and_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n let_v he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o use_v such_o wholesome_a mortification_n as_o may_v bring_v his_o appetite_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o reasonable_a power_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o drunkenness_n be_v his_o darling_n vice_n let_v he_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o be_v red_a when_o it_o give_v its_o colour_n in_o the_o cup_n when_o it_o move_v itself_o aright_o but_o consider_v that_o at_o last_o it_o bit_v like_o a_o serpent_n 32._o prov._n 23.31_o 32._o and_o sting_v like_o a_o adder_n let_v he_o put_v a_o knife_n to_o his_o throat_n in_o solomon_n phrase_n when_o he_o be_v in_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a company_n i._n e._n consider_v the_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o of_o abuse_v those_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o intemperance_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v design_v for_o his_o comfort_n and_o support_v and_o let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v all_o such_o place_n and_o company_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v excess_n and_o riot_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o joseph_n be_v solicit_v by_o his_o lascivious_a mistress_n to_o defile_v his_o master_n bed_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hearken_v unto_o she_o 39.10_o gen._n 39.10_o or_o tarry_v with_o she_o in_o the_o house_n the_o nazarenes_n be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o wine_n will_v not_o eat_v the_o husk_n and_o kernel_n of_o the_o grape_n nay_o so_o careful_a be_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pass_v through_o a_o vineyard_n lest_o they_o shall_v covet_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n very_o remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n theodosius_n who_o be_v betray_v to_o some_o rash_a and_o sinful_a action_n by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o his_o passion_n oblige_v himself_o never_o to_o execute_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n till_o he_o have_v first_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n that_o by_o give_v himself_o time_n for_o second_o and_o more_o sober_a thought_n he_o may_v calm_o deliberate_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v add_v be_v it_o needful_a this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o daily_a use_n and_o practise_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o now_o have_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o question_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o matter_n practical_a in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v second_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a with_o relation_n to_o other_o for_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o be_v good_a ourselves_o and_o our_o great_a business_n in_o this_o world_n next_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o be_v beneficial_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n possible_a to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o please_v god_n and_o glorify_v he_o but_o pursue_v our_o own_o true_a interest_n also_o for_o since_o every_o man_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a of_o that_o society_n in_o which_o he_o live_v whatsoever_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o community_n must_v in_o the_o end_n redound_v upon_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_a to_o ourselves_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v as_o useful_a and_o helpful_a as_o possible_o we_o can_v be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v embark_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n 5.9_o rom._n 5.9_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v say_v the_o apostle_n goodness_n or_o a_o charitable_a disposition_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n i._n e._n a_o inclination_n to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v able_a to_o all_o man_n be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o carry_v such_o endear_n charm_v along_o with_o it_o that_o a_o man_n will_v rather_o venture_v his_o own_o life_n than_o such_o a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o his_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o employ_v all_o those_o talent_n god_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a reprove_v the_o faulty_a make_v peace_n among_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o administer_a to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o expend_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v more_o than_o will_v make_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n for_o ourselves_o and_o family_n according_a to_o that_o station_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n lay_v down_o negative_o in_o the_o text._n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n i.e._n we_o must_v set_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o open_o injurious_a to_o he_o or_o do_v he_o wrong_v in_o his_o person_n estate_n or_o good_a name_n but_o we_o must_v avoid_v speak_v any_o word_n that_o look_v like_o a_o injury_n or_o have_v thou_o but_o a_o oblique_a tendency_n to_o his_o disparagement_n and_o disgrace_n or_o which_o have_v any_o probability_n of_o be_v misinterpret_v for_o a_o affront_n if_o we_o foresee_v it_o may_v draw_v any_o ill_a consequence_n after_o it_o or_o give_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o just_a offence_n we_o ought_v to_o restrain_v ourselves_o and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o herein_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o good_a turn_v which_o lie_n in_o our_o power_n that_o we_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o self-love_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n towards_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n deal_v with_o he_o as_o we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o as_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o and_o as_o emphatical_o express_v as_o they_o can_v be_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v we_o almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a inducement_n our_o unquestionable_a interest_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n seem_v so_o concern_v for_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v rather_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 9.13_o matth._n 9.13_o he_o be_v better_a please_v with_o mercy_n i._n e._n do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n a_o duty_n which_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n those_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o a_o sense_n and_o principle_n of_o honour_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o bear_v a_o sincere_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n and_o their_o friend_n to_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o punctual_a observer_n of_o their_o word_n we_o may_v find_v example_n enough_o among_o the_o heathen_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v patriot_n to_o their_o country_n and_o have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o generous_a instance_n of_o a_o inviolable_a friendship_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v no_o more_o argument_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n but_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o action_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o general_a rule_n in_o relation_n to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o i._o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o to_o do_v any_o action_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n evil_a though_o we_o be_v assure_v some_o great_a good_a may_v be_v effect_v thereby_o ii_o we_o must_v sometime_o omit_v even_o good_a action_n when_o they_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o evil_n or_o a_o reasonable_a offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o
twenty_o thousand_o or_o else_o whilst_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o he_o send_v a_o embassage_n and_o desire_v condition_n of_o peace_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o these_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a race_n what_o temptation_n he_o must_v encounter_v withal_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o purpose_v to_o forego_v every_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o than_o deny_v his_o saviour_n he_o can_v never_o be_v christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n so_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o good_a resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v acquit_v ourselves_o like_o christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o cowardly_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o desert_v his_o colour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o self_n and_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o galatian_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o try_v as_o that_o a_o man_n action_n may_v be_v thorough_o know_v and_o approve_v fift_v and_o make_v evident_a and_o that_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a wellbeing_a be_v evident_a 2._o from_o reason_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o if_o we_o design_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v frequent_o compare_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consider_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o act_v as_o become_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o sinful_a passion_n and_o though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o strong_a resolution_n though_o they_o can_v set_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o exact_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o which_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v they_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o disorderly_a affection_n and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o he_o have_v his_o fail_n his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o assault_v he_o on_o that_o side_n where_o he_o lie_v most_o open_a to_o temptation_n and_o will_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n a_o good_a man_n can_v take_v be_v frequent_o to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o consider_v when_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o what_o betray_v he_o into_o that_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a action_n and_o have_v discover_v this_o hearty_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n to_o fence_v and_o guard_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o resolve_v steadfast_o never_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v again_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v many_o action_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o we_o good_a and_o praiseworthy_a which_o when_o more_o narrow_o consider_v and_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v find_v to_o be_v crooked_a and_o deform_v such_o as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o repent_v of_o we_o place_v they_o at_o first_o in_o a_o wrong_a light_n we_o behold_v they_o through_o a_o false_a medium_fw-la our_o kindness_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o make_v they_o seem_v of_o a_o different_a complexion_n than_o they_o be_v real_o of_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v they_o without_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v every_o circumstance_n then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o we_o admire_v ourselves_o for_o quality_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o applaud_v ourselves_o for_o action_n which_o be_v nothing_o worth_a we_o perform_v they_o either_o out_o of_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o transact_v they_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o action_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n even_o those_o action_n which_o we_o esteem_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a for_o our_o righteousness_n the_o most_o regular_a act_n of_o our_o life_n our_o most_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a devotion_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n and_o want_v that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o god_n require_v in_o they_o they_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o self-love_n or_o pride_n or_o desire_v of_o honour_n or_o love_n of_o gain_n from_o fear_n of_o damage_n or_o discredit_v in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o a_o sober_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o true_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o obliquity_n of_o our_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o express_v our_o sorrow_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o resolve_v to_o act_n better_a for_o the_o future_a which_o can_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a account_n how_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v offend_v but_o far_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v amid_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o world_n our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o chief_o in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v and_o station_n he_o have_v place_v he_o in_o than_o he_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v continual_o upon_o his_o knee_n perform_v one_o uninterrupted_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v for_o this_o one_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v chief_o intend_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a relation_n but_o yet_o see_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n so_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n to_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o breast_n and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n our_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a part_n be_v in_o what_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n every_o prudent_a man_n and_o good_a husband_n do_v this_o in_o his_o secular_a concern_v he_o that_o design_n either_o to_o keep_v or_o increase_v his_o estate_n make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o keep_v his_o account_n to_o balance_v they_o often_o and_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o proportion_n his_o income_n bear_v with_o his_o expense_n and_o thus_o careful_a and_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o same_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o fade_a good_n of_o this_o world_n this_o will_v supersede_n my_o
labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o