mankind_n be_v general_o wed_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v more_o influence_v by_o education_n and_o custom_n than_o reason_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v convince_v they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n yet_o it_o go_v against_o the_o grain_n to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v their_o error_n for_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o distinguish_a character_n of_o mankind_n that_o which_o render_v one_o man_n more_o excellent_a than_o another_o and_o by_o consequence_n give_v the_o superiority_n for_o whoever_o be_v mistake_v must_v acknowledge_v his_o defect_n in_o wisdom_n or_o prudence_n at_o least_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a and_o that_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n a_o fool_n which_o be_v the_o great_a reproach_n and_o imputation_n can_v be_v cast_v upon_o a_o man._n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o amid_o the_o hurry_n of_o worldly_a business_n and_o the_o many_o emergency_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o best_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o folly_n and_o oversight_n yet_o we_o shall_v find_v few_o man_n willing_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o it_o be_v grace_n alone_o which_o by_o render_v we_o true_o humble_a can_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o miserable_a and_o indigent_a condition_n 3.17_o rev._n 3.17_o and_o how_o poor_a and_o blind_a and_o naked_a we_o be_v these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v encounter_v withal_o by_o that_o man_n who_o undertake_v to_o reprove_v his_o neighbour_n which_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discourage_v any_o wise_a man_n from_o venture_v upon_o this_o province_n be_v he_o influence_v only_o by_o prudential_a principle_n and_o temporal_a inducement_n but_o since_o god_n have_v make_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a man_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v iii_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o and_o encouragement_n to_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v such_o as_o these_o consider_v 1._o that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 2._o much_o goodwill_n redound_v to_o our_o neighbour_n 3._o we_o ourselves_o shall_v reap_v much_o benefit_n thereby_o 4._o we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v bring_v much_o glory_n to_o god_n by_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o prevent_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o best_a way_n to_o keep_v out_o that_o deluge_n of_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n looseness_n and_o debauchery_n which_o of_o late_a year_n be_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v our_o ruin_n be_v vigorous_o and_o courageous_o to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o show_v our_o open_a detestation_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o if_o possible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o prevail_a vice_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o when_o the_o calamity_n be_v grow_v public_a there_o be_v no_o stand_a neuter_n he_o that_o be_v not_o active_a and_o zealous_a in_o this_o matter_n and_o do_v not_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o discourage_v vice_n and_o profaneness_n be_v to_o be_v deem_v a_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n against_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o when_o man_n who_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o expect_v salvation_n through_o his_o merit_n shall_v sit_v still_o and_o hear_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o jest_n and_o drollery_n of_o profane_a man_n his_o gospel_n ridicule_v his_o holy_a name_n dishonour_v and_o not_o be_v move_v and_o transport_v against_o such_o blasphemous_a discourse_n when_o they_o shall_v show_v no_o open_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n at_o unjust_a unrighteous_a or_o wicked_a action_n they_o give_v these_o impious_a wretch_n too_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o make_v profession_n of_o religion_n with_o their_o mouth_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o fool_n 10.1_o psal_n 10.1_o as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a true_a sense_n and_o reverence_n for_o a_o supreme_a be_v as_o themselves_o for_o what_o generous_a man_n can_v be_v content_v to_o sit_v still_o and_o hear_v his_o best_a friend_n reproach_v and_o speak_v ill_o off_o what_o dutiful_a son_n can_v endure_v that_o any_o aspersion_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o his_o father_n that_o his_o word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v ridicule_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o resent_v the_o affront_n much_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o be_v zealous_a when_o we_o hear_v profane_a wretch_n set_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o god_n that_o make_v they_o and_o with_o one_o breath_n of_o his_o displeasure_n can_v reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o or_o into_o a_o condition_n worse_o than_o nothing_o if_o good_a man_n will_v resent_v this_o dishonour_n do_v to_o god_n and_o reprove_v those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o man_n may_v be_v private_o wicked_a but_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o public_o profane_a there_o may_v be_v many_o ill_a man_n but_o there_o will_v be_v very_o few_o ill_a example_n vice_n will_v be_v out_o of_o countenance_n and_o be_v deprive_v of_o its_o keen_a weapon_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n fashionableness_n and_o imitation_n 12.3_o dan._n 12.3_o and_o if_o those_o who_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n shall_v shine_v as_o the_o star_n of_o the_o firmament_n certain_o those_o who_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v other_o from_o be_v wicked_a shall_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o due_a reward_n 2._o our_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v much_o benefit_n by_o a_o friendly_a admonition_n for_o though_o at_o first_o reproof_n will_v be_v unwelcome_a and_o troublesome_a and_o he_o may_v be_v rather_o enrage_v than_o amend_v by_o it_o yet_o by_o degree_n a_o gentle_a reproof_n will_v make_v its_o way_n and_o gain_n upon_o he_o and_o if_o ever_o he_o come_v to_o be_v reform_v he_o will_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o quiet_v of_o mind_n in_o this_o life_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o who_o can_v be_v just_o sensible_a what_o inestimable_a benefit_n he_o confer_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o what_o apparent_a danger_n he_o deliver_v he_o from_o by_o be_v instrumental_a in_o his_o reformation_n and_o yet_o think_v any_o pain_n too_o great_a to_o bring_v about_o this_o excellent_a work_n for_o shall_v wicked_a man_n take_v more_o pain_n to_o pervert_v and_o ruin_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n then_o good_a man_n shall_v to_o save_v they_o alive_a shall_v the_o drunkard_n and_o lascivious_a person_n be_v more_o diligent_a to_o draw_v other_o into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n than_o the_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a be_v to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o those_o vice_n this_o will_v be_v to_o dishonour_v our_o christian_a profession_n and_o public_o to_o own_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o faithful_a servant_n than_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n let_v we_o therefore_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o make_v it_o his_o chief_a business_n to_o reprove_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n 16.8_o john_n 16.8_o he_o come_v upon_o this_o errand_n live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o painful_a and_o ignominious_a death_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o he_o may_v turn_v sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o their_o way_n and_o promote_v virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reprove_v our_o neighbour_n be_v therefore_o the_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n since_o hereby_o we_o design_v he_o the_o great_a good_a imaginable_a the_o happiness_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o rather_o prevail_v upon_o to_o attempt_v since_o 3._o by_o reprove_v other_o we_o may_v reap_v much_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o it_o ourselves_o first_o hereby_o we_o shall_v provide_v ourselves_o a_o friend_n to_o do_v the_o samekind_a office_n for_o we_o for_o most_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o recriminate_a and_o when_o they_o be_v touch_v to_o the_o quick_a themselves_o they_o think_v to_o extenuate_v their_o crime_n by_o find_v fault_n with_o those_o who_o reprove_v they_o and_o since_o we_o be_v all_o weak_a and_o infirm_a creature_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o like_a passion_n with_o other_o man_n a_o most_o excellent_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o such_o recrimination_n we_o may_v hence_o discover_v our_o most_o secret_a fault_n and_o form_v a_o effectual_a motive_n to_o amend_v they_o for_o 2._o it_o will_v make_v we_o ashamed_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n which_o
excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o the_o ill_a entertainment_n which_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n have_v find_v in_o the_o world_n for_o its_o precept_n be_v so_o rational_a so_o easy_a so_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n even_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o will_v be_v every_o wise_a man_n choice_n be_v they_o not_o his_o duty_n and_o yet_o beside_o the_o internal_a goodness_n and_o conveniency_n of_o those_o command_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o with_o many_o powerful_a motive_n he_o have_v denounce_v many_o dreadful_a punishment_n against_o those_o person_n who_o disobey_v they_o punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v even_o by_o those_o who_o must_v undergo_v they_o he_o have_v propose_v many_o excellent_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o comply_v with_o they_o such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o understand_v these_o thing_n be_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v one_o will_v think_v the_o christian_a religion_n can_v not_o miss_v of_o a_o candid_a reception_n but_o that_o all_o man_n to_o who_o these_o joyful_a tiding_n come_v will_v soon_o become_v its_o proselyte_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v man_n i._n e._n reasonable_a and_o thoughtful_a being_n and_o not_o be_v christian_n and_o yet_o our_o experience_n convince_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v visible_a to_o every_o inquisitive_a observer_n that_o piety_n decay_v devotion_n grow_v cold_a in_o our_o age_n and_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o best_a law_n be_v most_o taint_v with_o vice_n and_o most_o dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n there_o be_v many_o indeed_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o baptism_n who_o wear_v his_o badge_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v few_o very_o few_o who_o obey_v his_o command_n and_o live_v by_o those_o rule_n he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o among_o the_o many_o cause_n which_o concur_v to_o produce_v this_o strange_a effect_n there_o be_v none_o which_o be_v assign_v with_o more_o appearance_n of_o reason_n than_o the_o want_n of_o consideration_n that_o general_a stupidity_n and_o careless_a temper_n which_o have_v seize_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n most_o man_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o earnest_a pursuit_n after_o riches_n honour_n or_o pleasure_n with_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n that_o they_o seldom_o think_v of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v or_o consider_v what_o their_o condition_n will_v be_v hereafter_o nay_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o their_o mortality_n and_o consideration_n that_o they_o must_v short_o leave_v this_o world_n seem_v as_o unwelcome_a to_o they_o as_o death_n itself_o for_o do_v we_o but_o frequent_o and_o serious_o think_v on_o our_o way_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n second_o what_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v of_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n way_n be_v a_o metaphor_n very_o often_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o signify_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o man_n life_n the_o time_n of_o our_o continuance_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o fit_o set_v out_o by_o a_o journey_n or_o pilgrimage_n it_o be_v begin_v at_o our_o birth_n and_o every_o moment_n which_o pass_v afterward_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o step_n which_o bring_v we_o near_o our_o long-home_o by_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v be_v mean_v either_o 1._o a_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n with_o a_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a one_o a_o consider_v what_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n each_o of_o they_o afford_v what_o effect_n they_o produce_v and_o a_o determine_n within_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o live_v a_o honest_a sober_a and_o devout_a life_n though_o attend_v with_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o expose_v to_o many_o suffering_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o former_a discourse_n first_o sermon_n the_o first_o or_o else_o 2._o the_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v denote_v a_o reflection_n on_o our_o own_o particular_a action_n a_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o examine_v our_o conscience_n whether_o we_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v and_o what_o expectation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o entertain_v of_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n than_o they_o imply_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o set_n apart_o some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o past_a action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v second_o a_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n three_o a_o serious_a resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n and_o perform_v they_o with_o the_o better_a success_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n thus_o to_o consider_v his_o way_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n iii_o what_o excellent_a effect_n a_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n to_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o disposition_n and_o what_o mean_n will_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n frequent_o exhort_v we_o to_o look_v back_o into_o our_o past_a life_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v we_o have_v do_v amiss_o to_o repent_v and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o in_o the_o four_o psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v we_o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostom_n thus_o dictate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o be_v before_o you_o compose_v yourself_o to_o sleep_n summon_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o exact_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o yourself_o consider_v what_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o design_n you_o have_v harbour_v and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o have_v take_v effect_n arraign_v and_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o those_o sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o you_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o any_o more_o st._n ourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o will_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v ourselves_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i._n e._n we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o sin_n which_o bring_v the_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o advice_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o parable_n luk._n 14.28_o 29._o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o which_o of_o you_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o compute_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o happy_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o
and_o pass_v by_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o correction_n of_o they_o till_o some_o other_o opportunity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n of_o do_v more_o good_a by_o it_o herein_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 7.6_o mat._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o to_o give_v our_o alm_n in_o public_a may_v sometime_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v encourage_v other_o to_o be_v liberal_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o so_o let_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o that_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o when_o this_o end_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o public_a distribution_n of_o our_o alm_n that_o it_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o do_v it_o only_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n then_o the_o more_o private_a our_o almsdeed_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a they_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v we_o open_o â—â—_o matth._n 6._o â—â—_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o since_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o prudence_n when_o these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o when_o omit_v therefore_o no_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o only_o in_o the_o general_n we_o make_v this_o useful_a remark_n that_o then_o we_o act_n with_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n when_o we_o pursue_v those_o end_n for_o which_o those_o duty_n be_v at_o first_o institute_v and_o command_v we_o thus_o he_o administer_v reproof_n best_o who_o most_o prevail_v upon_o the_o person_n reprove_v to_o reform_v and_o amend_v and_o he_o give_v his_o alm_n to_o the_o best_a purpose_n who_o charity_n be_v most_o extensive_a and_o seasonable_a in_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o poor_a brother_n 3._o in_o thing_n indifferent_a we_o ought_v to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v the_o near_a to_o himself_o and_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o self_n preservation_n engage_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consult_v our_o good_a and_o happiness_n yet_o where_o some_o great_a benefit_n will_v accrue_v to_o my_o neighbour_n by_o a_o action_n which_o bring_v to_o i_o only_o some_o inconsiderable_a loss_n and_o detriment_n i_o ought_v to_o remove_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o advantage_n to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o my_o neighbour_n and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o i_o foresee_v that_o my_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o any_o indifferent_a action_n of_o i_o i._n e._n by_o any_o action_n which_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o practice_n herein_o and_o 1._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o indifferent_a action_n as_o we_o foresee_v will_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n for_o since_o a_o good_a man_n can_v but_o be_v trouble_v and_o afflict_a when_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n fall_v into_o any_o sin_n and_o hereby_o dishonour_n god_n and_o ruin_v his_o own_o soul_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v incumbent_a upon_o he_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o prevent_v it_o and_o rather_o to_o retrench_v himself_o in_o his_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a enjoyment_n than_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n thereby_o as_o for_o example_n the_o drink_v a_o health_n be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o i_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o without_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o when_o i_o foresee_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o health_n or_o the_o drink_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o shooing-horn_n to_o intemperance_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o drink_v more_o than_o be_v fit_a or_o when_o some_o in_o the_o company_n may_v be_v disgu_v thereby_o or_o it_o may_v be_v a_o probable_a occasion_n of_o breed_a difference_n and_o quarrel_n among_o they_o then_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a recreation_n be_v certain_o indifferent_a action_n but_o when_o the_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o these_o recreation_n will_v occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n when_o they_o will_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o neighbour_n either_o by_o betray_v he_o into_o extravagant_a and_o sinful_a passion_n or_o spend_v that_o time_n and_o substance_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n than_o they_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o must_v be_v avoid_v 2._o when_o a_o indifferent_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o my_o neighbour_n may_v hereby_o be_v induce_v to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a than_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o go_v daily_o to_o the_o tomb_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o to_o pray_v by_o they_o that_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o patient_a and_o courageous_a death_n their_o zeal_n may_v be_v kindle_v their_o devotion_n render_v more_o fervent_a and_o that_o they_o may_v take_v up_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o follow_v their_o example_n but_o when_o from_o pray_v at_o the_o martyr_n tomb_n they_o begin_v first_o to_o commemorate_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o then_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o at_o last_o to_o make_v mediator_n and_o intercessor_n of_o they_o when_o this_o indifferent_a and_o at_o first_o praiseworthy_a custom_n be_v thus_o gross_o abuse_v than_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o refrain_v from_o it_o 3._o when_o my_o do_v a_o indifferent_a action_n may_v induce_v my_o neighbour_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o to_o do_v the_o same_o action_n than_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o this_o be_v that_o famous_a case_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v but_o new_o initiate_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o not_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o their_o gospel_n liberty_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o therefore_o st._n 6.3_o 2_o cor._n 6.3_o paul_n command_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o no_o offence_n which_o beza_n interpret_v ne_o quidpiam_fw-la ad_fw-la quod_fw-la possint_fw-la impingere_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n that_o those_o who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v these_o meat_n shall_v not_o tempt_v those_o person_n to_o partake_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n but_o â—ather_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o no_o occasion_n of_o offence_n till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v last_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o all_o our_o indifferent_a action_n that_o we_o may_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o endeavour_v hereby_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o affection_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v he_o more_o good_a and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o foresee_v that_o by_o any_o indifferent_a action_n we_o shall_v forfeit_v his_o good_a opinion_n or_o that_o our_o indifferent_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o his_o rash_a judgement_n uncharitable_a censure_n and_o will_v give_v he_o occasion_n to_o harbour_v malice_n and_o illwill_a in_o his_o mind_n then_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n rather_o to_o retrench_v ourselves_o in_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n than_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o mischief_n to_o our_o brother_n or_o to_o exclude_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bless_a opportunity_n of_o do_v he_o good_a for_o it_o be_v the_o
not_o all_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n you_o ever_o commit_v in_o your_o life-time_n begin_v in_o your_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o forge_v and_o contrive_v there_o and_o how_o can_v you_o tell_v but_o that_o the_o allowance_n of_o one_o wicked_a thought_n may_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o most_o villainous_a act_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o wicked_a all_o of_o a_o sudden_a the_o sinner_n at_o first_o be_v timorous_a and_o bashful_a and_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n many_o a_o man_n there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o heinous_a offence_n to_o cast_v a_o covetous_a eye_n on_o other_o man_n good_n or_o a_o wanton_a look_v on_o his_o neighbour_n wife_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o do_v not_o restrain_v these_o evil_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n will_v soon_o lie_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a temptation_n to_o commit_v the_o grosser_n act_n of_o theft_n and_o adultery_n for_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o think_v every_o sin_n to_o be_v so_o and_o wicked_a thought_n harbour_v and_o encourage_v will_v produce_v wicked_a action_n have_v david_n at_o first_o suppress_v his_o lustful_a thought_n after_o the_o wife_n of_o vriah_n he_o have_v never_o add_v the_o murder_n of_o the_o husband_n to_o adultery_n with_o the_o wife_n but_o when_o once_o he_o give_v way_n to_o sinful_a thought_n this_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n this_o holy_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o great_a king_n be_v bear_v down_o the_o stream_n of_o his_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o commit_v the_o vile_a act_n of_o the_o most_o presumptuous_a sin_n consider_v therefore_o with_o thyself_o that_o though_o a_o vain_a and_o wicked_a thought_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n when_o it_o enter_v into_o our_o mind_n without_o our_o consent_n and_o approbation_n yet_o we_o shall_v very_o much_o increase_v the_o gild_n when_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o it_o and_o it_o may_v prove_v very_o dangerous_a to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n 4._o if_o sinful_a thought_n still_o press_v into_o our_o mind_n divert_v they_o to_o some_o holy_a meditation_n and_o take_v this_o hint_n of_o bend_v your_o thought_n to_o the_o contrary_a duty_n thus_o if_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o plot_n and_o contrive_v the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n make_v this_o the_o occasion_n of_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v your_o resolution_n against_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o very_a sin_n of_o consider_v its_o evil_a nature_n and_o dangerous_a consequence_n and_o hereby_o increase_v your_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o be_v the_o sinful_a pleasure_n which_o you_o have_v former_o enjoy_v represent_v to_o your_o fancy_n let_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o renew_v your_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n for_o your_o disobedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o commandment_n and_o put_v you_o upon_o beg_v god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v live_v more_o upright_o and_o unblamable_o be_v you_o perplex_v and_o trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thought_n fall_v present_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o the_o curious_a operation_n of_o his_o hand_n consider_v this_o stupendous_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinite_a variety_n and_o yet_o exact_a order_n and_o due_a subordination_n of_o being_n contain_v in_o it_o ask_v thyself_o what_o power_n it_o be_v which_o first_o create_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o preserve_v it_o which_o have_v furnish_v irrational_a creature_n with_o unerring_a instinct_n that_o teach_v the_o bird_n to_o build_v its_o nest_n the_o spider_n to_o weave_v its_o web_n look_v into_o the_o curious_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o that_o lesser_a world_n thy_o own_o body_n 139.14_o psal_n 139.14_o and_o behold_v there_o how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o thou_o be_v make_v and_o by_o such_o contemplation_n as_o these_o affect_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o god_n power_n and_o majesty_n be_v you_o tempt_v to_o envy_n the_o prosperity_n of_o your_o neighbour_n consider_v how_o many_o gift_n of_o god_n bounty_n you_o have_v receive_v how_o much_o you_o enjoy_v more_o than_o you_o deserve_v and_o how_o unthankful_a and_o ungrateful_a you_o have_v be_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v already_o give_v into_o your_o hand_n be_v you_o give_v to_o lustful_a thought_n turn_v this_o strange_a fire_n into_o a_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n do_v presumptuous_a thought_n rise_v up_o in_o your_o heart_n consider_v your_o former_a sin_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n against_o god_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o exercise_v your_o humility_n be_v you_o overwhelm_v with_o despair_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n gracious_a promise_n and_o admire_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n who_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o atone_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o still_o make_v you_o the_o proffer_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o you_o will_v imitate_v your_o heavenly_a father_n in_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o occasion_n of_o promote_a your_o eternal_a welfare_n nay_o if_o you_o thus_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 4.7_o james_n 4.7_o his_o assault_n will_v be_v neither_o so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o furious_a when_o he_o find_v they_o serve_v only_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a 5._o season_n thy_o heart_n every_o morning_n with_o some_o holy_a meditation_n dedicate_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o thy_o thought_n unto_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n say_v the_o psalmist_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o 18._o psal_n 139.17_o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n when_o i_o wake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o the_o constant_a and_o serious_a meditation_n on_o those_o great_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o judgement_n if_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o morning_n meditation_n will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o good_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o produce_v in_o our_o mind_n suitable_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o constant_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n 119.115_o psal_n 119.115_o and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n it_o will_v both_o inform_v our_o judgement_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n 6._o and_o last_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o enable_v we_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n and_o govern_v our_o desire_n and_o affection_n and_o though_o this_o duty_n be_v too_o difficult_a to_o be_v perform_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o go_v through_o with_o it_o because_o he_o require_v nothing_o of_o we_o which_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v he_o have_v promise_v 42.3_o isa_n 42.3_o that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n but_o that_o he_o will_v encourage_v every_o effort_n that_o we_o make_v towards_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n his_o grace_n be_v never_o deny_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v but_o sincere_o desire_v it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o render_v himself_o capable_a of_o receive_v of_o it_o 6.38_o luk._n 6.38_o to_o he_o that_o ask_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v not_o only_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o also_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o often_o prevent_v our_o prayer_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v than_o we_o be_v either_o to_o desire_v or_o receive_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o help_n and_o assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n immediate_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n imaginable_a to_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o pain_n and_o industry_n but_o what_o design_n which_o be_v either_o great_a and_o glorious_a useful_a and_o honourable_a can_v be_v compass_v