire
             ,
             or
             effect
             with
             them
             ,
             had
             they
             been
             our
             own
             and
             seated
             in
             our selves
             .
             His
             bounty
             in
             giving
             himself
             is
             attended
             with
             infinite
             advantages
             ,
             innumerable
             wonders
             of
             love
             and
             goodness
             ;
             a
             care
             to
             make
             himself
             (
             as
             a
             Bridegroom
             does
             )
             exceeding
             amiable
             and
             glorious
             ,
             a
             care
             to
             purifie
             and
             fit
             his
             Queen
             for
             himself
             with
             all
             kind
             of
             greatness
             and
             
             beauty
             :
             a
             care
             to
             adorn
             his
             Palace
             with
             all
             kind
             of
             delectable
             things
             ,
             Riches
             ,
             Pleasures
             ,
             magnificent
             Furnitures
             ,
             Perfumes
             ,
             Musicians
             ,
             Pictures
             ,
             Jewels
             ,
             Dainties
             ,
             Feasts
             ,
             Attendants
             ,
             Nobles
             ,
             &c.
             
             In
             all
             which
             he
             infinitely
             exceedeth
             all
             the
             Monarchs
             of
             the
             World.
             His
             Kingdom
             is
             celebrated
             by
             David
             with
             great
             Exultation
             ,
             Psal.
             145.
             
          
           
             NOW
             if
             we
             would
             be
             Magnificent
             as
             GOD
             is
             ,
             we
             must
             have
             a
             love
             within
             our
             Souls
             ,
             that
             is
             willing
             to
             impart
             all
             these
             incomprehensible
             Treasures
             and
             Glories
             to
             every
             Soul
             ,
             and
             to
             all
             his
             Hosts
             ;
             and
             if
             it
             be
             possible
             ,
             to
             out-do
             all
             this
             ,
             to
             give
             all
             these
             Worlds
             ,
             nay
             GOD
             himself
             ,
             and
             every
             Soul
             to
             all
             with
             greater
             ardour
             ,
             and
             joy
             and
             gratitude
             :
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             our selves
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             all
             to
             every
             one
             .
             For
             that
             Love
             which
             is
             the
             fountain
             of
             all
             is
             greater
             than
             all
             ,
             a
             greater
             Gift
             ,
             and
             a
             greater
             Treasure
             .
             And
             that
             love
             which
             imitates
             the
             first
             is
             in
             its
             place
             the
             only
             desirable
             and
             excellent
             thing
             that
             is
             possible
             .
             GODS
             love
             in
             its
             place
             is
             infinitely
             better
             then
             all
             .
             Removing
             it
             you
             shake
             and
             abolish
             all
             .
             But
             in
             such
             a
             Creature
             he
             desires
             to
             be
             beloved
             .
             He
             made
             him
             free
             ,
             that
             he
             might
             be
             capable
             of
             Loving
             ,
             for
             
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             love
             by
             constraint
             or
             necessity
             :
             and
             having
             made
             him
             free
             and
             left
             him
             to
             himself
             ,
             infinitely
             desires
             to
             be
             beloved
             of
             him
             .
             All
             his
             own
             love
             unto
             him
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             glories
             of
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             which
             are
             prepared
             for
             him
             ,
             are
             means
             for
             the
             obtaining
             of
             that
             end
             ,
             Obligations
             ,
             Motives
             ,
             Allurements
             ,
             Incentives
             of
             that
             Love
             which
             GOD
             desires
             .
             If
             he
             will
             not
             return
             Love
             ,
             all
             are
             imbittered
             and
             made
             distastful
             .
             Infinite
             Love
             infinitely
             desires
             to
             be
             beloved
             ,
             and
             is
             infinitely
             displeased
             if
             it
             be
             neglected
             .
             GOD
             desires
             to
             take
             Complacency
             in
             all
             ,
             to
             see
             the
             beauty
             of
             his
             Bride
             ,
             and
             the
             accomplishment
             of
             his
             design
             ,
             in
             the
             Love
             of
             his
             Beloved
             .
             And
             nothing
             in
             all
             Worlds
             but
             the
             love
             of
             that
             Person
             can
             be
             his
             satisfaction
             .
             For
             nothing
             can
             supply
             the
             absence
             or
             denial
             of
             that
             Love
             which
             is
             his
             end
             .
             For
             in
             its
             place
             it
             is
             the
             only
             needful
             and
             proper
             thing
             ,
             far
             more
             desired
             than
             all
             that
             went
             before
             :
             All
             that
             went
             before
             was
             but
             the
             Means
             ,
             this
             is
             the
             thing
             designed
             and
             endeavoured
             by
             them
             .
             For
             upon
             this
             Return
             all
             the
             sweetness
             of
             the
             rest
             dependeth
             .
             All
             is
             made
             sweet
             and
             compleat
             ,
             and
             delightful
             ,
             if
             this
             Soul
             doth
             love
             GOD
             in
             all
             these
             things
             ;
             if
             not
             ,
             they
             
             are
             all
             made
             vain
             ,
             and
             his
             love
             is
             turned
             into
             sour
             displeasure
             .
             All
             the
             other
             things
             are
             so
             far
             from
             alleviating
             that
             they
             increase
             his
             displeasure
             ;
             the
             glory
             and
             abundance
             of
             them
             is
             so
             far
             from
             making
             him
             to
             despise
             this
             Love
             ,
             that
             in
             respect
             of
             these
             things
             he
             the
             more
             desires
             it
             ;
             because
             he
             would
             not
             have
             his
             labour
             vain
             ;
             and
             his
             own
             infinite
             Love
             makes
             him
             more
             to
             esteem
             the
             love
             of
             this
             Creature
             ,
             which
             is
             (
             in
             its
             place
             )
             his
             Soveraign
             object
             ;
             and
             for
             that
             very
             cause
             so
             beloved
             and
             admired
             by
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men.
             Is
             not
             then
             the
             Love
             which
             a
             man
             returneth
             a
             Magnificent
             thing
             !
             Certainly
             if
             it
             answers
             all
             these
             preparations
             and
             obligations
             as
             their
             end
             ,
             and
             be
             lookt
             upon
             as
             that
             without
             which
             all
             the
             Creation
             is
             vain
             and
             frustrate
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             most
             great
             and
             marvellous
             thing
             in
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             is
             
               in
               its
               own
               place
            
             of
             all
             other
             things
             most
             highly
             desired
             by
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ;
             and
             is
             the
             greatest
             Gift
             which
             (
             in
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             Soul
             )
             can
             possibly
             be
             given
             .
             It
             is
             esteem
             of
             ,
             honour
             paid
             to
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             ,
             all
             these
             great
             and
             most
             glorious
             things
             .
             It
             contains
             in
             it self
             a
             desire
             to
             see
             GOD
             pleased
             with
             more
             than
             the
             fruition
             of
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             and
             of
             becoming
             
             it self
             the
             greatest
             Treasure
             to
             his
             eternal
             essence
             of
             all
             that
             is
             possible
             .
             And
             if
             this
             desire
             be
             not
             satisfied
             ,
             all
             the
             grandeurs
             of
             his
             eternal
             Kingdom
             are
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             But
             
               the
               desire
               satisfied
               is
               a
               Tree
               of
               Life
               .
            
             What
             the
             Sun
             is
             to
             the
             Eye
             ,
             that
             is
             Love
             to
             the
             Desire
             .
             GODS
             infinite
             desire
             of
             our
             Love
             makes
             it
             infinitely
             delightful
             to
             him
             .
             Davids
             purpose
             to
             build
             the
             Temple
             was
             more
             accepted
             than
             Solomons
             performance
             .
             And
             if
             one
             Contrite
             groan
             be
             better
             than
             all
             Sacrifices
             ,
             to
             love
             GOD
             with
             all
             the
             Soul
             and
             Understanding
             is
             better
             than
             to
             give
             him
             all
             Worlds
             .
             We
             sacrifice
             all
             by
             Loving
             him
             as
             we
             ought
             .
             We
             see
             the
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             of
             all
             ,
             and
             offer
             it
             all
             up
             to
             him
             ,
             with
             infinite
             Desire
             ,
             our selves
             also
             with
             infinite
             Gratitude
             .
             Could
             we
             make
             millions
             of
             Worlds
             ,
             infinitely
             greater
             and
             more
             perfect
             than
             this
             ,
             they
             should
             all
             be
             his
             .
             No
             delight
             ,
             no
             joy
             ,
             no
             pleasure
             can
             be
             greater
             to
             us
             ,
             than
             to
             see
             him
             reigning
             .
             He
             gives
             all
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             might
             give
             it
             all
             to
             him
             :
             In
             our
             Affection
             and
             with
             our
             Love
             it
             is
             most
             delightful
             .
             Our
             Affections
             are
             the
             flames
             and
             perfumes
             that
             enrich
             the
             Sacrifice
             .
             He
             is
             a
             Spirit
             to
             be
             served
             in
             a
             Spiritual
             manner
             :
             all
             that
             we
             would
             do
             ,
             we
             do
             .
             
             Infinite
             desires
             and
             intentions
             of
             Pleasing
             him
             are
             real
             objects
             to
             his
             Eye
             .
             The
             Goodness
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             the
             Greatness
             of
             his
             Goodness
             consisteth
             in
             them
             .
             A
             Will
             enlarged
             with
             an
             infinite
             Fancy
             is
             a
             prodigious
             depth
             of
             goodness
             when
             it
             is
             all
             Love.
             It
             would
             do
             millions
             of
             things
             for
             its
             Object
             !
             But
             GOD
             is
             incapable
             of
             more
             Worlds
             :
             and
             all
             that
             are
             possible
             he
             can
             make
             himself
             :
             our
             Magnificence
             must
             be
             shewn
             in
             something
             he
             cannot
             do
             ,
             unless
             he
             were
             in
             our
             Circumstance
             ,
             and
             which
             of
             all
             things
             in
             the
             World
             he
             knows
             most
             fit
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             were
             he
             in
             our
             places
             .
             He
             cannot
             be
             the
             Soul
             of
             any
             of
             his
             Creatures
             :
             but
             would
             be
             the
             Soul
             of
             that
             Soul
             :
             the
             joy
             and
             delight
             of
             that
             Soul
             ;
             the
             life
             and
             glory
             of
             that
             Soul
             :
             and
             that
             he
             cannot
             be
             ,
             unless
             that
             Soul
             will
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             love
             and
             honour
             him
             .
             It
             is
             not
             he
             must
             honour
             himself
             :
             but
             that
             Soul
             :
             His
             desire
             is
             ,
             that
             that
             Soul
             would
             freely
             turn
             ,
             and
             delight
             in
             him
             freely
             ,
             of
             its
             own
             accord
             ,
             would
             incline
             it self
             to
             consider
             his
             Excellencies
             ,
             and
             dedicate
             it self
             to
             love
             and
             honour
             him
             .
             This
             is
             one
             way
             for
             the
             Soul
             to
             be
             Magnificent
             towards
             Men
             too
             :
             who
             by
             Nature
             delight
             to
             see
             
             GOD
             beloved
             ,
             and
             satisfied
             in
             a
             point
             of
             such
             infinite
             importance
             .
          
           
             IT
             is
             true
             indeed
             ,
             that
             GOD
             can
             be
             full
             of
             Indignation
             and
             punish
             :
             but
             for
             love
             to
             turn
             into
             anger
             is
             no
             compensation
             for
             the
             pleasure
             it
             lost
             by
             our
             miscarriage
             :
             and
             to
             punish
             is
             a
             strange
             and
             troublesome
             work
             ,
             in
             which
             Love
             is
             extinguished
             ,
             or
             else
             afflicted
             .
             Infinite
             Love
             puts
             an
             infinite
             value
             on
             the
             Gift
             .
             And
             I
             think
             it
             is
             Magnificence
             to
             give
             a
             Gift
             of
             infinite
             value
             .
          
           
             OUR
             Magnificence
             towards
             Men
             must
             be
             laid
             on
             a
             deep
             and
             eternal
             foundation
             .
             We
             must
             be
             willing
             to
             give
             our selves
             to
             their
             comfort
             and
             satisfaction
             .
             And
             that
             we
             cannot
             do
             ,
             but
             by
             imitating
             GOD
             in
             all
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             studying
             their
             felicity
             ,
             and
             desiring
             their
             love
             with
             the
             same
             earnestness
             to
             the
             utmost
             of
             our
             power
             :
             doing
             in
             all
             places
             ,
             in
             all
             things
             ,
             in
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             the
             things
             they
             desire
             :
             supposing
             them
             to
             be
             what
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             ,
             like
             Gods
             themselves
             .
          
           
             THE
             best
             Principle
             whereby
             a
             man
             can
             stear
             his
             course
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             is
             that
             which
             being
             well
             prosecuted
             will
             make
             his
             Life
             at
             once
             honourable
             and
             happy
             :
             Which
             is
             to
             love
             every
             man
             in
             the
             whole
             
             
             
             
             
             World
             as
             GOD
             doth
             .
             For
             this
             will
             make
             a
             man
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             fill
             him
             with
             the
             mind
             and
             spirit
             of
             Christ
             ,
             it
             will
             make
             every
             man
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Representative
             of
             GOD
             and
             of
             all
             the
             World
             unto
             him
             .
             It
             will
             make
             a
             man
             to
             reverence
             GOD
             in
             all
             Mankind
             ,
             and
             lift
             him
             up
             above
             all
             Temptations
             ,
             Discouragements
             and
             Fears
             .
             It
             will
             make
             him
             to
             meet
             the
             love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             Angels
             ,
             and
             Men
             ,
             in
             every
             Person
             .
             It
             will
             make
             a
             man
             truly
             glorious
             ,
             by
             making
             him
             pleasing
             to
             GOD
             ,
             and
             universally
             good
             to
             every
             one
             ;
             diffusive
             like
             the
             Sun
             ,
             to
             give
             himself
             to
             all
             ,
             and
             wise
             to
             enjoy
             their
             compleat
             Felicity
             .
             If
             there
             were
             but
             one
             ,
             the
             Case
             is
             evident
             :
             supposing
             more
             than
             one
             ,
             his
             duty
             is
             to
             love
             every
             one
             the
             more
             for
             all
             their
             sakes
             .
             For
             since
             he
             must
             love
             all
             ,
             and
             they
             are
             all
             to
             love
             one
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             ,
             he
             must
             please
             them
             all
             by
             gratifying
             their
             love
             to
             one
             ,
             and
             by
             doing
             so
             to
             every
             one
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             concerned
             in
             the
             welfare
             of
             one
             ,
             and
             pleased
             in
             the
             love
             that
             is
             born
             to
             every
             one
             .
             This
             in
             the
             state
             of
             Glory
             will
             be
             clear
             ,
             where
             every
             one
             like
             the
             Sun
             shall
             be
             clearly
             seen
             extending
             his
             love
             to
             all
             ;
             though
             here
             upon
             Earth
             ,
             where
             our
             estate
             
             is
             imperfect
             ,
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             imperfection
             of
             our
             Knowledge
             it
             doth
             not
             appear
             .
             Our
             actions
             are
             limited
             :
             for
             being
             finite
             in
             our
             outward
             demeanour
             ,
             they
             must
             needs
             be
             regulated
             by
             Justice
             and
             Wisdom
             .
             But
             two
             things
             come
             in
             here
             to
             the
             assistance
             of
             Magnificence
             ,
             whereof
             the
             first
             is
             the
             inferiour
             perfection
             of
             our
             Love
             to
             all
             ,
             the
             second
             is
             the
             universal
             Satisfaction
             which
             the
             beauty
             of
             our
             outward
             life
             will
             afford
             at
             last
             .
             Concerning
             the
             last
             ,
             two
             things
             are
             fit
             to
             be
             considered
             .
             First
             ,
             that
             as
             GOD
             has
             communicated
             the
             Sun
             ,
             by
             making
             it
             visible
             ,
             to
             all
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             not
             a
             Star
             but
             is
             seen
             by
             all
             Nations
             and
             Kingdoms
             :
             so
             has
             he
             communicated
             the
             Soul
             ,
             by
             making
             it
             visible
             ,
             to
             all
             ;
             and
             there
             is
             not
             a
             Thought
             that
             shall
             remain
             uncovered
             ;
             nor
             an
             action
             ,
             but
             it
             shall
             be
             seen
             by
             all
             for
             ever
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             that
             as
             GOD
             himself
             is
             admired
             for
             his
             
               Inward
               Love
            
             ,
             so
             is
             he
             for
             the
             operations
             of
             his
             
               Outward
               Life
            
             ,
             I
             mean
             for
             his
             Works
             and
             Judgments
             .
             When
             they
             saw
             his
             Works
             finished
             ,
             
               The
               Morning
               Stars
               sang
               together
               ,
               and
               all
               the
               Sons
               of
               GOD
               shouted
               for
               joy
               .
            
             
             The
             Elders
             are
             represented
             before
             his
             Throne
             ,
             casting
             down
             their
             Crowns
             ,
             and
             saying
             ,
             
               Thou
               
               art
               worthy
            
             ,
             
             
               O
               Lord
               ,
               to
               receive
               Glory
               ,
               and
               Honour
               ,
               and
               Power
               ,
               for
               thou
               hast
               created
               all
               these
               things
               ,
               and
               for
               thy
               pleasure
               they
               are
               ,
               and
               were
               created
               .
            
             Where
             the
             perfection
             of
             GODS
             Pleasure
             in
             the
             GLORY
             of
             the
             Creation
             is
             evidently
             discovered
             ,
             to
             be
             one
             of
             the
             
               Joyes
               of
               Heaven
            
             ;
             a
             great
             matter
             of
             their
             Contemplation
             ,
             an
             eternal
             cause
             of
             their
             Praises
             .
             His
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Love
             is
             that
             by
             which
             he
             is
             
               All
               Glorious
               within
            
             :
             all
             the
             sweetness
             of
             his
             Essence
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             perfection
             of
             the
             Soul
             is
             there
             :
             but
             yet
             his
             Saints
             in
             the
             Church
             Triumphant
             ,
             sing
             the
             Song
             of
             Moses
             ,
             and
             the
             Song
             of
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             
             saying
             ,
             
               Great
               and
               Marvellous
               are
               thy
               WORKS
               ,
               Lord
               GOD
               Almighty
               ,
               Just
               and
               True
               are
               thy
               WAYES
               thou
               King
               of
               Saints
               !
            
             His
             Works
             are
             the
             substantial
             Creatures
             in
             Heaven
             and
             in
             Earth
             :
             his
             Waies
             are
             his
             proceedings
             and
             dispensations
             among
             them
             in
             all
             ages
             .
             For
             all
             shall
             appear
             together
             for
             ever
             ,
             the
             one
             being
             Great
             and
             Marvellous
             ,
             the
             other
             beautified
             with
             Truth
             and
             Justice
             .
             So
             that
             neither
             of
             these
             doth
             swallow
             up
             the
             other
             ,
             but
             both
             are
             distinct
             and
             perfect
             .
             Our
             Love
             may
             be
             infinite
             on
             the
             Inside
             ,
             and
             yet
             our
             Life
             be
             diversified
             
             with
             many
             limited
             and
             particular
             actions
             .
             Now
             if
             our
             Life
             be
             like
             GODS
             ,
             eternally
             to
             be
             seen
             ;
             and
             our
             Actions
             in
             passing
             pass
             not
             away
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             sphere
             of
             our
             life
             abide
             for
             ever
             ,
             
               our
               Life
               all
               at
               once
            
             is
             a
             mysterious
             Object
             ,
             interwoven
             with
             many
             Thoughts
             ,
             Occurrences
             ,
             and
             Transactions
             ;
             and
             if
             it
             be
             to
             be
             presented
             to
             GOD
             like
             a
             Ring
             ,
             or
             a
             Garland
             ,
             we
             had
             need
             to
             be
             very
             choice
             in
             the
             mixture
             of
             our
             Flowers
             ,
             and
             very
             curious
             in
             the
             Enammel
             of
             so
             
               rare
               a
               Token
            
             .
             Perhaps
             it
             is
             his
             Crown
             ,
             nay
             our
             own
             ;
             His
             and
             our
             Royal
             Diadem
             .
             It
             shall
             shine
             like
             a
             glory
             about
             our
             Souls
             for
             ever
             .
             That
             there
             should
             be
             any
             dirt
             or
             blemish
             in
             it
             ,
             is
             inconsistent
             with
             our
             Felicity
             :
             but
             it
             is
             a
             Magnificent
             Present
             if
             it
             be
             enchased
             with
             Jewels
             ,
             well
             chosen
             and
             curiously
             set
             ,
             I
             mean
             with
             the
             most
             pure
             and
             fit
             elections
             ,
             the
             most
             Wise
             ,
             and
             Just
             ,
             and
             excellent
             Actions
             ,
             the
             most
             bright
             and
             clear
             Apprehensions
             ,
             the
             most
             divine
             and
             ardent
             Affections
             .
             The
             last
             are
             like
             Gold
             ,
             the
             ground
             work
             of
             the
             Crown
             :
             but
             the
             work
             it self
             is
             a
             mixture
             of
             elaborate
             Distinctions
             that
             sparkle
             in
             their
             lustre
             like
             Gems
             of
             several
             cuts
             and
             colours
             .
             An
             imperial
             Crown
             is
             a
             
             Magnificent
             Present
             from
             a
             King
             to
             a
             King
             :
             But
             a
             Life
             like
             GODS
             in
             a
             sphere
             ,
             for
             which
             Time
             was
             lent
             that
             it
             might
             be
             well
             wrought
             ,
             and
             presented
             before
             him
             when
             made
             perfect
             ,
             as
             far
             surpasseth
             the
             most
             glorious
             Crown
             that
             did
             ever
             sit
             upon
             Monarchs
             brows
             ,
             as
             that
             can
             be
             supposed
             to
             excel
             a
             dull
             Clod
             of
             Earth
             ,
             or
             a
             piece
             of
             
               Rusty
               Iron
            
             .
             There
             all
             Obligations
             ,
             and
             Laws
             ,
             and
             Duties
             ,
             and
             Occasions
             are
             interwoven
             ,
             all
             our
             Vertues
             ,
             and
             Graces
             ,
             and
             Vices
             ,
             all
             our
             Tears
             ,
             and
             Devotions
             ,
             and
             Prayers
             ,
             our
             Servants
             ,
             the
             Poor
             ,
             the
             Rich
             ,
             our
             Relations
             ,
             Parents
             ,
             Friends
             ,
             Magistrates
             and
             Ministers
             are
             set
             ,
             and
             exhibited
             in
             their
             proper
             places
             ;
             they
             appear
             to
             the
             life
             with
             all
             our
             Behaviors
             towards
             them
             :
             and
             though
             we
             did
             deny
             a
             Poor
             mans
             Request
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             another
             ,
             and
             this
             and
             that
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             particular
             action
             did
             not
             at
             present
             extend
             to
             all
             :
             but
             the
             Soul
             was
             feign
             to
             use
             much
             wisdom
             in
             contracting
             its
             operation
             for
             the
             greater
             advantage
             ,
             in
             finding
             out
             its
             Duty
             ,
             in
             moderating
             its
             Behaviour
             ,
             in
             ballancing
             its
             occasions
             and
             accounts
             ;
             yet
             in
             the
             result
             of
             all
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             found
             full
             of
             Bounty
             and
             Goodness
             to
             all
             ,
             by
             taking
             care
             to
             be
             
             just
             and
             pleasing
             to
             all
             in
             the
             beauty
             of
             its
             Conversation
             .
             When
             two
             things
             it
             desires
             to
             do
             ,
             are
             incompatible
             to
             each
             other
             ;
             it
             studies
             which
             of
             the
             two
             was
             more
             just
             ,
             and
             fit
             ,
             and
             necessary
             ;
             which
             tends
             most
             to
             the
             full
             and
             final
             perfection
             of
             its
             Life
             ;
             the
             interest
             of
             a
             Child
             sometimes
             carries
             it
             from
             another
             man
             ,
             a
             debt
             of
             Necessity
             is
             paid
             with
             that
             we
             would
             give
             ,
             for
             a
             work
             of
             Charity
             :
             yet
             when
             all
             is
             Obedience
             ,
             Duty
             ,
             and
             Love
             ,
             that
             life
             is
             a
             most
             Magnificent
             Gift
             .
             A
             Wife
             ,
             a
             Sister
             must
             be
             respected
             in
             her
             place
             ,
             a
             Son
             ,
             a
             Servant
             ,
             a
             Friend
             ,
             before
             a
             Stranger
             ;
             if
             the
             case
             be
             such
             that
             one
             of
             them
             only
             can
             be
             relieved
             .
             All
             in
             the
             Family
             ,
             being
             made
             in
             the
             Image
             of
             GOD
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Beggars
             without
             doors
             ,
             are
             Objects
             of
             our
             Charity
             .
             But
             so
             much
             Goodness
             being
             in
             the
             bottom
             of
             the
             design
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             Prudence
             and
             Justice
             in
             the
             denial
             :
             Where
             his
             Gold
             and
             Silver
             faileth
             ,
             his
             affection
             may
             be
             infinite
             ,
             and
             the
             restraints
             he
             sets
             upon
             his
             Actions
             ,
             be
             the
             several
             cuts
             and
             distinctions
             in
             the
             Work
             ,
             the
             very
             true
             Engravings
             that
             make
             the
             Jewel
             ,
             or
             the
             Crown
             Glorious
             .
             It
             s
             Matter
             is
             Life
             it self
             ,
             yet
             the
             Workmanship
             far
             excess
             the
             
             Matter
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             as
             Accurate
             and
             Divine
             as
             it
             ought
             to
             be
             .
             This
             great
             and
             deep
             Thought
             makes
             every
             little
             act
             of
             Life
             magnificent
             and
             glorious
             ,
             a
             better
             Gift
             to
             GOD
             in
             its
             place
             ,
             than
             the
             Creation
             of
             all
             Worlds
             before
             him
             .
             While
             a
             mans
             Love
             is
             really
             infinite
             towards
             all
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             ready
             to
             sacrifice
             himself
             with
             Moses
             ,
             and
             St.
             Paul
             ,
             for
             the
             good
             of
             the
             World
             :
             but
             is
             fain
             to
             set
             a
             restraint
             upon
             himself
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             others
             .
             The
             very
             grief
             which
             true
             Goodness
             conceives
             at
             the
             deficiency
             of
             its
             power
             ,
             and
             the
             force
             that
             lies
             upon
             it
             in
             so
             ungrateful
             a
             Necessity
             ,
             where
             it
             must
             be
             an
             Umpire
             and
             a
             Judge
             between
             its
             Bowels
             and
             its
             Children
             ,
             is
             a
             molestation
             which
             he
             endures
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             duty
             ,
             filling
             all
             Spectators
             with
             as
             much
             pleasure
             as
             him
             with
             pain
             .
             All
             shall
             be
             remembered
             ,
             and
             all
             these
             things
             which
             are
             now
             so
             grievous
             ,
             shall
             themselves
             become
             a
             part
             of
             our
             future
             Glory
             .
          
           
             REMEMBER
             alwaies
             thou
             art
             about
             a
             Magnificent
             work
             :
             and
             as
             long
             as
             thou
             dwellest
             here
             upon
             Earth
             lay
             every
             action
             right
             in
             its
             place
             .
             Let
             not
             Patience
             only
             ,
             but
             every
             Vertue
             
               have
               her
               perfect
               work
            
             .
             Let
             Wisdom
             shine
             in
             its
             proper
             
             sphere
             :
             let
             Love
             within
             be
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             ,
             in
             the
             light
             of
             true
             Knowledge
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             exceed
             :
             be
             right
             in
             all
             thy
             Conceptions
             ,
             and
             wise
             in
             all
             thine
             Elections
             ,
             and
             righteous
             in
             all
             thy
             Affections
             ,
             and
             just
             in
             all
             thy
             Actions
             ;
             let
             the
             habits
             of
             Compassion
             and
             Mercy
             appear
             and
             break
             out
             fitly
             upon
             all
             occasions
             :
             and
             the
             severity
             of
             Justice
             too
             for
             the
             preservation
             of
             the
             World
             !
             Let
             all
             be
             underlaid
             with
             solid
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             guided
             with
             Prudence
             ,
             and
             governed
             with
             Temperance
             ,
             ordered
             with
             Care
             ,
             and
             carried
             on
             with
             Courage
             :
             lay
             hold
             on
             thy
             Incentives
             by
             a
             lively
             Faith
             ,
             and
             on
             all
             the
             strengths
             of
             Eternity
             by
             a
             glorious
             Hope
             ,
             let
             all
             be
             sweetened
             with
             a
             gracious
             Charity
             ,
             fortified
             and
             secured
             with
             invincible
             Meekness
             ,
             and
             profitably
             concealed
             ,
             and
             vail'd
             over
             with
             Humility
             ;
             let
             thy
             Contentment
             put
             a
             lustre
             and
             grace
             upon
             all
             :
             let
             Magnanimity
             and
             Modesty
             appear
             in
             thy
             actions
             ,
             Magnificence
             and
             Liberality
             act
             their
             part
             ;
             let
             Resignation
             to
             the
             Divine
             Will
             ,
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             come
             in
             to
             compleat
             all
             these
             ,
             and
             thy
             Life
             be
             beautified
             with
             the
             sweet
             intermixture
             of
             Obedience
             and
             Devotion
             :
             Thy
             GODLINESS
             will
             be
             so
             divine
             ,
             
             that
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             will
             be
             perfectly
             pleased
             ,
             especially
             when
             thou
             hast
             wiped
             out
             the
             Miscarriages
             by
             the
             bloud
             of
             the
             Lamb
             ,
             which
             in
             a
             little
             chrystal
             Vial
             pure
             and
             clear
             thou
             ought'st
             alwaies
             to
             carry
             about
             with
             thee
             ,
             when
             thou
             hast
             washed
             away
             the
             defilements
             contracted
             in
             the
             work
             ,
             with
             the
             Tears
             of
             Repentance
             :
             Those
             Tears
             too
             he
             putteth
             in
             his
             Bottles
             ,
             and
             they
             will
             turn
             into
             Jewels
             .
             There
             is
             not
             one
             drop
             so
             small
             ,
             but
             it
             shall
             turn
             into
             a
             Precious
             Stone
             ,
             and
             continue
             for
             ever
             as
             it
             were
             frozen
             into
             a
             Gem.
             
             
               Many
               ,
               O
               Lord
               my
               GOD
               ,
               are
               thy
               wonderful
               Works
               which
               thou
               hast
               done
               ,
               and
               thy
               Thoughts
               which
               are
               to
               us
               ward
               :
               they
               cannot
               be
               reckoned
               up
               in
               order
               unto
               thee
               :
               If
               I
               would
               declare
               and
               speak
               of
               them
               ,
               they
               are
               more
               than
               can
               he
               numbered
               :
               how
               precious
               also
               are
               thy
               Thoughts
               O
               GOD
               ,
               how
               great
               is
               the
               sum
               of
               them
               !
               if
               I
               should
               count
               them
               they
               are
               more
               in
               number
               than
               the
               Sand
               !
            
             
             
               When
               I
               awake
               I
               am
               still
               with
               thee
               !
            
             And
             with
             whom
             else
             can
             I
             be
             !
             for
             thou
             only
             art
             infinite
             in
             Beauty
             and
             Perfection
             :
             O
             my
             GOD
             ,
             I
             give
             my self
             for
             ever
             unto
             thee
             !
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             XXXII
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               Gratitude
               .
               It
               feeds
               upon
               Benefits
               ,
               and
               is
               in
               height
               and
               fervour
               answerable
               to
               their
               Greatness
               .
               The
               Question
               stated
               ,
               Whether
               we
               are
               able
               to
               love
               GOD
               more
               than
               our selves
               .
               It
               is
               impossible
               to
               be
               grateful
               to
               GOD
               without
               it
               .
               A
               hint
               of
               the
               glorious
               Consequences
               of
               so
               doing
               .
            
          
           
             WHAT
             GOD
             has
             made
             us
             able
             to
             do
             by
             way
             of
             Gratitude
             ,
             you
             must
             see
             in
             the
             Chapter
             of
             Magnificence
             .
             The
             Love
             wherewith
             all
             these
             things
             ought
             to
             be
             done
             ,
             shall
             be
             so
             great
             in
             the
             estate
             of
             Perfection
             ,
             our
             Charity
             and
             Wisdom
             so
             directly
             intend
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             and
             especially
             GOD
             above
             all
             blessed
             for
             ever
             ,
             our
             Gratitude
             and
             Goodness
             make
             us
             so
             zealous
             for
             their
             satisfaction
             ,
             that
             no
             pleasure
             in
             the
             whole
             World
             shall
             be
             comparable
             to
             that
             of
             being
             Delightful
             to
             them
             .
             To
             receive
             all
             is
             sweet
             ,
             but
             to
             communicate
             all
             (
             adorned
             thus
             within
             the
             sphere
             of
             our
             own
             lives
             )
             is
             infinitely
             beyond
             all
             that
             can
             be
             sweet
             in
             the
             reception
             ,
             both
             for
             our
             glory
             and
             satisfaction
             .
             There
             is
             ever
             upon
             us
             some
             pressing
             want
             in
             this
             World
             ,
             and
             will
             be
             till
             we
             are
             infinitely
             
             satisfied
             with
             varieties
             and
             degrees
             of
             Glory
             .
             Of
             that
             which
             we
             feel
             at
             present
             we
             are
             sensible
             :
             when
             that
             want
             is
             satisfied
             and
             removed
             ,
             another
             appeareth
             ,
             of
             which
             before
             we
             were
             not
             aware
             .
             Till
             we
             are
             satisfied
             we
             are
             so
             clamorous
             and
             greedy
             ,
             as
             if
             there
             were
             no
             pleasure
             but
             in
             receiving
             all
             :
             When
             we
             have
             it
             we
             are
             so
             full
             ,
             that
             we
             know
             not
             what
             to
             do
             with
             it
             ,
             we
             are
             in
             danger
             of
             bursting
             ,
             till
             we
             can
             communicate
             all
             to
             some
             fit
             and
             amiable
             Recipient
             ,
             and
             more
             delight
             in
             the
             Communication
             than
             we
             did
             in
             the
             Reception
             .
             This
             is
             the
             foundation
             of
             real
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             the
             bottom
             of
             all
             that
             Goodness
             which
             is
             seated
             in
             the
             bent
             and
             inclination
             of
             Nature
             .
             It
             is
             a
             Principle
             so
             strong
             ,
             that
             Fire
             does
             not
             burn
             with
             more
             certain
             violence
             ,
             than
             Nature
             study
             to
             use
             all
             ,
             when
             it
             hath
             gotten
             it
             ,
             and
             to
             improve
             its
             Treasures
             to
             the
             acquisition
             of
             its
             Glory
             .
          
           
             THE
             Holiness
             of
             all
             the
             work
             consists
             in
             the
             Fervour
             wherewith
             it
             is
             done
             ,
             and
             if
             our
             Love
             shall
             in
             Heaven
             answer
             all
             its
             Causes
             ,
             it
             will
             be
             equal
             to
             all
             its
             Obligations
             and
             Rewards
             ,
             and
             as
             infinite
             in
             a
             manner
             as
             the
             excellencies
             of
             its
             objects
             ,
             the
             very
             love
             of
             GOD
             towards
             all
             things
             
             will
             be
             in
             it
             ,
             our
             Love
             shall
             be
             in
             all
             his
             ,
             and
             his
             in
             ours
             .
             And
             if
             we
             love
             GOD
             ,
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             all
             Vertue
             ,
             Grace
             and
             Felicity
             as
             they
             deserve
             ;
             we
             shall
             so
             delight
             in
             excellent
             actions
             ,
             and
             in
             appearing
             amiable
             and
             glorious
             before
             them
             ,
             that
             we
             would
             not
             for
             all
             Worlds
             miscarry
             in
             a
             tittle
             :
             And
             therefore
             every
             defect
             (
             even
             after
             pardon
             )
             will
             be
             an
             infinite
             disaster
             as
             well
             as
             blemish
             .
             This
             is
             one
             effect
             of
             Gratitude
             in
             Nature
             .
             And
             if
             it
             were
             not
             for
             the
             Satisfaction
             of
             
               Jesus
               Christ
            
             ,
             and
             the
             efficacy
             of
             Faith
             and
             Repentance
             in
             his
             Blood
             ,
             the
             least
             Sinner
             in
             all
             Nature
             would
             be
             eternally
             miserable
             ,
             notwithstanding
             the
             advantages
             of
             Christs
             blood
             .
             It
             is
             the
             desire
             of
             the
             Soul
             to
             be
             spotless
             in
             it self
             .
             And
             if
             it
             be
             so
             prophane
             as
             to
             build
             upon
             these
             advantages
             ,
             without
             taking
             care
             to
             be
             as
             excellent
             as
             it
             is
             able
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             most
             ungrateful
             Creature
             in
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             is
             too
             base
             and
             dirty
             ,
             to
             appear
             in
             Glory
             .
          
           
             TO
             talk
             of
             overflowing
             in
             the
             disbursments
             and
             effusions
             of
             Love
             and
             Goodness
             ,
             till
             our
             emptiness
             and
             capacity
             be
             full
             within
             ,
             is
             as
             impertinent
             and
             unseasonable
             ,
             as
             to
             advise
             a
             Beggar
             to
             give
             away
             a
             Kingdom
             ,
             or
             a
             dead
             man
             to
             breath
             ,
             or
             one
             that
             is
             starving
             to
             give
             Wine
             and
             
             Banquets
             to
             the
             Poor
             and
             Needy
             .
             But
             when
             a
             man
             is
             full
             of
             blessedness
             and
             glory
             ,
             nothing
             is
             so
             easie
             as
             to
             overflow
             unto
             others
             :
             to
             forbid
             ,
             or
             hinder
             him
             ,
             is
             to
             stifle
             and
             destroy
             him
             .
             Breath
             with
             the
             same
             necessity
             must
             be
             let
             out
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             taken
             in
             .
             A
             man
             dies
             as
             certainly
             by
             the
             confinement
             ,
             as
             the
             want
             of
             it
             .
             To
             shut
             it
             up
             and
             deny
             it
             are
             in
             effect
             the
             same
             .
             When
             a
             man
             hath
             the
             glory
             of
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             he
             is
             willing
             to
             impart
             the
             delights
             wherewith
             he
             is
             surrounded
             ,
             to
             give
             away
             himself
             to
             some
             amiable
             Object
             ,
             to
             beautifie
             his
             Life
             ,
             and
             dedicate
             it
             to
             the
             use
             and
             enjoyment
             of
             Spectators
             ,
             and
             to
             put
             life
             into
             all
             his
             Treasures
             by
             their
             Communication
             .
             To
             love
             ,
             and
             admire
             ,
             and
             adore
             ,
             and
             praise
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             case
             are
             not
             only
             pleasant
             ,
             but
             natural
             ,
             and
             free
             ,
             and
             inevitable
             operations
             .
             It
             is
             then
             his
             supream
             and
             only
             joy
             to
             be
             amiable
             and
             delightful
             .
             For
             the
             actions
             of
             Love
             and
             Honour
             belong
             in
             a
             peculiar
             manner
             to
             a
             plentiful
             estate
             :
             Wants
             and
             Necessities
             when
             they
             pinch
             ,
             and
             grind
             us
             in
             a
             low
             condition
             ,
             disturb
             all
             those
             easie
             and
             delicate
             Resentments
             ,
             which
             find
             their
             element
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             Pleasures
             and
             Superfluities
             .
             Hence
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             high-born
             Souls
             in
             Courts
             and
             Palaces
             are
             addicted
             more
             to
             sweet
             and
             honourable
             
             excesses
             ,
             than
             Clowns
             and
             Peasants
             .
             The
             one
             spend
             their
             life
             in
             Toil
             and
             Labour
             ,
             the
             other
             in
             Caresses
             and
             soft
             Embraces
             .
             Amities
             and
             Bounties
             ,
             Obligations
             and
             Respects
             ,
             Complements
             and
             Visits
             are
             the
             life
             of
             Nobles
             :
             Industry
             and
             Care
             is
             that
             of
             the
             meaner
             People
             .
             Honours
             and
             Adorations
             are
             fit
             for
             the
             Temple
             not
             for
             the
             Market
             .
             Soft
             and
             tender
             Affections
             are
             more
             in
             the
             Court
             ,
             than
             in
             the
             Shop
             or
             Barn.
             There
             is
             some
             difference
             in
             this
             respect
             even
             between
             the
             City
             and
             Country
             .
             But
             Heaven
             is
             the
             Metropolis
             of
             all
             Perfection
             .
             GOD
             is
             a
             mighty
             King
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             Subjects
             are
             his
             Peers
             and
             Nobles
             .
             Their
             life
             is
             more
             sublime
             ,
             and
             pleasant
             ,
             and
             free
             ,
             because
             more
             blessed
             and
             glorious
             .
             Their
             very
             Palaces
             and
             Treasures
             are
             infinite
             Incentives
             to
             the
             works
             of
             honour
             and
             delight
             ,
             and
             they
             cannot
             rest
             either
             day
             or
             night
             ,
             but
             continually
             cry
             ,
             
               Holy
               ,
               Holy
               ,
               Holy
               ,
               Lord
               GOD
               of
               Hosts
               ,
               Heaven
               and
               Earth
               are
               full
               of
               the
               Majesty
               of
               thy
               Glory
               .
            
             Their
             Beauties
             and
             Perfections
             enflame
             one
             another
             .
             Their
             very
             Joyes
             inspire
             them
             with
             eternal
             Love
             :
             and
             as
             all
             Care
             and
             Labour
             are
             removed
             ,
             so
             are
             all
             delights
             and
             extasies
             established
             .
             Ravishments
             and
             Caresses
             ,
             Adorations
             and
             Complacencies
             ,
             all
             the
             force
             and
             violence
             of
             
             Love
             ,
             Charms
             ,
             Allurements
             ,
             high
             Satisfactions
             ,
             all
             the
             delicacies
             and
             riches
             of
             sweet
             Affection
             ,
             Honours
             and
             Beauties
             are
             their
             Conversation
             .
             Towards
             GOD
             ,
             towards
             themselves
             ,
             towards
             each
             other
             ,
             they
             are
             all
             Harmony
             ,
             and
             Joy
             ,
             and
             Peace
             ,
             and
             Love
             :
             they
             flie
             upon
             Angels
             wings
             ,
             and
             trample
             upon
             Spices
             .
             Aromatick
             Odeurs
             and
             Flowers
             are
             under
             feet
             ;
             the
             very
             ground
             upon
             which
             they
             stand
             is
             beset
             with
             Jewels
             .
             Such
             you
             know
             were
             the
             foundations
             of
             the
             Walls
             of
             the
             
               New
               Jerusalem
            
             ,
             and
             the
             pavement
             of
             the
             Street
             was
             beaten
             Gold.
             GOD
             and
             the
             Lamb
             were
             the
             Light
             ,
             and
             the
             Temple
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             THAT
             we
             are
             to
             Enjoy
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             by
             communicating
             our selves
             unto
             them
             ,
             is
             a
             little
             mysterious
             :
             but
             may
             more
             easily
             be
             understood
             ,
             than
             a
             thing
             so
             obscure
             as
             
               The
               Enjoyment
               of
               GOD
               by
               way
               of
               Gratitude
               .
            
             That
             we
             are
             to
             love
             GOD
             more
             than
             our selves
             is
             apparently
             sure
             ,
             at
             least
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             it
             ,
             but
             whether
             it
             be
             possible
             ,
             is
             a
             question
             of
             importance
             .
             That
             we
             gain
             infinitely
             by
             his
             Love
             ,
             is
             certain
             ;
             but
             that
             we
             gain
             more
             by
             our
             own
             ,
             is
             prodigiousl●
             It
             is
             our
             duty
             to
             love
             him
             more
             than
             our selves
             ,
             but
             whether
             it
             be
             our
             Nature
             ,
             or
             no
             ,
             is
             doubtful
             .
             It
             is
             impossible
             to
             ascend
             at
             the
             first
             step
             to
             the
             top
             of
             the
             
             Ladder
             .
             Even
             Jacobs
             Ladder
             will
             not
             bring
             us
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             unless
             we
             begin
             at
             the
             bottom
             .
             Self-love
             is
             the
             first
             round
             ,
             and
             they
             that
             remove
             it
             ,
             had
             as
             good
             take
             away
             all
             :
             For
             he
             that
             has
             no
             love
             for
             himself
             can
             never
             be
             obliged
             .
             He
             that
             cannot
             be
             obliged
             cannot
             delight
             in
             GOD
             :
             He
             that
             cannot
             delight
             in
             him
             cannot
             enjoy
             him
             :
             He
             that
             cannot
             enjoy
             him
             ,
             cannot
             love
             him
             :
             He
             that
             cannot
             love
             him
             cannot
             take
             pleasure
             in
             him
             ,
             nor
             be
             Grateful
             to
             him
             .
             Self-love
             is
             so
             far
             from
             being
             the
             impediment
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             the
             cause
             of
             our
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             the
             only
             principle
             that
             gives
             us
             power
             to
             do
             what
             we
             ought
             .
             For
             the
             more
             we
             love
             our selves
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             love
             those
             that
             are
             our
             Benefactors
             .
             It
             is
             a
             great
             mistake
             in
             that
             arrogant
             Leviathan
             ,
             so
             far
             to
             imprison
             our
             love
             to
             our selves
             ,
             as
             to
             make
             it
             inconsistent
             with
             Charity
             towards
             others
             .
             It
             is
             easie
             to
             manifest
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             impossible
             to
             love
             our selves
             ,
             without
             loving
             other
             things
             :
             Nature
             is
             crippled
             (
             or
             if
             it
             has
             her
             feet
             ,
             has
             her
             head
             cut
             off
             )
             if
             Self-preservation
             be
             made
             her
             only
             concern
             :
             We
             desire
             to
             live
             that
             we
             may
             do
             something
             else
             ;
             without
             doing
             which
             life
             would
             be
             a
             burden
             .
             There
             are
             other
             principles
             of
             Ambition
             ,
             Appetite
             ,
             and
             Avarice
             in
             the
             Soul
             :
             And
             
             there
             are
             Honours
             ,
             and
             Pleasures
             ,
             and
             Riches
             in
             the
             World.
             These
             are
             the
             end
             of
             Self-preservation
             .
             And
             it
             is
             impossible
             for
             us
             to
             love
             our selves
             without
             loving
             these
             .
             Without
             loving
             these
             we
             cannot
             desire
             them
             ,
             without
             desiring
             canot
             enjoy
             them
             .
             We
             are
             carried
             to
             them
             with
             greater
             ardour
             and
             desire
             by
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             .
             Preservation
             is
             the
             first
             ,
             but
             the
             weakest
             and
             the
             low'st
             principle
             in
             nature
             .
             We
             feel
             it
             first
             ,
             and
             must
             preserve
             our selves
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             continue
             to
             enjoy
             other
             things
             :
             but
             at
             the
             bottom
             it
             is
             the
             love
             of
             other
             things
             that
             is
             the
             ground
             of
             this
             principle
             of
             Self-preservation
             .
             And
             if
             you
             divide
             the
             last
             from
             the
             first
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             poorest
             Principle
             in
             the
             World.
             
          
           
             TO
             love
             another
             more
             than
             ones
             self
             is
             absurd
             and
             impossible
             .
             In
             Nature
             it
             is
             so
             ,
             till
             we
             are
             obliged
             ;
             or
             perhaps
             till
             we
             see
             it
             our
             interest
             ,
             and
             find
             it
             our
             pleasure
             :
             It
             is
             a
             surprize
             to
             an
             Atheistical
             fool
             ;
             That
             it
             should
             be
             ones
             interest
             to
             love
             another
             better
             than
             ones
             self
             :
             yet
             Bears
             ,
             Dogs
             ,
             Hens
             ,
             Bees
             ,
             Lions
             ,
             Ants
             do
             it
             :
             they
             die
             for
             their
             young-ones
             .
             Nurses
             ,
             Fathers
             ,
             Mothers
             do
             it
             .
             Brides
             and
             Bridegrooms
             frequently
             do
             it
             ;
             and
             so
             do
             Friends
             .
             All
             valiant
             Hero's
             love
             their
             Country
             better
             than
             themselves
             :
             Moses
             would
             have
             his
             Name
             blotted
             
             out
             of
             the
             Book
             of
             Life
             rather
             than
             the
             Israelites
             destroyed
             .
             St.
             Paul
             could
             wish
             himself
             accursed
             from
             Christ
             for
             his
             Brethren
             the
             Jews
             :
             and
             they
             both
             learnt
             it
             of
             their
             
               Master
               ,
               who
               made
               himself
               a
               Curse
               ,
            
             and
             even
             Sin
             
               for
               us
            
             .
             And
             it
             was
             his
             interest
             to
             do
             it
             !
             If
             we
             are
             immortal
             ,
             and
             cannot
             but
             be
             blessed
             ,
             it
             must
             needs
             be
             our
             interest
             to
             love
             him
             that
             is
             more
             blessed
             than
             we
             ,
             better
             than
             our selves
             ;
             because
             by
             that
             love
             we
             enjoy
             his
             blessedness
             ,
             which
             is
             more
             than
             our
             own
             ,
             and
             by
             that
             Love
             it
             is
             made
             ours
             and
             more
             than
             ours
             .
             Is
             not
             all
             our
             Glory
             ,
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             Goodness
             seated
             in
             the
             excess
             of
             this
             perfect
             love
             !
             Do
             not
             all
             brave
             and
             heroical
             deeds
             depend
             upon
             it
             ?
             and
             does
             not
             the
             man
             deserve
             to
             be
             burnt
             as
             an
             enemy
             to
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             that
             would
             turn
             all
             men
             into
             Knaves
             and
             Cowards
             ,
             and
             destroy
             that
             only
             principle
             which
             delivers
             them
             from
             being
             Mercenary
             Slaves
             and
             Villains
             ;
             which
             is
             
               the
               Love
               of
               others
            
             !
             That
             alone
             which
             renders
             a
             man
             useful
             to
             the
             World
             is
             
               the
               Love
               of
               others
            
             .
             He
             that
             destroyeth
             this
             would
             pluck
             up
             all
             Gratitude
             by
             the
             roots
             :
             all
             Worth
             ,
             Goodness
             ,
             and
             Honour
             !
             No
             wonder
             therefore
             he
             should
             be
             an
             Atheist
             ,
             since
             Nature
             is
             so
             base
             and
             abominable
             before
             him
             .
             But
             its
             
             Principles
             are
             oftentimes
             so
             generous
             ,
             in
             Truth
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             too
             great
             for
             themselves
             .
             Nothing
             is
             so
             ordinary
             in
             the
             false
             way
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             loving
             others
             better
             than
             our selves
             .
             Even
             Dogs
             have
             starved
             themselves
             to
             death
             upon
             the
             absence
             of
             their
             Masters
             .
             How
             many
             Fathers
             have
             gone
             down
             with
             sorrow
             to
             their
             Graves
             ,
             and
             lost
             all
             the
             comfort
             of
             their
             lives
             in
             the
             death
             of
             their
             Sons
             !
             How
             many
             Mothers
             have
             broken
             their
             hearts
             for
             the
             death
             of
             their
             Children
             !
             How
             many
             Widows
             have
             buried
             themselves
             alive
             for
             the
             loss
             of
             their
             Husbands
             ;
             I
             mean
             ,
             by
             sequestring
             themselves
             from
             all
             the
             delights
             and
             pleasures
             of
             the
             World
             !
             How
             many
             Lovers
             dote
             ,
             and
             wax
             pale
             ,
             and
             forget
             their
             Meat
             ,
             Sleep
             ,
             and
             Employment
             ,
             and
             run
             mad
             for
             their
             Mistresses
             !
             Are
             there
             no
             such
             Examples
             ;
             or
             is
             there
             no
             strength
             in
             such
             Examples
             as
             these
             ?
             But
             to
             love
             GOD
             better
             than
             ones
             self
             seemeth
             more
             unnatural
             .
             Ah
             vile
             !
             the
             more
             base
             ,
             and
             more
             wicked
             we
             !
             How
             we
             should
             love
             GOD
             better
             than
             our selves
             is
             easie
             to
             unfold
             by
             the
             principles
             of
             Self
             love
             ,
             and
             Self
             exaltation
             .
             Take
             it
             in
             the
             manner
             following
             :
             (
             and
             when
             you
             have
             seen
             its
             possibility
             ,
             consider
             the
             glory
             of
             doing
             it
             ,
             the
             benefit
             ,
             and
             felicity
             ,
             and
             honour
             that
             is
             in
             it
             .
             For
             
             it
             is
             all
             worth
             and
             pleasure
             ,
             goodness
             and
             beauty
             ,
             Gratitude
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             wisdom
             and
             security
             ,
             perfection
             and
             excellency
             .
             We
             love
             our selves
             more
             in
             doing
             it
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             possible
             to
             do
             without
             it
             .
             )
          
           
             IT
             is
             natural
             to
             all
             them
             that
             love
             themselves
             ,
             to
             love
             their
             Benefactors
             ,
             and
             all
             those
             things
             that
             are
             conducive
             to
             their
             welfare
             ,
             pleasure
             ,
             satisfaction
             :
             And
             the
             more
             they
             love
             themselves
             ,
             the
             more
             apprehensive
             they
             are
             of
             the
             benefit
             they
             receive
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             prone
             to
             love
             that
             which
             occasions
             it
             .
             The
             more
             goodness
             we
             find
             in
             any
             thing
             ,
             the
             more
             we
             are
             prone
             to
             love
             it
             ;
             and
             the
             more
             we
             love
             it
             ,
             the
             more
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             it
             .
             And
             if
             we
             find
             it
             highly
             convenient
             ,
             and
             extreamly
             delightful
             ,
             we
             had
             (
             not
             seldom
             )
             rather
             die
             than
             part
             with
             it
             :
             we
             love
             our selves
             only
             that
             we
             might
             live
             to
             enjoy
             that
             glory
             ,
             or
             delight
             ,
             or
             beauty
             ,
             or
             convenience
             that
             we
             find
             so
             agreeable
             .
             It
             often
             falls
             out
             ,
             for
             want
             of
             acquaintance
             with
             delightful
             things
             ,
             that
             we
             think
             nothing
             so
             powerfully
             sweet
             ,
             as
             to
             engage
             our
             Soul
             ,
             beyond
             the
             possibility
             of
             retrieving
             it self
             :
             and
             that
             nothing
             can
             cleave
             so
             strangely
             to
             our
             minds
             ,
             as
             to
             be
             nearer
             and
             dearer
             than
             Life
             it self
             .
             Yet
             oftentimes
             we
             find
             men
             of
             this
             opinion
             
             changing
             their
             minds
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             chanced
             to
             taste
             some
             sweetness
             in
             Nature
             ,
             they
             were
             not
             aware
             of
             ,
             and
             then
             to
             become
             such
             miraculous
             Converts
             ,
             that
             they
             love
             not
             themselves
             but
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             that
             delight
             which
             they
             have
             found
             in
             the
             World.
             I
             make
             it
             a
             great
             Question
             ,
             would
             men
             sink
             into
             the
             depth
             of
             the
             business
             ,
             Whether
             all
             Self-love
             be
             not
             founded
             on
             the
             love
             of
             other
             things
             ?
             And
             whether
             it
             be
             not
             utterly
             impossible
             without
             it
             ?
             Only
             the
             love
             of
             those
             things
             is
             so
             near
             and
             close
             to
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             ,
             that
             we
             cannot
             distinguish
             them
             ,
             but
             mistake
             them
             for
             one
             and
             the
             same
             .
             If
             the
             Sun
             were
             extinguished
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             World
             turned
             into
             a
             Chaos
             ;
             I
             suppose
             there
             are
             few
             that
             love
             themselves
             so
             ,
             but
             they
             would
             die
             ,
             which
             plainly
             shews
             that
             the
             love
             of
             the
             World
             is
             inseparably
             annexed
             with
             the
             love
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             if
             the
             one
             were
             gone
             ,
             the
             other
             would
             be
             extinguished
             :
             especially
             if
             the
             sweetness
             of
             the
             Air
             ,
             and
             its
             freedom
             and
             ease
             ,
             were
             changed
             into
             fire
             and
             torment
             .
             For
             then
             we
             would
             surely
             desire
             to
             die
             ,
             rather
             than
             endure
             it
             :
             which
             shews
             that
             the
             love
             of
             ease
             and
             repose
             is
             greater
             than
             the
             love
             of
             our
             very
             Beings
             ,
             though
             not
             so
             perceivable
             ,
             till
             we
             have
             examined
             the
             business
             .
             
             But
             if
             there
             be
             any
             pleasure
             ,
             or
             goodness
             ,
             or
             beauty
             truly
             infinite
             ,
             we
             are
             apt
             to
             cleave
             unto
             it
             with
             adhaesion
             so
             firm
             ,
             that
             we
             forget
             our selves
             ,
             and
             are
             taken
             up
             only
             with
             the
             sence
             and
             contemplation
             ,
             of
             it
             .
             The
             ravishment
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             that
             we
             are
             turned
             all
             into
             extasie
             ,
             transportation
             and
             desire
             ,
             and
             live
             intirely
             to
             the
             object
             of
             our
             fruition
             .
             The
             power
             of
             infinite
             delight
             and
             sweetness
             is
             as
             irresistible
             ,
             as
             it
             is
             ineffable
             .
             And
             if
             GOD
             be
             all
             beauty
             and
             delight
             ,
             all
             amiable
             and
             lovely
             ,
             truly
             infinite
             in
             goodness
             and
             bounty
             ,
             when
             we
             see
             him
             ,
             and
             taste
             the
             grace
             of
             his
             excellency
             ,
             the
             blessedness
             and
             glory
             wherewith
             we
             are
             amazed
             ,
             possesseth
             us
             intirely
             and
             becometh
             our
             sole
             and
             adaequate
             concern
             .
             After
             that
             sight
             it
             is
             better
             perish
             and
             be
             annihilated
             ,
             than
             live
             and
             be
             bereaved
             of
             it
             .
             The
             fall
             from
             so
             great
             a
             height
             would
             fill
             the
             Soul
             with
             a
             cruel
             remembrance
             ,
             and
             the
             want
             of
             its
             former
             glory
             and
             bliss
             be
             an
             infinite
             torment
             .
             Now
             if
             it
             loved
             nothing
             but
             it self
             ,
             it
             could
             endure
             all
             this
             ;
             rather
             than
             forsake
             it self
             ,
             or
             lose
             ,
             or
             be
             bereaved
             of
             its
             essence
             ,
             it
             would
             endure
             any
             misery
             whatsoever
             .
             Or
             to
             speak
             more
             correct
             and
             accurate
             sence
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             incapable
             of
             any
             Passion
             ,
             Patience
             or
             Misery
             ,
             but
             only
             that
             
             which
             flow'd
             from
             its
             abolition
             .
             Nothing
             could
             prejudice
             it
             but
             the
             change
             of
             its
             Being
             .
          
           
             THAT
             is
             not
             likely
             to
             love
             it self
             after
             the
             way
             which
             some
             conceive
             proper
             to
             Self-love
             ,
             which
             is
             willing
             to
             forsake
             it self
             upon
             any
             Misery
             ,
             and
             apt
             to
             forget
             it self
             upon
             any
             great
             felicity
             .
             It
             loves
             it self
             that
             it
             might
             enjoy
             such
             a
             pleasure
             ,
             but
             loves
             that
             pleasure
             so
             much
             beyond
             it self
             that
             it
             is
             ready
             to
             go
             out
             of
             it self
             ,
             and
             is
             almost
             beside
             it self
             for
             the
             fruition
             of
             it
             .
             Loving
             it self
             only
             for
             that
             end
             ,
             and
             that
             chiefly
             and
             for
             its
             own
             sake
             ,
             it
             loves
             that
             far
             more
             than
             it
             loves
             it self
             .
             And
             there
             is
             no
             limit
             nor
             bound
             ,
             when
             it
             once
             begins
             to
             love
             any
             thing
             more
             than
             it self
             ,
             it
             may
             proceed
             eternally
             :
             and
             provided
             its
             Object
             be
             infinitely
             more
             excellent
             ,
             it
             will
             easily
             and
             greedily
             love
             it
             infinitely
             more
             than
             it
             can
             it self
             ,
             and
             value
             the
             continuance
             of
             its
             own
             life
             only
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             that
             which
             it
             so
             infinitely
             esteems
             and
             delights
             in
             .
             It
             is
             true
             indeed
             it
             presupposes
             its
             Capacity
             :
             but
             what
             would
             that
             capacity
             be
             worth
             ,
             were
             it
             not
             for
             Objects
             .
          
           
             WERE
             there
             no
             SUN
             it
             were
             impossible
             for
             so
             fair
             an
             Idea
             to
             be
             conceived
             in
             a
             Mirror
             ,
             as
             is
             sometimes
             in
             a
             Glass
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             exposed
             to
             the
             skie
             .
             The
             Mirror
             is
             in
             
             it self
             a
             dark
             piece
             of
             Glass
             ;
             and
             how
             so
             much
             fire
             ,
             and
             flame
             ,
             and
             splendor
             should
             come
             from
             it
             while
             it
             is
             a
             cold
             Flint
             or
             piece
             of
             Steel
             ,
             how
             it
             should
             be
             advanced
             by
             any
             Art
             whatsoever
             to
             so
             much
             beauty
             and
             glory
             ,
             as
             to
             have
             a
             Sun
             within
             it self
             ,
             and
             to
             dart
             out
             such
             bright
             and
             celestial
             beams
             no
             man
             could
             devise
             .
             Yet
             now
             there
             is
             a
             Sun
             ,
             the
             Matter
             is
             easie
             ,
             't
             is
             but
             to
             apply
             it
             to
             the
             face
             of
             the
             Sun
             ,
             and
             the
             Glass
             is
             transformed
             .
             And
             if
             GOD
             dwelleth
             in
             the
             Soul
             as
             the
             Sun
             in
             a
             Mirror
             ,
             while
             it
             looketh
             upon
             him
             ,
             the
             love
             of
             GOD
             must
             needs
             issue
             from
             that
             Soul
             ,
             for
             
               GOD
               is
               love
            
             ,
             and
             his
             love
             is
             in
             it
             .
             The
             impression
             of
             all
             his
             Beauty
             swallows
             up
             the
             Being
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             changes
             it
             wholly
             into
             another
             nature
             .
             The
             Eye
             is
             far
             more
             sensible
             of
             the
             Day
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             beauty
             of
             the
             Universe
             ,
             than
             it
             is
             of
             it self
             ,
             and
             is
             more
             affected
             with
             that
             light
             it
             beholds
             ,
             than
             with
             its
             own
             essence
             .
             Even
             so
             the
             Soul
             when
             it
             sees
             GOD
             is
             sensible
             only
             of
             the
             glory
             of
             that
             eternal
             Object
             :
             All
             it
             sees
             is
             GOD
             ,
             it
             is
             unmindful
             of
             it self
             .
             It
             infinitely
             feels
             him
             ,
             but
             forgets
             it self
             in
             the
             Rapture
             of
             its
             Pleasure
             .
          
           
             BUT
             we
             leave
             Illustrations
             ,
             and
             come
             to
             the
             reason
             of
             the
             thing
             in
             particular
             .
             The
             Soul
             loving
             it self
             is
             naturally
             concerned
             
             in
             its
             own
             happiness
             ,
             and
             readily
             confesseth
             it
             oweth
             as
             much
             love
             to
             any
             Benefactour
             ,
             as
             its
             bounty
             deserveth
             .
             And
             if
             the
             value
             of
             the
             Benefit
             be
             the
             true
             reason
             of
             the
             esteem
             ,
             and
             Reason
             it self
             the
             ground
             of
             the
             return
             ,
             A
             little
             Kindness
             deserveth
             a
             little
             love
             ,
             and
             much
             deserveth
             more
             .
             Reason
             it self
             is
             adapted
             to
             the
             measure
             of
             the
             good
             it
             receiveth
             ,
             and
             for
             a
             shilling-worth
             of
             Service
             ,
             a
             shilling-worth
             of
             Gratitude
             is
             naturally
             paid
             .
             For
             a
             Crown
             or
             a
             Kingdom
             the
             Soul
             is
             enflamed
             with
             a
             degree
             of
             affection
             that
             is
             not
             usual
             .
             Now
             GOD
             created
             and
             gave
             me
             my self
             ;
             for
             my
             Soul
             and
             my
             Body
             therefore
             I
             owe
             him
             as
             much
             as
             my
             Soul
             and
             Body
             are
             worth
             :
             and
             at
             the
             first
             dash
             am
             to
             love
             him
             as
             much
             as
             my self
             .
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             being
             the
             gifts
             of
             his
             Love
             superadded
             to
             the
             former
             ,
             I
             am
             to
             Love
             him
             upon
             that
             account
             as
             much
             more
             as
             the
             World
             is
             worth
             ;
             and
             so
             much
             more
             than
             I
             love
             my self
             .
             If
             he
             hath
             given
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             to
             my
             fruition
             ,
             every
             one
             of
             these
             is
             as
             great
             as
             my self
             ,
             and
             for
             every
             one
             of
             those
             I
             am
             to
             love
             him
             as
             much
             as
             that
             Angel
             or
             Man
             is
             worth
             .
             But
             he
             has
             given
             me
             his
             Eternity
             ,
             his
             Almighty
             Power
             ,
             his
             Omnipresence
             ,
             his
             Wisdom
             ,
             his
             Goodness
             ,
             his
             Blessedness
             ,
             his
             Glory
             .
             
             Where
             am
             I
             ?
             Am
             I
             not
             lost
             and
             swallow'd
             up
             as
             a
             Centre
             in
             all
             these
             Abysses
             ?
             While
             I
             love
             him
             as
             much
             as
             all
             these
             are
             worth
             ,
             to
             which
             my
             Reason
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             essence
             of
             my
             Soul
             ,
             does
             naturally
             carry
             me
             ,
             I
             love
             him
             infinitely
             more
             than
             my self
             ;
             unless
             perhaps
             the
             possibility
             of
             enjoying
             all
             these
             things
             makes
             me
             more
             to
             esteem
             my self
             ,
             and
             increases
             my
             Self-love
             for
             their
             sake
             more
             than
             for
             my
             own
             .
             Thus
             when
             I
             see
             my self
             infinitely
             beloved
             ,
             I
             conceive
             a
             Gratitude
             as
             infinite
             in
             me
             ,
             as
             all
             its
             Causes
             .
             Self-preservation
             is
             made
             so
             natural
             and
             close
             a
             Principle
             ,
             by
             all
             the
             hopes
             and
             possibilities
             to
             which
             I
             am
             created
             .
             Those
             Hopes
             and
             Possibilities
             are
             my
             tender
             concern
             :
             and
             I
             live
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             my
             infinite
             Blessedness
             .
             Now
             that
             is
             GOD
             :
             And
             for
             his
             sake
             it
             is
             that
             I
             love
             my self
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             glory
             and
             joy
             of
             delighting
             in
             him
             ,
             I
             desire
             my
             continuance
             ;
             and
             the
             more
             I
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             my
             Continuance
             is
             so
             much
             the
             more
             dear
             and
             precious
             to
             my self
             .
             Thus
             is
             GOD
             infinitely
             preferred
             by
             Nature
             above
             my self
             ,
             and
             my
             Love
             to
             my self
             ,
             being
             thoroughly
             satisfied
             ,
             turns
             into
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             dies
             like
             a
             grain
             of
             Corn
             in
             the
             Earth
             to
             spring
             up
             in
             a
             new
             and
             better
             form
             ,
             more
             glorious
             and
             honourable
             ,
             
             more
             great
             and
             verdant
             ,
             more
             fair
             and
             delightful
             :
             more
             free
             ,
             and
             generous
             ,
             and
             noble
             ;
             more
             grateful
             and
             perfect
             .
             The
             Love
             of
             GOD
             is
             the
             sole
             and
             immediate
             Principle
             upon
             which
             I
             am
             to
             act
             in
             all
             my
             Operations
             .
          
           
             NOW
             if
             you
             enquire
             what
             Advantages
             accrue
             by
             this
             Love
             ,
             to
             the
             Soul
             of
             the
             Lover
             ,
             we
             are
             lost
             again
             in
             Oceans
             of
             infinite
             Abundance
             .
             The
             strength
             ,
             and
             brightness
             ,
             and
             glory
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             all
             its
             Wisdom
             ,
             Goodness
             and
             Pleasure
             are
             acquired
             by
             it
             ,
             founded
             in
             it
             ,
             derived
             and
             spring
             from
             it
             :
             as
             we
             have
             before
             declared
             upon
             the
             Nature
             of
             Love.
             The
             solution
             of
             that
             one
             Question
             will
             open
             the
             mystery
             ,
             Whether
             we
             gain
             more
             by
             his
             Love
             ,
             or
             our
             own
             ?
             All
             that
             we
             gain
             by
             his
             Love
             amounts
             to
             the
             Power
             of
             Loving
             ,
             the
             Act
             of
             Loving
             we
             gain
             by
             our
             own
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             depends
             upon
             it
             .
          
           
             BY
             his
             Love
             he
             existeth
             eternally
             for
             our
             Enjoyment
             ,
             as
             the
             Father
             of
             GLORY
             which
             is
             begotten
             by
             it self
             :
             but
             we
             do
             not
             gain
             all
             this
             by
             his
             Love
             ;
             but
             by
             our
             own
             .
             Some
             man
             would
             say
             ,
             We
             gain
             our
             Souls
             and
             Bodies
             by
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             all
             Ages
             and
             Kingdoms
             ,
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             .
             Angels
             and
             Men
             ,
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Joyes
             ,
             because
             all
             these
             were
             
             without
             our
             care
             or
             power
             prepared
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             his
             love
             alone
             .
             They
             were
             prepared
             indeed
             by
             his
             Love
             ,
             but
             are
             not
             acquired
             ,
             or
             enjoyed
             by
             it
             .
             
               He
               so
               loved
               the
               World
               that
               he
               gave
               his
               only
               begotten
               Son
               ,
            
             and
             with
             him
             all
             the
             Laws
             and
             Beauties
             of
             his
             Kingdom
             :
             but
             unless
             we
             love
             him
             ,
             unless
             we
             are
             sensible
             of
             his
             Love
             in
             all
             these
             ,
             and
             esteem
             it
             ,
             we
             do
             not
             enjoy
             our
             Souls
             or
             Bodies
             ,
             Angels
             or
             Men
             ,
             Heaven
             or
             Earth
             ,
             Jesus
             Christ
             or
             his
             Kingdom
             :
             Rather
             we
             trample
             upon
             all
             ,
             and
             despise
             all
             ,
             and
             make
             our selves
             deformed
             .
             All
             these
             do
             but
             serve
             to
             increase
             our
             Damnation
             ,
             and
             aggravate
             our
             Guilt
             ,
             unless
             we
             love
             and
             delight
             in
             their
             Author
             ,
             and
             his
             Love
             it self
             will
             eternally
             confound
             us
             .
             So
             that
             we
             gain
             and
             enjoy
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             by
             ours
             .
             Now
             Love
             returned
             for
             Love
             is
             the
             Soul
             of
             Gratitude
             .
             In
             that
             act
             ,
             and
             by
             it
             alone
             ,
             we
             gain
             all
             that
             is
             excellent
             :
             And
             beside
             all
             these
             become
             illustrious
             Creatures
             .
             It
             is
             more
             to
             our
             avail
             to
             be
             Divine
             and
             Beautiful
             ,
             than
             to
             see
             all
             the
             World
             full
             of
             Delights
             and
             Treasures
             .
             They
             would
             all
             be
             nothing
             to
             us
             ,
             without
             our
             Love.
             Nothing
             does
             so
             much
             alienate
             and
             estrange
             the
             Soul
             from
             any
             Object
             ,
             as
             want
             of
             Affection
             .
             All
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             is
             appropriated
             
             and
             made
             ours
             by
             Love
             alone
             .
             The
             inferiour
             perfections
             of
             our
             own
             Essence
             are
             gained
             by
             Love
             ,
             and
             by
             it
             we
             accomplish
             the
             end
             of
             our
             Creation
             .
             We
             receive
             and
             enjoy
             all
             the
             benevolence
             of
             GODS
             former
             Love
             by
             ours
             ;
             are
             made
             excellent
             in
             our selves
             ,
             and
             delightful
             to
             GOD
             ,
             which
             can
             never
             be
             brought
             to
             pass
             any
             other
             way
             ,
             but
             by
             our
             Love
             alone
             .
             By
             Loving
             him
             as
             we
             ought
             to
             do
             ,
             we
             enable
             him
             to
             take
             pleasure
             in
             us
             !
             And
             this
             is
             of
             all
             other
             the
             greatest
             benefit
             .
             We
             cloath
             our selves
             with
             the
             similitude
             of
             all
             his
             Attributes
             ,
             and
             shine
             in
             his
             Image
             by
             Love
             alone
             .
             Our
             Love
             ,
             as
             it
             acquires
             ,
             crowns
             our
             Perfections
             with
             his
             infinite
             Complacency
             .
             
               This
               is
               my
               beloved
               Son
               in
               whom
               I
               am
               well
               pleased
               ,
            
             is
             a
             voice
             that
             can
             be
             directed
             to
             none
             ,
             but
             him
             only
             that
             loveth
             GOD
             with
             an
             eternal
             Love.
             He
             cannot
             rest
             satisfied
             in
             any
             that
             hate
             ,
             or
             despise
             him
             .
             The
             eternal
             complacency
             and
             delight
             of
             GOD
             ,
             whereby
             we
             are
             crowned
             with
             eternal
             Glory
             is
             acquired
             ,
             and
             receives
             its
             Being
             in
             a
             manner
             by
             Love
             alone
             .
          
           
             NOW
             to
             love
             GOD
             is
             to
             desire
             Him
             and
             his
             Glory
             ,
             to
             esteem
             him
             and
             his
             Essence
             ,
             to
             long
             for
             him
             and
             his
             Appearance
             ,
             to
             be
             pleased
             with
             him
             in
             all
             his
             
             Qualities
             and
             Dispositions
             ,
             or
             (
             more
             properly
             )
             in
             all
             his
             Attributes
             and
             Perfections
             ,
             to
             delight
             in
             all
             his
             Thoughts
             and
             Waies
             .
             It
             is
             to
             love
             him
             in
             all
             his
             Excellencies
             .
             And
             he
             that
             is
             not
             resolved
             to
             love
             every
             Excellency
             in
             him
             ,
             as
             much
             as
             it
             deserveth
             ,
             does
             not
             love
             GOD
             at
             all
             :
             for
             he
             has
             no
             design
             to
             please
             him
             .
             But
             he
             that
             purposes
             to
             do
             it
             ,
             must
             of
             necessity
             love
             GOD
             more
             than
             himself
             ,
             because
             he
             finds
             more
             Objects
             for
             his
             Love
             in
             GOD
             ,
             than
             in
             himself
             ;
             GOD
             being
             infinitely
             more
             excellent
             than
             he
             .
             But
             if
             this
             seem
             a
             grievous
             task
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             a
             matter
             of
             Severity
             ,
             but
             Kindness
             .
             We
             mistake
             its
             nature
             ,
             the
             Duty
             does
             not
             spring
             from
             any
             disorder
             in
             GOD
             ,
             not
             from
             any
             unreasonable
             or
             arrogant
             Selfishness
             ,
             as
             base
             and
             foolish
             men
             are
             apt
             to
             imagine
             ,
             but
             from
             his
             Excellency
             :
             it
             naturally
             springeth
             from
             the
             greatness
             of
             his
             Worth
             :
             And
             it
             is
             our
             freedom
             ,
             when
             we
             see
             his
             infinite
             Beauty
             ,
             to
             love
             it
             as
             it
             deserveth
             .
             When
             we
             so
             do
             ,
             we
             shall
             infinitely
             love
             it
             more
             than
             our selves
             :
             because
             it
             is
             infinitely
             better
             :
             And
             indeed
             ,
             shall
             find
             it
             so
             conveniently
             seated
             in
             the
             Deity
             for
             us
             ,
             that
             could
             it
             be
             transposed
             or
             remov'd
             ,
             it
             would
             no
             where
             else
             be
             fit
             for
             our
             fruition
             .
             It
             is
             that
             eternal
             act
             of
             Love
             and
             Goodness
             that
             made
             
             all
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Glory
             for
             us
             :
             that
             Care
             and
             Providence
             that
             governs
             all
             Worlds
             for
             our
             Perfection
             ,
             that
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Act
             that
             gave
             us
             our
             Being
             .
             That
             Beauty
             is
             it self
             the
             Deity
             ,
             and
             wherever
             it
             appeareth
             there
             GOD
             is
             ,
             The
             GOD
             HEAD
             is
             the
             Beauty
             in
             which
             we
             are
             all
             made
             perfect
             .
             And
             because
             we
             were
             nothing
             ,
             we
             must
             be
             infinitely
             pleased
             that
             he
             is
             Eternal
             ;
             because
             it
             is
             his
             eternal
             Act
             that
             gives
             us
             a
             Being
             :
             and
             the
             Act
             ,
             Oh
             how
             Divine
             !
             It
             is
             his
             Beauty
             and
             Glory
             .
             Can
             we
             chuse
             but
             love
             that
             Act
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             Goodness
             and
             Bounty
             !
             Which
             prepares
             for
             ,
             and
             gives
             to
             ,
             us
             ,
             infinite
             felicity
             !
             If
             we
             love
             our selves
             we
             must
             needs
             love
             it
             ,
             for
             we
             cannot
             forbear
             to
             love
             the
             fountain
             of
             all
             our
             delights
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             we
             love
             it
             ,
             the
             more
             ardently
             we
             delight
             in
             it
             ,
             the
             sweeter
             and
             more
             transporting
             will
             all
             our
             Raptures
             be
             ,
             the
             more
             feeling
             and
             lively
             ,
             the
             more
             divine
             and
             perfect
             will
             our
             Souls
             and
             our
             Joyes
             be
             :
             When
             we
             know
             GOD
             ,
             we
             cannot
             but
             love
             him
             more
             than
             our selves
             :
             and
             when
             we
             do
             so
             ,
             his
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             will
             be
             more
             than
             ours
             ;
             we
             shall
             be
             more
             than
             Deified
             ,
             because
             in
             him
             we
             shall
             find
             all
             our
             Perfection
             ,
             and
             be
             eternally
             Crowned
             .
             We
             must
             of
             necessity
             sit
             in
             his
             Throne
             ,
             when
             
             we
             see
             him
             enjoying
             all
             his
             Glory
             ,
             because
             his
             Glory
             is
             his
             Goodness
             to
             us
             ,
             and
             his
             Blessedness
             our
             Felicity
             :
             Because
             in
             the
             acts
             of
             our
             Understanding
             we
             shall
             eternally
             be
             with
             him
             ,
             and
             infinitely
             be
             satisfied
             in
             all
             his
             Fruitions
             .
             That
             Excellency
             which
             obliges
             us
             ,
             will
             enable
             us
             to
             love
             him
             more
             than
             our selves
             :
             and
             while
             we
             delight
             in
             him
             for
             our
             own
             sakes
             ,
             we
             shall
             steal
             insensibly
             into
             a
             more
             divine
             and
             deeper
             Delight
             ,
             we
             shall
             love
             him
             for
             his
             .
             And
             even
             in
             point
             of
             Gratitude
             adore
             his
             Glory
             .
          
           
             To
             Adore
             and
             Maligne
             are
             opposite
             things
             :
             to
             Envy
             and
             Adore
             are
             inconsistent
             .
             Self-love
             is
             apt
             to
             leap
             at
             all
             advantages
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             we
             love
             our selves
             ,
             the
             more
             prone
             we
             are
             to
             covet
             and
             wish
             whatsoever
             we
             see
             Great
             and
             Excellent
             in
             another
             .
             But
             he
             hath
             conquered
             our
             Envy
             by
             his
             infinite
             Bounty
             :
             and
             made
             us
             able
             to
             adore
             him
             by
             the
             Perfection
             of
             his
             Essence
             .
             To
             cover
             the
             Perfections
             of
             him
             we
             adore
             ,
             is
             impossible
             .
             It
             is
             impossible
             to
             adore
             him
             whom
             we
             would
             spoil
             ,
             and
             rob
             of
             his
             Perfections
             .
             For
             Adoration
             is
             a
             joyful
             acknowledgment
             of
             the
             infinite
             Perfections
             of
             an
             Adorable
             Object
             ,
             resting
             sweetly
             in
             them
             with
             acquiescence
             and
             rejoycing
             .
             It
             is
             prone
             to
             add
             and
             to
             offer
             more
             .
             An
             
             adoring
             Soul
             is
             in
             the
             act
             of
             sacrificing
             it self
             to
             the
             Deity
             ,
             and
             with
             infinite
             Complacency
             admiring
             and
             adoring
             all
             his
             Glories
             .
          
           
             HIS
             Glories
             will
             be
             inspired
             into
             the
             Soul
             it self
             ,
             for
             the
             healing
             of
             that
             Envy
             to
             which
             it
             is
             otherwise
             addicted
             .
             And
             instead
             of
             Robbery
             ,
             and
             Discontentment
             ,
             and
             Blasphemy
             ,
             and
             Covetousness
             ,
             the
             Soul
             shall
             be
             full
             of
             Honour
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             Complacency
             :
             and
             be
             glad
             to
             see
             its
             GOD
             the
             full
             and
             eternal
             act
             of
             Perfection
             and
             Beauty
             .
             It
             was
             from
             all
             eternity
             impossible
             there
             should
             be
             any
             other
             but
             he
             ;
             and
             he
             from
             all
             eternity
             has
             so
             infinitely
             obliged
             us
             ,
             that
             were
             it
             possible
             for
             any
             other
             to
             have
             been
             ,
             it
             would
             not
             be
             desirable
             .
             He
             hath
             obliged
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             love
             him
             better
             than
             any
             other
             .
             Should
             we
             fancy
             or
             conceive
             another
             ,
             a
             Power
             from
             all
             Eternity
             acting
             ,
             should
             we
             suppose
             it
             possible
             that
             a
             Power
             besides
             him
             might
             have
             bin
             ;
             it
             must
             be
             just
             such
             a
             Power
             as
             this
             is
             ,
             and
             act
             just
             in
             such
             a
             manner
             as
             this
             hath
             done
             :
             or
             it
             would
             be
             displeasing
             .
             This
             hath
             done
             all
             that
             we
             can
             desire
             ,
             all
             that
             all
             Powers
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             can
             do
             well
             :
             and
             therefore
             all
             possible
             Powers
             are
             conceived
             in
             him
             .
             He
             is
             the
             full
             and
             adaequate
             object
             of
             all
             Desire
             ;
             because
             
             the
             Fountain
             of
             all
             the
             most
             Glorious
             things
             ,
             and
             the
             sole
             perfect
             cause
             of
             all
             Enjoyment
             whatsoever
             .
          
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             XXXIII
             .
          
           
             
               The
               Beauty
               of
               Gratitude
               .
               It
               s
               principal
               Canses
               .
               Amity
               and
               Communion
               are
               the
               great
               effect
               of
               its
               Nature
               .
               The
               true
               Character
               of
               a
               Grateful
               Person
               .
               GOD'S
               Incommunicable
               Attributes
               enjoyed
               by
               Gratitude
               .
               All
               Angels
               and
               Men
               are
               a
               Grateful
               Person
               's
               Treasures
               ,
               as
               they
               assist
               him
               in
               Praises
               .
               He
               sacrifices
               all
               Worlds
               to
               the
               Deity
               ,
               and
               supreamly
               delighteth
               to
               see
               him
               sitting
               in
               the
               Throne
               of
               Glory
               .
            
          
           
             GOD
             having
             prepared
             the
             way
             to
             Gratitude
             by
             infusing
             generous
             and
             noble
             Principles
             into
             the
             Soul
             ,
             beautified
             the
             Exercise
             of
             it
             by
             divers
             other
             provisions
             ,
             that
             conspire
             to
             make
             it
             amiable
             and
             delightful
             .
             By
             the
             one
             he
             made
             it
             Possible
             ,
             by
             the
             other
             desirable
             .
          
           
             ONE
             of
             the
             greatest
             ornaments
             of
             this
             Vertue
             ,
             is
             the
             
               Grateful
               Sence
            
             of
             Benefits
             received
             :
             For
             in
             it
             the
             Felicity
             of
             the
             Receiver
             consisteth
             ;
             on
             it
             his
             Grateful
             behaviour
             dependeth
             ;
             by
             it
             he
             is
             made
             Grateful
             ,
             or
             Acceptable
             ;
             and
             it
             is
             one
             of
             the
             
             great
             Ends
             intended
             in
             the
             Gift
             bestowed
             by
             the
             Donor
             ,
             whose
             Satisfaction
             ought
             to
             be
             regarded
             highly
             by
             every
             honest
             and
             worthy
             Receiver
             .
             That
             Grateful
             Sence
             is
             the
             crown
             of
             the
             Gift
             ,
             the
             Light
             wherein
             its
             Beauty
             appears
             ,
             the
             Temple
             of
             its
             Honour
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             the
             Womb
             wherein
             it
             is
             conceived
             ,
             and
             findeth
             its
             life
             and
             value
             perfected
             .
          
           
             SHOULD
             we
             stand
             upon
             the
             Explication
             of
             these
             ,
             we
             should
             have
             little
             room
             for
             the
             Fruits
             and
             Effects
             of
             Gratitude
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             principal
             things
             intended
             in
             this
             Chapter
             .
             But
             in
             short
             you
             may
             take
             this
             account
             .
             The
             greatest
             Benefits
             we
             can
             receive
             ,
             are
             but
             Abortive
             ,
             or
             rather
             turned
             into
             Curses
             ,
             without
             a
             Grateful
             acknowledgment
             of
             them
             :
             All
             Gifts
             are
             but
             Carkasses
             devoid
             of
             Life
             ,
             unless
             inspired
             with
             that
             Sence
             ,
             which
             maketh
             them
             Delightful
             .
             For
             as
             Causes
             without
             Effects
             are
             not
             Causes
             ;
             of
             Blessings
             ,
             if
             they
             Bless
             not
             ,
             are
             falsely
             reputed
             Blessings
             .
             No
             Benefits
             can
             be
             Blessings
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             crowned
             with
             our
             Complacency
             .
             They
             must
             be
             conceived
             in
             the
             Mind
             before
             they
             can
             be
             transformed
             into
             Joy
             ,
             and
             be
             transformed
             into
             Joyes
             before
             they
             can
             produce
             those
             Praises
             which
             are
             the
             musick
             of
             the
             Benefactors
             Soul
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             the
             
             Receivers
             .
             They
             are
             not
             conceived
             ,
             unless
             they
             are
             quickened
             with
             the
             Life
             of
             the
             Receiver
             ,
             nor
             are
             they
             reputed
             Blessings
             ,
             till
             they
             are
             had
             in
             Reputation
             .
             An
             
               interior
               Sence
            
             is
             the
             Life
             and
             Soul
             of
             every
             Blessing
             :
             without
             which
             a
             whole
             World
             of
             Delights
             would
             be
             but
             a
             Chaos
             ,
             the
             very
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             but
             a
             Confusion
             to
             him
             for
             whom
             it
             is
             prepared
             ,
             and
             a
             Soul
             among
             the
             Angels
             but
             a
             Fool
             in
             Paradice
             .
             An
             Ungrateful
             Person
             bereaves
             himself
             of
             the
             Pleasure
             ,
             that
             should
             spring
             from
             his
             Enjoyment
             ,
             for
             the
             stifles
             the
             enjoyment
             of
             the
             Gift
             he
             receiveth
             .
             He
             Eclipses
             and
             extinguishes
             his
             own
             blessedness
             by
             the
             dulness
             of
             his
             Soul
             ,
             and
             the
             perversness
             of
             his
             Behaviour
             .
             He
             may
             be
             surrounded
             with
             Causes
             of
             Delight
             ,
             but
             is
             not
             blessed
             ,
             that
             is
             not
             full
             of
             the
             Joyes
             wherewith
             he
             is
             surrounded
             .
             When
             he
             is
             full
             of
             Joyes
             he
             must
             needs
             overflow
             with
             Complacencies
             ;
             which
             are
             the
             very
             element
             of
             Thanksgiving
             ,
             the
             matter
             and
             fuel
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             Soul
             of
             Praises
             .
             Were
             there
             nothing
             in
             a
             Grateful
             Sence
             but
             this
             ,
             Gratitude
             were
             an
             incomparable
             Vertue
             ,
             because
             all
             the
             effects
             of
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Bounty
             are
             by
             vertue
             of
             that
             Grace
             applyed
             to
             the
             Soul
             ,
             and
             enjoyed
             thereby
             ,
             but
             are
             lost
             without
             it
             .
             That
             certainly
             must
             be
             a
             great
             
             Vertue
             ,
             by
             force
             of
             which
             we
             inherit
             all
             things
             .
          
           
             AS
             for
             the
             Beauty
             of
             the
             Receiver
             ,
             it
             is
             evident
             that
             a
             dull
             and
             heavy
             Complexion
             is
             the
             disgrace
             of
             his
             Nature
             .
             His
             Stupidity
             makes
             him
             a
             worthless
             piece
             of
             Clay
             ,
             that
             cannot
             be
             improved
             to
             any
             advantage
             .
             A
             carelessness
             and
             contempt
             of
             Benefits
             springeth
             from
             his
             Sottishness
             ,
             which
             maketh
             him
             Ingrateful
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             Odious
             :
             because
             he
             cannot
             be
             won
             by
             Kindness
             ,
             nor
             wrought
             upon
             by
             Gifts
             .
             But
             he
             is
             more
             deformed
             ,
             because
             he
             acts
             in
             a
             bruitish
             manner
             ,
             
               against
               Reason
            
             ;
             while
             he
             faileth
             to
             do
             what
             is
             fit
             and
             proper
             on
             such
             occasions
             .
             It
             is
             a
             base
             and
             dirty
             Temper
             that
             cannot
             be
             enflamed
             with
             the
             Love
             of
             a
             Benefactor
             .
             It
             is
             incapable
             of
             high
             and
             generous
             Sentiments
             ;
             is
             dull
             and
             dry
             ,
             insipid
             and
             untractable
             ,
             as
             dead
             as
             a
             Log
             of
             Wood
             ,
             a
             crabbed
             and
             knotty
             piece
             of
             matter
             ,
             that
             cannot
             be
             wrought
             ,
             and
             only
             fit
             for
             the
             fire
             !
             But
             a
             quick
             and
             lively
             Perceiver
             ,
             a
             tender
             Sence
             ,
             and
             sprightly
             Intelligence
             ,
             is
             all
             honour
             and
             delight
             upon
             the
             Reception
             ,
             all
             activity
             ,
             life
             ,
             and
             vigour
             ,
             Angelical
             in
             his
             nature
             ,
             sweet
             and
             heavenly
             ;
             apt
             to
             come
             up
             to
             the
             Benefactor
             ,
             and
             answer
             his
             desires
             :
             He
             is
             rich
             and
             abundant
             in
             amiable
             Resentments
             ,
             
             and
             prone
             to
             make
             Returns
             suitable
             to
             the
             Kindness
             wherewith
             he
             is
             affected
             .
             He
             has
             a
             strange
             kind
             of
             Beauty
             lodged
             in
             his
             Soul
             ;
             there
             is
             a
             sweet
             Correspondence
             ,
             and
             a
             delicate
             Convenience
             between
             his
             Nature
             and
             his
             Benefactors
             .
             All
             his
             Inclinations
             are
             Purity
             and
             Praise
             ,
             he
             is
             a
             great
             encouragement
             to
             the
             Love
             of
             his
             Benefactor
             ,
             an
             ornament
             to
             his
             Person
             ,
             an
             admirer
             of
             his
             Worth
             ,
             an
             appendix
             of
             his
             Honour
             ,
             and
             a
             pleasure
             to
             his
             Disposition
             ;
             all
             Life
             and
             Goodness
             .
             He
             is
             capable
             of
             Amity
             in
             the
             heights
             of
             its
             exercise
             .
          
           
             A
             wise
             and
             worthy
             Benefactor
             designs
             the
             felicity
             and
             contentment
             of
             the
             Person
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             imparteth
             his
             Bounties
             :
             and
             if
             he
             were
             able
             ,
             would
             do
             that
             for
             him
             ,
             which
             above
             all
             other
             things
             is
             most
             to
             be
             desired
             ;
             not
             compel
             him
             to
             be
             Grateful
             ,
             whether
             he
             would
             or
             no
             ;
             for
             that
             would
             but
             spoil
             the
             beauty
             of
             his
             Return
             ,
             but
             make
             him
             capable
             of
             the
             best
             and
             highest
             Resentments
             ;
             that
             he
             might
             have
             the
             Joy
             of
             seeing
             his
             Benefits
             work
             kindly
             .
             All
             which
             are
             lost
             and
             thrown
             away
             upon
             an
             ungrateful
             Person
             .
             This
             GOD
             hath
             done
             .
             He
             has
             put
             brave
             Principles
             and
             Inclinations
             into
             the
             Soul
             of
             Man
             ,
             and
             left
             him
             freely
             to
             exert
             them
             ,
             with
             
             infinite
             desire
             to
             see
             him
             act
             freely
             ,
             but
             generously
             and
             nobly
             .
             For
             by
             this
             means
             only
             ,
             is
             he
             made
             capable
             of
             Honour
             ,
             and
             the
             essence
             of
             Gratitude
             consists
             in
             the
             freedom
             of
             its
             operation
             .
             Having
             so
             made
             him
             ,
             and
             desiring
             nothing
             more
             than
             a
             lovely
             Behaviour
             ,
             his
             Joy
             is
             as
             great
             as
             his
             Goodness
             can
             inspire
             ,
             when
             he
             sees
             that
             sweetness
             which
             attends
             the
             Operation
             and
             the
             work
             of
             Reason
             ,
             in
             a
             Grateful
             Person
             ;
             and
             the
             Joy
             which
             he
             occasions
             is
             his
             own
             Joy
             ,
             in
             the
             Soul
             of
             his
             Creature
             .
             Of
             which
             to
             rob
             GOD
             is
             a
             kind
             of
             
               Spiritual
               Sacriledge
            
             ,
             and
             a
             cruel
             Murther
             committed
             on
             our selves
             .
             For
             we
             have
             an
             inclination
             to
             delight
             in
             the
             Joyes
             ,
             of
             which
             we
             are
             the
             Authors
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             kind
             of
             Eccho
             ,
             or
             reflection
             ,
             find
             the
             Pleasure
             doubled
             which
             we
             take
             ,
             and
             which
             is
             taken
             in
             the
             communication
             of
             our
             Bounties
             .
             And
             in
             this
             there
             is
             founded
             a
             certain
             sympathy
             of
             Delight
             ,
             which
             carries
             us
             to
             feel
             and
             be
             affected
             with
             anothers
             Joy
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             an
             Object
             ,
             and
             a
             Caufe
             of
             ours
             ,
             nay
             almost
             the
             very
             Form
             aud
             Essence
             of
             ours
             ,
             when
             we
             are
             the
             Authors
             of
             it
             .
             A
             Grateful
             Soul
             holds
             Intelligence
             with
             GOD
             ;
             as
             it
             receives
             his
             Bounties
             ,
             it
             delights
             in
             his
             Complacencies
             .
          
           
           
             THE
             great
             effect
             of
             Obligation
             and
             Gratitude
             ,
             is
             Amity
             and
             Communion
             .
             A
             Grateful
             Soul
             is
             deeply
             concerned
             in
             the
             Honour
             of
             his
             Benefactor
             ;
             in
             his
             Benefactors
             Pleasure
             ,
             Life
             ,
             and
             Safety
             ,
             in
             all
             his
             Successes
             ,
             Prosperities
             ,
             Advancements
             ;
             in
             all
             his
             Felicity
             and
             Glory
             !
             He
             is
             afflicted
             in
             all
             his
             Afflictions
             ,
             he
             is
             delighted
             in
             all
             his
             Enjoyments
             ,
             he
             is
             crowned
             in
             all
             his
             Promotions
             ,
             he
             is
             wronged
             and
             injured
             in
             all
             his
             Affronts
             ,
             he
             is
             touched
             with
             the
             least
             Displeasure
             that
             can
             befal
             him
             :
             Nay
             he
             is
             more
             tender
             of
             his
             Benefactors
             Repose
             than
             his
             own
             :
             The
             apple
             of
             his
             Eye
             is
             the
             tenderest
             part
             in
             himself
             ,
             yet
             he
             had
             rather
             have
             it
             touched
             ,
             than
             the
             Person
             of
             his
             Benefactor
             .
             No
             wounds
             can
             wound
             him
             more
             than
             those
             which
             his
             Benefactor
             receiveth
             ,
             and
             he
             in
             him
             .
             His
             own
             wounds
             may
             kill
             his
             Body
             ,
             but
             these
             destroy
             his
             Contentment
             .
             A
             thousand
             Injuries
             and
             Calumnics
             against
             himself
             he
             can
             forgive
             ,
             and
             is
             never
             provoked
             but
             when
             his
             Friend
             is
             offended
             .
             He
             slights
             himself
             ,
             and
             prefers
             his
             Benefactor
             :
             He
             would
             make
             his
             Face
             a
             Stepping
             stone
             to
             his
             Benefactors
             Glory
             .
             He
             exposes
             his
             body
             to
             Swords
             ,
             and
             Spears
             ,
             and
             Arrows
             ,
             for
             his
             Benefactors
             safety
             :
             He
             would
             rather
             be
             torn
             to
             pieces
             ,
             and
             suffer
             a
             thousand
             
             Deaths
             ,
             than
             permit
             his
             Benefactor
             to
             be
             slain
             or
             dishonoured
             .
             Now
             all
             this
             in
             time
             of
             Trial
             and
             distress
             ,
             would
             seem
             disadvantagious
             .
             But
             besides
             the
             Obligation
             there
             is
             Sence
             of
             Honour
             that
             comp●●●
             a
             man
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             a
             certain
             beauty
             in
             the
             act
             of
             Gratitude
             ,
             distinct
             from
             the
             goodness
             of
             the
             Benefit
             ,
             that
             is
             so
             naturally
             sweet
             to
             the
             goodness
             of
             the
             Soul
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             better
             to
             die
             than
             renounce
             it
             .
             And
             a
             certain
             Baseness
             on
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             an
             odiousoess
             in
             Ingratitude
             (
             in
             the
             very
             act
             )
             so
             abominable
             ,
             that
             it
             blasts
             any
             Safety
             and
             Repose
             that
             can
             be
             gotten
             by
             it
             .
          
           
             WHERE
             the
             Benefits
             are
             small
             ,
             the
             Vertue
             of
             Gratitude
             is
             less
             powerful
             and
             perfect
             :
             for
             its
             strength
             depends
             upon
             its
             food
             and
             nourishment
             .
             A
             thin
             and
             spare
             diet
             is
             not
             very
             healthful
             for
             it
             .
             Though
             all
             the
             benefits
             that
             are
             done
             upon
             the
             Earth
             by
             Men
             to
             Men
             are
             infinitely
             mean
             ,
             if
             compared
             to
             those
             which
             the
             Godhead
             does
             to
             the
             least
             of
             his
             Creatures
             ;
             yet
             the
             World
             is
             full
             of
             the
             praise
             of
             this
             Vertue
             ,
             and
             an
             Ingrateful
             man
             is
             the
             most
             hateful
             Object
             living
             .
             Former
             Ages
             afford
             us
             many
             rare
             and
             glorious
             Examples
             of
             the
             power
             of
             Gratitude
             ,
             and
             its
             sacred
             Zeal
             for
             ,
             and
             tenderness
             of
             its
             Object
             .
             The
             union
             between
             the
             Body
             and
             the
             Soul
             is
             
             nothing
             comparable
             to
             the
             union
             of
             Love
             and
             its
             Beloved
             ,
             though
             the
             Causes
             are
             but
             slight
             upon
             which
             it
             is
             founded
             .
             The
             Soul
             will
             often
             forsake
             its
             mansion
             to
             dwell
             with
             its
             beloved
             .
             It
             esteems
             all
             its
             beauties
             and
             Members
             only
             for
             its
             Beloloveds
             sake
             .
             Yet
             Colours
             and
             Features
             ,
             a
             little
             red
             and
             white
             ,
             a
             sparkling
             Eye
             ,
             a
             brisk
             Conversation
             ,
             and
             a
             delectable
             Humor
             ,
             are
             all
             that
             breed
             it
             ,
             all
             that
             produce
             this
             mighty
             effect
             ,
             this
             prodigy
             of
             Nature
             .
             There
             is
             something
             more
             ,
             where
             the
             Life
             and
             Honour
             of
             a
             man
             has
             been
             saved
             ,
             by
             the
             kindness
             of
             a
             Benefactor
             :
             especially
             if
             he
             be
             rich
             and
             amiable
             that
             has
             delivered
             us
             .
             If
             he
             be
             great
             and
             honourable
             that
             was
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             benefit
             ,
             the
             obligation
             is
             the
             greater
             .
             For
             the
             Worth
             of
             the
             Person
             enters
             into
             the
             nature
             of
             the
             act
             ,
             and
             enhances
             its
             value
             .
             Yet
             all
             this
             put
             together
             is
             exceeded
             by
             the
             Gratitude
             of
             a
             worthy
             Soul
             ,
             because
             his
             own
             Worth
             inclines
             him
             to
             be
             more
             Generous
             than
             the
             Cause
             requires
             ,
             and
             to
             magnifie
             the
             benefit
             ,
             by
             the
             mighty
             addition
             of
             his
             own
             goodness
             .
             It
             is
             the
             natural
             property
             of
             Goodness
             to
             communicate
             it self
             ,
             any
             occasion
             of
             doing
             it
             ,
             is
             instead
             of
             a
             Cause
             .
             But
             when
             there
             is
             a
             Cause
             ,
             it
             is
             like
             a
             spark
             to
             Powder
             ,
             it
             enkindles
             
             a
             flame
             in
             his
             Inclination
             .
             All
             acts
             of
             Gratitude
             have
             a
             great
             deal
             of
             sweetness
             in
             their
             own
             nature
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             sake
             of
             that
             beauty
             which
             is
             seated
             in
             themselves
             will
             not
             be
             rigorous
             and
             exact
             in
             their
             proportions
             ,
             since
             it
             is
             a
             beautiful
             thing
             to
             exceed
             in
             Goodness
             .
             It
             s
             own
             disposition
             prompts
             it
             to
             do
             more
             than
             is
             deserved
             by
             the
             Kindness
             it
             receives
             ,
             and
             if
             not
             to
             conceive
             it self
             more
             obliged
             than
             it
             is
             ,
             yet
             to
             be
             more
             honourable
             in
             its
             Returns
             ,
             than
             the
             meer
             goodness
             of
             its
             Benefactor
             can
             exact
             ;
             because
             it
             conceives
             it self
             by
             its
             own
             Vertue
             obliged
             to
             be
             Noble
             and
             Munificent
             ,
             in
             all
             its
             acknowledgments
             .
          
           
             BUT
             however
             slow
             Gratitude
             may
             be
             in
             the
             Returns
             which
             it
             maketh
             for
             smaller
             benefits
             ,
             it
             is
             infinitely
             prone
             to
             exceed
             all
             measure
             ,
             when
             it
             is
             infinitely
             obliged
             .
             Praises
             are
             not
             fed
             by
             mean
             Contentments
             ,
             but
             by
             sublime
             ones
             .
             The
             acknowledgment
             is
             cool
             ,
             where
             the
             benefits
             are
             small
             ;
             and
             the
             Contentments
             imperfect
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             limited
             and
             restrained
             :
             Full
             Satisfaction
             hath
             another
             kind
             of
             influence
             on
             the
             Soul
             of
             Man
             ,
             than
             single
             Kindnesses
             ,
             or
             some
             few
             particular
             Supplies
             .
             An
             infinite
             Bliss
             produces
             more
             vigorous
             and
             joyful
             efforts
             ,
             than
             bare
             Acknowledgments
             .
             Here
             upon
             Earth
             there
             
             are
             disquiets
             ,
             and
             destres
             ,
             and
             expectations
             ,
             and
             Complaints
             ,
             and
             defects
             ,
             and
             imperfections
             ,
             fears
             and
             interests
             to
             be
             still
             secured
             ,
             that
             lame
             and
             darken
             our
             Contentment
             and
             Gratitude
             .
             But
             in
             Heaven
             all
             these
             admixtures
             of
             alloy
             are
             remov'd
             .
             The
             glory
             of
             the
             light
             in
             which
             our
             Gratitude
             appeareth
             ,
             adds
             lustre
             and
             beauty
             to
             the
             increase
             of
             its
             Perfection
             .
             In
             the
             utmost
             height
             of
             our
             Satisfaction
             there
             is
             such
             an
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             force
             ,
             that
             our
             Gratitude
             breaks
             out
             in
             exulting
             and
             triumphing
             Effusions
             ;
             all
             our
             Capacities
             ,
             Inclinations
             ,
             and
             Desires
             being
             fully
             satisfied
             ,
             we
             have
             nothing
             else
             to
             do
             ,
             but
             to
             Love
             and
             be
             Grateful
             .
             An
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Kingdom
             given
             to
             him
             that
             was
             taken
             out
             of
             Nothing
             ,
             by
             a
             King
             that
             is
             infinite
             in
             greatness
             and
             beauty
             ;
             all
             his
             Joyes
             ,
             and
             all
             his
             Treasures
             !
             it
             makes
             the
             Soul
             a
             fountain
             of
             Delights
             ,
             whole
             nature
             is
             to
             receive
             no
             more
             ,
             but
             overflow
             for
             ever
             .
             When
             the
             Soul
             cometh
             once
             to
             love
             GOD
             so
             infinitely
             above
             it self
             ,
             as
             the
             cause
             requireth
             ,
             its
             only
             delight
             is
             to
             magnifie
             him
             and
             to
             see
             him
             blessed
             .
             The
             beauty
             and
             sweetness
             of
             its
             own
             Gratitude
             is
             as
             rich
             and
             divine
             as
             all
             his
             Gifts
             .
             It
             is
             tempted
             here
             infinitely
             more
             to
             exceed
             its
             Causes
             than
             ever
             before
             .
             Amazements
             ,
             
             Admirations
             ,
             Affections
             ,
             Praises
             ,
             Hallelujahs
             ,
             Raptures
             ,
             Extasies
             ,
             and
             Blessings
             are
             all
             its
             delights
             :
             The
             pleasure
             of
             Loving
             is
             its
             only
             business
             ;
             it
             is
             turned
             all
             into
             flame
             ,
             and
             brightness
             ,
             and
             transportation
             ,
             and
             excess
             .
             It
             infinitely
             passes
             Light
             and
             Fire
             in
             quickness
             and
             motion
             :
             all
             Impediments
             are
             devoured
             ,
             and
             GOD
             alone
             is
             its
             Life
             and
             Glory
             .
             The
             more
             Great
             ,
             the
             more
             high
             ,
             the
             more
             excellent
             he
             is
             ;
             the
             more
             blessed
             is
             it self
             ,
             the
             more
             joyful
             ,
             and
             the
             more
             contented
             .
             It
             s
             Nature
             is
             to
             shine
             ,
             and
             burn
             ,
             and
             admire
             ;
             to
             offer
             ,
             and
             to
             sacrifice
             up
             it self
             to
             its
             Joyes
             :
             And
             GOD
             is
             its
             soveraign
             Joy
             ,
             its
             perfect
             happiness
             .
             To
             suspend
             its
             beams
             were
             to
             act
             against
             Nature
             .
             All
             overtures
             of
             Pleasure
             ,
             Beauty
             ,
             Glory
             ,
             Power
             ,
             Exaltation
             and
             Honour
             it
             would
             have
             added
             to
             its
             happiness
             .
             The
             more
             Great
             ,
             the
             more
             Good
             ,
             the
             Wiser
             GOD
             is
             ,
             the
             greater
             is
             its
             Happiness
             .
             The
             more
             he
             is
             admired
             and
             praised
             ,
             the
             greater
             is
             its
             Happiness
             .
             The
             more
             he
             is
             magnified
             and
             pleased
             ,
             the
             greater
             is
             its
             Happiness
             .
             All
             the
             Excellencies
             and
             Perfections
             in
             its
             Objective
             bliss
             ,
             though
             they
             are
             not
             locally
             removed
             ,
             are
             removed
             into
             the
             Soul
             of
             him
             that
             enjoyes
             it
             ;
             and
             there
             express
             themselves
             far
             more
             powerfully
             and
             effectually
             ,
             than
             if
             they
             were
             
             there
             alone
             .
             No
             joy
             can
             be
             like
             that
             of
             seeing
             its
             Creatour
             adored
             ,
             no
             Service
             like
             that
             of
             magnifying
             its
             Beloved
             ,
             no
             pleasure
             like
             that
             of
             delighting
             its
             Beloved
             ,
             no
             melody
             like
             that
             of
             praising
             its
             Benefactor
             ,
             no
             honour
             like
             that
             of
             obeying
             its
             Preserver
             .
             All
             Worlds
             are
             its
             Treasures
             ,
             because
             they
             manifest
             his
             Power
             and
             Glory
             ;
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             its
             Delights
             ,
             because
             they
             see
             and
             acknowledge
             the
             beauty
             of
             its
             Soveraign
             ,
             and
             eternal
             Perfection
             ;
             all
             Creatures
             the
             Instruments
             of
             its
             Joy
             ,
             that
             celebrate
             his
             Praises
             !
             In
             him
             it
             enjoyes
             the
             glory
             of
             all
             Eternity
             ,
             the
             infinite
             beauty
             of
             all
             Immensity
             ,
             the
             innumerable
             riches
             of
             all
             Worlds
             ,
             the
             pleasures
             and
             adorations
             of
             all
             the
             Angels
             ,
             the
             state
             and
             magnificence
             of
             all
             Empires
             ,
             the
             splendour
             and
             perfection
             of
             all
             Ages
             ;
             all
             which
             it
             has
             in
             it self
             ,
             by
             his
             infinite
             Bounty
             ,
             as
             its
             own
             immediate
             and
             proper
             Possessions
             ;
             but
             far
             more
             divinely
             and
             sweetly
             enjoyes
             them
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             its
             Gratitude
             and
             Love
             ,
             to
             him
             ,
             whose
             they
             originally
             are
             ,
             and
             from
             whom
             they
             proceeded
             .
             For
             the
             very
             true
             reason
             why
             it
             enjoyes
             it self
             ,
             and
             all
             its
             own
             Treasures
             ,
             is
             because
             it
             loves
             it self
             :
             And
             the
             more
             it
             loves
             him
             ,
             the
             more
             it
             will
             be
             delighted
             with
             his
             fruitions
             .
             It
             is
             more
             concerned
             ,
             
             it
             feels
             more
             ,
             it
             sees
             more
             ,
             it
             tastes
             more
             ,
             it
             possesses
             more
             ,
             it
             rejoyces
             more
             in
             its
             Object
             than
             it self
             .
             The
             imagination
             and
             fancy
             that
             is
             in
             Love
             frames
             all
             the
             thoughts
             of
             its
             Beloved
             ,
             in
             it self
             ;
             it
             has
             an
             exquisite
             and
             tender
             sence
             of
             every
             change
             and
             motion
             in
             the
             mind
             of
             its
             Beloved
             .
             
               Stir
               not
               up
               ,
               nor
               awake
               my
               Love
               ,
               till
               he
               please
               ,
            
             is
             the
             song
             of
             a
             feeling
             and
             affectionate
             Soul.
             Every
             prick
             with
             a
             Needles
             point
             in
             its
             Object
             ,
             is
             a
             stab
             with
             a
             Dagger
             to
             it self
             .
             It
             s
             heart
             bleeds
             in
             every
             drop
             of
             its
             Objects
             finger
             .
             It
             loves
             his
             Beloved
             ten
             thousand
             times
             more
             than
             it self
             :
             and
             is
             infinitely
             more
             pleased
             with
             its
             exaltation
             ,
             than
             its
             own
             .
             The
             happiness
             of
             its
             Object
             is
             most
             its
             own
             .
             True
             Gratitude
             is
             crowned
             in
             its
             Benefactor
             ,
             enthroned
             in
             its
             benefactor
             ,
             admired
             in
             its
             benefactor
             ,
             adored
             in
             its
             benefactor
             .
             Nothing
             in
             all
             the
             World
             is
             so
             easily
             ravished
             as
             Love
             ,
             nothing
             is
             so
             lively
             as
             Love
             ,
             nothing
             so
             lovely
             !
             Nothing
             so
             violent
             in
             its
             grief
             or
             joy
             ,
             nothing
             so
             capable
             of
             pain
             or
             pleasure
             :
             All
             the
             Victories
             and
             Triumphs
             of
             its
             Saviour
             are
             its
             own
             .
             My
             Joy
             ,
             my
             Life
             ,
             my
             Crown
             ,
             my
             Glory
             ;
             my
             exceeding
             great
             Reward
             ,
             my
             Love
             ,
             my
             Soul
             ,
             my
             Idol
             ,
             nay
             the
             GOD
             of
             my
             Soul
             !
             my
             All
             in
             all
             !
             This
             is
             the
             language
             of
             
             Love
             in
             its
             Rapture
             .
             Seraphick
             Love
             !
             It
             is
             Altar
             ,
             Heart
             and
             Sacrifice
             ,
             Angelical
             Love
             !
             It
             is
             Priest
             and
             Temple
             :
             All
             Service
             ,
             Freedom
             ,
             Duty
             ,
             Reward
             ,
             Desire
             ,
             Enjoyment
             ,
             Honour
             ,
             Praise
             ,
             Adoration
             ,
             Thanksgiving
             ,
             Extasie
             ,
             Pleasure
             ,
             Bliss
             and
             Happiness
             .
             It
             is
             all
             Goodness
             and
             Beauty
             ,
             Paradice
             ,
             Heaven
             ;
             the
             life
             and
             Soul
             of
             Heaven
             !
             All
             that
             is
             incommunicable
             in
             GOD
             ,
             Eternity
             ,
             almighty
             Power
             ,
             supream
             Dominion
             ,
             independent
             Majesty
             ,
             infinite
             Immensity
             ,
             with
             all
             the
             adorations
             and
             praises
             of
             all
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             are
             by
             such
             a
             Love
             and
             Gratitude
             enjoyed
             .
             Loving
             GOD
             more
             than
             it self
             ,
             it
             is
             more
             happy
             in
             GOD
             ,
             than
             if
             it
             were
             a
             GOD.
             Could
             Is
             Deity
             be
             taken
             away
             ,
             and
             seated
             in
             it self
             ,
             the
             Soul
             of
             a
             Grateful
             Creature
             would
             be
             grieved
             at
             the
             exchange
             .
             Even
             GOD
             in
             his
             place
             is
             perfectly
             enjoyed
             .
             All
             Envy
             is
             by
             perfect
             Gratitude
             removed
             :
             All
             Discontentment
             at
             any
             thing
             in
             its
             Object
             ,
             especially
             at
             its
             Objects
             Blessedness
             is
             abolished
             .
             It
             is
             carried
             above
             all
             Thrones
             ,
             Dominions
             and
             Powers
             ,
             and
             still
             ascends
             eternally
             higher
             ,
             the
             higher
             its
             Object
             is
             exalted
             .
             Could
             it
             be
             miserable
             in
             it self
             ,
             it
             would
             be
             happy
             in
             its
             Object
             :
             but
             the
             higher
             it
             is
             exalted
             ,
             the
             more
             is
             its
             Creatour
             delighted
             .
             If
             the
             resentment
             
             be
             wholly
             Spiritual
             ,
             the
             Soul
             perhaps
             may
             be
             transformed
             to
             Gratitude
             ,
             as
             Gratitude
             is
             to
             Contentment
             ,
             and
             Praise
             ,
             and
             Thanksgiving
             .
             But
             it
             will
             have
             no
             Body
             ,
             no
             frail
             and
             corruptible
             Flesh
             ,
             no
             bones
             or
             members
             to
             look
             after
             .
             All
             its
             operations
             are
             of
             one
             kind
             ,
             all
             its
             works
             and
             concernments
             are
             the
             same
             .
             It
             has
             no
             Fear
             ,
             or
             Care
             to
             divert
             it
             ;
             no
             impediment
             ,
             or
             danger
             ,
             or
             distraction
             .
             Pure
             Gratitude
             is
             so
             divine
             a
             thing
             ,
             that
             the
             Soul
             may
             safely
             wish
             to
             be
             turned
             all
             into
             Gratitude
             .
             It
             s
             Employment
             and
             Nature
             are
             all
             one
             ,
             acknowledgment
             and
             benevolence
             united
             together
             .
             It
             sacrifices
             all
             Worlds
             to
             the
             Deity
             ,
             and
             with
             infinite
             delight
             desires
             to
             offer
             all
             Honour
             and
             Glory
             to
             him
             .
             It
             is
             very
             sensible
             ,
             that
             it
             can
             never
             pay
             so
             much
             Honour
             to
             GOD
             as
             is
             his
             due
             ,
             unless
             it
             be
             assisted
             with
             all
             the
             Tongues
             of
             Men
             and
             Angels
             .
             It
             goes
             along
             with
             their
             Joyes
             ,
             and
             consents
             to
             their
             Praises
             .
             In
             them
             it
             adores
             ,
             and
             by
             them
             it
             admires
             ,
             with
             them
             it
             conspires
             ,
             and
             takes
             in
             all
             their
             powers
             and
             divine
             affections
             .
             It
             fees
             with
             all
             their
             Eyes
             ,
             hears
             with
             all
             their
             Ears
             ,
             speaks
             with
             all
             their
             Mouths
             ,
             and
             useth
             all
             their
             Hearts
             in
             loving
             and
             adoring
             .
             All
             the
             tendencies
             and
             operations
             of
             Universal
             Nature
             
             are
             subservient
             to
             its
             desires
             .
             It
             surmounts
             the
             Songs
             of
             David
             ,
             and
             yet
             we
             know
             how
             earnestly
             he
             exhorted
             all
             Creatures
             to
             praise
             him
             .
             
               Praise
               ye
               the
               Lord
               :
               Praise
               him
               in
               the
               Sanctuary
               ;
               Praise
               him
               in
               the
               Firmament
               of
               his
               Power
               ;
               Praise
               him
               in
               his
               mighty
               Acts
               ;
               Praise
               him
               according
               to
               his
               excellent
               Greatness
               .
               Praise
               him
               in
               the
               Heights
               ;
               Praise
               him
               all
               ye
               Angels
               ;
               Praise
               him
               all
               his
               Hosts
               :
               Praise
               him
               Sun
               and
               Moon
               ,
               Praise
               him
               all
               ye
               Stars
               of
               light
               .
               Praise
               him
               ye
               Heaven
               of
               Heavens
               !
            
             And
             when
             all
             is
             done
             ,
             it
             still
             confesseth
             ,
             that
             
               his
               Name
               is
               exalted
               far
               above
               all
               Blessing
               and
               Praise
               .
            
          
           
             HE
             that
             praiseth
             GOD
             only
             for
             his
             Health
             ,
             and
             Food
             ,
             and
             Rayment
             ,
             and
             for
             his
             blessing
             on
             his
             Calling
             (
             as
             too
             many
             only
             do
             )
             either
             is
             very
             ignorant
             ,
             or
             upon
             a
             strict
             scrutiny
             ,
             will
             be
             detected
             for
             upbraiding
             GOD
             ,
             for
             the
             meanest
             of
             his
             bounty
             .
             For
             his
             Love
             must
             infinitely
             be
             defective
             ,
             that
             is
             able
             to
             bestow
             Gifts
             infinitely
             more
             ,
             yet
             giveth
             us
             none
             but
             these
             .
             He
             that
             sees
             not
             more
             Causes
             of
             Joy
             than
             these
             ,
             is
             blind
             and
             cannot
             see
             afar
             off
             :
             The
             very
             truth
             or
             Religion
             is
             obscure
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             the
             cause
             of
             Adoration
             unknown
             .
             He
             wanteth
             ten
             thousand
             demonstrations
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             GOD
             ,
             and
             as
             many
             Incentives
             to
             coflame
             his
             
             Soul
             in
             the
             Return
             of
             Love
             ,
             that
             is
             unacquainted
             with
             these
             high
             and
             mighty
             bounties
             .
             No
             man
             can
             return
             more
             Blessings
             than
             he
             receiveth
             :
             nor
             can
             his
             Praises
             exceed
             the
             number
             (
             and
             greatness
             )
             of
             his
             Joyes
             .
             A
             House
             is
             too
             little
             ,
             a
             Kingdom
             is
             too
             narrow
             for
             a
             Soul
             to
             move
             in
             .
             The
             World
             is
             a
             confinement
             to
             the
             power
             ,
             that
             is
             able
             to
             see
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             conceive
             the
             Immensity
             of
             Almighty
             GOD
             !
             He
             that
             can
             look
             into
             infinite
             Spaces
             ,
             must
             see
             them
             all
             full
             of
             delights
             ,
             or
             be
             infinitely
             displeased
             .
             How
             like
             an
             Angel
             doth
             he
             soar
             aloft
             ,
             how
             divine
             is
             his
             life
             ,
             how
             glorious
             and
             heavenly
             ;
             that
             doth
             converse
             with
             infinite
             and
             eternal
             Wisdom
             ,
             intermeddle
             with
             all
             the
             delights
             of
             GOD
             ,
             assume
             the
             similitude
             of
             his
             knowledge
             and
             goodness
             ,
             make
             
               all
               his
            
             Works
             his
             Riches
             ,
             his
             Laws
             his
             Delights
             ,
             his
             Counsels
             his
             Contemplations
             ,
             his
             Wayes
             his
             Joyes
             ,
             and
             his
             Attributes
             his
             Perfections
             !
             He
             that
             appropriates
             all
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             makes
             it
             his
             own
             peculiar
             is
             like
             unto
             GOD
             ,
             meet
             to
             be
             his
             Son
             ,
             and
             fit
             to
             live
             in
             Communion
             with
             him
             .
             The
             Kingdom
             of
             GOD
             is
             made
             visible
             to
             him
             to
             whom
             all
             Kingdoms
             are
             so
             many
             Mansions
             of
             Joy
             ,
             and
             all
             Ages
             but
             the
             streets
             of
             his
             own
             City
             .
             The
             man
             that
             
             sees
             all
             Angels
             and
             Men
             his
             Fellow-members
             ,
             and
             the
             whole
             Family
             of
             GOD
             in
             Heaven
             and
             Earth
             ,
             his
             own
             Domesticks
             ,
             is
             fit
             for
             Heaven
             .
             As
             he
             hath
             more
             encouragements
             to
             believe
             in
             GOD
             ,
             and
             to
             delight
             in
             him
             ,
             so
             hath
             he
             more
             concerns
             to
             engage
             his
             fear
             ,
             more
             allurements
             to
             provoke
             his
             desire
             ,
             more
             incentives
             to
             enflame
             his
             love
             ,
             and
             more
             obligations
             to
             compel
             his
             obedience
             :
             More
             arguments
             to
             strengthen
             his
             Hope
             ,
             more
             materials
             to
             feed
             his
             Praises
             ,
             more
             Causes
             to
             make
             him
             Humble
             ,
             more
             fuel
             for
             Charity
             to
             others
             ,
             more
             grounds
             of
             Contentment
             in
             himself
             ,
             more
             helps
             to
             inspire
             him
             with
             Fortitude
             ,
             more
             rewards
             to
             quicken
             his
             Industry
             ,
             more
             engagements
             to
             Circumspection
             and
             Prudence
             ,
             more
             ballast
             to
             make
             him
             Stable
             ,
             more
             lights
             to
             assist
             his
             Knowledge
             ,
             more
             sails
             to
             forward
             his
             Motion
             ,
             more
             employments
             in
             which
             to
             spend
             his
             Time
             ,
             more
             attractives
             to
             Meditation
             ,
             and
             more
             entertainments
             to
             enrich
             his
             Solitude
             .
             He
             hath
             more
             aids
             to
             confirm
             his
             Patience
             ,
             more
             avocations
             from
             Injuries
             to
             Meekness
             ,
             more
             wings
             to
             carry
             him
             above
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             more
             Gates
             to
             let
             him
             into
             Heaven
             .
             He
             hath
             more
             With-holders
             to
             keep
             him
             from
             Sin
             ,
             more
             aggravations
             
             to
             increase
             his
             Guilt
             ,
             more
             odious
             deformities
             in
             every
             Vice
             ,
             more
             waters
             to
             augment
             his
             Tears
             ,
             more
             motives
             to
             Repentance
             ,
             and
             more
             Consolations
             upon
             his
             Reconciliation
             :
             More
             hopes
             to
             relieve
             his
             Prayer
             ,
             more
             bounds
             to
             secure
             his
             Prosperity
             ,
             more
             comforts
             in
             Adversity
             ,
             and
             more
             Hallelujah's
             in
             all
             Estates
             :
             More
             delights
             to
             entertain
             his
             Friends
             ,
             more
             sweetness
             in
             his
             Conversation
             ,
             more
             arts
             to
             conquer
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             more
             Feasts
             in
             abstemious
             Fasts
             ,
             more
             and
             better
             sawce
             than
             other
             at
             his
             Feasts
             ,
             innumerable
             Companions
             night
             and
             day
             ,
             in
             Health
             ,
             in
             Sickness
             ,
             in
             Death
             ,
             in
             Prison
             ;
             at
             his
             Table
             ,
             in
             his
             Bed
             ,
             in
             his
             Grove
             ,
             in
             his
             Garden
             ,
             in
             the
             City
             ,
             in
             the
             Field
             ,
             in
             his
             Journy
             ,
             in
             his
             Walk
             ,
             at
             all
             times
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             places
             .
             He
             hath
             more
             antidotes
             against
             Temptation
             ,
             more
             weapons
             in
             his
             Spiritual
             Warfare
             ,
             more
             balsom
             for
             his
             Wounds
             ,
             and
             more
             preservatives
             against
             the
             contagion
             of
             Worldly
             Customs
             .
             From
             this
             Spring
             of
             
               Universal
               Fruition
            
             all
             the
             streams
             of
             Living
             Waters
             flow
             that
             refresh
             the
             Soul.
             Upon
             this
             Hing
             all
             a
             mans
             Interests
             turn
             ,
             and
             in
             this
             Centre
             all
             his
             Spiritual
             Occasions
             meet
             .
             It
             is
             the
             great
             Mystery
             of
             Blessedness
             and
             Glory
             ,
             the
             Sphere
             of
             all
             
             Wisdom
             ,
             Holiness
             and
             Piety
             ,
             the
             great
             and
             ineffable
             Circumstance
             of
             all
             Grace
             and
             Vertue
             ,
             the
             Magazine
             and
             Store-house
             of
             all
             Perfection
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           An
           APPENDIX
           .
        
         
           
             Of
             Enmity
             and
             Triumph
             :
             Of
             Schism
             and
             Heresie
             ,
             Fidelity
             ,
             Devotion
             ,
             Godliness
             .
             Wherein
             is
             declared
             ,
             how
             Gratitude
             and
             Felicity
             inspire
             and
             perfect
             all
             the
             Vertues
             .
          
        
         
           I
           Should
           here
           have
           ended
           all
           my
           discourse
           on
           Vertue
           ,
           had
           it
           not
           been
           necessary
           to
           speak
           something
           of
           our
           Enemies
           .
           Since
           there
           was
           never
           any
           man
           so
           Wise
           but
           he
           had
           some
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           expected
           that
           the
           most
           Vertuous
           Man
           living
           should
           be
           altogether
           without
           them
           .
           Moses
           ,
           and
           David
           ,
           and
           Elijah
           ,
           and
           Daniel
           had
           Enemies
           ,
           so
           had
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           himself
           :
           Joseph
           had
           some
           in
           his
           younger
           daies
           ,
           and
           Solomon
           some
           in
           his
           Old
           age
           :
           Of
           all
           the
           Prophets
           I
           find
           Samuel
           the
           most
           clear
           and
           exempted
           from
           them
           .
           But
           this
           I
           observe
           ,
           that
           
           Men
           of
           great
           and
           transcendent
           Principles
           ,
           of
           staid
           and
           well-govern'd
           Passions
           ,
           of
           meek
           and
           condescending
           Behaviours
           ,
           highly
           kind
           and
           serviceable
           in
           their
           Age
           ,
           free
           from
           the
           spots
           and
           blemishes
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           have
           frequently
           arrived
           to
           an
           universal
           Applause
           and
           Honour
           ,
           and
           moved
           in
           a
           sphere
           so
           high
           above
           the
           Nation
           in
           which
           they
           lived
           ,
           that
           as
           if
           they
           had
           been
           Creatures
           of
           another
           World
           ,
           they
           have
           enjoyed
           a
           Veneration
           above
           their
           Degree
           ,
           and
           been
           surrounded
           with
           a
           repose
           ,
           that
           makes
           them
           look
           like
           Angels
           in
           a
           kind
           of
           Heaven
           ;
           that
           that
           Heaven
           which
           they
           enjoyed
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           was
           the
           Work
           ,
           and
           the
           Reward
           ,
           and
           the
           Crown
           of
           Vertue
           .
           Thus
           Moses
           after
           his
           long
           Meekness
           ,
           and
           invincible
           Fidelity
           to
           the
           Jewish
           Nation
           ,
           was
           in
           the
           close
           of
           his
           life
           most
           exceedingly
           honour'd
           by
           all
           the
           People
           ,
           and
           lamented
           after
           his
           death
           by
           a
           million
           of
           Persons
           ,
           that
           felt
           the
           disastre
           of
           so
           great
           a
           loss
           .
           Joseph
           suffered
           much
           by
           the
           Envy
           of
           his
           Brethren
           in
           the
           beginning
           ,
           and
           the
           Lust
           and
           Slander
           of
           his
           Mistress
           .
           But
           after
           he
           had
           once
           been
           the
           Saviour
           of
           the
           Land
           of
           Egypt
           ,
           and
           of
           his
           Fathers
           Family
           ,
           his
           Vertue
           being
           known
           ,
           he
           enjoyed
           a
           long
           life
           of
           Glory
           and
           Honour
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           abundance
           
           of
           his
           own
           peace
           and
           tranquility
           ,
           communicated
           a
           repose
           and
           prosperity
           to
           his
           Nation
           .
           Joshua
           did
           run
           the
           hazard
           of
           being
           stoned
           for
           crossing
           the
           perverse
           humour
           of
           the
           Jews
           ,
           when
           he
           returned
           from
           searching
           the
           Land
           of
           Canaan
           :
           but
           from
           Moses's
           death
           ,
           throughout
           all
           his
           life
           afterwards
           was
           an
           absolute
           Prince
           among
           his
           own
           People
           ,
           and
           a
           glorious
           Victor
           over
           all
           their
           Enemies
           .
           Samuel
           was
           from
           his
           Infancy
           chosen
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           from
           Dan
           even
           to
           Beersheba
           they
           knew
           he
           was
           established
           to
           be
           a
           Prophet
           of
           the
           Lord.
           The
           honour
           of
           his
           Communion
           with
           Heaven
           joyned
           with
           his
           great
           Integrity
           and
           Gravity
           on
           Earth
           ,
           gave
           him
           a
           Reputation
           that
           made
           him
           Greater
           than
           all
           the
           Elders
           in
           the
           Land.
           And
           it
           is
           very
           apparent
           ,
           that
           the
           eminent
           Holiness
           ,
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           great
           Wisdom
           of
           these
           Men
           made
           them
           to
           prevail
           ,
           with
           GODS
           blessing
           on
           their
           Vertues
           ,
           and
           to
           reign
           like
           Benefactors
           ,
           and
           magnificent
           Patriots
           of
           their
           Country
           .
           Solomon
           was
           by
           his
           Wisdom
           exceeding
           glorious
           ,
           till
           he
           revolted
           from
           GOD
           :
           and
           those
           Mischiefs
           which
           befel
           David
           after
           he
           came
           to
           the
           Throne
           did
           spring
           from
           his
           Fall
           in
           the
           matter
           of
           Urias
           .
           These
           things
           I
           note
           to
           encourage
           Men
           
           to
           Vertue
           .
           For
           though
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           and
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           were
           persecuted
           to
           the
           Death
           ,
           yet
           two
           things
           are
           very
           considerable
           :
           First
           ,
           that
           their
           Glory
           surmounted
           the
           Rage
           of
           all
           their
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           continues
           immortally
           shining
           throughout
           all
           Kingdoms
           and
           Ages
           :
           Next
           ,
           That
           they
           were
           born
           to
           troublesome
           Times
           ,
           and
           were
           to
           break
           the
           Ice
           for
           all
           their
           Followers
           .
           For
           their
           business
           was
           extraordinary
           ,
           to
           change
           the
           state
           and
           condition
           of
           Kingdoms
           ,
           to
           alter
           the
           publick
           Rites
           of
           Religion
           both
           among
           Jews
           and
           Gentiles
           ,
           and
           therein
           to
           shake
           and
           dissetile
           the
           Secular
           Interests
           of
           Millions
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           to
           touch
           and
           offend
           the
           Conscience
           ,
           in
           defaming
           that
           for
           which
           so
           many
           Ages
           had
           so
           great
           a
           Veneration
           .
           This
           created
           all
           the
           difficulty
           in
           their
           Lives
           .
           But
           where
           the
           publick
           Rites
           of
           Religion
           are
           approved
           ,
           and
           a
           Man
           is
           born
           in
           peaceable
           and
           quiet
           Times
           ,
           I
           do
           not
           see
           but
           the
           most
           Vertuous
           Men
           inherit
           all
           the
           Honour
           and
           Esteem
           of
           the
           People
           ,
           and
           whatever
           estate
           and
           degree
           they
           are
           of
           ,
           reign
           in
           the
           fullest
           and
           freest
           Prosperity
           .
           Nor
           has
           the
           Death
           of
           Christ
           of
           little
           prevailed
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           but
           that
           all
           the
           World
           does
           now
           take
           notice
           of
           the
           
           Glory
           of
           his
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           far
           better
           understand
           the
           excellency
           of
           Vertue
           than
           they
           did
           before
           :
           They
           feel
           and
           admire
           its
           influences
           .
           Insomuch
           that
           as
           fome
           Vertuous
           Men
           grow
           contemptible
           by
           their
           Vices
           ;
           so
           do
           the
           most
           debanched
           and
           vicious
           Men
           ,
           find
           a
           Necessity
           of
           appearing
           Vertuous
           ,
           if
           they
           mean
           to
           be
           Honourable
           ;
           for
           as
           all
           Errours
           receive
           their
           strengths
           from
           some
           Truths
           professed
           by
           Hereticks
           ,
           so
           do
           all
           Vices
           and
           vicious
           Persons
           owe
           their
           supports
           to
           the
           powerful
           strengths
           of
           those
           Vertues
           on
           which
           they
           lean
           ,
           and
           which
           they
           use
           (
           though
           in
           a
           wicked
           manner
           )
           for
           their
           own
           security
           .
           For
           they
           cannot
           rise
           and
           thrive
           in
           the
           World
           without
           some
           Vertue
           ,
           or
           shew
           of
           Vertue
           at
           least
           ,
           to
           cover
           and
           help
           out
           their
           Vices
           .
           Three
           things
           I
           desire
           you
           to
           note
           seriously
           ,
           when
           you
           have
           first
           observed
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           a
           very
           hard
           matter
           to
           hate
           an
           Excellent
           Man
           ,
           or
           contemn
           him
           ,
           when
           he
           is
           known
           .
           The
           one
           is
           ,
           that
           Enmities
           and
           Disgraces
           are
           like
           the
           pangs
           and
           throws
           of
           the
           New-Birth
           ,
           they
           fall
           like
           Storms
           and
           Showers
           upon
           budding
           Vertues
           in
           their
           spring
           and
           greeness
           :
           When
           a
           Man
           first
           begins
           to
           be
           Vertuous
           he
           is
           despised
           ,
           suspected
           ,
           unknown
           ;
           it
           may
           be
           censured
           
           and
           hated
           :
           But
           when
           he
           has
           made
           himself
           eminent
           and
           conspicuous
           ,
           is
           a
           man
           of
           tried
           and
           approved
           Vertue
           ,
           well
           known
           for
           a
           Person
           of
           Honour
           and
           Worth
           ;
           the
           first
           Envies
           and
           Censures
           abate
           ;
           and
           if
           he
           constantly
           exercise
           all
           Honesty
           and
           Goodness
           with
           great
           activity
           ,
           courage
           ,
           and
           prudence
           ,
           he
           shall
           conquer
           all
           his
           Enemies
           ,
           and
           inherit
           the
           benefit
           of
           his
           own
           Vertues
           in
           the
           peace
           and
           tranquility
           of
           his
           happy
           Condition
           .
           Note
           also
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           not
           so
           much
           the
           Malignity
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           some
           Vice
           of
           the
           Proficient
           ,
           or
           some
           occasion
           that
           Religious
           men
           give
           the
           World
           to
           blaspheme
           Religion
           by
           some
           Infirmity
           or
           other
           ,
           that
           makes
           them
           to
           be
           hated
           .
           And
           this
           I
           note
           ,
           because
           I
           would
           have
           you
           not
           cry
           out
           of
           other
           Mens
           Corruptions
           ,
           so
           much
           as
           of
           your
           own
           .
           There
           is
           a
           little
           Pride
           ,
           or
           Covetousness
           ,
           or
           Laziness
           ,
           or
           Scorn
           ,
           or
           Anger
           ,
           or
           Revenge
           ,
           some
           one
           Deformity
           or
           other
           ,
           that
           gives
           Men
           advantage
           against
           us
           ,
           when
           they
           deride
           at
           our
           Profession
           :
           but
           under
           the
           Name
           and
           Notion
           of
           Vertue
           no
           Man
           was
           ever
           yet
           upbraided
           .
           As
           a
           Fool
           perhaps
           ,
           and
           a
           Coward
           (
           but
           not
           as
           a
           Wise
           and
           gallant
           Man
           )
           he
           may
           be
           scorned
           .
           Thirdly
           ,
           Some
           Secular
           Interest
           
           may
           put
           People
           together
           by
           the
           Ears
           ,
           but
           no
           Man
           is
           hated
           for
           being
           perfectly
           Vertuous
           .
           Misapprehensions
           ,
           Slanders
           ,
           Injuries
           ,
           Quarrels
           about
           Estates
           and
           Possessessions
           may
           arise
           ;
           but
           where
           the
           Land
           is
           at
           peace
           ,
           and
           the
           True
           Religion
           established
           ,
           no
           Man
           is
           hated
           for
           being
           Wise
           ,
           and
           Good
           ,
           and
           Holy
           ,
           and
           Chaste
           ,
           and
           Just
           ,
           and
           Liberal
           ,
           and
           Honest
           ,
           and
           Merciful
           ,
           and
           Meek
           ,
           and
           Couragious
           ,
           but
           the
           more
           admired
           for
           being
           Holy
           and
           Blessed
           ,
           when
           he
           joyns
           all
           GODS
           Vertues
           together
           .
           A
           man
           may
           be
           perverse
           and
           turbulent
           ,
           a
           Schismatick
           and
           a
           Heretick
           ,
           
           and
           by
           a
           rash
           and
           erroneous
           Zeal
           bring
           many
           Enemies
           and
           Penalties
           on
           himself
           ,
           while
           he
           rails
           against
           the
           Magistrates
           ,
           and
           reviles
           the
           Bishops
           and
           Pastours
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           breaks
           the
           Laws
           ,
           and
           disturbs
           the
           Kingdom
           ,
           prophanes
           and
           blasphemes
           GODS
           publick
           Worship
           ,
           and
           endeavours
           to
           overthrow
           the
           established
           Religion
           and
           Discipline
           among
           us
           .
           But
           all
           the
           Troubles
           which
           a
           man
           brings
           on
           himself
           by
           any
           such
           means
           as
           these
           ,
           are
           not
           to
           be
           fathered
           on
           Vertue
           ,
           but
           rightly
           to
           be
           ascribed
           to
           their
           proper
           Causes
           Had
           he
           that
           suffered
           them
           been
           more
           Vertuous
           ,
           he
           had
           been
           less
           
           miserable
           .
           And
           truly
           this
           I
           may
           say
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           Christianity
           ,
           Where
           it
           is
           freely
           and
           purely
           Professed
           in
           any
           Nation
           or
           Kingdom
           (
           as
           at
           present
           in
           Ours
           )
           a
           Man
           may
           be
           as
           divine
           and
           heavenly
           as
           an
           Angel.
           And
           if
           he
           be
           Liberal
           ,
           and
           Kind
           ,
           and
           Humble
           ,
           and
           Cheerful
           ,
           especially
           if
           withal
           he
           be
           Undaunted
           and
           Couragious
           ,
           most
           exceedingly
           Honest
           and
           Faithful
           in
           his
           dealings
           ;
           the
           more
           Holy
           and
           Divine
           he
           is
           ,
           the
           more
           he
           is
           commended
           and
           valued
           in
           the
           Land
           :
           but
           if
           he
           have
           any
           flaw
           the
           greater
           stir
           he
           makes
           in
           Religion
           the
           more
           he
           is
           hated
           .
           He
           loses
           his
           Credit
           ,
           and
           undergoes
           the
           Censure
           of
           a
           supercilious
           Hypocrite
           .
        
         
           AS
           for
           all
           the
           Enemies
           which
           Strife
           and
           Contention
           about
           Worldly
           Goods
           occasion
           to
           a
           Vertuous
           Man
           ,
           he
           is
           no
           more
           liable
           to
           them
           than
           other
           persons
           :
           And
           yet
           when
           he
           meets
           them
           ,
           he
           has
           far
           more
           advantages
           over
           his
           Enemies
           than
           other
           Men.
           For
           being
           full
           of
           Courage
           ,
           he
           dares
           do
           any
           thing
           that
           is
           fit
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           sparkle
           of
           the
           Lion
           makes
           them
           to
           dread
           him
           :
           whereas
           a
           Coward
           is
           baffled
           and
           run
           over
           in
           a
           moment
           .
           Being
           full
           of
           Temper
           and
           Humility
           ,
           he
           is
           not
           apt
           to
           exasperate
           
           them
           ,
           and
           make
           them
           mad
           ,
           as
           hot
           and
           angry
           Spirits
           are
           apt
           to
           do
           .
           By
           Kindness
           he
           obliges
           ,
           and
           wins
           ,
           and
           softens
           them
           :
           By
           Prudence
           he
           knows
           how
           to
           manage
           them
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           other
           Vertues
           come
           in
           as
           so
           many
           strengths
           against
           them
           .
           Being
           Just
           he
           never
           quarrels
           but
           in
           a
           
             Good
             Cause
          
           ;
           being
           Good
           and
           Merciful
           ,
           he
           is
           not
           apt
           to
           make
           an
           Enemy
           :
           Being
           Wise
           and
           Holy
           his
           Soul
           is
           in
           another
           World
           ,
           and
           it
           is
           no
           trivial
           Injury
           that
           can
           make
           him
           contend
           :
           Being
           Liberal
           and
           Magnanimous
           he
           is
           prone
           to
           do
           Heroical
           things
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           himself
           Venerable
           to
           his
           very
           Adversary
           :
           And
           above
           all
           to
           tender
           and
           to
           love
           his
           Soul
           ,
           and
           to
           steer
           all
           the
           Contention
           to
           both
           their
           benefit
           .
           We
           rail
           on
           the
           World
           when
           the
           fault
           is
           in
           our selves
           .
           The
           most
           of
           Men
           professing
           Vertue
           are
           but
           Children
           in
           Worth
           ;
           very
           weak
           ,
           and
           very
           defective
           :
           And
           too
           timorous
           too
           ,
           GOD
           knows
           .
           They
           neither
           trust
           GOD
           enough
           ,
           nor
           carry
           Vertue
           to
           the
           height
           .
           Vertue
           is
           base
           and
           not
           Vertue
           ,
           while
           it
           is
           remiss
           :
           It
           never
           shineth
           gloriously
           and
           irresistibly
           ,
           till
           it
           be
           acted
           almost
           in
           a
           desperate
           manner
           .
           He
           only
           is
           the
           Great
           Man
           ,
           that
           contemns
           Danger
           ,
           Life
           ,
           and
           Death
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           
           World
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           supreamly
           and
           compleatly
           Vertuous
           .
        
         
           ENEMIES
           may
           sometimes
           spring
           from
           Envy
           .
           And
           indeed
           there
           alone
           lies
           the
           Core
           of
           the
           Matter
           :
           when
           some
           Men
           imperfectly
           Vertuous
           ,
           abhor
           others
           for
           being
           more
           Excellent
           than
           themselves
           ;
           at
           least
           for
           being
           more
           Honoured
           ,
           and
           more
           Prosperous
           .
           Here
           again
           Temporal
           Interest
           is
           the
           ground
           of
           the
           Enmity
           .
           For
           thus
           our
           Saviour
           was
           hated
           by
           the
           Scribes
           and
           Pharisees
           .
           Pilate
           knew
           that
           they
           delivered
           him
           for
           Envy
           .
           But
           the
           main
           pretext
           and
           Cause
           of
           his
           Condemnation
           ,
           was
           the
           Testimony
           of
           those
           that
           heard
           him
           say
           ,
           
             He
             would
             destroy
             the
             Temple
          
           :
           Without
           which
           ,
           and
           his
           imputed
           Blasphemy
           they
           could
           hardly
           have
           killed
           him
           .
           But
           he
           came
           to
           die
           ,
           and
           was
           the
           less
           solicitous
           .
           Where
           these
           publick
           Cases
           are
           away
           :
           They
           that
           envy
           Vertuous
           Men
           are
           generally
           Men
           of
           equal
           rank
           and
           degree
           with
           themselves
           ;
           but
           a
           Man
           truly
           Vertuous
           will
           out-strip
           them
           ,
           as
           far
           as
           a
           Swallow
           will
           a
           Snail
           ,
           all
           his
           Inferiours
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           Superiours
           that
           understand
           him
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           also
           of
           his
           Equals
           ,
           and
           all
           they
           too
           ,
           if
           he
           invents
           wayes
           and
           methods
           to
           oblige
           them
           ,
           will
           at
           
           last
           be
           won
           to
           confess
           and
           acknowledge
           him
           .
           But
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           he
           grows
           ,
           and
           thrives
           ,
           and
           enjoyes
           their
           very
           Enmity
           .
           He
           never
           speaks
           ill
           of
           them
           behind
           their
           backs
           .
           He
           is
           not
           a
           jot
           discouraged
           ,
           nor
           exasperated
           ,
           he
           pities
           their
           Weakness
           ,
           and
           is
           humble
           under
           the
           sence
           perhaps
           of
           his
           own
           :
           He
           is
           careful
           to
           give
           them
           no
           advantage
           against
           him
           :
           He
           confides
           in
           GOD
           ,
           and
           strengthens
           himself
           in
           hope
           of
           Divine
           assistance
           :
           He
           rejoyces
           exceedingly
           that
           he
           has
           the
           opportunity
           of
           Forgiving
           ,
           and
           considers
           how
           many
           Vertues
           he
           has
           to
           exercise
           upon
           that
           Occasion
           .
           It
           makes
           him
           to
           exult
           ,
           when
           he
           considers
           that
           these
           Enemies
           are
           the
           Instruments
           and
           Materials
           of
           his
           greater
           Glory
           .
           He
           foresees
           the
           Victory
           ,
           and
           delights
           in
           the
           Triumph
           .
           And
           besides
           all
           this
           ,
           He
           is
           obliged
           by
           Jesus
           Christ
           to
           forgive
           greater
           Wrongs
           than
           these
           ,
           and
           gladly
           yields
           some
           Trials
           of
           his
           Obedience
           :
           He
           has
           an
           infinite
           felicity
           in
           daily
           View
           ,
           and
           remembers
           he
           is
           a
           Pilgrim
           in
           a
           strange
           Country
           .
           He
           is
           dead
           to
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           alive
           unto
           GOD.
           The
           Moon
           is
           beneath
           his
           feet
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           all
           fickle
           and
           transitory
           things
           .
           He
           is
           cloathed
           with
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           walketh
           
           in
           the
           Light
           ,
           environed
           with
           the
           beams
           of
           his
           own
           Enjoyments
           .
           If
           his
           Enemy
           be
           able
           to
           do
           him
           a
           Mischief
           ;
           (
           which
           to
           a
           man
           perfectly
           Vertuous
           seldome
           happens
           )
           he
           turns
           it
           into
           Good
           ,
           which
           a
           Foolish
           and
           a
           Vicious
           Man
           cannot
           do
           :
           He
           sinks
           not
           under
           it
           ,
           but
           plunges
           out
           again
           ,
           and
           furmounts
           it
           altogether
           :
           immediately
           forgives
           it
           ,
           and
           can
           after
           cheerfully
           serve
           his
           Enemy
           .
           For
           his
           part
           he
           will
           be
           an
           Enemy
           to
           no
           man
           in
           the
           World.
           He
           knows
           his
           Duty
           and
           his
           Master
           :
           the
           value
           of
           Souls
           ,
           and
           the
           excellency
           of
           Vertue
           :
           His
           very
           Gratitude
           to
           GOD
           and
           Jesus
           Christ
           is
           enough
           to
           make
           him
           go
           through
           a
           thousand
           greater
           and
           more
           terrible
           brunts
           than
           these
           .
        
         
           I
           would
           not
           have
           Men
           ingrateful
           to
           Jesus
           Christ
           ;
           not
           blind
           to
           themselves
           .
           I
           know
           very
           well
           that
           the
           Age
           is
           full
           of
           Faults
           ,
           and
           lament
           it
           :
           but
           withal
           I
           know
           ,
           it
           is
           full
           of
           Advantages
           .
           As
           Sin
           abounds
           ,
           so
           does
           Grace
           also
           superabound
           .
           Never
           so
           much
           clear
           Knowledge
           in
           any
           Age
           :
           Learned
           Ministers
           ,
           multitudes
           of
           Sermons
           ,
           excellent
           Books
           ,
           translated
           Bibles
           ,
           studious
           Gentlemen
           ,
           multitudes
           of
           Schollers
           ,
           publick
           Liberty
           ,
           Peace
           and
           Safety
           :
           
           all
           great
           and
           eminent
           Blessings
           .
           There
           were
           many
           disorders
           in
           the
           Church
           of
           Corinth
           ,
           and
           yet
           the
           Apostle
           tells
           them
           of
           their
           Reigning
           ,
           and
           wishes
           ,
           Would
           to
           GOD
           he
           did
           reign
           with
           them
           !
           after
           their
           City
           had
           a
           little
           flourished
           in
           peace
           ,
           and
           received
           Religion
           :
           and
           makes
           his
           Comparison
           between
           them
           and
           himself
           after
           such
           a
           manner
           ,
           that
           when
           it
           is
           considered
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           one
           apt
           to
           think
           the
           Reigning
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           which
           is
           spoken
           of
           in
           the
           Book
           of
           the
           Revelations
           ,
           were
           either
           now
           present
           or
           already
           
             past
             .
             Now
             ye
             are
             full
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             now
             ye
             are
             rich
             ,
             ye
             have
             reigned
             as
             Kings
             without
             us
             ,
             and
             I
             would
             to
             GOD
             ye
             did
             reign
             ,
             
             that
             we
             also
             might
             reign
             with
             you
             .
             For
             I
             think
             GOD
             hath
             set
             forth
             us
             the
             Apostles
             last
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             appointed
             to
             Death
             :
             for
             we
             are
             made
             a
             spectacle
             to
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             to
             Angels
             ,
             and
             to
             Men
             :
             We
             are
             sools
             for
             Christs
             sake
             ,
             but
             ye
             are
             wise
             in
             Christ
             ;
             we
             are
             weak
             ,
             but
             ye
             are
             strong
             :
             Ye
             are
             honourable
             ,
             but
             we
             are
             despised
             .
             Even
             to
             this
             present
             hour
             we
             both
             hunger
             and
             thirst
             ,
             and
             are
             naked
             ,
             and
             are
             buffeted
             ,
             and
             have
             no
             certain
             dwelling
             place
             .
          
           A
           small
           matter
           will
           make
           a
           Saint
           to
           Reign
           ,
           by
           reason
           of
           the
           greatness
           of
           his
           interior
           Bliss
           .
           If
           he
           be
           
           not
           buffetted
           and
           cast
           out
           of
           doors
           ;
           having
           Food
           and
           Rayment
           ,
           with
           his
           Godliness
           it
           is
           
             Great
             Gain
          
           .
           Especially
           when
           Kings
           and
           Princes
           
             yield
             a
             professed
             subjection
             to
             the
             Gospel
             of
             Christ.
          
           For
           then
           
             all
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             the
             World
             become
             the
             Kingdoms
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             of
             his
             Christ
          
           :
           When
           the
           Cross
           is
           exalted
           above
           the
           Crown
           ,
           and
           the
           Kings
           Palaces
           surmounted
           by
           the
           magnificence
           of
           our
           Saviours
           Temple
           ,
           and
           there
           is
           no
           Idolatry
           nor
           Poyson
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           but
           a
           pure
           publick
           worship
           ,
           when
           the
           very
           Laws
           and
           Magistrates
           countenance
           Religion
           ,
           and
           those
           Apostles
           that
           were
           once
           persecuted
           and
           cast
           out
           as
           Vile
           ,
           are
           now
           glorified
           and
           admired
           for
           their
           Sanctity
           .
           Men
           may
           be
           Christians
           publickly
           and
           in
           the
           face
           of
           the
           Sun
           ,
           it
           is
           horrible
           ingratitude
           to
           be
           unsensible
           of
           the
           advantage
           ,
           to
           calumniate
           ,
           and
           reproach
           ,
           and
           disturb
           the
           Church
           ,
           as
           if
           it
           were
           a
           sink
           of
           Paganisme
           .
           Rather
           we
           should
           admire
           and
           adore
           GOD
           Almighty
           ,
           
             that
             other
             men
             laboured
             ,
             and
             we
             are
             entered
             upon
             their
             Labours
             .
          
           We
           inherit
           the
           blood
           ,
           and
           toyl
           ,
           and
           sweat
           of
           the
           Martyrs
           ,
           they
           bore
           the
           burthen
           and
           heat
           of
           the
           day
           ,
           and
           we
           enjoy
           the
           victory
           and
           the
           peace
           they
           acquired
           .
           
           This
           is
           one
           ,
           but
           not
           one
           of
           the
           least
           of
           GODS
           Mercies
           for
           which
           we
           should
           be
           Grateful
           .
        
         
           THAT
           all
           the
           business
           of
           Religion
           on
           GODS
           part
           is
           Bounty
           ,
           Gratitude
           on
           ours
           ,
           and
           that
           this
           Gratitude
           is
           the
           sphere
           of
           all
           Vertue
           and
           Felicity
           ,
           easily
           is
           discerned
           after
           the
           first
           intimation
           .
           Gratitude
           is
           all
           that
           is
           to
           be
           expressed
           here
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           and
           above
           in
           Heaven
           .
           All
           our
           Complacencies
           in
           his
           infinite
           Highness
           ,
           all
           our
           Delights
           in
           his
           eternal
           Praises
           ,
           all
           our
           Adorations
           ,
           Extasies
           ,
           and
           Offerings
           ,
           all
           our
           Joyes
           and
           Thanksgivings
           ,
           are
           but
           the
           Feathers
           and
           the
           Wings
           of
           that
           Seraphim
           in
           Glory
           .
           All
           the
           Acknowledgment
           ,
           and
           Faith
           ,
           and
           Hope
           ,
           and
           Repentance
           ,
           all
           the
           Obedience
           and
           Resignation
           of
           a
           Sinner
           upon
           Earth
           ,
           all
           his
           Care
           and
           fear
           to
           offend
           ,
           all
           his
           Desire
           and
           Endeavour
           to
           please
           ,
           all
           his
           Worship
           and
           Charity
           ,
           all
           his
           Courage
           ,
           and
           Perseverance
           ,
           and
           Patience
           ,
           all
           his
           Fidelity
           ,
           Devotion
           ,
           and
           Godliness
           ,
           are
           but
           Gratitude
           in
           several
           dresses
           ,
           as
           Time
           ,
           Place
           ,
           and
           Occasion
           require
           .
           Sermons
           are
           to
           inform
           and
           assist
           our
           Gratitude
           ,
           Sacraments
           to
           revive
           and
           exercise
           its
           vertue
           .
           Vertues
           themselves
           are
           our
           Aids
           to
           bring
           us
           thereunto
           .
        
         
         
           Upon
           Sabbaths
           it
           enjoyes
           a
           Rest
           ,
           that
           hath
           something
           in
           it
           of
           Heaven
           ;
           and
           it
           is
           a
           hard
           matter
           to
           be
           wicked
           in
           the
           Sanctuary
           .
           But
           in
           ordinary
           Conversation
           ,
           in
           Shops
           and
           Taverns
           ,
           in
           the
           Camp
           ,
           in
           the
           Navy
           ,
           at
           a
           Feast
           ,
           or
           in
           a
           Journey
           ,
           to
           retain
           the
           Sence
           of
           all
           Mercies
           ,
           and
           to
           carry
           all
           these
           Vertues
           and
           Graces
           about
           a
           Man
           ,
           is
           not
           ordinary
           for
           a
           Common
           Christian.
           But
           that
           which
           does
           realize
           our
           Gratitude
           ,
           and
           make
           it
           perfect
           ,
           is
           a
           true
           Fidelity
           to
           GOD
           and
           our selves
           ,
           which
           is
           an
           acquired
           habit
           ,
           or
           a
           Grace
           infused
           ,
           by
           vertue
           of
           which
           we
           keep
           all
           those
           Promises
           which
           we
           made
           to
           GOD
           in
           our
           holy
           Meditations
           ,
           and
           all
           those
           holy
           Resolves
           which
           in
           our
           best
           Retirements
           we
           put
           upon
           our selves
           to
           do
           his
           Will
           ,
           even
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           all
           Assaults
           and
           Temptations
           .
           It
           is
           a
           Vertue
           by
           which
           we
           remain
           Constant
           in
           all
           Persecutions
           and
           Allurements
           ;
           not
           warping
           ,
           or
           moving
           aside
           on
           any
           Consideration
           ;
           neither
           melting
           with
           Pleasures
           ,
           nor
           flinching
           at
           Distresses
           ;
           but
           continuing
           
             faithful
             to
             the
             death
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             obtain
             the
             Crown
             of
             Life
             .
          
           He
           certainly
           that
           sees
           himself
           a
           King
           of
           all
           Worlds
           ,
           and
           Brother
           to
           our
           Lord
           JESUS
           CHRIST
           (
           who
           hath
           said
           ,
           
           
             He
             that
             doth
             the
             will
             of
             my
             Father
             ,
             is
             my
             Mother
             ,
             Sister
             ,
             and
             Brother
          
           :
           )
           will
           not
           be
           wrought
           on
           to
           forsake
           or
           hazard
           so
           great
           a
           Bliss
           .
           His
           knowledge
           of
           its
           Perfection
           will
           animate
           his
           Soul
           with
           all
           Fidelity
           .
        
         
           IT
           will
           draw
           him
           from
           the
           World
           too
           ,
           and
           make
           him
           desire
           to
           be
           much
           alone
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           be
           much
           with
           GOD.
           A
           Covetous
           man
           will
           be
           telling
           his
           Monies
           ,
           an
           Ambitious
           man
           aspires
           to
           be
           alwaies
           near
           the
           Kings
           Person
           ,
           an
           Epicure
           is
           for
           his
           Wine
           ,
           or
           Women
           ,
           or
           Feasts
           continually
           .
           A
           Vertuous
           man
           is
           more
           Covetous
           ,
           more
           Ambitious
           ,
           more
           prone
           to
           Celestial
           Epicurisme
           ,
           if
           I
           may
           so
           speak
           ,
           than
           all
           the
           World
           besides
           :
           And
           so
           art
           thou
           ,
           if
           thou
           art
           really
           engaged
           in
           the
           study
           of
           Felicity
           .
           A
           Pious
           man
           has
           greater
           Treasures
           ,
           higher
           Honours
           ,
           more
           pure
           Pleasures
           ,
           sincerer
           and
           truer
           Delights
           ,
           a
           more
           glorious
           Friend
           than
           all
           the
           Earth
           beside
           .
           Why
           should
           we
           not
           enjoy
           him
           ,
           why
           should
           we
           not
           retire
           to
           adore
           him
           ,
           why
           not
           delight
           in
           Devotion
           and
           Communion
           with
           him
           ?
           There
           a
           Man
           is
           to
           feed
           by
           sweet
           Contemplation
           on
           all
           his
           Felicities
           :
           He
           is
           there
           to
           pray
           for
           open
           Eyes
           ,
           and
           a
           
           pure
           Heart
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           see
           GOD.
           There
           thou
           art
           to
           exercise
           thy
           strengths
           ,
           and
           acquaint
           thy self
           with
           him
           ,
           to
           look
           into
           all
           Ages
           and
           Kingdoms
           ,
           to
           consider
           and
           know
           thy self
           ,
           to
           exp●ciate
           in
           the
           Eternity
           and
           Immensity
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           to
           gain
           that
           GODLINESS
           ,
           which
           with
           real
           Contentment
           is
           
             Great
             Gain
          
           .
           There
           thou
           art
           to
           stir
           up
           thy self
           ,
           
             by
             way
             of
             pure
             Remembrance
          
           ,
           to
           recollect
           thy
           scattered
           and
           broken
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           to
           cloath
           thy self
           with
           all
           thy
           necessary
           Perfections
           .
        
         
           FOR
           Godliness
           is
           a
           kind
           of
           GOD-LIKENESS
           ,
           a
           divine
           habit
           ,
           or
           frame
           of
           Soul
           ,
           that
           may
           fitly
           be
           accounted
           
             The
             fulness
             of
             the
             stature
             of
             the
             Inward
             Man.
          
           In
           its
           least
           degree
           ,
           it
           is
           an
           Inclination
           to
           he
           Like
           GOD
           ,
           to
           Please
           him
           ,
           and
           to
           Enjoy
           him
           .
           He
           is
           GOD-LIKE
           that
           is
           high
           and
           serious
           in
           all
           his
           Thoughts
           ,
           humble
           and
           condescending
           in
           all
           his
           Actions
           ,
           full
           of
           love
           and
           good-will
           to
           all
           the
           Creatures
           ,
           and
           bright
           in
           the
           knowledge
           of
           all
           their
           Natures
           .
           He
           delights
           in
           all
           the
           Works
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           walks
           in
           all
           the
           Wayes
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           meditates
           on
           all
           the
           Commandements
           of
           GOD
           and
           covets
           all
           the
           Treasures
           of
           GOD
           ,
           and
           breaths
           after
           all
           his
           Joyes
           !
           
           He
           that
           hates
           all
           that
           GOD
           hates
           ,
           and
           desires
           all
           that
           GOD
           desires
           ,
           and
           loves
           all
           that
           GOD
           loves
           ,
           and
           delights
           in
           all
           his
           delights
           ,
           is
           GODLY
           :
           He
           that
           aspires
           to
           the
           same
           End
           ,
           by
           the
           same
           Means
           ,
           and
           forms
           himself
           willingly
           to
           the
           same
           Nature
           .
           Every
           Like
           in
           Nature
           draweth
           to
           its
           Like
           ,
           the
           Beautiful
           ,
           and
           the
           Wise
           ,
           and
           the
           Good
           ,
           and
           the
           Aged
           ;
           but
           especially
           the
           GOD-Like
           .
           There
           is
           more
           reason
           why
           they
           should
           delight
           in
           each
           other
           .
           They
           have
           more
           Attractives
           and
           Incentives
           .
           GODLINESS
           ,
           or
           GOD-LIKENESS
           is
           the
           cement
           of
           Amity
           between
           GOD
           and
           MAN.
           Eternity
           and
           Immensity
           are
           the
           sphere
           of
           his
           Activity
           ,
           and
           are
           often
           frequented
           ,
           and
           filled
           with
           his
           Thoughts
           .
           Nothing
           less
           than
           the
           Wisdom
           of
           GOD
           will
           please
           the
           
             GOD-LIKE
             Man
          
           :
           Nothing
           less
           content
           him
           ,
           than
           the
           Blessedness
           and
           Glory
           of
           his
           Great
           Creatour
           .
           He
           must
           enjoy
           GOD
           ,
           or
           he
           cannot
           enjoy
           himself
           .
           That
           is
           ,
           he
           must
           rest
           satisfied
           in
           him
           ,
           as
           the
           Creatour
           ,
           the
           Law-giver
           ,
           the
           Lord
           and
           Governour
           of
           the
           World
           ;
           and
           for
           that
           end
           must
           be
           compleatly
           satisfied
           with
           the
           Glory
           and
           Perfection
           of
           all
           his
           Works
           ,
           and
           Laws
           ,
           and
           Wayes
           .
           He
           must
           delight
           in
           all
           his
           
           Counsels
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           enjoy
           him
           as
           the
           Great
           Counsellour
           of
           all
           Nature
           ;
           and
           see
           the
           Beauty
           of
           his
           Mind
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           take
           pleasure
           in
           him
           as
           the
           Blessedness
           of
           the
           Angels
           ,
           the
           Redeemer
           of
           Men
           ,
           the
           Sanctifier
           of
           his
           Elect
           People
           ,
           and
           the
           Soveraign
           End
           of
           all
           things
           .
           He
           must
           enjoy
           him
           as
           his
           own
           supream
           and
           eternal
           Object
           ,
           his
           King
           ,
           his
           Father
           ,
           Bridegroom
           ,
           Friend
           ,
           Benefactour
           ,
           All
           in
           all
           .
           Which
           he
           can
           never
           do
           ,
           till
           he
           sees
           GOD
           to
           be
           the
           best
           Father
           ,
           the
           best
           King
           ,
           the
           best
           Benefactour
           ,
           Bridegroom
           and
           Friend
           in
           all
           the
           World
           :
           Nor
           that
           ,
           till
           he
           sees
           the
           Beauty
           of
           the
           whole
           Creation
           ,
           the
           great
           and
           wonderful
           things
           of
           his
           Law
           ,
           the
           marvellous
           glory
           of
           his
           All-wise
           dispensations
           ,
           the
           Sacred
           perfection
           of
           his
           Decrees
           ,
           and
           the
           nature
           of
           his
           Essence
           :
           And
           all
           these
           must
           be
           as
           sweet
           and
           satisfactory
           to
           himself
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           to
           the
           Deity
           .
           To
           be
           GOD-Like
           is
           a
           very
           sublime
           and
           most
           glorious
           Perfection
           :
           which
           no
           man
           can
           attain
           ,
           that
           is
           not
           either
           curiously
           satisfied
           in
           all
           these
           things
           ,
           or
           humbly
           confident
           of
           their
           Beauty
           and
           Perfection
           .
           And
           for
           Cause
           have
           we
           thus
           written
           upon
           all
           the
           Vertues
           ,
           that
           all
           that
           need
           it
           ,
           and
           read
           the
           Book
           may
           be
           elevated
           a
           little
           higher
           
           than
           the
           ordinary
           Rate
           ,
           have
           something
           more
           erect
           and
           Angelical
           in
           their
           Souls
           ,
           be
           brought
           to
           the
           Gates
           (
           at
           least
           )
           of
           GODS
           Kingdom
           ,
           and
           be
           endued
           with
           GODLINESS
           a
           little
           more
           compleatly
           by
           their
           Care
           ,
           than
           hitherto
           they
           have
           been
           ;
           because
           they
           know
           ,
           both
           
             that
             GOD
             is
             ,
             and
             is
             a
             Rewarder
             of
             them
             that
             diligently
             seek
             him
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A63047-e2960
           
             Minners
             in
             Latine
             are
             called
             Mores
             whence
             the
             English
             word
             Moral
             is
             derived
             .
          
           
             Cardo
             is
             a
             ●●ing
             .
          
           
             Col.
             1
             :
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             
          
           
             Col.
             116.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             3.
             35.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             5.
             20.
             
          
           
             Joh.
             15.
             15.
             
          
           
             Wis.
             7.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             4.
             5.
             
          
           
             Note
             ,
             All
             this
             is
             spoken
             for
             Encouragement
             and
             Imitation
             .
          
           
             Gal.
             3.
             21
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             5.
             21.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             25
             ,
             26
             ,
             27.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             5.
             30.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             5.
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             ●15
             .
          
           
             Heb.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             15.
             4
             
          
           
             Psal.
             51.
             16.
             17.
             
          
           
             Luke
             15.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13
             1.
             
          
           
             Mark.
             12.
             30
             ,
             31.
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             13.
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           
             y
             s
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             3.
             10.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             17.
             8.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             14.
             15.
             
          
           
             Prov.
             3.
             19
             ,
             20.
             
          
           
             Job
             .
             7.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             11.
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Dan.
             11.
             35.
             
          
           
             Zech.
             13.
             9.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             1.
             6
             ,
             7.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.
             12
             ,
             13
             ,
             14.
             
          
           
             1
             Pet.
             4.
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Dr.
             Hammond
             .
          
           
             Psal.
             21.
             
          
           
             Tully
             in
             Somn.
             Scipion
             .
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             9.
             6
             
          
           
             1
             Joh.
             4.
             20.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             11.
             12.
             
          
           
             Ro●●●●●
             
          
           
             1
             C
             
          
           
             Isai.
             55.
             
          
           
             Isai.
             54.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Isai.
             62.
             3.
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             *
             Rom.
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             †
             Ro.
             8.
             17.
             
          
           
             *
             Rev.
             21.
             7.
             
          
           
             Job
             .
          
           
             Rev.
             4.
             11.
             
          
           
             Rev.
             15.
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             40.
             5.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             183.
             17
             ,
             18.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A63047-e27760
           
             Of
             Hereticks
             and
             Schismaticks
             .
          
           
             1
             Cor
             4.
             
             ●