attention this work is to be read. The heathens write of their renowned Hercules, that, being grown up to those years when men use to choose what course of life they will follow, he retired to a solitary place to consider seriously upon this matter, where there occured to him two distinct methods of living, the one of virtue, the other of pleasure; and after weighing bboth of them maturely, he at last resolved to follow the way of virtue, and forsake that of delight. If any thing in this world requires good advice, and a steady resolution, it is the same: for if we so often make reflection on those things which are for the benefit of life, how much more application ought we to make for the business of life itself, especially since in the world there are many guides and ways of living.
7. This it is, Christian reader, I would have you do, and what I invite you to, viz. that laying aside for a short time, all the cares and business of the world, you withdraw yourself into this spiritual solitude, and diligently consider what course of life you had best to steer. Remember that, among all worldly concerns, there is none which requires more solitude, and a longer study, than the choice of what life we are to follow: for, if this be rightly instituted, all other things will go right; and, on the contrary, if this be mistaken, every thing else will go wrong. So that to be right or wrong, in other cases, concerns only particulars; this alone is universal and comprehends all. For what can be built upon an ill foundation? What will all other prosperities, and prudential acts signify, if life itself be disorderly? Or what harm can all the adversities and mistakes do, if life be duly formed? What is a man advantaged (says our Saviour) if he gain the whole world and lose himself, and case away himself? Luke ix. 25. So that there is not, under the sun, any business of more moment to be treated than this; nor is there any that more nearly concerns man; for it is not his honor or fortune that lies at stake here, but the life of his soul, and everlasting bliss. Do not, therefore, read this cursorily, as you do other things, turning over many leaves, and hastening to the end, but sit down like a judge on the tribunal of your heart, and give ear to these words with silence and attention. This is no business to be done with precipitation, but requires much sedateness, as treating of the whole business of life, and all that depends on it. Consider how nice you are in examining worldly affairs, since you will not stand to the judgement of one bence, but appeal to higher courts and judges, that they may not miscarry. And since the matter you have in hand does not concern earth but heaven, not the things belonging to you, but your own soul; remember this is not to be treated negligently, as if you were half asleep, but with much application. If hitherto you have been in the wrong, reckon yourself now new born in the world; let us now call ourselves to an
account, let us wipe off all past miscarriages, and turn over a new
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