Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n action_n law_n rule_n 1,234 5 7.2505 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A26158 Ten sermons preach'd before Her Royal Highness, the Princess Ann of Denmark at the chappel at St. James by Lewis Atterbury ... LL.D. and one of the six preachers to Her Royal Highness. Atterbury, Lewis, 1656-1731. 1699 (1699) Wing A4157; ESTC R35290 112,085 264

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

performance_n of_o they_o iii_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n many_o time_n to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brother_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o 1._o we_o must_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a action_n under_o this_o pretence_n that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n or_o much_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n thereby_o for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o permisson_n much_o less_o have_v he_o lay_v upon_o we_o any_o necessity_n of_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n though_o upon_o never_o so_o plausible_a a_o pretence_n he_o have_v chalk_v out_o to_o we_o the_o plain_a path_n of_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n and_o have_v place_v a_o monitor_n within_o we_o which_o continual_o give_v we_o this_o advice_n 30.21_o isa_n 30.21_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v therein_o and_o whenever_o we_o go_v astray_o through_o the_o solicitation_n of_o a_o prevail_a lust_n he_o recall_v we_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o tend_v be_v holy_a so_o he_o have_v appoint_v such_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o as_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a too_o and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o indirect_a mean_n it_o high_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o absolute_o good_a and_o all_o powerful_a be_v to_o fancy_n that_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o his_o design_n by_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o advance_v his_o glory_n what_o can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o say_v for_o himself_o more_o than_o vzza_n have_v 1_o chron._n 13.9_o who_o drive_v the_o cart_n in_o which_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v place_v and_o see_v the_o ox_n stumble_v so_o that_o the_o ark_n be_v in_o manifest_a danger_n of_o fall_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v only_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o do_v and_o we_o be_v tell_v verse_n 10._o that_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o vzza_n and_o he_o smite_v he_o because_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o ark_n and_o he_o die_v there_o before_o god_n st._n paul_n have_v plain_o determine_v this_o point_n with_o a_o god_n forbid_v and_o not_o rather_o as_o we_o be_v slanderous_o report_v of_o 3.6.8_o rom._n 3.6.8_o and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a the_o almighty_a arm_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o since_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o his_o power_n he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o venture_v upon_o any_o unlawful_a action_n out_o of_o a_o honest_a design_n as_o we_o think_v of_o do_v good_a we_o usurp_v god_n prerogative_n and_o interpose_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o like_o undisciplined_a soldier_n we_o run_v out_o of_o our_o rank_n and_o leave_v the_o post_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v and_o though_o we_o may_v do_v some_o service_n yet_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o mutiny_n and_o disobed_a nce_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n god_n blast_v the_o design_n of_o such_o man_n who_o care_v not_o what_o mean_v they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o bring_v they_o about_o they_o be_v general_o unsuccessful_a in_o their_o erterprise_n and_o convince_v by_o fatal_a experience_n that_o the_o most_o hopeful_a attempt_n prove_v abortive_a unless_o prosper_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n thus_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o whenever_o it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o permit_v evil_a man_n to_o prosper_v for_o some_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v always_o some_o fatal_a calamity_n or_o other_o which_o either_o attend_v or_o follow_v such_o sinful_a action_n and_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a way_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o therefore_o never_o be_v prevail_v on_o to_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a though_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v no_o more_o good_a than_o lawful_o we_o can_v do_v nay_o good_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o turn_v into_o evil_a when_o bring_v about_o by_o unwarrantable_a mean_n for_o to_o a_o good_a action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o circumstance_n do_v concur_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o a_o deficiency_n in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v it_o a_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wise_a course_n to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o he_o who_o be_v just_o sensible_a how_o often_o he_o transgress_v this_o law_n will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o folly_n of_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o and_o to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o make_v his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o good_a action_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v when_o some_o evil_n may_v proceed_v or_o some_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v in_o many_o case_n leave_v to_o our_o own_o prudence_n to_o determine_v what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v most_o fit_v and_o convenient_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o execute_v when_o command_v we_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v because_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n yet_o when_o only_o the_o duty_n in_o general_n be_v command_v we_o and_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o discretion_n then_o our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o so_o to_o perform_v it_o as_o most_o glory_n may_v redound_v to_o god_n most_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o we_o ourselves_o may_v reap_v most_o benefit_n thereby_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o imitate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o as_o well_o as_o the_o harmless_a simplicity_n of_o the_o dove_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o manage_v and_o husband_n wise_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a that_o every_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n and_o place_n for_o as_o he_o who_o give_v seasonable_o be_v say_v to_o confer_v a_o double_a benefit_n so_o he_o that_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o fit_v out_o every_o duty_n with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n will_v entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o more_o excellent_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o a_o indifferent_a action_n perform_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n may_v have_v a_o admirable_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o behold_v it_o and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o good_a and_o then_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o embrace_v so_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n at_o another_o time_n a_o action_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a may_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o god_n may_v be_v blaspheme_v and_o our_o neighbour_n injure_v and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_o our_o duty_n to_o omit_v that_o good_a action_n till_o some_o more_o convenient_a opportunity_n present_v itself_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o school_n affirmativa_fw-la praecepta_fw-la obligant_fw-la semper_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la semper_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n be_v always_o oblige_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o always_o limit_v we_o to_o the_o present_a time_n of_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v amiss_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o care_n and_o live_v under_o our_o jurisdiction_n be_v our_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o enjoin_v we_o by_o the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n but_o when_o this_o duty_n must_v be_v perform_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o christian_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o many_o time_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o wink_v at_o their_o fault_n
they_o be_v inflict_v when_o we_o read_v that_o haman_n be_v hang_v on_o the_o very_a same_o gallow_n that_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v erect_v for_o poor_a mordecai_n that_o adonibezek_n who_o cut_v off_o the_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n of_o threescore_o and_o ten_o king_n and_o force_v they_o to_o gather_v up_o the_o crumb_n under_o his_o table_n have_v the_o same_o calamity_n inflict_v on_o he_o 1.7_o judg._n 1.7_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o reflection_n he_o make_v be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v do_v so_o have_v the_o lord_n requite_v i_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n justice_n bear_v pace_n with_o these_o man_n sin_n and_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o just_a demerit_n of_o their_o offence_n but_o where_o justice_n be_v slow-paced_a and_o do_v not_o seize_v the_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n it_o will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o at_o the_o last_o and_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o god_n tribunal_n the_o chief_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v how_o well_o we_o have_v observe_v this_o rule_n whether_o we_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothing_n the_o naked_a 25.36_o matt._n 25.36_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o our_o behaviour_n have_v be_v such_o will_v our_o sentence_n be_v thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o recommend_v this_o excellent_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n to_o your_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a rule_n high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a of_o universal_a use_n and_o suit_v to_o all_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o rule_n we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o i_o come_v iu._n and_o last_o to_o conclude_v with_o some_o few_o reflection_n on_o the_o precede_a discourse_n and_o 1._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o way_n to_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o for_o since_o we_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o one_o body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n whatsoever_o one_o member_n enjoy_v the_o other_o member_n partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n every_o good_a deed_n which_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o common_a treasury_n in_o which_o every_o one_o have_v a_o share_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o more_o good_a any_o man_n do_v the_o strong_a claim_n he_o have_v to_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n love_n and_o friendship_n of_o other_o men._n a_o true_o good_a and_o beneficent_a man_n be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o all_o mankind_n because_o his_o love_n extend_v to_o all_o though_o he_o have_v not_o always_o a_o opportunity_n or_o ability_n of_o exert_v it_o and_o this_o divine_a quality_n have_v such_o endear_n charm_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o attract_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n of_o other_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o bestow_v enrich_v he_o and_o return_v into_o his_o own_o bosom_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n will_v be_v find_v true_a even_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o way_n to_o make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o other_o man_n and_o to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o their_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n or_o to_o obtain_v from_o they_o those_o thing_n we_o desire_v be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o as_o our_o circumstance_n will_v permit_v whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o we_o may_v infer_v 2._o that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o injury_n receive_v can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a cause_n for_o our_o return_v it_o or_o for_o our_o do_v evil_a to_o other_o men._n their_o unjust_a deal_n with_o we_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o standard_n nor_o will_v they_o be_v any_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o our_o deal_v with_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o it_o be_v not_o whatsoever_o man_n have_v do_v to_o you_o but_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v willing_o receive_v any_o injury_n either_o in_o his_o body_n good_n or_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a that_o he_o do_v none_o to_o other_o man_n and_o if_o he_o do_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n from_o they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v not_o provoke_v to_o resent_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o more_o heinous_a crime_n by_o return_v of_o it_o for_o to_o return_v a_o injury_n render_v a_o man_n more_o unblamable_a than_o at_o first_o to_o inflict_v one_o for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v of_o what_o pernicious_a consequence_n his_o injurious_a action_n be_v he_o do_v it_o rash_o and_o unadvised_o he_o be_v blind_v with_o passion_n and_o though_o he_o will_v the_o action_n yet_o probable_o he_o may_v disow_v the_o ill_a effect_n which_o it_o produce_v but_o he_o that_o return_v a_o injury_n do_v not_o only_a sin_n know_o and_o deliberate_o but_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feel_v he_o plain_o perceive_v all_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o action_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o have_v smart_v under_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o go_v on_o malicious_o to_o execute_v his_o revenge_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o unquestionable_a duty_n either_o to_o pass_v by_o injury_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o if_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a or_o generous_o to_o forgive_v they_o and_o by_o heap_v coal_n of_o kindness_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o our_o enemy_n endeavour_v to_o melt_v they_o down_o into_o love_n and_o friendship_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n where_o some_o circumstance_n render_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o remit_v they_o to_o the_o umpiridge_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v of_o what_o vast_a importance_n it_o be_v that_o this_o rule_n shall_v be_v serious_o consider_v and_o conscientious_o practise_v for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o mischief_n which_o happen_v either_o to_o community_n or_o to_o private_a person_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o our_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o a_o careful_a observation_n of_o it_o will_v wonderful_o conduce_v to_o their_o weal_n and_o flourish_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o community_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v man_n once_o let_v loose_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o world_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o bloodshed_n rapine_n and_o oppression_n every_o one_o will_v seize_v on_o what_o best_o please_v he_o and_o the_o strong_a arm_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n but_o since_o every_o one_o be_v desirous_a to_o retain_v and_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v possess_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o join_v with_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a defence_n not_o but_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o a_o political_a creature_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o mutual_a society_n and_o converse_v of_o reasonable_a being_n like_a himself_n and_o therefore_o mankind_n will_v have_v form_v themselves_o into_o society_n though_o the_o world_n have_v continue_v in_o its_o original_a innocency_n and_o violence_n and_o oppression_n have_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n our_o nature_n be_v so_o deprave_v and_o we_o have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o from_o that_o noble_a rank_n of_o being_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v that_o have_v not_o man_n some_o awe_n of_o this_o rule_n upon_o their_o mind_n there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o government_n much_o more_o to_o its_o wellbeing_a for_o do_v not_o all_o our_o mutual_a correspondence_n and_o friendly_a converse_n depend_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o rule_n such_o as_o be_v veracity_n in_o our_o word_n faithfulness_n to_o our_o trust_n justice_n in_o our_o deal_n and_o the_o like_a and_o thus_o as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o particular_a person_n be_v it_o not_o obvious_a that_o this_o rule_n when_o due_o observe_v direct_o tend_v to_o root_v out_o all_o envy_n passion_n and_o malice_n from_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o difference_n and_o animosity_n and_o to_o promote_v peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n between_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v effectual_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o fraud_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n will_v it_o not_o
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
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 ●●_o matth._n 6._o ●●_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 ●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
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o ●ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
desire_n and_o affection_n to_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v we_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n iv_o to_o add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o to_o govern_v our_o heart_n aright_o 1._o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o your_o lawful_a call_v for_o every_o man_n either_o have_v or_o aught_o to_o have_v some_o lawful_a employment_n or_o call_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o which_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v a_o useful_a member_n of_o that_o community_n in_o which_o he_o live_v those_o who_o by_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o their_o fortune_n move_v in_o a_o superior_a orb_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v free_v from_o that_o original_a curse_n 3.19_o gen._n 3.19_o of_o get_v their_o bread_n with_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v exempt_v from_o it_o that_o as_o they_o have_v more_o talent_n commit_v to_o their_o trust_n so_o their_o account_n will_v be_v the_o great_a at_o the_o last_o day_n now_o by_o diligence_n in_o our_o lawful_a calling_n we_o shall_v keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o useful_a and_o profitable_a thought_n in_o our_o soul_n nay_o we_o may_v improve_v the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n to_o administer_v occasion_n for_o devout_a and_o holy_a meditation_n those_o who_o go_v down_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o ship_n say_v the_o psalmist_n see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n 107.23_o psal_n 107.23_o and_o his_o wonder_n in_o the_o deep_a the_o tradesman_n whilst_o he_o weigh_v his_o ware_n consider_v that_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o husbandman_n when_o he_o till_v the_o ground_n may_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o long_a furrow_n the_o scourge_v make_v on_o the_o back_n of_o our_o saviour_n 129.3_o psal_n 129.3_o when_o he_o behold_v his_o crop_n it_o may_v put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o resurrection_n that_o as_o the_o corn_n perish_v in_o the_o ground_n and_o sprout_n out_o again_o more_o green_a and_o fresh_a than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o our_o vile_a body_n after_o they_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o grave_a shall_v arise_v at_o the_o last_o day_n in_o great_a glory_n and_o splendour_n when_o he_o gather_v his_o grain_n into_o his_o barn_n he_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o the_o good_a shall_v be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o the_o wicked_a like_o chaff_n shall_v be_v burn_v with_o unquenchable_a fire_n 3.12_o matth._n 3.12_o thus_o the_o business_n of_o every_o man_n be_v particular_a call_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o have_v here_o give_v only_o the_o most_o obvious_a instance_n may_v be_v improve_v to_o raise_v up_o religious_a thought_n and_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v best_a employ_v when_o the_o hand_n be_v at_o work_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o fruitful_a of_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n than_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n for_o our_o thought_n be_v restless_a and_o in_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o will_v grind_v one_o upon_o another_o 33.27_o eccl._n 33.27_o if_o they_o have_v no_o good_a employment_n idleness_n teach_v much_o evil_n say_v the_o wise_a son_n of_o syrach_n some_o copy_n have_v it_o all_o evil_a the_o devil_n think_v the_o fit_a time_n to_o tempt_v our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o that_o say_n of_o cato_n be_v subscribe_v to_o by_o the_o wise_a heathen_n as_o a_o oracle_n nihil_fw-la agendo_fw-la male_a agere_fw-la disces_fw-la for_o when_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v they_o employment_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o care_n even_o when_o we_o unbend_v our_o mind_n from_o more_o serious_a matter_n and_o allow_v ourselves_o those_o diversion_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o good_a god_n have_v indulge_v we_o in_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n on_o such_o harmless_a and_o innocent_a recreation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o more_o active_a and_o our_o body_n more_o vigorous_a in_o the_o service_n of_o our_o maker_n 2._o next_o to_o idleness_n let_v we_o avoid_v bad_a company_n for_o it_o be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o company_n he_o keep_v conversation_n win_v insensible_o upon_o we_o have_v the_o most_o endear_n charm_n and_o make_v the_o most_o last_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n 3._o check_v wicked_a thought_n at_o the_o first_o appearance_n and_o let_v we_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o dwell_v in_o our_o heart_n for_o the_o soon_o we_o cast_v they_o out_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o the_o more_o easy_o every_o moment_n we_o suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v there_o they_o will_v grow_v more_o powerful_a and_o the_o difficulty_n will_v increase_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n if_o therefore_o we_o find_v in_o our_o heart_n any_o wicked_a imagination_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 10.5_o 1_o cor._n 10.5_o and_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o maintain_v no_o treaty_n with_o it_o or_o excuse_v it_o say_v 19.20_o gen._n 19.20_o be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a one_o but_o put_v it_o out_o of_o our_o mind_n as_o soon_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v the_o devil_n will_v be_v continual_o suggest_v evil_a thought_n into_o our_o fancy_n and_o solicit_v we_o with_o the_o most_o allure_a though_o pernicious_a object_n he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o disturb_v we_o in_o our_o devotion_n by_o divert_v our_o affection_n and_o turn_v the_o current_n of_o our_o thought_n on_o our_o worldly_a affair_n and_o cast_v into_o our_o mind_n vain_a and_o sinful_a imagination_n these_o be_v those_o bird_n of_o prey_n 19.11_o gen._n 19.11_o which_o attend_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a sacrifice_n but_o then_o it_o be_v our_o business_n to_o drive_v they_o away_o and_o not_o to_o harbour_v or_o allow_v of_o any_o thought_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v discover_v in_o our_o word_n and_o action_n to_o incite_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n let_v we_o consider_v 1._o what_o pain_n wicked_a man_n take_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o good_a thought_n if_o they_o happen_v into_o company_n where_o good_a discourse_n and_o pious_a admonition_n have_v make_v some_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n if_o some_o truth_n be_v set_v home_o upon_o their_o conscience_n by_o some_o good_a book_n or_o awaken_n sermon_n or_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o their_o latter_a end_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v by_o a_o fit_a of_o sickness_n or_o the_o death_n of_o some_o friend_n or_o relation_n or_o any_o other_o surprise_v emergency_n how_o restless_a be_v they_o till_o they_o have_v get_v these_o thought_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o be_v rid_v of_o these_o uneasy_a companion_n do_v they_o not_o run_v from_o one_o business_n to_o another_o from_o one_o diversion_n to_o another_o and_o turn_v every_o stone_n to_o still_o the_o clamour_n of_o a_o accuse_a conscience_n shall_v not_o we_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o cast_v out_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a thought_n and_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o be_v happy_a 4.12_o quantascunque_fw-la tenebras_fw-la factis_fw-la tuis_fw-la perstrinxeris_fw-la deus_fw-la lumen_fw-la est_fw-la tertul._n heb._n 4.12_o as_o other_o do_v to_o be_v wretched_a and_o miserable_a consider_v far_o that_o god_n see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o thought_n he_o pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o discern_v even_o the_o most_o hide_a thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o if_o the_o sinner_n be_v so_o effectual_o awe_v and_o deter_v from_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o presence_n of_o some_o grave_a person_n who_o remark_n and_o oversees_a his_o do_n how_o dare_v he_o allow_v himself_o in_o wicked_a thought_n when_o he_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n look_v down_o upon_o he_o and_o behold_v the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o his_o heart_n that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n all_o his_o most_o secret_a thought_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n and_o write_v in_o such_o legible_a character_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v read_v they_o to_o both_o these_o add_v this_o consideration_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v the_o event_n of_o harbour_v evil_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n what_o the_o issue_n have_v be_v and_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v be_v do_v
of_o our_o duty_n it_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o necessary_a precept_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a chapter_n and_o leave_v our_o reason_n to_o work_v out_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o particular_a and_o casual_a emergency_n to_o direct_v in_o some_o case_n what_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o most_o what_o be_v prudent_a and_o expedient_a and_o for_o our_o great_a security_n have_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o if_o serious_o consider_v and_o careful_o attend_v to_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o reason_n in_o all_o its_o judgement_n and_o determination_n thus_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a gospel_n command_v we_o 24._o joh._n 4.24_o 24._o to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o direct_v our_o address_n to_o god_n alone_o through_o one_o mediator_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o several_a other_o particular_a precept_n it_o give_v we_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o our_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v all_o refer_v to_o this_o general_a rule_n 14.40_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o thus_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o concern_v our_o neighbour_n our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v down_o many_o excellent_a precept_n in_o this_o admirable_a though_o short_a epitome_n of_o morality_n his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o then_o close_v all_o with_o this_o rule_n of_o universal_a influence_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o most_o neglect_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o we_o be_v general_o so_o much_o bias_v by_o self-love_n that_o when_o any_o controversy_n be_v start_v in_o which_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v concern_v we_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o exact_a in_o claim_v what_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o be_v our_o due_n but_o when_o the_o scale_n be_v turn_v and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o our_o neighbour_n may_v just_o expect_v from_o we_o than_o we_o make_v use_v of_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n and_o too_o often_o determine_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a scholar_n in_o learning_n this_o lesson_n of_o charity_n as_o we_o be_v severe_a master_n in_o exact_v it_o from_o other_o and_o therefore_o ii_o i_o shall_v mark_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o consider_v the_o just_a extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v etc._n etc._n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o rule_n be_v determine_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n for_o so_o it_o be_v limit_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n extend_v also_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n but_o this_o without_o the_o support_n of_o any_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o religion_n may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justice_n towards_o god_n because_o all_o the_o service_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v unto_o god_n be_v high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o what_o be_v but_o our_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n yet_o the_o distance_n be_v so_o great_a between_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v and_o we_o poor_a vile_a worm_n his_o work_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v our_o action_n in_o the_o same_o balance_n with_o he_o these_o word_n be_v therefore_o limit_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o may_v be_v plain_o make_v out_o from_o that_o parallel_n place_n where_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v ask_v this_o question_n 22.3_o matt._n 22.3_o master_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n return_v this_o answer_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o then_o add_v on_o these_o two_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n where_o we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n only_o of_o the_o second_o table_n 2._o this_o rule_n be_v determine_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n read_v the_o word_n quaecunque_fw-la bona_fw-la etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o good_a thing_n you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v some_o man_n of_o such_o envious_a and_o malicious_a temper_n that_o they_o will_v willing_o undergo_v any_o severity_n themselves_o on_o condition_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v endure_v the_o same_o and_o suffer_v their_o own_o house_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o his_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o flame_n nay_o lose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o like_a advantage_n like_o the_o pretend_a mother_n of_o the_o live_a child_n will_v say_v 3.26_o 1_o kin._n 3.26_o let_v neither_o of_o we_o have_v it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v divide_v other_o there_o be_v of_o so_o proud_a and_o churlish_a a_o disposition_n that_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v oblige_v and_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o a_o benefit_n than_o to_o be_v behold_v for_o it_o to_o one_o they_o hate_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v soon_o die_v than_o owe_v his_o life_n to_o a_o enemy_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o these_o man_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o 3._o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o any_o man_n not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o 4._o if_o we_o will_v put_v the_o case_n right_a we_o must_v suppose_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v the_o same_o between_o our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o for_o one_o different_a circumstance_n will_v very_o much_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n thus_o upon_o supposition_n that_o i_o be_o strong_a and_o more_o healthy_a than_o my_o neighbour_n i_o may_v be_v willing_a that_o he_o may_v do_v some_o thing_n to_o i_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o to_o he_o will_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o his_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n a_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n may_v be_v willing_a that_o other_o shall_v withhold_v their_o hand_n from_o do_v he_o good_a that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o same_o excuse_v to_o deny_v his_o charitable_a relief_n to_o the_o poor_a nay_o mere_a difference_n in_o opinion_n may_v make_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v desire_v some_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o man_n which_o he_o may_v very_o reasonable_o demand_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o 5._o we_o must_v take_v care_n in_o apply_v this_o rule_n that_o our_o desire_n be_v restrain_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v just_a and_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o our_o neighbour_n and_o then_o this_o rule_n will_v run_v thus_o whatsoever_o you_o have_v just_a and_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o desire_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o every_o malefactor_n who_o be_v sentence_v to_o punishment_n for_o his_o evil_a deed_n will_v willing_o have_v his_o punishment_n remit_v and_o the_o judge_n himself_o will_v desire_v it_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o a_o criminal_a at_o the_o bar_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o all_o criminal_n shall_v be_v pardon_v for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o law_n itself_o useless_a by_o relax_v the_o co-ercive_a power_n of_o it_o and_o render_v magistrate_n cheap_a and_o contemptible_a when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o ble_a to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n 13.3_o rom._n 13.3_o but_o only_a encourager_n of_o those_o who_o do_v well_o these_o be_v the_o most_o
ordinance_n of_o religion_n be_v tiresome_a and_o a_o weariness_n to_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n tell_v we_o 12.6_o act_n 14.22_o heb._n 12.6_o that_o through_o much_o tribulation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o god_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n 7.4_o matth._n 7.4_o and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o if_o so_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a and_o pleasant_a a_o state_n of_o life_n as_o i_o have_v represent_v it_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v that_o many_o of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o difficulty_n attend_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v persecute_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n of_o rome_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o in_o danger_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o even_o in_o our_o time_n when_o king_n be_v become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o sinful_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o forsake_v it_o and_o to_o give_v themselves_o entire_o up_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o first_o entrance_n on_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o great_a difficulty_n that_o it_o will_v become_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o easy_a and_o at_o last_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o they_o when_o they_o have_v for_o some_o time_n accustom_a themselves_o to_o it_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o well-spent_a life_n will_v flow_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o nothing_o will_v yield_v they_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o to_o be_v allow_v the_o privilege_n of_o pour_v out_o the_o desire_n of_o their_o soul_n before_o god_n and_o beg_a supply_n from_o he_o and_o return_v he_o thanks_o for_o his_o blessing_n bestow_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v earned_o desire_v to_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n and_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brooks_n 42.1_o psal_n 42.1_o so_o will_v their_o soul_n pant_v after_o their_o god_n and_o their_o redeemer_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o god_n shall_v see_v fit_a to_o make_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o truth_n hazardous_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o duty_n chargeable_a yet_o what_o generous_a and_o praise_v worthy_a undertake_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o pain_n and_o diligence_n all_o that_o be_v excellent_a and_o noble_a require_v labour_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o pain_n man_n take_v make_v the_o dear-bought_a blessing_n more_o acceptable_a to_o they_o do_v they_o not_o undergo_v much_o great_a difficulty_n for_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n though_o their_o success_n be_v seldom_o answerable_a to_o their_o expectation_n do_v they_o not_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n leave_v their_o best_a friend_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o dig_v even_o into_o the_o very_a bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o quest_n of_o wealth_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o find_v a_o grave_a where_o they_o seek_v their_o treasure_n do_v they_o not_o toil_n and_o sweat_n and_o wade_v through_o a_o sea_n of_o blood_n in_o pursuit_n of_o honour_n though_o they_o expect_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o pain_n but_o a_o lawrel-wreath_n or_o the_o applause_n of_o the_o people_n and_o shall_v not_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n deserve_v our_o care_n shall_v we_o not_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n for_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n as_o we_o do_v for_o a_o wither_a garland_n but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a difficulty_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a and_o holy_a life_n suppose_v as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v lion_n in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n mountain_n which_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o our_o natural_a strength_n and_o ability_n yet_o even_o the_o most_o formidable_a evil_n will_v not_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n if_o we_o consider_v three_o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o in_o the_o low_a and_o most_o afflict_a condition_n the_o good_a man_n enjoy_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o quiet_a mind_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o can_v possible_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n all_o other_o evil_n be_v supportable_a and_o may_v be_v undergo_v by_o a_o stable_n and_o well_o resolve_v mind_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n may_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n 18.14_o prov._n 18.14_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v the_o only_a load_n which_o be_v insupportable_a and_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o lot_n of_o the_o prosperous_a wicked_a man._n 2._o the_o good_a man_n be_v furnish_v with_o never-failing_a remedy_n against_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o affliction_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v god_n and_o that_o god_n dispose_v all_o thing_n with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o love_n of_o a_o indulgent_a father_n that_o the_o wheel_n of_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o eye_n within_o they_o which_o always_o guide_v they_o to_o some_o wise_a end_n or_o other_o 12.9_o 2_o cor._n 12.9_o that_o god_n grace_n will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v proportion_v his_o assistance_n to_o his_o want_n so_o that_o if_o he_o shall_v call_v he_o out_o to_o give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n he_o will_v also_o give_v he_o strength_n to_o undergo_v the_o fiery_a trial_n and_o cheerful_o to_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o flame_n and_o 3._o the_o good_a man_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o evil_n he_o suffer_v will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o the_o time_n draw_v on_o apace_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o his_o trouble_n 7.17_o rev._n 7.17_o have_v all_o tear_n wipe_v away_o from_o his_o eye_n and_o receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_n for_o all_o those_o momentary_a affliction_n he_o have_v undergo_v in_o this_o life_n whilst_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n his_o faith_n show_v he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lively_a hope_n of_o it_o make_v he_o not_o only_o patient_a but_o thankful_a for_o and_o cheerful_a under_o affliction_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o st._n paul_n when_o in_o chain_n and_o under_o all_o his_o calamity_n and_o persecution_n be_v infinite_o more_o content_v than_o caesar_n or_o seneca_n than_o any_o of_o the_o most_o fortunate_a prince_n or_o wise_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n i_o think_v it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a 1._o that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a true_a pleasure_n to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o debauch_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n 2._o that_o the_o way_n to_o lead_v a_o comfortable_a life_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o religious_a 3._o that_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n a_o good_a man_n can_v fall_v into_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o if_o so_o then_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v i.e._n that_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n be_v best_a secure_v by_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n it_o only_o remain_v that_o i_o show_v second_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n fit_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o state_n of_o glory_n only_o differ_v in_o degree_n grace_n be_v glory_n begin_v and_o glory_n be_v grace_n perfect_v and_o consummate_v so_o that_o every_o good_a action_n and_o religious_a duty_n that_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o both_o qualify_v we_o for_o it_o and_o lead_v we_o near_o to_o it_o for_o by_o a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n we_o copy_n out_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o become_v more_o like_a god_n and_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
same_o pitch_n of_o devotion_n but_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n he_o endeavour_v to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v his_o affection_n he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o inflame_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o can_v rest_v satisfy_v till_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v in_o upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n assure_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o these_o be_v the_o four_o mark_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o discover_v if_o we_o will_v but_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trial_n whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o i_o come_v now_o four_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n ii_o detest_v their_o evil_a example_n iii_o avoid_v their_o company_n i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o hint_n of_o both_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n 18._o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n there_o be_v their_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v their_o end_n and_o design_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a whatever_o doctrine_n have_v a_o show_n of_o seem_a holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o by_o probable_a consequence_n tend_v to_o promote_v any_o evil_a and_o wicked_a design_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v till_o try_v by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o be_v find_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o we_o must_v detest_v their_o evil_a example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o certain_a rule_n that_o unless_o we_o dislike_v their_o evil_a practice_n and_o alienate_v our_o affection_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v write_v after_o the_o same_o copy_n our_o life_n will_v be_v according_a to_o our_o like_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v hate_v and_o detest_v their_o hypocrisy_n though_o we_o love_v the_o man_n we_o must_v abhor_v the_o uglyness_n of_o their_o vice_n though_o we_o bear_v no_o ill_a will_n to_o their_o person_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v hate_v they_o right_a sore_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n 139.22_o psal_n 139.22_o even_o as_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n iii_o we_o must_v avoid_v their_o company_n and_o this_o be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o the_o text._n from_o such_o turn_n away_o it_o be_v a_o subtle_a though_o a_o wicked_a policy_n of_o jeroboam_n to_o set_v up_o two_o golden_a calf_n the_o one_o at_o dan_n the_o other_o at_o beth●el_n that_o he_o may_v detain_v his_o people_n at_o home_n lest_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o rehoboam_n they_o shall_v contract_v a_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v to_o their_o obedience_n he_o know_v how_o much_o company_n and_o conversation_n win_v upon_o man_n affection_n and_o that_o society_n and_o familiarity_n have_v by_o degree_n wrought_v out_o what_o the_o most_o persuasive_a rhetoric_n can_v never_o accomplish_v be_v you_o not_o therefore_o unequal_o yoke_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n etc._n etc._n 16._o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 16._o wherefore_o come_v you_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o but_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o too_o many_o split_n they_o first_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o man_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a who_o in_o truth_n be_v much_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o then_o not_o only_o avoid_v their_o conversation_n but_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o thus_o by_o strain_v the_o string_n too_o high_a make_v it_o jar_v and_o spoil_v all_o the_o harmony_n and_o consort_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o set_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o man_n as_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o first_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o engage_v to_o quit_v our_o particular_a engagement_n or_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o our_o friend_n and_o near_a relation_n for_o the_o servant_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o master_n the_o child_n to_o his_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o wife_n to_o each_o other_o and_o no_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n nay_o we_o must_v not_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o any_o man_n as_o to_o refuse_v do_v good_a and_o charitable_a office_n either_o to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o rather_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 5.45_o matth._n 5.45_o who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o descend_v on_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a t●●_n more_o wicked_a any_o man_n be_v and_o the_o more_o infect_v with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o need_n he_o have_v of_o a_o physician_n if_o therefore_o we_o see_v a_o man_n who_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v we_o omit_v no_o opportunity_n of_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n let_v we_o assist_v he_o with_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o good_a turn_v that_o lie_n in_o our_o way_n remember_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o a_o heathen_a homo_fw-la sum_fw-la humani_fw-la nihil_fw-la à_fw-la i_o alienum_fw-la puto_fw-la i_o myself_o be_o but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o affliction_n can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o but_o i_o bear_v my_o part_n in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o not_o contract_v a_o familiarity_n with_o a_o vicious_a or_o heretical_a person_n let_v we_o not_o lay_v such_o a_o one_o in_o our_o bosom_n or_o make_v he_o our_o particular_a friend_n but_o keep_v such_o a_o strict_a guard_n over_o ourselves_o and_o be_v so_o cautious_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o his_o evil_a example_n we_o must_v treat_v he_o as_o we_o usual_o do_v those_o who_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o infectious_a disease_n furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n he_o want_v administer_v to_o all_o his_o press_a necessity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o converse_v frequent_o with_o he_o or_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o catch_v that_o distemper_n under_o which_o he_o labour_v such_o a_o familiarity_n as_o this_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o avoid_v 1.1_o psal_n 1.1_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n say_v david_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v not_o dwell_v with_o vain_a person_n 43.4_o psal_n 43.4_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o deceitful_a i_o have_v hate_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o will_v not_o sit_v among_o the_o ungodly_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n o_o lord_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n oblige_v we_o to_o frequent_v their_o company_n we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n 120.5_o psal_n 120.5_o and_o take_v up_o my_o habitation_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n in_o short_a let_v we_o observe_v these_o three_o rule_n 1._o let_v we_o imitate_v they_o in_o good_a thing_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o praiseworthy_a let_v we_o therefore_o imitate_v they_o in_o this_o nay_o let_v we_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o fast_n the_o become_a decency_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o in_o avoid_v all_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o only_o heinous_a offence_n against_o god_n but_o scandalous_a among_o man_n and_o uneasy_a to_o modest_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n let_v that_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o put_v on_o incite_v in_o we_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o outdo_v they_o in_o their_o own_o art_n for_o good_a be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o whatsoever_o subject_a it_o be_v find_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n
damnation_n and_o such_o as_o only_o deserve_v some_o temporary_a punishment_n especial_o since_o under_o the_o head_n of_o venial_a sin_n they_o rank_v the_o gross_a enormity_n so_o that_o even_o murder_n shall_v become_v a_o venial_a sin_n if_o commit_v to_o maintain_v a_o man_n honour_n or_o under_o pretence_n of_o return_v some_o trivial_a affront_n a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n have_v be_v make_v by_o some_o jesuitical_a casuist_n a_o justifiable_a provocation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o express_a term_n determine_v the_o quite_o contrary_a so_o plain_o do_v these_o man_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o distinction_n but_o 2._o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a and_o justifiable_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o whosoever_o do_v any_o action_n without_o that_o persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o do_n which_o be_v here_o call_v faith_n he_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a convenient_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o consequence_n most_o please_v unto_o god_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o who_o thus_o act_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o perform_v what_o he_o sincere_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n will_v be_v more_o excusable_a when_o he_o do_v amiss_o than_o that_o man_n who_o think_v he_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o his_o own_o knowledge_n though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o no_o action_n be_v good_a without_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o resolve_v upon_o a_o action_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o commit_v a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n though_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o our_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o sustain_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n as_o well_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o accuser_n and_o suppose_v our_o conscience_n due_o inform_v whilst_o we_o follow_v its_o determination_n we_o can_v do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v hereby_o excuse_v from_o perform_v a_o know_v and_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n which_o be_v require_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v administer_v fuel_n to_o such_o perplexity_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o will_v render_v christ_n easy_a yoke_n far_o more_o burdensome_a than_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish-law_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v by_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n to_o perform_v a_o action_n which_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o nice_a in_o weigh_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prefer_v our_o submission_n to_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o our_o lawful_a governor_n before_o the_o trivial_a doubt_n of_o a_o unsettle_a and_o waver_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v certain_o a_o grievous_a sin_n whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o with_o that_o questionable_a circumstance_n be_v so_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o common_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o rather_o to_o venture_v upon_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n we_o be_v not_o so_o full_o satisfy_v in_o than_o on_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v manifest_o evil_a rather_o than_o from_o those_o which_o have_v only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o thus_o a_o common_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_a officer_n a_o servant_n of_o his_o master_n without_o play_v the_o casuist_n and_o nice_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o execute_v what_o the_o head_n command_v and_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n will_v be_v answerable_a for_o all_o the_o lesser_a defect_n whilst_o there_o will_v be_v great_a allowance_n make_v to_o that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n peace_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o sacrifice_n his_o own_o private_a opinion_n but_o square_n his_o action_n in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n so_o as_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n but_o 3._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o such_o action_n as_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n and_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o incentives_n unto_o evil_a for_o he_o that_o will_v the_o cause_n will_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o he_o that_o expose_v himself_o to_o temptation_n be_v blame-worthy_a though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o nor_o be_v overpower_a thereby_o it_o be_v the_o business_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v by_o reflect_v on_o its_o past_a action_n to_o collect_v from_o thence_o what_o will_v be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o be_v the_o inlet_n and_o inducement_n to_o it_o the_o true_a spiritual_a warrior_n will_v not_o have_v any_o parley_n with_o his_o enemy_n he_o stand_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v the_o least_o approach_n towards_o he_o well_o know_v that_o he_o be_v only_o then_o secure_a when_o his_o enemy_n have_v not_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o hurt_v he_o and_o that_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o his_o ruin_n be_v to_o be_v secure_a 30.6_o psal_n 30.6_o and_o to_o fancy_n he_o stand_v so_o fast_o that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v move_v it_o will_v be_v therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v what_o sin_n he_o be_v most_o addict_v to_o what_o vice_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v betray_v into_o these_o sin_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o they_o and_o let_v he_o take_v up_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n 101.3_o psal_n 101.3_o i_o will_v remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o such_o object_n and_o example_n show_n and_o appearance_n as_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o i_o and_o betray_v i_o into_o sin_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v be_v angry_a let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o passion_n when_o first_o raise_v and_o throw_v these_o coal_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v retain_v they_o long_a the●e_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v anger_n maintain_v and_o encourage_v turn_n natural_o either_o into_o fury_n or_o malice_n and_o when_o once_o it_o degenerate_v into_o either_o of_o these_o devilish_a temper_n of_o mind_n who_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o that_o spark_n which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v suppress_v will_v be_v ungovernable_a when_o blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n either_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o all_o or_o to_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o hereby_o prevent_v its_o be_v criminal_a and_o sinful_a if_o he_o find_v himself_o addict_v to_o uncleanness_n and_o lust_n let_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o
they_o corrupt_v their_o most_o holy_a offering_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n into_o sin_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o well_o begin_v have_v half_o finish_v his_o work_n if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o will_v natural_o produce_v 2._o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o our_o affection_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n so_o excellent_o fit_v to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v require_v little_o more_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o like_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o sober_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o daily_a and_o constant_a accustom_v ourselves_o to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o religious_a duty_n to_o pray_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o corrupt_a and_o stubborn_a nature_n by_o a_o daily_a practice_n of_o these_o duty_n nothing_o will_v yield_v we_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n as_o the_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o god_n the_o lay_v open_a our_o want_n and_o beg_a supply_n the_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o communicate_v to_o other_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n above_o and_o will_v create_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n in_o every_o good_a man_n breast_n who_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o glorious_a conception_n and_o joyful_a resentment_n as_o these_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o these_o as_o david_n tell_v we_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o make_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o spend_v one_o day_n in_o god_n court_n 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o let_v we_o therefore_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o embrace_v his_o truth_n with_o our_o understanding_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o caress_n it_o with_o our_o affection_n let_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o faith_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o due_a admiration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o then_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o that_o 3._o we_o close_v with_o it_o by_o our_o will_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n in_o every_o particular_a wherein_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o every_o know_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perform_v our_o devotion_n only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v real_o so_o and_o not_o only_o be_v wise_a man_n but_o better_a christian_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o practice_n they_o be_v enjoin_v we_o as_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o conversation_n aright_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v but_o take_v any_o particular_a duty_n into_o your_o consideration_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o instance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o sigh_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o he_o be_v do_v we_o good_a and_o communicate_v his_o blessing_n unto_o we_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v we_o to_o repent_v be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n which_o our_o vice_n betray_v we_o into_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o fancy_n that_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o increase_v his_o happiness_n for_o he_o be_v infinite_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o but_o these_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v we_o that_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v more_o serious_o affect_v with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o a_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o god_n goodness_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o yield_v the_o ready_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o institute_v religion_n 11.4_o hosea_n 11.4_o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o more_o happy_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o then_o it_o do_v obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v when_o we_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o live_v better_o and_o of_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o that_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o attention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o will_n with_o god_n divine_a will._n i_o come_v to_o consider_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o our_o body_n for_o since_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v but_o high_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o they_o and_o serve_v he_o also_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v dispose_v ourselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o such_o decent_a become_v and_o reverential_a gesture_n that_o we_o may_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o this_o will_v be_v best_a perform_v by_o bear_v in_o mind_n this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o put_v on_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n and_o deport_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v from_o we_o for_o though_o irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o too_o many_o esteem_v a_o light_n and_o trivial_a offence_n and_o hardly_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o this_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o if_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o their_o bodily_a behaviour_n be_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o of_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n if_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o of_o unprejudiced_a reason_n for_o 1._o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v those_o man_n will_v worship_n god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n who_o will_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o comport_v their selve_o decent_o and_o affectionate_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o worship_v he_o with_o intention_n of_o soul_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n it_o require_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o application_n to_o keep_v their_o mind_n attentive_a and_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o these_o man_n will_v
beget_v comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o prove_v of_o wonderful_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n which_o can_v possible_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n many_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o will_v flow_v from_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o this_o rule_n only_o to_o name_v they_o will_v take_v up_o more_o time_n than_o i_o have_v now_o leave_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v remit_v this_o subject_a to_o your_o private_a meditation_n though_o the_o best_a way_n to_o frame_n a_o adequate_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o put_v this_o rule_n in_o practice_n 4._o let_v we_o admire_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o govern_v we_o by_o such_o law_n as_o be_v high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o he_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o we_o such_o arbitrary_a command_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v obey_v but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o the_o essential_a goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n incline_v he_o to_o give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o ennoble_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o more_o like_o himself_o and_o more_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n he_o first_o place_n in_o we_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o love_n and_o preserve_v ourselves_o and_o then_o make_v this_o both_o the_o measure_n and_o motive_n of_o love_v other_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o god_n design_n the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o his_o creature_n because_o he_o make_v their_o desire_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o his_o command_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o natural_a inclination_n 5._o and_o last_o how_o unexcusable_a shall_v we_o be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o excellent_a rule_n for_o have_v god_n lay_v a_o more_o weighty_a burden_n upon_o we_o have_v he_o command_v we_o all_o those_o numerous_a observance_n which_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v a_o yoke_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v or_o all_o those_o mortification_n and_o that_o austere_a way_n of_o live_v which_o some_o poor_a mistake_v christian_n impose_n upon_o themselves_o yet_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v inducement_n sufficient_a to_o perform_v all_o this_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v have_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o hard_a usage_n we_o can_v have_v undergo_v in_o this_o world_n but_o when_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o our_o shoulder_n so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o yoke_n such_o just_a reasonable_a and_o equitable_a command_n so_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o for_o our_o interest_n what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o what_o excuse_v can_v we_o make_v if_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o do_v by_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v by_o we_o and_o yet_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o rule_n comprehend_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n even_o those_o who_o be_v most_o backward_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o themselves_o yet_o be_v general_o very_o rigid_a in_o exact_v it_o from_o other_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v willing_o be_v comfort_v in_o a_o time_n of_o trouble_n protect_v in_o a_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o calamity_n relieve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o want_n and_o sickness_n though_o he_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n what_o answer_v then_o shall_v we_o make_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o a_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v whether_o we_o have_v visit_v the_o sick_a feed_v the_o hungry_a or_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o relieve_v the_o prisoner_n and_o in_o short_a whether_o we_o have_v do_v justice_n and_o love_a mercy_n how_o dreadful_a will_v that_o sentence_n be_v which_o shall_v pass_v upon_o those_o man_n who_o have_v neglect_v these_o duty_n and_o if_o those_o person_n shall_v be_v condemn_v who_o have_v neglect_v they_o who_o have_v bare_o omit_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o where_o shall_v those_o man_n appear_v who_o have_v practise_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o have_v oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a circumvent_v and_o defraud_v their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v go_v on_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n in_o act_n of_o injustice_n oppression_n extortion_n contrary_a to_o the_o check_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n certain_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o the_o full_a vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o these_o man_n and_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v partaker_n in_o their_o gild_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o undergo_v the_o same_o punishment_n but_o that_o by_o a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o do_v by_o other_o as_o we_o ourselves_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v do_v unto_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n finis_fw-la the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v these_o follow_a errata_n with_o his_o pen._n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o l._n 2._o r._n man._n p._n 10._o l._n ult_n r._n virtuous_a p._n 20._o l._n 22._o r._n which_o p._n 27._o l._n 21._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 60._o l._n 18._o r._n recount_v p._n 89._o l._n 21._o r._n grateful_a p._n 92._o l._n 18._o r._n let_v out_o p._n 104._o l._n 3._o r._n chappel_n p._n 245._o l._n penult_n r._n write_v beside_o some_o literal_a fault_n which_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d end_v by_o the_o eye_n
without_o labour_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v this_o encouragement_n that_o every_o day_n will_v make_v it_o more_o easy_a the_o great_a hardship_n be_v in_o the_o beginning_n but_o when_o we_o have_v accustom_a ourselves_o to_o pious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n they_o will_v become_v more_o delightful_a to_o we_o than_o the_o most_o voluptuous_a and_o sensual_a imagination_n we_o shall_v take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o meditate_v on_o god_n word_n and_o contemplate_v those_o joy_n which_o be_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n and_o will_v be_v the_o lot_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o glory_n than_o we_o can_v do_v in_o a_o earthly_a paradise_n certain_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a happiness_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n than_o that_o which_o the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n enjoy_v when_o he_o be_v inflame_v with_o zeal_n and_o transport_v with_o devotion_n when_o with_o st._n paul_n he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o heaven_n on_o the_o wing_n of_o contemplation_n and_o receive_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n these_o be_v joy_n beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o a_o sensual_a mind_n and_o the_o peculiar_a reward_n of_o those_o person_n who_o have_v prepare_v themselves_o and_o render_v their_o heart_n capable_a of_o receive_v they_o by_o cleanse_v they_o of_o all_o sinful_a and_o impure_a lust_n and_o deck_v and_o adorn_v they_o with_o holy_a affection_n and_o desire_v with_o these_o man_n the_o holy_a spirit_n will_v take_v up_o his_o abode_n and_o where_o he_o dwell_v there_o must_v needs_o be_v love_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_v unexpressible_a this_o be_v the_o most_o bless_a condition_n we_o can_v attain_v to_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o sure_a mark_n and_o token_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a hereafter_o sermon_n x._o matth_n vii_o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n commentator_n put_v their_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o find_v out_o a_o connection_n between_o these_o word_n and_o those_o which_o go_v before_o the_o word_n therefore_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o they_o be_v a_o inference_n draw_v from_o precede_a premise_n some_o there_o be_v who_o think_v that_o they_o bear_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o precept_n in_o the_o five_o chapter_n of_o this_o gospel_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o which_o treat_v of_o the_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o they_o relate_v only_o to_o the_o seven_o and_o follow_a verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o then_o as_o they_o think_v present_o add_v a_o rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o action_n hereby_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o our_o prayer_n and_o endeavour_n ought_v to_o go_v hand_n in_o hand_n and_o that_o when_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o thing_n we_o want_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o the_o obtain_v they_o this_o be_v certain_o true_a and_o afford_v we_o matter_n of_o wholesome_a advice_n but_o upon_o read_v the_o chapter_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o connection_n seem_v to_o be_v rather_o strain_v and_o extort_a from_o the_o text_n than_o the_o natural_a design_n of_o the_o inspire_a penman_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v rather_o look_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o a_o entire_a proposition_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n how_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o particle_n therefore_o be_v often_o redundant_fw-la and_o serve_v only_o to_o pass_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o syriack_n version_n it_o be_v whole_o omit_v as_o to_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o oppose_v the_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o dote_v so_o much_o on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n as_o to_o prefer_v they_o before_o the_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n as_o may_v plain_o be_v gather_v from_o the_o thirteen_o chapter_n of_o st._n matthew_n the_o twenty_o three_o and_o twenty_o four_o verse_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o prophet_n so_o earnest_a in_o exhort_v they_o to_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n prove_v that_o these_o be_v the_o great_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n 1.11_o isa_n 1.11_o and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o these_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o worth_n 5.22_o amos_n 5.22_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n he_o endeavour_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o superstitious_a in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o pursuit_n after_o real_a holiness_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o religion_n therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o the_o mean_v and_o design_n of_o this_o rule_n ii_o i_o shall_v mark_v out_o its_o bound_n and_o limitation_n iii_o i_o shall_v recommend_v it_o to_o your_o practice_n by_o show_v its_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n iv_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o some_o few_o reflection_n on_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n i._o as_o to_o the_o mean_v and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n they_o be_v certain_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o animate_v being_n irrational_a creature_n be_v guide_v to_o it_o by_o instinct_n i._n e._n the_o unerring_a hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o mankind_n be_v direct_v by_o reason_n which_o teach_v they_o to_o seek_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o support_v their_o be_v and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n which_o contribute_v to_o their_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n now_o since_o our_o wellbeing_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o agreeable_a object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o since_o the_o same_o object_n produce_v the_o same_o inclination_n and_o passion_n in_o all_o man_n therefore_o from_o hence_o will_v result_v a_o unavoidable_a obligation_n of_o deal_n by_o all_o man_n as_o we_o ourselves_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o condition_n and_o they_o in_o we_o for_o since_o we_o shall_v necessary_o desire_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n our_o neighbour_n be_v in_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v grant_v he_o the_o same_o thing_n when_o in_o our_o power_n which_o we_o shall_v expect_v from_o he_o if_o he_o be_v in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o we_o in_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o universal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o particular_a law_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n that_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o to_o act_n either_o because_o the_o action_n be_v not_o determine_v in_o the_o holy_a writ_n nor_o have_v we_o any_o plain_a precept_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o or_o when_o we_o suspect_v that_o our_o passion_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n have_v clap_v a_o bias_n upon_o our_o reason_n or_o when_o we_o will_v discover_v the_o due_a measure_n of_o our_o action_n and_o with_o what_o agreeable_a circumstance_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v than_o we_o may_v appeal_v to_o this_o disinteressed_a judge_n which_o god_n have_v place_v in_o our_o bosom_n and_o demand_v bold_o of_o ourselves_o how_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v with_o and_o what_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n our_o neighbour_n be_v in_o for_o the_o holy_a gospel_n have_v not_o provide_v particular_a law_n of_o equal_a extent_n with_o all_o the_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n nor_o give_v direction_n how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o in_o what_o measure_n every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o this_o be_v attempt_v we_o may_v well_o say_v that_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n which_o shall_v be_v write_v 21.25_o joh._n 21.25_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n only_o chalk_n out_o to_o we_o the_o great_a line_n