_Theophilus._ A spiritual book, _Academicus_, is a call to as real and total a death to the life of corrupt nature, as that which _Adam_ died in paradise, was to the loss of heaven. All our redemption consists in our regaining that first life of heaven, to which _Adam_ died in paradise: and the one work of redemption, is the one work of raising up a life and spirit, contrary to that we derive from our fallen parents. To think therefore of any thing, but the continual, total denial of our earthly nature, is to overlook the one thing on which all depends. And to hope for any thing, to trust or pray for any thing, but the _life of God_, in our souls, is as useless to us, as placing our hope and trust in a graven image. Now is your time, _Academicus_, to enter deeply into this great truth. You are just come out of the slumber of life, and begin to see the nature of your salvation. You are charmed with the discovery of a kingdom of heaven within you, and long to be entertained more and more with the nature, progress, and perfection of this kingdom in your soul. But, my friend, stop a little. It is indeed great joy that the _pearl of great price_ is found; but take notice, it is not your’s till, as the merchant did, _you sell all that you have_, and buy it. Think of a lower price, or be unwilling to give thus much for it; plead in your excuse, that you keep the commandments, and then you are that very rich young man in the gospel, who went away sorrowful from our Lord, when he had said, _If thou wilt be perfect_, that is, if thou wilt obtain the pearl, _sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor_; that is, die to thyself and then thou hast given all that thou hast to the poor, all is devoted and used for the love of God and thy neighbour. The apostate nature corrupts every thing it touches; it defiles every thing it receives; it turns all the gifts and blessings of God into coveteousness, partiality, pride, hatred and envy.