soul_n and_o so_o long_o as_o that_o remain_v unwounded_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n god_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o have_v secret_a way_n whereby_o to_o convey_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n under_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n and_o sharp_a suffering_n he_o can_v enable_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v take_v from_o we_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o trouble_v about_o we_o he_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v persecute_v afflict_a and_o torment_v he_o can_v give_v we_o that_o ravish_a sight_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n that_o steadfast_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n as_o shall_v quite_o extinguish_v all_o sense_n of_o present_a suffering_n how_o do_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a martyr_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o may_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o those_o circumstance_n of_o danger_n and_o of_o bodily_a pain_n and_o suffering_n as_o to_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n but_o from_o god_n none_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o trust_v to_o but_o he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o life_n he_o be_v a_o sure_a refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n after_o the_o text_n when_o our_o heart_n fail_v and_o our_o strength_n fail_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o now_o what_o will_v any_o of_o we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n humane_a nature_n be_v liable_a to_o desperate_a strait_n and_o exigency_n and_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o be_v not_o provide_v against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v it_o be_v sad_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n and_o hope_n and_o yet_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n they_o will_v not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o or_o how_o to_o entertain_v their_o thought_n with_o any_o comfortable_a consideration_n under_o their_o present_a anguish_n all_o man_n natural_o resort_v to_o god_n in_o extremity_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o for_o help_v even_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a when_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o other_o comfort_n will_v run_v to_o god_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o and_o cling_v about_o he_o but_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n in_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o despise_v he_o in_o their_o prosperity_n though_o they_o owe_v that_o also_o entire_o to_o he_o but_o when_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v than_o they_o lay_v hold_v of_o he_o as_o their_o only_a refuge_n when_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o they_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v he_o early_o then_o they_o will_v cry_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o in_o that_o day_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o i_o know_v you_o not_o here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o such_o person_n that_o god_n will_v then_o appear_v terrible_a to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a when_o they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o to_o abide_v his_o frown_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o supplicate_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o despair_v of_o it_o then_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o god_n word_n will_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n etc._n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n the_o ease_n of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v that_o terrible_a passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a jew_n they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n 27.11_o therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o man_n be_v miserable_a creature_n indeed_o when_o god_n their_o maker_n do_v abandon_v they_o and_o have_v so_o far_o harden_v his_o heart_n against_o they_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o they_o seven_o and_o last_o which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o all_o the_o rest_n god_n be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o can_v give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o which_o can_v do_v this_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o property_n before_o mention_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o so_o whatever_o cause_n he_o may_v have_v to_o think_v so_o now_o what_o in_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o disquiet_n if_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n rule_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a and_o that_o god_n be_v all_o that_o to_o good_a man_n which_o have_v now_o be_v say_v of_o he_o why_o shall_v not_o our_o mind_n be_v in_o perfect_a repose_n when_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v we_o so_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v and_o frustrate_v this_o design_n if_o a_o considerate_a man_n be_v permit_v to_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o wish_v the_o great_a good_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o devise_v after_o he_o have_v search_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o result_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n will_v be_v that_o there_o be_v just_o such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o must_v necessary_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v nor_o will_v he_o choose_v any_o other_o friend_n or_o benefactor_n any_o other_o protector_n for_o himself_o or_o governor_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o infinite_a power_n conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n after_o all_o his_o enquiry_n he_o will_v come_v to_o the_o psalmist_n conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o vain_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n elsewhere_o but_o this_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o all_o account_n right_o cast_v up_o and_o adjust_v we_o shall_v at_o last_o settle_v in_o david_n resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o man_n 8._o there_o be_v many_o say_v he_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a that_o be_v man_n be_v general_o inquisitive_a after_o happiness_n but_o great_o divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o most_o man_n place_v it_o in_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n but_o david_n for_o his_o part_n pitch_v upon_o god_n in_o who_o he_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n increase_v the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o david_n have_v
uncharitable_a side_n which_o show_v humane_a nature_n to_o be_v strange_o distort_v from_o its_o original_a rectitude_n and_o innocency_n the_o wit_n of_o man_n do_v more_o natural_o vent_v itself_o in_o satyr_n and_o censure_n than_o in_o praise_n and_o panegyric_n when_o man_n set_v themselves_o to_o commend_v it_o come_v hardly_o from_o they_o and_o not_o without_o great_a force_n and_o strain_v and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v fit_o say_v in_o that_o kind_n it_o do_v hardly_o relish_v with_o most_o man_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o invective_n the_o invention_n of_o man_n be_v a_o plentiful_a and_o never-failing_a spring_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o wit_n be_v not_o more_o easy_a than_o it_o be_v acceptable_a it_o be_v greedy_o entertain_v and_o great_o applaud_v and_o every_o man_n be_v glad_a to_o hear_v other_o abuse_v not_o consider_v how_o soon_o it_o may_v come_v to_o his_o own_o turn_n to_o lie_v down_o and_o make_v sport_n for_o other_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o be_v almost_o become_v the_o general_a entertainment_n of_o all_o company_n and_o the_o great_a and_o serious_a business_n of_o most_o meeting_n and_o visit_n after_o the_o necessary_a ceremony_n and_o compliment_n be_v over_o be_v to_o fit_v down_o and_o backbite_v all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o sauce_n of_o conversation_n and_o all_o discourse_n be_v count_v but_o flat_a and_o dull_a which_o have_v not_o something_o of_o piquancy_n and_o sharpness_n in_o it_o against_o some_o body_n for_o man_n general_o love_v rather_o to_o hear_v evil_a of_o other_o than_o good_a and_o be_v secret_o please_v with_o ill_a report_n and_o drink_v they_o in_o with_o greediness_n and_o delight_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o have_v so_o much_o justice_n as_o to_o hate_v those_o that_o propagate_v they_o and_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o conclude_v that_o these_o very_a person_n will_v do_v the_o same_o for_o they_o in_o another_o place_n and_o company_n but_o especial_o if_o it_o concern_v one_o of_o another_o party_n and_o that_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o case_n all_o party_n seem_v to_o be_v agree_v that_o they_o do_v god_n great_a service_n in_o blast_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o though_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o teach_v nothing_o but_o kindness_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n yet_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v with_o what_o a_o savage_a and_o murderous_a disposition_n they_o will_v fly_v at_o one_o another_o reputation_n and_o tear_v it_o in_o piece_n and_o whatever_o other_o scruple_n they_o may_v have_v they_o make_v none_o to_o bespatter_v one_o another_o in_o the_o most_o bitter_a and_o slanderous_a manner_n but_o if_o they_o hear_v any_o good_a of_o their_o adversary_n with_o what_o nicety_n and_o caution_n do_v they_o receive_v it_o how_o many_o objection_n do_v they_o raise_v against_o it_o and_o with_o what_o coldness_n do_v they_o at_o last_o admit_v it_o it_o be_v very_o well_o say_v they_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o hear_v it_o confirm_v i_o never_o hear_v so_o much_o good_a of_o he_o before_o you_o be_v a_o good_a man_n yourself_o but_o have_v a_o care_v you_o be_v not_o deceive_v nay_o it_o be_v well_o if_o to_o balance_v the_o matter_n and_o set_v thing_n even_o they_o do_v not_o clap_v some_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n into_o the_o other_o scale_n that_o so_o the_o enemy_n may_v not_o go_v off_o with_o fly_a colour_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n every_o man_n be_v a_o good_a and_o substantial_a author_n of_o a_o ill_a report_n i_o do_v not_o apply_v this_o to_o any_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n though_o all_o be_v to_o blame_v in_o this_o way_n iliaco_n intra_fw-la muros_fw-la peccatur_fw-la &_o extra_fw-la to_o speak_v impartial_o the_o zealot_n of_o all_o party_n have_v get_v a_o scurvy_a trick_n of_o lie_v for_o the_o truth_n but_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n i_o have_v observe_v the_o priest_n and_o bigot_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o be_v the_o able_a in_o this_o way_n and_o to_o have_v the_o strong_a faith_n for_o a_o lusty_a falsehood_n and_o calumny_n other_o will_v bandy_v a_o false_a report_n and_o toss_v it_o from_o one_o hand_n to_o another_o but_o i_o never_o know_v any_o that_o will_v so_o hug_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v so_o very_o fond_a of_o it_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v describe_v by_o st._n john_n in_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o revelation_n whosoever_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n another_o shrewd_a sign_n that_o ill-nature_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v that_o we_o easy_o forget_v the_o good_a that_o be_v say_v of_o other_o and_o seldom_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o but_o the_o contrary_a stick_n with_o we_o and_o lie_v uppermost_a in_o our_o memory_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o come_v out_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o ill-natured_a and_o unjust_a many_o time_n when_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o ourselves_o we_o tell_v it_o to_o other_o with_o this_o charitable_a caution_n that_o we_o hope_v it_o be_v not_o true_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o give_v it_o our_o pass_n and_o venture_v it_o to_o take_v its_o fortune_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o not_o according_a to_o the_o charity_n of_o those_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o come_v second_o another_o cause_n of_o the_o commonness_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v that_o many_o be_v so_o bad_a themselves_o in_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o for_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v ill_a of_o other_o be_v not_o only_o a_o bad_a thing_n but_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o bad-man_n our_o bless_a saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o the_o last_o day_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o charity_n among_o man_n 24.12_o because_o iniquity_n shall_v abound_v the_o love_n of_o many_o shall_v wax_v cold_a when_o man_n be_v bad_a themselves_o they_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o opportunity_n to_o censure_v other_o and_o be_v always_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o evil_n of_o other_o man_n which_o they_o know_v by_o themselves_o they_o can_v have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o have_v so_o of_o any_o body_n else_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o level_n hope_v it_o will_v be_v some_o justification_n of_o they_o if_o they_o can_v but_o render_v other_o as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o three_o another_o source_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v malice_n and_o revenge_n when_o man_n be_v in_o heat_n and_o passion_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v what_o be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v spiteful_a and_o mischievous_a and_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o in_o revenge_n of_o some_o injury_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o and_o when_o they_o be_v blind_v by_o their_o passion_n they_o lay_v about_o they_o mad_o and_o at_o a_o venture_n not_o much_o care_v whether_o the_o evil_a they_o speak_v be_v true_a or_o not_o nay_o many_o be_v so_o devilish_a as_o to_o invent_v and_o raise_v false_a report_n on_o purpose_n to_o blast_v man_n reputation_n this_o be_v a_o diabolical_a temper_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o slanderous_a tongue_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o very_a name_n from_o calumny_n and_o false_a accusation_n and_o it_o be_v his_o nature_n too_o for_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o stir_v up_o and_o foment_n this_o evil_a spirit_n among_o man_n nay_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v the_o malice_n and_o impudence_n to_o accuse_v good_a man_n before_o god_n as_o he_o do_v job_n charge_v he_o with_o hypocrisy_n to_o god_n himself_o who_o he_o know_v do_v know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n four_o another_o cause_n of_o evil-speaking_a be_v envy_n man_n look_v with_o a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o the_o good_a that_o be_v in_o other_o and_o think_v that_o their_o reputation_n obscure_v they_o and_o that_o their_o commendable_a quality_n do_v stand_v in_o their_o light_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o cast_v a_o cloud_n over_o they_o that_o the_o bright_a shine_a of_o their_o virtue_n may_v not_o scorch_v they_o this_o make_v they_o greedy_o to_o entertain_v and_o industrious_o to_o publish_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v serve_v to_o that_o purpose_n thereby_o to_o raise_v themselves_o upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o man_n reputation_n and_o therefore_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v get_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o any_o good_a man_n by_o the_o end_n to_o work_v they_o present_o go_v to_o send_v it_o abroad_o by_o the_o first_o post_n for_o the_o string_n be_v always_o ready_a upon_o their_o bow_n to_o let_v fly_v this_o arrow_n with_o a_o
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_o 16_o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o
unbelief_n that_o be_v through_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o obtain_v this_o mercy_n without_o a_o particular_a conviction_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a christ_n though_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o yet_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o deep_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o after_o he_o have_v say_v 3.19_o i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n he_o immediate_o add_v repent_v you_o therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o so_o that_o it_o high_o concern_v man_n to_o consider_v what_o opinion_n they_o embrace_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o a_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n and_o a_o heady_a passion_n without_o a_o due_a and_o calm_a examination_n of_o thing_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o pride_n or_o humour_n or_o partiality_n or_o interest_n or_o by_o a_o furious_a and_o extravagant_a zeal_n because_o proportionable_o to_o the_o voluntariness_n of_o our_o error_n will_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o that_o error_n indeed_o where_o our_o error_n be_v involuntary_a and_o moral_o invincible_a god_n will_v consider_v it_o and_o make_v allowance_n for_o it_o but_o where_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o occasion_v by_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_n for_o whatever_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o false_a persuasion_n we_o do_v it_o at_o our_o utmost_a peril_n and_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n a_o three_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v equal_a and_o impartial_a and_o do_v not_o lay_v all_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n when_o there_o be_v perhaps_o as_o much_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v as_o tractable_a and_o easy_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n of_o our_o doubt_n in_o one_o kind_n as_o in_o another_o and_o be_v equal_o content_v to_o have_v they_o overrule_v in_o case_n that_o be_v equal_a i_o mean_v where_o our_o passion_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o concern_v as_o well_o as_o where_o they_o be_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v this_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o our_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o aim_v mere_o at_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o have_v some_o other_o interest_n and_o design_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a thing_n when_o man_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n bear_v all_o on_o one_o side_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v on_o that_o side_n which_o be_v against_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a in_o this_o case_n i_o think_v that_o a_o mere_a doubt_n and_o much_o more_o a_o scruple_n may_v nay_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n by_o the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o case_n to_o go_v against_o the_o clear_a persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o when_o there_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o in_o that_o case_n very_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v suffer_v a_o mere_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o any_o of_o those_o weighty_a consideration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o the_o four_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v accompany_v with_o turbulent_a passion_n and_o a_o furious_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o such_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o st._n james_n 1.20_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o fierce_a passion_n of_o man_n be_v no_o proper_a instrument_n to_o promote_v religion_n and_o to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v transport_v with_o a_o wild_a zeal_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o his_o fury_n it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n none_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o judge_v amiss_o as_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n nubila_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la both_o haec_fw-la ubi_fw-la regnant_a and_o if_o man_n will_v careful_o observe_v themselves_o they_o may_v almost_o certain_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o reason_n and_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v easy_a to_o itself_o and_o please_v with_o its_o own_o do_n but_o when_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o discontent_n be_v a_o weight_n upon_o his_o judgement_n and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v down_o his_o conscience_n to_o a_o compliance_n no_o wonder_n if_o this_o put_v a_o man_n mind_n into_o a_o very_a unnatural_a and_o uneasy_a state_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o broad_a sign_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o rage_n and_o be_v confident_a because_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o settle_v upon_o clear_a reason_n but_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v over_o his_o conscience_n to_o his_o interest_n or_o to_o his_o humour_n and_o discontent_n and_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o blind_v by_o his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v right_a yet_o methinks_v he_o shall_v feel_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n by_o his_o be_v so_o very_o hot_a and_o impatient_a be_v thou_o sure_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o right_a thou_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v please_v what_o cause_n then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o be_v angry_a have_v a_o man_n reason_n on_o his_o side_n what_o will_v he_o have_v more_o why_o then_o do_v he_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n which_o as_o it_o give_v no_o strength_n to_o a_o bad_a argument_n so_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o grace_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o good_a one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o perpetual_a mistake_n of_o this_o furious_a kind_n of_o zeal_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o a_o lamentable_a example_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o more_o particular_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n from_o a_o false_a and_o erroneous_a persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n describe_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o do_n whilst_o he_o be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n i_o persecute_v 22.4_o say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o in_o another_o chapter_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n here_o be_v his_o erroneous_a conscience_n let_v we_o next_o see_v what_o be_v the_o unhappy_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 10_o 11_o which_o thing_n say_v he_o i_o also_o do_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n when_o conscience_n transport_v man_n with_o such_o a_o furious_a zeal_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v hardly_o ever_o in_o the_o right_a or_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o transport_v by_o their_o ungracious_a way_n of_o maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o their_o ill_a management_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n have_v find_v out_o a_o cunning_a way_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n five_o all_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o modesty_n and_o humility_n and_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n willing_a to_o learn_v and_o
the_o accidental_a ornament_n of_o our_o fortune_n if_o they_o descend_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o our_o birth_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n and_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o procurement_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o hand_n we_o can_v hardly_o call_v our_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o prudent_a industry_n that_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n of_o glory_v because_o man_n of_o much_o slow_a understanding_n do_v common_o outdo_v other_o in_o diligence_n and_o drudge_a their_o mind_n lie_v more_o level_a to_o the_o low_a design_n of_o be_v rich_a at_o the_o best_a riches_n be_v uncertain_a charge_v they_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high-minded_a nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n man_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o pride_n themselves_o or_o to_o place_v their_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o even_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v of_o riches_n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n he_o express_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n sit_v brood_v over_o a_o estate_n till_o it_o be_v fledge_v and_o have_v get_v itself_o wing_n to_o fly_v away_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o sting_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v that_o many_o man_n have_v a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o a_o good_a estate_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o may_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n so_o the_o same_o wise_a man_n observe_v 5.13_o there_o be_v a_o sore_a evil_n which_o i_o have_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n namely_o riches_n keep_v for_o the_o owner_n thereof_o to_o their_o hurt_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o example_n that_o a_o very_a rich_a man_n have_v be_v except_v out_o of_o a_o general_a pardon_n both_o as_o to_o life_n and_o estate_n for_o no_o other_o visible_a reason_n but_o his_o vast_a and_o overgrow_a fortune_n so_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o again_o 1.18_o such_o be_v the_o way_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v greedy_a of_o gain_n which_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o owner_n thereof_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v proud_a of_o his_o danger_n of_o that_o which_o one_o time_n or_o other_o may_v be_v the_o certain_a and_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o rich_a to_o be_v forgive_v a_o fault_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v prosecute_v against_o a_o man_n of_o a_o middle_a fortune_n for_o these_o reason_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o let_v not_o the_o rich_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o riches_n ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v matter_n of_o true_a glory_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o here_o be_v two_o word_n use_v to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o full_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n which_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o import_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o these_o apprehension_n that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o the_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o best_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n and_o such_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v thus_o lovingkindness_n comprehend_v god_n mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n judgement_n signify_v his_o severe_a deal_n with_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o chastisement_n of_o his_o people_n or_o in_o the_o remarkable_a punishment_n of_o great_a offender_n for_o example_n and_o warning_n to_o other_o righteousness_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o to_o denote_v that_o universal_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n here_o below_o for_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n several_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o self-existence_n independence_n and_o all-sufficiency_n the_o eternity_n and_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o god_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o and_o to_o be_v a_o match_n for_o all_o the_o world_n a_o nec_fw-la pluribus_fw-la impar_fw-la be_v not_o a_o motto_n fit_a for_o a_o mortal_a man_n a_o creature_n may_v swell_v with_o pride_n till_o it_o burst_v before_o it_o can_v stretch_v itself_o to_o this_o pitch_n of_o power_n and_o greatness_n it_o be_v a_o insufferable_a presumption_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o be_v to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o ambition_n of_o lucifer_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a in_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n we_o must_v still_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o god_n and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v have_v thou_o a_o arm_n like_o god_n 40.9_o and_o can_v thou_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o god_n himself_o argue_v with_o job_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v these_o perfection_n himself_o and_o to_o see_v they_o imitate_v by_o we_o and_o the_o imitation_n of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v our_o perfection_n and_o glory_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o glory_n that_o they_o be_v very_o despicable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n knowledge_n and_o skill_n to_o devise_v mischief_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n those_o apostate_n and_o accurse_a spirit_n who_o in_o temper_n and_o disposition_n be_v most_o contrary_a to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o all_o perfection_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o observation_n or_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o then_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n to_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unquestionable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a idea_n and_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n first_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unquestionable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n upon_o those_o more_o especial_o which_o to_o we_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a such_o as_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o text._n and_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o these_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o so_o valuable_a because_o all_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n insomuch_o that_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o do_v suppose_v these_o for_o its_o foundation_n and_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o unless_o these_o be_v first_o know_v and_o believe_v for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o he_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o natural_o know_v that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v
sake_n of_o that_o to_o deny_v themselves_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v themselves_o do_v i_o say_v no_o they_o have_v wise_o and_o judicious_o choose_v the_o true_a and_o high_a pleasure_n that_o this_o world_n know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o do_v good_a and_o be_v benefactor_n to_o mankind_n may_v they_o have_v a_o long_a and_o happy_a reign_n over_o we_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o to_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n without_o measure_n and_o without_o end_n in_o god_n glorious_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n against_o evil-speaking_a preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n febr._n the_o 25_o the_o 1693_o 4._o a_o sermon_n against_o evil-speaking_a tit._n iij._o 2_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n general_n persuasive_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o invective_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n at_o large_a be_v certain_o of_o good_a use_n to_o recommend_v religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o vicious_a course_n but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o general_a discourse_n do_v not_o so_o immediate_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n because_o they_o fall_v among_o the_o crowd_n but_o do_v not_o touch_v the_o conscience_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o so_o sensible_a and_o awaken_n a_o manner_n as_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o and_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o other_o by_o proper_a argument_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o general_a way_n be_v as_o if_o a_o physician_n instead_o of_o apply_v particular_a remedy_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o his_o patient_n shall_v entertain_v he_o with_o a_o long_a discourse_n of_o disease_n in_o general_a and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o health_n and_o earnest_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v well_o without_o take_v his_o particular_a disease_n into_o consideration_n and_o prescribe_v remedy_n for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v effectual_o reform_v man_n we_o must_v take_v to_o task_n the_o great_a and_o common_a disorder_n of_o their_o life_n and_o represent_v their_o fault_n to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o cure_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o common_a and_o reign_a vice_n of_o the_o age_n calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a by_o which_o man_n contract_v so_o much_o guilt_n to_o themselves_o and_o create_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o other_o and_o from_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v few_o or_o none_o be_v whole_o free_a for_o who_o be_v he_o 19.16_o say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n that_o have_v not_o offend_v with_o his_o tongue_n in_o many_o thing_n 3.2_o say_v st._n james_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n but_o how_o few_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n and_o yet_o unless_o we_o do_v endeavour_v after_o it_o and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n attain_v it_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v vain_a so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1.26_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v reduce_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o five_o head_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o due_a extent_n of_o this_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n three_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o evil_a of_o this_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o four_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o further_a consideration_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o it_o five_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o cure_n of_o it_o i._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o sin_n or_o vice_n of_o evil_a speak_n here_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o defame_v and_o slander_v any_o man_n not_o to_o hurt_v his_o reputation_n as_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n do_v import_v so_o that_o this_o vice_n consist_v in_o say_v thing_n of_o other_o which_o tend_v to_o their_o disparagement_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o take_v away_o or_o lessen_v of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o thing_n say_v be_v true_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v false_a and_o we_o know_v it_o than_o it_o be_v downright_a calumny_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o it_o be_v however_o a_o slander_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o injurious_a because_o real_o groundless_a and_o undeserved_a if_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o defamation_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o neighbour_n reputation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o say_v the_o evil_a of_o other_o which_o be_v true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o beside_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o charity_n and_o goodness_n which_o christianity_n require_v to_o divulge_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o though_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o they_o without_o necessity_n or_o some_o other_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o again_o it_o be_v evil-speaking_a and_o the_o vice_n condemn_v in_o the_o text_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o a_o ill_a report_n or_o relate_v it_o from_o other_o because_o the_o man_n that_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o be_v equal_o defame_v either_o way_n again_o whether_o we_o speak_v evil_a of_o a_o man_n to_o his_o face_n or_o behind_o his_o back_n the_o former_a way_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o generous_a but_o yet_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v revile_v the_o latter_a be_v more_o mean_a and_o base_a and_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o call_v slander_n or_o backbiting_a and_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v direct_o and_o in_o express_a term_n or_o more_o obscure_o and_o by_o way_n of_o oblique_a insinuation_n whether_o by_o way_n of_o downright_a reproach_n or_o with_o some_o crafty_a preface_n of_o commendation_n for_o so_o it_o have_v the_o effect_n to_o defame_v the_o manner_n of_o address_n do_v not_o much_o alter_v the_o case_n the_o one_o may_v be_v more_o dextrous_a but_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n less_o faulty_a for_o many_o time_n the_o deep_a wound_n be_v give_v by_o these_o smooth_a and_o more_o artificial_a way_n of_o slander_n as_o by_o ask_v question_n have_v you_o not_o hear_v so_o and_o so_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v no_o more_o i_o only_o ask_v the_o question_n or_o by_o general_a intimation_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o a_o one_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o and_o this_o many_o time_n without_o tell_v the_o thing_n but_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o suspect_v the_o worst_a these_o and_o such_o like_a art_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v tender_a and_o gentle_a way_n of_o use_v man_n reputation_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v the_o most_o malicious_a and_o effectual_a method_n of_o slander_n because_o they_o insinuate_v something_o that_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o be_v very_o 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very_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a the_o question_n be_v in_o what_o case_n by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n we_o be_v warrant_v to_o say_v the_o evil_a of_o other_o that_o be_v true_a in_o general_n we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v this_o without_o great_a reason_n and_o necessity_n as_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o advice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o foe_n talk_v not_o of_o other_o man_n life_n 19.8_o and_o if_o thou_o can_v without_o offence_n reveal_v they_o not_o that_o be_v if_o without_o hurt_n to_o any_o body_n thou_o can_v conceal_v they_o divulge_v they_o not_o but_o because_o this_o may_v not_o be_v direction_n sufficient_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a case_n wherein_o man_n be_v warrant_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o and_o yet_o in_o so_o do_v do_v not_o offend_v against_o this_o prohibition_n in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o commendable_a and_o many_o time_n our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o probable_a amendment_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o evil_o be_v speak_v in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o may_v tell_v a_o man_n of_o his_o fault_n private_o or_o where_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o use_v that_o boldness_n and_o freedom_n we_o may_v reveal_v his_o fault_n to_o one_o who_o be_v more_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o reprove_v he_o and_o will_v probable_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o this_o discovery_n but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o amendment_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a testimony_n of_o it_o for_o perhaps_o the_o party_n may_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o have_v be_v report_v of_o he_o and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o 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if_o we_o do_v it_o to_o show_v our_o authority_n rather_o than_o our_o charity_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o address_n and_o gentle_a application_n so_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n of_o reproof_n as_o not_o to_o irritate_fw-la and_o exasperate_v the_o person_n who_o we_o reprove_v instead_o of_o cure_v he_o second_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v legal_o call_v to_o bear_v witness_n concern_v the_o fault_n and_o crime_n of_o another_o a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v a_o accuser_n unless_o the_o public_a good_a or_o the_o prevention_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n shall_v require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o plain_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o voluntary_a accusation_n otherwise_o it_o have_v always_o among_o well-mannered_a people_n be_v esteem_v very_o odious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v officious_a in_o this_o kind_n and_o a_o forward_a informer_n concern_v the_o misdemeanour_n of_o other_o magistrate_n may_v sometime_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v encouragement_n to_o such_o person_n and_o to_o set_v one_o bad_a man_n to_o catch_v another_o because_o such_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o such_o dirty_a work_n but_o they_o can_v never_o inward_o approve_v they_o nor_o will_v they_o ever_o make_v they_o their_o friend_n and_o confident_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o this_o kind_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_a blame_n for_o so_o do_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a fault_n in_o he_o to_o conceal_v the_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o publish_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o in_o our_o own_o necessary_a defence_n and_o vindication_n when_o a_o man_n can_v conceal_v another_o fault_n without_o betray_v his_o own_o innocency_n no_o charity_n require_v a_o man_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v defame_v to_o save_v the_o reputation_n of_o another_o man_n charity_n begin_v at_o home_n and_o though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o goodness_n he_o will_v first_o secure_v his_o own_o good_a name_n and_o then_o be_v concern_v for_o other_o man_n we_o be_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o first_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o our_o charity_n will_v rise_v thus_o high_a and_o no_o man_n will_v hurt_v another_o man_n reputation_n but_o where_o his_o own_o be_v in_o real_a danger_n four_o this_o also_o be_v lawful_a for_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o a_o three_o person_n that_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o company_n or_o ill_a example_n of_o another_o or_o may_v be_v great_o prejudice_v by_o repose_v too_o much_o confidence_n in_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o suspicion_n of_o his_o bad_a quality_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o the_o ill_a character_n we_o give_v of_o any_o man_n be_v spread_v no_o further_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a end_n we_o design_v in_o it_o beside_o these_o more_o obvious_a and_o remarkable_a case_n this_o prohibition_n do_v not_o i_o think_v hinder_v but_o that_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n man_n may_v mention_v that_o ill_a of_o other_o which_o be_v already_o make_v as_o public_a as_o it_o well_o can_v be_v or_o that_o one_o friend_n may_v not_o in_o freedom_n speak_v to_o another_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o a_o three_o person_n where_o he_o be_v secure_v no_o ill_a use_n will_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v go_v no_o further_o to_o his_o prejudice_n provide_v always_o that_o we_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o hear_v or_o speak_v ill_o of_o other_o and_o the_o less_o we_o do_v it_o though_o without_o any_o malice_n or_o design_n of_o harm_n still_o the_o better_a because_o this_o show_n that_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o ill_a report_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o man_n and_o these_o be_v so_o evident_o reasonable_a that_o the_o prohibition_n in_o the_o text_n can_v with_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o if_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v himself_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o another_o man_n good_a name_n but_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n the_o tongue_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o innocent_a and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v very_o quiet_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o d_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o this_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o it_o common_o spring_v from_o one_o or_o more_o of_o 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