account_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n will_v appear_v very_o evident_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_n to_o give_v signal_n testimony_n of_o their_o equity_n and_o moderation_n upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o difference_n and_o contest_v with_o one_o another_o there_o remain_v only_o one_o objection_n to_o be_v brief_o answer_v and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o application_n it_o be_v this_o how_o may_v this_o consist_v with_o that_o zeal_n and_o strictness_n of_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v oblige_v unto_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v 1._o that_o zeal_n do_v proper_o consist_v in_o a_o intention_n of_o mind_n and_o earnestness_n of_o affection_n in_o the_o prosecute_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o in_o oppose_v such_o thing_n whereby_o we_o be_v hinder_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n now_o suppose_v moderation_n to_o be_v a_o duty_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v zealous_a for_o this_o grace_n and_o against_o all_o such_o person_n and_o thing_n as_o be_v enemy_n and_o hindrance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o opposite_a but_o consistent_a with_o and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o one_o another_o and_o as_o for_o that_o other_o branch_n of_o the_o objection_n concern_v strictness_n and_o exactness_n of_o duty_n from_o which_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o deviate_v out_o of_o compliance_n with_o other_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o strictness_n be_v proper_o a_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o law_n now_o it_o be_v not_o the_o naked_a letter_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n that_o be_v the_o law_n and_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v most_o strict_a in_o his_o obedience_n who_o do_v most_o exact_o comply_v with_o this_o a_o man_n may_v violate_v the_o law_n by_o observe_v the_o letter_n and_o he_o may_v keep_v the_o law_n by_o go_v against_o the_o letter_n now_o divine_a law_n themselves_o be_v capable_a of_o relaxation_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o proverbial_a say_n so_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n that_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o therefore_o much_o more_o will_v humane_a law_n admit_v of_o it_o there_o be_v these_o three_o thing_n i_o will_v insist_v upon_o in_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n 1._o first_o to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o be_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o require_v christian_n to_o be_v 2._o and_o then_o second_o if_o not_o that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o that_o deformity_n and_o mischief_n which_o there_o be_v in_o the_o want_n of_o this_o grace_n 3._o last_o that_o we_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a in_o the_o attain_n improve_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o grace_n for_o the_o future_a 1._o to_o inquire_v whether_o we_o ourselves_o be_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o require_v christian_n to_o be_v such_o as_o upon_o all_o occasion_n of_o difference_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v signal_n testimony_n of_o our_o gentleness_n and_o moderation_n there_o be_v these_o two_o way_n whereby_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v namely_o by_o the_o fruit_n and_o concomitant_n universality_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o the_o fruit_n and_o concomitant_n of_o this_o virtue_n some_o have_v question_v whether_o this_o word_n do_v denote_v any_o single_a virtue_n and_o not_o rather_o a_o complexion_n of_o many_o together_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o virtue_n of_o near_a affinity_n to_o this_o such_o as_o be_v either_o the_o effect_n or_o concomitant_n of_o this_o virtue_n by_o which_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o may_v be_v know_v of_o these_o i_o shall_v mention_v six_o 1._o mutual_a forbearance_n towards_o one_o another_o not_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n we_o may_v have_v of_o vindicate_v ourselves_o make_v allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o by_o who_o we_o be_v injure_v we_o that_o be_v strong_a aught_o to_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o not_o to_o please_v ourselves_o but_o our_o neighbour_n for_o his_o good_a for_o even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o rom._n 15.1_o we_o be_v to_o comfort_v the_o feeble-minded_n and_o to_o support_v the_o weak_a 1_o thes._n 5_o 14_o not_o to_o be_v harsh_a and_o rigorous_a towards_o they_o 2._o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v and_o conceal_v the_o manifest_a injury_n of_o other_o when_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o good_a of_o man_n either_o public_a or_o private_a shall_v require_v it_o of_o we_o that_o very_a expression_n which_o be_v translate_v ready_a to_o forgive_v psal._n 89.5_o be_v by_o the_o septuagint_n render_v by_o the_o same_o word_n in_o the_o text_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o long-suffering_a both_o with_o respect_n to_o patience_n and_o hope_n not_o easy_o provoke_v to_o passion_n be_v slow_a to_o anger_n not_o sudden_o tire_v or_o discourage_v by_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o suffer_v or_o the_o delay_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o hope_v for_o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o charity_n suffer_v long_o and_o be_v kind_a vers_fw-la 7._o it_o bear_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n 4._o benignity_n kindness_n courtesy_n a_o readiness_n to_o do_v good_a to_o help_v and_o show_v favour_n to_o those_o by_o who_o we_o have_v be_v injure_v such_o a_o affable_a amiable_a carriage_n as_o may_v win_v upon_o they_o not_o harsh_a scornful_a churlish_a overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a a_o forwardness_n to_o promote_v love_n and_o peace_n with_o they_o though_o it_o be_v by_o recede_v from_o somewhat_o of_o our_o own_o right_n be_v favourable_a in_o our_o interpretation_n of_o the_o word_n and_o action_n of_o other_o approve_v what_o be_v good_a in_o they_o not_o aggravate_v what_o be_v evil_a take_v doubtful_a matter_n in_o the_o best_a sense_n choose_v rather_o to_o offend_v by_o too_o much_o mildness_n than_o by_o too_o much_o severity_n 5._o aequanimity_n meekness_n gentleness_n such_o a_o sedateness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v not_o easy_o transport_v to_o any_o high_a passion_n not_o difficult_o appease_v especial_o upon_o submission_n and_o repentance_n such_o a_o evenness_n and_o smoothness_n of_o disposition_n as_o do_v not_o only_o serve_v to_o attemper_v anger_n but_o to_o add_v a_o sweetness_n and_o placidness_n to_o our_o carriage_n a_o equal_a state_n of_o mind_n under_o the_o variety_n of_o outward_a condition_n without_o be_v elate_v or_o deject_v by_o they_o know_v how_o to_o want_v and_o how_o to_o abound_v when_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o immerse_v in_o any_o of_o these_o earthly_a thing_n beyond_o their_o real_a worth_n and_o usefulness_n 6._o and_o last_o easiness_n to_o be_v entreat_v when_o a_o man_n be_v exorable_a without_o the_o violence_n of_o importunity_n not_o stiff_a and_o tenacious_a in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n beyond_o what_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o importance_n of_o thing_n do_v require_v manage_n the_o business_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o other_o without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n phil._n 2.14_o this_o same_o disputacity_n or_o aptness_n to_o contend_v for_o victory_n be_v no_o small_a occasion_n of_o discord_n among_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o willingness_n to_o condescend_v not_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o our_o own_o understanding_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o promote_v amity_n and_o peace_n among_o they_o this_o very_a word_n in_o the_o text_n be_v use_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o tim._n 3.3_o be_v there_o by_o beza_n interpret_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d apt_a to_o yield_v and_o submit_v non_fw-la facilè_fw-la contentiosus_fw-la not_o easy_o provoke_v to_o contentious_a dispute_n nor_o pertinacious_a in_o they_o let_v a_o man_n look_v over_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o virtue_n or_o duty_n whatsoever_o so_o often_o and_o so_o earnest_o inculcate_v as_o those_o of_o this_o nature_n as_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v design_v to_o fix_v upon_o these_o as_o be_v the_o grand_a criteria_n whereby_o his_o follower_n shall_v be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o sect_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o we_o desire_v to_o make_v enquiry_n concern_v our_o own_o condition_n in_o this_o respect_n these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o concomitant_n effect_n property_n whereby_o this_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v discern_v 2._o another_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o conformity_n to_o this_o precept_n in_o the_o text_n be_v the_o universality_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o whether_o we_o exercise_v it_o towards_o all_o man_n in_o all_o time_n upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o that_o be_v for_o moderation_n in_o the_o manage_n of_o affair_n at_o one_o time_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o at_o another_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o
a_o man_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o to_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o wisdom_n a_o ability_n of_o discern_a spirit_n of_o clear_v and_o open_v deep_o mysterious_a thing_n a_o mighty_a power_n of_o persuade_v and_o convince_a but_o to_o all_o these_o if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a in_o a_o case_n of_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n to_o confirm_v what_o he_o preach_v by_o a_o miracle_n one_o will_v think_v that_o be_v a_o most_o infallible_a way_n of_o subdue_a any_o opposition_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o he_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o advantage_n will_v signify_v nothing_o without_o these_o moral_a foundation_n and_o a_o keep_v close_o to_o these_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v effectual_a without_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o a_o reverend_n divine_a christ._n that_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o to_o be_v plant_v again_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o take_v whilst_o our_o moral_n be_v no_o better_a than_o they_o be_v a_o miracle_n may_v strike_v a_o little_a wonderment_n at_o first_o but_o good_a morality_n soak_v and_o sink_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o rational_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n to_o mistrust_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o miracle_n which_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o thing_n moral_o good_a and_o the_o scripture_n in_o several_a place_n do_v encourage_v to_o it_o 16.13_o deut._n 13.1_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o may_v be_v assert_v that_o the_o sutableness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n unto_o pure_a high_a morality_n do_v as_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o as_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v and_o therefore_o when_o many_o of_o the_o pharisee_n do_v pretend_v those_o wonderful_a act_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v do_v by_o magical_a art_n and_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o be_v present_o confute_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o have_v a_o devil_n joh._n 10.21_o and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v high_a in_o the_o commendation_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o test_n whereby_o to_o try_v even_o miracle_n themselves_o and_o do_v in_o some_o sense_n give_v authority_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v be_v excite_v to_o a_o great_a zeal_n in_o the_o promote_a righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v true_a subtle_a notion_n and_o question_n be_v more_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o time_n than_o these_o moral_a duty_n but_o they_o be_v withal_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o time_n and_o professor_n now_o if_o ever_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v sick_a of_o question_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v 1_o tim._n 6.4_o whereas_o these_o other_o thing_n be_v religion_n before_o any_o of_o these_o fashion_n come_v into_o request_n and_o will_v be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v lay_v aside_o and_o vanish_v as_o be_v found_v upon_o that_o universal_a perpetual_a law_n write_v in_o every_o man_n heart_n which_o can_v never_o be_v either_o augment_v or_o diminish_v or_o abrogate_a nec_fw-la per_fw-la senatum_fw-la aut_fw-la populum_fw-la solvi_fw-la hac_fw-la lege_fw-la possumus_fw-la no_o power_n can_v dispense_v with_o this_o law_n nor_o do_v it_o need_v any_o interpreter_n to_o explain_v it_o non_fw-la erat_fw-la alia_fw-la romae_fw-la alia_fw-la athenis_fw-la alia_fw-la nunc_fw-la alia_fw-la posthac_fw-la sed_fw-la &_o omnes_fw-la gentes_fw-la omni_fw-la tempore_fw-la una_fw-la lex_fw-la &_o sempiterna_fw-la &_o immutabilis_fw-la continebit_fw-la say_v the_o roman_a orator_n it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n and_o in_o all_o time_n as_o proceed_v from_o the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n towards_o who_o he_o that_o will_v not_o yield_v obedience_n must_v deny_v his_o own_o essence_n and_o dependence_n as_o he_o go_v on_o very_o sublime_o and_o elegant_o upon_o that_o subject_n i_o know_v many_o other_o thing_n be_v necessary_a as_o to_o our_o religious_a state_n beside_o these_o moral_a duty_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o primary_n foundation_n and_o nothing_o else_o will_v be_v effectual_a without_o these_o the_o end_n of_o the_o second_o sermon_n the_o three_o sermon_n rome_n fourteen_o 17.18_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o men._n iii_o iii_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o christian_n of_o several_a persuasion_n stand_v less_o approve_v towards_o one_o another_o be_v for_o want_v of_o a_o right_n proportion_v their_o zeal_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o because_o they_o lie_v out_o more_o of_o their_o strength_n in_o these_o lesser_a thing_n than_o on_o those_o of_o great_a consequence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v unite_v to_o a_o mutual_a like_n and_o approve_v of_o one_o another_o till_o they_o can_v come_v to_o be_v more_o true_o zealous_a and_o more_o hearty_o concern_v for_o those_o substantial_a matter_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o for_o those_o circumstantial_o of_o meat_n and_o drink_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a time_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o epistle_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o occasion_n both_o of_o raise_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o difference_n among_o the_o christian_n then_o namely_o the_o insist_v more_o upon_o form_n and_o party_n meat_n and_o day_n some_o be_v for_o paul_n other_o for_o apollo_n other_o for_o cephas_n than_o upon_o the_o substance_n of_o duty_n and_o the_o same_o likewise_o may_v be_v make_v evident_a from_o abundant_a testimony_n out_o of_o ecclesiastical_a writer_n concern_v the_o follow_a age_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o time_n be_v sufficient_o obvious_a to_o any_o easy_a observation_n there_o be_v two_o head_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n 1._o from_o the_o nature_n and_o usual_a consequent_n of_o that_o zeal_n whereby_o man_n be_v engage_v to_o these_o lesser_a thing_n 2._o from_o the_o nature_n and_o necessary_a fruit_n of_o man_n be_v devote_v to_o the_o more_o substantial_a thing_n of_o religion_n i._o zeal_n about_o these_o lesser_a matter_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o strife_n and_o division_n but_o be_v many_o time_n the_o very_a occasion_n and_o fuel_n whereby_o they_o be_v beget_v and_o continue_v among_o man_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v those_o question_n which_o he_o call_v foolish_a and_o unlearned_a 3.9_o be_v in_o some_o proportion_n true_a concern_v such_o other_o dispute_v as_o be_v manage_v with_o great_a vehemence_n than_o they_o ought_v that_o from_o hence_o come_v envy_n strife_n rail_n evil_a surmising_n 1_o tim._n 6.4_o let_v a_o man_n but_o look_v indifferent_o round_o about_o he_o among_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o party_n in_o our_o time_n even_o those_o who_o in_o his_o own_o judgement_n he_o esteem_v the_o best_a and_o then_o say_v whether_o both_o our_o common_a peace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n have_v not_o suffer_v exceed_o upon_o this_o account_n when_o man_n have_v once_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n though_o they_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v on_o the_o right_a side_n yet_o these_o consequence_n do_v ordinary_o follow_v upon_o it_o 1._o such_o man_n be_v narrow_v in_o their_o judgement_n liable_a to_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la upon_o very_o weak_a ground_n 2._o sour_v in_o their_o spirit_n become_v more_o censorious_a and_o rugged_a in_o their_o disposition_n 3._o vitiate_a in_o their_o moral_n decline_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a honesty_n neglect_v the_o tie_n of_o relation_n friendship_n gratitude_n and_o such_o other_o thing_n as_o shall_v secure_v and_o sweeten_v humane_a society_n 4._o cool_v in_o their_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n towards_o the_o more_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n whilst_o they_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o prosecution_n of_o lesser_a matter_n that_o man_n have_v converse_v but_o a_o little_a in_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o make_v but_o slender_a observation_n who_o have_v not_o in_o these_o time_n meet_v with_o abundance_n of_o example_n to_o this_o purpose_n ii_o the_o second_o reason_n be_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o more_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a matter_n of_o religion_n who_o property_n it_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o heal_v their_o difference_n there_o be_v a_o twofold_a notion_n under_o which_o the_o strife_n and_o contention_n among_o man_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o their_o sin_n or_o
late_a and_o present_a controversy_n will_v very_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o heal_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o take_v they_o off_o from_o many_o of_o those_o contention_n and_o animosity_n which_o now_o abound_v 2._o we_o shall_v hence_o be_v persuade_v to_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o with_o our_o utmost_a zeal_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n upon_o those_o great_a thing_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o mention_v abundance_n of_o argument_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v man_n to_o a_o fervency_n about_o these_o thing_n will_v the_o time_n permit_v it_o i_o shall_v very_o brief_o sum_v up_o what_o remain_v under_o these_o two_o head_n the_o excellency_n and_o seasonableness_n of_o these_o thing_n 1._o from_o their_o excellency_n there_o be_v but_o two_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o any_o man_n aim_v at_o or_o endeavour_v after_o to_o get_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o man_n and_o of_o god_n to_o be_v safe_a here_o and_o happy_a hereafter_o why_o now_o these_o thing_n do_v entitle_v we_o to_o both_o they_o make_v we_o to_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n they_o be_v not_o only_a duty_n but_o privilege_n the_o chief_a part_n of_o that_o salvation_n and_o glory_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o on_o this_o side_n of_o heaven_n that_o which_o make_v man_n zealous_a in_o other_o point_n be_v their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o importance_n and_o clearness_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o insist_v upon_o why_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o great_a importance_n than_o these_o thing_n wherein_o the_o power_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v and_o as_o for_o their_o evidence_n let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o in_o some_o of_o the_o controversy_n now_o on_o foot_n among_o we_o there_o shall_v in_o some_o solemn_a assembly_n be_v a_o appeal_n make_v to_o heaven_n to_o determine_v which_o of_o the_o party_n be_v in_o the_o right_n if_o upon_o such_o a_o appeal_n a_o angel_n shall_v immediate_o be_v send_v down_o or_o man_n shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o way_n and_o party_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o the_o other_o mistake_v one_o will_v think_v that_o upon_o such_o a_o advantage_n man_n may_v have_v good_a ground_n to_o be_v zealous_a and_o confident_a why_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o be_v zealous_a for_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o man_n will_v have_v upon_o such_o a_o miraculous_a confirmation_n of_o their_o opinion_n because_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n and_o we_o have_v for_o they_o the_o same_o if_o not_o better_a evidence_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v this_o by_o the_o same_o natural_a light_n which_o convince_v a_o man_n that_o god_n alone_o be_v omnipotent_a and_o can_v only_o do_v miracle_n that_o he_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o will_v not_o perform_v any_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o sin_n or_o a_o error_n by_o the_o same_o light_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o moral_a duty_n but_o now_o we_o can_v have_v the_o like_a degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a action_n be_v a_o miracle_n because_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o natural_a cause_n as_o we_o may_v that_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n be_v duty_n and_o of_o a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o obligation_n we_o be_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n better_o fit_v and_o prepare_v to_o understand_v moral_n than_o natural_n what_o be_v honest_a rather_o than_o what_o be_v possible_a and_o it_o be_v great_a reason_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o better_a evidence_n than_o what_o we_o have_v for_o the_o goodness_n and_o obligation_n of_o these_o thing_n 2._o from_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o 1._o what_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o time_n late_o pass_v and_o 2._o what_o we_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o for_o the_o future_a 1._o for_o the_o time_n past_a no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o horrid_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v upon_o religion_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o these_o moral_a duty_n under_o the_o high_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n to_o other_o matter_n whereby_o some_o man_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o despise_v all_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v but_o mere_a pretence_n and_o design_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o reality_n now_o if_o we_o have_v in_o we_o any_o tenderness_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o will_v make_v up_o that_o breach_n and_o wipe_v off_o that_o blemish_n that_o have_v in_o this_o respect_n be_v bring_v upon_o it_o it_o must_v be_v by_o our_o integrity_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o these_o more_o substantial_a matter_n both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o it_o be_v true_a man_n have_v be_v always_o apt_a to_o rest_v themselves_o in_o moral_a performance_n as_o if_o they_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o consequent_o as_o the_o endeavour_n to_o drive_v they_o off_o from_o such_o presumption_n as_o these_o can_v never_o be_v unseasonable_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o man_n shall_v out_o of_o pretence_n to_o some_o high_a notion_n and_o attainment_n dare_v to_o neglect_v and_o violate_v these_o moral_a duty_n it_o be_v then_o if_o ever_o seasonable_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o 2._o in_o reference_n to_o that_o settlement_n and_o peace_n which_o we_o be_v now_o in_o expectation_n of_o to_o which_o these_o thing_n will_v most_o effectual_o conduce_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v beyond_o humane_a contrivance_n to_o find_v out_o any_o infallible_a way_n of_o secure_v future_a event_n nor_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a affair_n which_o be_v often_o sway_v by_o such_o intricate_a providence_n as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o foresee_v or_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o such_o man_n who_o be_v most_o vehement_a against_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o promote_a it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v most_o for_o it_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o hinder_v it_o so_o that_o i_o say_v in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v in_o such_o fair_a probability_n as_o the_o prudence_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v and_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v he_o that_o have_v observe_v those_o various_a providence_n which_o these_o poor_a distract_a nation_n have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v exercise_v with_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o since_o our_o first_o civil_a tempest_n and_o storm_n there_o have_v be_v some_o season_n wherein_o we_o have_v seem_v to_o be_v near_o the_o harbour_n and_o upon_o the_o border_n of_o settlement_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n there_o have_v still_o be_v some_o unexpected_a emergency_n whereby_o we_o have_v be_v drive_v back_o again_o into_o the_o wide_a ocean_n and_o expose_v to_o all_o our_o former_a fear_n and_o danger_n what_o may_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o our_o present_a expectation_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o only_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v most_o sure_a that_o this_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o upon_o the_o duty_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v be_v the_o best_a security_n for_o every_o man_n in_o his_o private_a capacity_n and_o the_o most_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o the_o public_a it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o in_o time_n of_o change_n and_o revolution_n man_n mind_n must_v be_v various_o exercise_v with_o hope_n and_o fear_n according_a as_o their_o several_a interest_n do_v engage_v they_o the_o great_a thought_n of_o heart_n upon_o some_o man_n be_v how_o they_o may_v be_v secure_v in_o the_o change_n of_o time_n but_o now_o if_o man_n will_v repose_v themselves_o upon_o scripture_n security_n i_o will_v refer_v they_o to_o that_o place_n rom._n 13.3_o will_v thou_o not_o then_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o power_n do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v praise_n of_o the_o same_o this_o be_v the_o very_a natural_a end_n of_o magistracy_n namely_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o that_o do_v well_o 1_o pet._n 2.14_o i_o shall_v shut_v up_o all_o with_o that_o say_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 3.10_o cite_v out_o of_o the_o 34_o psal._n what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o will_v see_v good_a day_n let_v he_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a let_v he_o seek_v peace_n and_o ensue_v it_o he_o may_v be_v most_o certain_a by_o this_o mean_n to_o be_v entitle_v unto_o the_o
this_o privilege_n shall_v endeavour_v after_o such_o virtue_n as_o will_v be_v suitable_a to_o it_o man_n be_v content_a in_o the_o night_n time_n to_o be_v homely_a and_o plain_a but_o in_o the_o day_n they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o have_v their_o garment_n decent_a and_o comely_a about_o they_o so_o shall_v christian_n demean_v themselves_o remember_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o from_o their_o call_n count_v it_o a_o great_a shame_n to_o they_o to_o do_v any_o unworthy_a act_n under_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o they_o and_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n within_o they_o than_o other_o man_n do_v to_o commit_v any_o filthiness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n man_n usual_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o advance_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o that_o from_o which_o they_o receive_v their_o own_o so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o gratitude_n do_v engage_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n which_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n 2._o in_o the_o adorn_v of_o our_o profession_n we_o do_v real_o promote_v our_o own_o advantage_n 2._o and_o adorn_v ourselves_o the_o reputation_n of_o that_o redound_v to_o our_o benefit_n and_o the_o blemish_n of_o it_o to_o our_o disparagement_n the_o honour_n and_o esteem_v that_o be_v give_v to_o any_o profession_n do_v reflect_v upon_o the_o professor_n man_n be_v usual_o very_o sensible_a in_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n how_o careful_a will_v they_o be_v in_o adorn_v their_o habitation_n not_o grudge_v to_o bestow_v much_o labour_n and_o cost_v to_o this_o purpose_n and_o for_o their_o body_n nothing_o more_o common_a than_o vanity_n and_o excess_n in_o the_o adorn_v of_o these_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o care_n and_o delicacy_n in_o this_o kind_n these_o body_n of_o they_o be_v but_o frail_a earthly_a tabernacle_n and_o must_v short_o prove_v wormsmeat_n and_o mold_a away_o into_o their_o original_a dust_n and_o so_o likewise_o for_o their_o name_n all_o those_o difficulty_n that_o man_n undergo_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o fame_n and_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o business_n of_o man_n of_o more_o large_a and_o generous_a spirit_n be_v but_o for_o the_o adorn_v of_o their_o name_n and_o perpetuate_a they_o to_o posterity_n which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o proper_a use_n and_o bound_n yet_o be_v it_o but_o vanity_n as_o solomon_n say_v see_v that_o which_o now_o be_v in_o the_o day_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v forget_v eccles._n 2.16_o every_o generation_n produce_v something_o which_o seem_v new_a and_o strange_a to_o take_v up_o man_n talk_n and_o wonder_n and_o to_o drown_v the_o memory_n of_o former_a person_n and_o action_n now_o if_o we_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o may_v be_v for_o our_o real_a advantage_n it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o adorn_v of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o abide_v for_o ever_o the_o sweet_a ornament_n of_o a_o good_a name_n which_o we_o endeavour_v to_o pour_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o that_o will_v run_v down_o and_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o skirt_n about_o it_o all_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o kind_n of_o thing_n that_o may_v just_o challenge_v any_o care_n from_o we_o of_o this_o nature_n some_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v adorn_v for_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o dignity_n other_o thing_n for_o that_o special_a affection_n we_o bear_v to_o they_o and_o the_o desire_n of_o have_v they_o love_v and_o esteem_v by_o other_o in_o both_o which_o respect_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o thing_n else_o especial_o since_o our_o own_o advantage_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o it_o that_o be_v a_o second_o reason_n the_o law_n of_o self-love_n do_v engage_v it_o 3._o 3._o and_o last_o which_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o reason_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n and_o be_v the_o chief_a business_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o bring_v honour_n to_o his_o name_n which_o we_o then_o do_v in_o reference_n to_o other_o when_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o so_o as_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o this_o be_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n 1_o thes._n 2.12_o and_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n philip._n 1.27_o when_o those_o that_o of_o themselves_o be_v apt_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o our_o profession_n shall_v by_o our_o good_a conversation_n be_v convince_v and_o win_v over_o to_o a_o love_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o noble_a work_n that_o any_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o contribute_v unto_o and_o therefore_o that_o may_v be_v another_o reason_n to_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o creation_n i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v no_o more_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n or_o proof_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o these_o uses_n i._o for_o information_n if_o it_o be_v every_o one_o duty_n to_o take_v special_a care_n of_o adorn_v his_o profession_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o man_n be_v not_o only_o to_o regard_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o action_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o comeliness_n of_o they_o too_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o degree_n as_o there_o be_v difference_n betwixt_o clothing_n and_o ornament_n so_o be_v there_o betwixt_o the_o mere_a lawfulness_n of_o action_n and_o the_o comeliness_n of_o they_o a_o christian_n shall_v even_o in_o moral_a duty_n do_v something_o beyond_o the_o common_a level_n of_o man_n aim_v at_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o generous_a and_o heroical_a and_o may_v give_v a_o lustre_n to_o his_o profession_n especial_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o border_v near_o to_o the_o proper_a grace_n of_o christianity_n as_o gratitude_n patience_n meekness_n self-denial_n and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o other_o ordinary_a man_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o yield_v unto_o common_a infirmity_n and_o temptation_n the_o usual_a excuse_n of_o their_o fail_n he_o shall_v press_v on_o with_o great_a vigour_n as_o consider_v the_o cause_n that_o depend_v upon_o he_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o holy_a profession_n some_o thing_n that_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o may_v be_v just_a yet_o be_v perform_v without_o respect_n to_o this_o end_n may_v prove_v blame_v worthy_a bonum_fw-la must_v be_v ex_fw-la causa_fw-la integra_fw-la the_o defect_n of_o any_o such_o circumstance_n whereby_o a_o action_n may_v be_v better_o perform_v do_v lay_v a_o blemish_n upon_o it_o now_o we_o be_v to_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o man_n to_o acquit_v and_o commend_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n but_o to_o other_o man_n conscience_n too_o 2_o cor._n 4.2_o this_o do_v principal_o consist_v in_o the_o right_n circumstantiate_v of_o action_n and_o will_v require_v much_o prudence_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v seasonable_a and_o fit_a 2._o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o among_o that_o great_a variety_n of_o duty_n which_o be_v incumbent_a upon_o a_o christian_a there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o special_a regard_n unto_o such_o as_o be_v of_o general_a approbation_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v to_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v oblige_v unto_o because_o those_o who_o be_v without_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o we_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o these_o and_o that_o man_n will_v never_o arrive_v to_o the_o esteem_n of_o be_v religious_a who_o shall_v be_v find_v negligent_a and_o defective_a in_o this_o kind_n either_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o holy_a awe_n and_o fear_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o he_o do_v profess_v to_o adore_v justice_n equity_n charity_n gentleness_n in_o his_o deal_n and_o converse_v with_o other_o these_o thing_n be_v of_o a_o universal_a approbation_n among_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n for_o though_o natural_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v prejudices_fw-la and_o hard_a thought_n against_o many_o religious_a duty_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v both_o acceptable_a of_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n rom._n 14.18_o and_o that_o be_v when_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o much_o put_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n and_o external_a form_n as_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o a_o man_n must_v take_v heed_n of_o rest_v in_o these_o moral_a attainment_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o come_v short_a of_o they_o too_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o grace_n and_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o these_o be_v in_o as_o bad_a and_o in_o many_o respect_n a_o much_o worse_a condition_n than_o he_o that_o rest_v
in_o they_o it_o be_v true_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v much_o danger_n in_o seek_v to_o please_v man_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o end_n which_o we_o may_v and_o shall_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o even_o in_o our_o religious_a conversation_n rom._n 15.2_o let_v every_o one_o please_v his_o neighbour_n it_o be_v the_o apostle_n advice_n there_o and_o he_o own_v it_o for_o his_o practice_n 2_o cor._n 10.33_o even_o as_o i_o please_v all_o man_n in_o all_o thing_n not_o seek_v my_o own_o profit_n but_o the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v there_o must_v and_o will_v always_o be_v a_o enmity_n betwixt_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n but_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v labour_v for_o so_o much_o favour_n in_o their_o eye_n as_o may_v give_v we_o advantage_n of_o do_v good_a upon_o they_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o have_v favour_n with_o all_o the_o people_n act._n 2.47_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v they_o so_o powerful_a among_o they_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o do_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o time_n make_v they_o seasonable_a when_o so_o many_o man_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o in_o fashion_n and_o therefore_o easy_a do_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o moral_a duty_n as_o if_o the_o pretence_n to_o holiness_n which_o do_v real_o so_o much_o the_o more_o engage_v to_o these_o thing_n may_v yet_o serve_v as_o a_o dispensation_n from_o they_o than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uncomely_a 2._o but_o i_o hasten_v to_o a_o second_o use_v for_o reproof_n of_o such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ornament_n that_o they_o be_v rather_o spot_n and_o blemish_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n careless_a and_o scandalous_a professor_n i._o for_o those_o that_o be_v careless_a and_o barren_a who_o be_v whole_o immerse_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o observance_n of_o their_o own_o humour_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o profit_v or_o please_v of_o other_o there_o be_v something_o in_o man_n religious_a conversation_n answerable_a to_o the_o slovenliness_n of_o their_o outward_a carriage_n whereby_o other_o be_v make_v averse_a and_o as_o it_o be_v nauseated_a from_o converse_v with_o they_o such_o be_v all_o selfish_n morose_n churlish_a contentious_a man_n who_o instead_o of_o invite_v other_o do_v rather_o discourage_v they_o from_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n ii_o for_o such_o as_o be_v scandalous_a who_o whilst_o they_o profess_v religion_n do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o some_o notorious_a sin_n and_o sometime_o commit_v they_o under_o the_o very_a pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o pharisee_n be_v accuse_v to_o devour_v widow_n house_n that_o be_v to_o do_v act_n of_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o devotion_n and_o zeal_n both_o these_o be_v a_o abomination_n but_o especial_o the_o latter_a which_o do_v involve_v in_o it_o the_o high_a affront_n and_o indignity_n against_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v it_o be_v real_o to_o scoff_n and_o despise_v that_o to_o which_o in_o appearance_n we_o pretend_v the_o high_a reverence_n it_o be_v to_o carry_v christ_n about_o in_o scorn_n to_o be_v deride_v by_o other_o cry_v hail_n king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o spit_v upon_o he_o and_o buffet_n he_o such_o person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o adorn_v their_o profession_n that_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a to_o disparage_v it_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v odious_a what_o serious_a man_n will_v be_v invite_v to_o own_o that_o for_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v profess_v by_o man_n of_o such_o false_a and_o hateful_a conversation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o will_v brief_o suggest_v by_o way_n of_o motive_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o offend_v in_o either_o of_o these_o kind_n viz._n the_o unworthiness_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o such_o carriage_n 1._o it_o be_v unworthy_a and_o odious_a to_o cast_v a_o blemish_n and_o reproach_n upon_o that_o to_o which_o we_o owe_v our_o own_o honour_n to_o destroy_v those_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o love_n and_o help_v the_o scripture_n put_v it_o as_o a_o brand_n upon_o the_o loose_a son_n of_o eli_n hophni_n and_o phinehas_n 1_o sam._n 2.17_o that_o they_o cause_v man_n to_o abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o hateful_a than_o to_o bring_v sacred_a thing_n into_o contempt_n it_o be_v iacob_n complaint_n against_o his_o son_n simeon_n and_o levi_n gen._n 34.30_o that_o they_o have_v make_v he_o to_o stink_v among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o do_v the_o unworthy_a carriage_n of_o professor_n cause_v the_o heart_n of_o other_o to_o rise_v up_o against_o they_o with_o much_o scorn_n and_o detestation_n 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v unworthy_a so_o likewise_o be_v it_o dangerous_a you_o know_v the_o several_a woe_n in_o scripture_n denounce_v and_o execute_v against_o those_o that_o give_v offence_n temporal_a judgement_n upon_o their_o name_n malach._n 2.9_o the_o priest_n that_o cause_v other_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n be_v threatdn_v to_o be_v make_v contemptible_a and_o base_a before_o all_o the_o people_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o equal_a than_o that_o those_o who_o expose_v religion_n to_o contempt_n shall_v suffer_v under_o it_o themselves_o judgement_n in_o respect_n of_o life_n balaam_n be_v for_o this_o reason_n slay_v with_o the_o sword_n because_o he_o teach_v balak_n to_o lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n numb_a 31.8_o the_o son_n of_o eli_n be_v upon_o the_o like_a account_n slay_v by_o the_o philistine_n 1_o sam._n 4.11_o but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o for_o beside_o this_o temporal_a death_n it_o do_v expose_v a_o man_n likewise_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o offender_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o they_o do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v to_o destroy_v those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v 1_o cor._n 8.11_o it_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o abuse_n of_o our_o liberty_n in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v much_o more_o concern_v action_n in_o themselves_o sinful_a that_o be_v a_o know_a text_n matth._n 18.6_o it_o be_v better_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o millstone_n hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o to_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n than_o to_o offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o now_o if_o to_o offend_v but_o one_o and_o that_o a_o little_a one_o that_o be_v one_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n will_v expose_v a_o man_n to_o a_o certain_a and_o dreadful_a vengeance_n what_o then_o may_v they_o expect_v who_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o their_o place_n reputation_n profession_n do_v occasion_n a_o more_o general_a and_o spread_a scandal_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o number_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v and_o cause_v the_o way_n of_o god_n to_o be_v common_o evil_a speak_v of_o as_o if_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v about_o some_o politic_a end_n and_o as_o if_o all_o man_n who_o do_v pretend_v to_o holiness_n be_v to_o be_v suspect_v as_o deceiver_n if_o those_o that_o bring_v up_o a_o evil_a report_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v so_o severe_o punish_v 14.37_o be_v destroy_v by_o a_o plague_n from_o heaven_n certain_o then_o the_o offence_n and_o the_o punishment_n ought_v to_o be_v estimate_v to_o be_v as_o much_o great_a here_o as_o this_o heavenly_a canaan_n be_v better_a than_o that_o earthly_a 3._o i_o have_v but_o one_o use_n more_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o exhortation_n to_o persuade_v we_o unto_o the_o study_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o text._n that_o we_o will_v every_o one_o in_o our_o several_a place_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v honour_n to_o our_o profession_n and_o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o those_o reproach_n to_o which_o the_o unworthy_a conversation_n of_o some_o professor_n have_v expose_v it_o i_o know_v not_o any_o duty_n more_o seasonable_a to_o be_v press_v than_o this_o because_o of_o those_o so_o great_a and_o common_a scandal_n that_o have_v be_v give_v in_o our_o time_n wherein_o too_o many_o have_v justify_v all_o those_o old_a calumny_n and_o reproach_n which_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a be_v wont_a to_o charge_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n for_o our_o better_a direction_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n you_o may_v please_v to_o remember_v what_o be_v suggest_v before_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o adorn_v do_v consist_v in_o these_o two_o thing_n the_o
doctrine_n which_o he_o will_v have_v titus_n in_o his_o preach_v to_o insist_v upon_o with_o reference_n to_o several_a age_n sex_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n to_o verse_n 11._o after_o which_o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o brief_a recapitulation_n of_o those_o more_o general_a duty_n wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v of_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o new_a peculiar_a reason_n whereby_o the_o gospel_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o these_o moral_a duty_n namely_o 1._o from_o that_o great_a reward_n which_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o propose_v the_o bless_a hope_n and_o that_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n v_o 13._o 2._o from_o the_o assistance_n which_o it_o give_v to_o we_o by_o redeem_v we_o from_o our_o iniquity_n v_o 14._o abolish_n the_o guilt_n and_o subdue_a the_o power_n of_o sin_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o powerful_a motive_n whereby_o christian_n shall_v be_v excite_v to_o become_v a_o peculiar_a people_n separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n strive_v by_o their_o fervency_n and_o diligence_n and_o cheerfulness_n as_o much_o to_o excel_v other_o in_o their_o obedience_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o privilege_n have_v mention_v these_o great_a fundamental_a duty_n he_o thereupon_o subjoin_v this_o exhortation_n these_o thing_n speak_v and_o exhort_v and_o rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n these_o thing_n i._n e._n especial_o these_o more_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a matter_n wherein_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v in_o opposition_n to_o other_o small_a point_n of_o less_o evidence_n or_o consequence_n these_o thing_n speak_v be_v ready_a to_o instruct_v such_o as_o be_v ignorant_a in_o these_o duty_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o careful_a observance_n of_o they_o and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o contumacious_a notwithstanding_o this_o instruction_n and_o exhortation_n as_o to_o violate_v these_o know_a duty_n let_v he_o be_v rebuke_v with_o all_o authority_n do_v not_o deal_v with_o such_o a_o one_o in_o a_o precarious_a way_n but_o with_o such_o a_o courage_n and_o majesty_n as_o may_v become_v he_o who_o have_v power_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o command_v other_o to_o observe_v their_o duty_n the_o messenger_n of_o god_n shall_v not_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o man_n such_o kind_n of_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v of_o that_o evidence_n and_o importance_n as_o may_v well_o bear_v a_o man_n out_o to_o speak_v with_o authority_n and_o to_o strike_v a_o awe_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v gainsay_v and_o oppose_v they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o such_o rebuke_n may_v be_v of_o authority_n and_o the_o more_o effectual_a the_o apostle_n advise_v to_o take_v special_a care_n that_o no_o man_n despise_v he_o not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n what_o other_o shall_v think_v of_o we_o for_o as_o honour_v est_fw-la in_o honorante_fw-la so_o be_v contempt_n likewise_o man_n will_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o judge_v as_o they_o please_v they_o may_v through_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n or_o envy_n have_v mean_a thought_n of_o those_o that_o be_v most_o worthy_a but_o though_o the_o form_n of_o honour_n be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n yet_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v namely_o virtuous_a and_o worthy_a action_n and_o we_o may_v deserve_v the_o esteem_n of_o other_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o deny_v it_o to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o exhortation_n of_o not_o let_a other_o despise_v we_o must_v be_v so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o must_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o other_o to_o have_v mean_a and_o despicable_a thought_n of_o we_o that_o man_n exhortation_n and_o rebuke_n must_v needs_o be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o insignificant_a who_o by_o any_o unworthy_a action_n have_v render_v himself_o contemptible_a whereas_o if_o by_o well-doing_n we_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conscience_n of_o other_o it_o can_v be_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v authority_n with_o they_o man_n must_v and_o will_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o we_o when_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o so_o as_o they_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o when_o we_o be_v angry_a god_n be_v displease_v with_o they_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o text_n with_o all_o imaginable_a plainness_n under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o despise_v be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v 2._o of_o what_o great_a consequence_n it_o be_v that_o minister_n shall_v preserve_v themselves_o from_o contempt_n 3._o the_o mean_n how_o this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o then_o conclude_v all_o with_o some_o brief_a application_n i._o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o despise_v what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v it_o signify_v brief_o cheap_a and_o low_a thought_n of_o a_o person_n together_o with_o a_o suitable_a demeanour_n towards_o he_o the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o it_o be_v littleness_n and_o impotence_n whatever_o we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v of_o any_o kind_n of_o power_n we_o have_v a_o suitable_a regard_n to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o a_o hurtful_a nature_n we_o hate_v and_o fear_n and_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v it_o but_o as_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v little_a and_o impotent_a not_o able_a to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o hurt_n we_o be_v not_o any_o further_o concern_v for_o they_o but_o bare_o to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v they_o it_o be_v proper_o oppose_v to_o honour_v both_o of_o they_o be_v original_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o pass_v judgement_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o do_v in_o our_o mind_n own_o or_o acknowledge_v the_o real_a worth_n or_o virtue_n of_o any_o one_o this_o be_v inward_a honour_n when_o we_o testify_v this_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n this_o be_v external_a honour_v and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o we_o do_v in_o our_o thought_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o vileness_n or_o worthlesness_n of_o thing_n or_o person_n this_o be_v inward_a despise_n which_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v style_v 3.8_o count_v a_o thing_n vile_a set_v it_o at_o nought_o esteem_v it_o as_o dung_n when_o we_o testify_v this_o by_o word_n or_o action_n this_o be_v external_a contempt_n and_o in_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v express_v by_o kick_v at_o a_o thing_n 2.29_o tread_v it_o under_o our_o foot_n cast_v it_o behind_o we_o turn_v our_o back_n upon_o it_o puff_v at_o it_o 12.5_o both_o these_o abstract_o consider_v be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o themselves_o but_o as_o they_o be_v circumstantiate_v by_o their_o manner_n and_o measure_n and_o object_n every_o man_n shall_v proportion_v his_o esteem_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o real_a value_n of_o they_o not_o call_v good_a evil_n or_o evil_a good_a where_o there_o be_v no_o real_a worth_a man_n may_v and_o shall_v despise_v nor_o ought_v they_o towards_o such_o thing_n to_o give_v any_o honour_n it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o man_n duty_n to_o contemn_v a_o vile_a person_n 15.4_o as_o to_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n it_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v abstract_a betwixt_o the_o call_n and_o person_n of_o other_o there_o may_v be_v a_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o call_n when_o there_o be_v none_o due_a to_o the_o person_n but_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o call_n and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n in_o man_n not_o to_o distinguish_v in_o such_o case_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a so_o common_a so_o natural_a a_o thing_n for_o the_o scandal_n of_o a_o person_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o profession_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v put_v upon_o his_o account_n as_o be_v part_n of_o his_o guilt_n that_o he_o have_v lay_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o other_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o his_o profession_n and_o as_o thing_n now_o be_v in_o the_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a than_o for_o man_n to_o think_v that_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o place_n will_v keep_v up_o their_o esteem_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o without_o the_o foundation_n of_o real_a worth_n in_o their_o person_n now_o among_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o have_v in_o it_o so_o much_o provocation_n as_o contempt_n it_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o hatred_n that_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v considerable_a the_o philosopher_n make_v it_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o anger_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a thing_n to_o be_v bear_v even_o by_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v the_o first_o head_n the_o nature_n of_o
that_o none_o of_o their_o incumbent_n may_v be_v put_v to_o live_v precarious_o upon_o the_o benevolence_n of_o their_o hearer_n i_o humble_o offer_v this_o to_o your_o consideration_n as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v your_o duty_n and_o will_v tend_v to_o your_o honour_n and_o i_o do_v the_o rather_o mention_v it_o now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a season_n for_o it_o while_o the_o parliament_n be_v sit_v of_o who_o assistance_n towards_o so_o pious_a and_o necessary_a a_o work_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v and_o because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o business_n of_o some_o time_n and_o much_o consideration_n to_o enumerate_v and_o digest_v all_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v provide_v for_o and_o establish_v by_o law_n therefore_o will_v it_o be_v requisite_a that_o this_o work_n shall_v be_v timely_o set_v about_o that_o there_o may_v be_v sufficient_a leisure_n to_o deliberate_v and_o consult_v about_o the_o due_a management_n of_o it_o 2._o more_o general_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o they_o will_v lend_v their_o help_a hand_n to_o so_o good_a a_o work_n as_o this_o be_v if_o this_o centurion_n in_o the_o text_n in_o a_o state_n of_o heathenism_n under_o his_o more_o dark_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o forward_o in_o these_o work_n of_o public_a bounty_n much_o more_o than_o will_v it_o concern_v we_o that_o be_v christian_n not_o to_o be_v backward_o or_o defective_a in_o they_o i_o may_v if_o the_o time_n will_v permit_v press_v this_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o argument_n i_o shall_v mention_v only_o some_o few_o 1._o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o be_v bountiful_a and_o liberal_a upon_o all_o good_a occasion_n and_o may_v of_o right_n and_o justice_n be_v require_v of_o we_o god_n be_v please_v indeed_o for_o the_o better_a encouragement_n of_o man_n to_o these_o thing_n to_o style_v they_o gift_n and_o loan_n which_o he_o engage_v himself_o to_o repay_v but_o they_o be_v rend_v and_o tribute_n and_o debt_n upon_o the_o due_a payment_n of_o which_o we_o hold_v our_o possession_n and_o upon_o the_o neglect_n or_o nonpayment_n we_o forfeit_v our_o right_n to_o they_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n of_o all_o we_o be_v but_o his_o tenant_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n man_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o right_n and_o dominion_n by_o the_o offering_n of_o sacrifice_n so_o shall_v they_o in_o these_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o their_o liberal_a contribution_n towards_o any_o good_a work_n for_o with_o such_o sacrifice_n god_n be_v well_o please_v when_o there_o be_v any_o good_a occasion_n offer_v for_o our_o bounty_n that_o be_v the_o time_n for_o the_o pay_v of_o our_o rent_n and_o tribute_n and_o god_n do_v then_o require_v it_o of_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v our_o interest_n a_o thing_n which_o upon_o several_a account_n tend_v to_o our_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o our_o safety_n the_o bountiful_a man_n shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n preserve_v from_o his_o enemy_n strengthen_v upon_o the_o bed_n of_o languishment_n psal._n 41.1_o 2_o 3._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o estate_n the_o liberal_a man_n devise_v liberal_a thing_n and_o by_o liberal_a thing_n shall_v he_o stand_v isa._n 32.8_o i._n e._n he_o shall_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v establish_v and_o improve_v in_o his_o estate_n the_o liberal_a soul_n shall_v be_v make_v fat_a and_o he_o that_o water_v shall_v be_v water_v also_o himself_o prov._n 11.25_o such_o kind_n of_o work_n be_v in_o the_o scripture-phrase_n compare_v to_o sow_v which_o be_v always_o in_o order_n to_o a_o harvest_n and_o increase_n and_o he_o that_o sow_v bountiful_o shall_v reap_v bountiful_o 2_o cor._n 9.6_o 3._o this_o will_v promote_v the_o interest_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v among_o other_o a_o bountiful_a man_n shall_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n and_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v exalt_v with_o honour_n psal._n 112.6_o 9_o every_o one_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o a_o man_n of_o gift_n prov._n 19_o 4._o this_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o render_v our_o prayer_n and_o other_o service_n acceptable_a and_o to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o divine_a favour_n it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n design_v mercy_n and_o kindness_n to_o his_o people_n when_o they_o become_v due_o affect_v at_o his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o temple_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o engage_v in_o the_o repair_n of_o it_o psal._n 102.13_o 14._o thou_o will_v arise_v and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n for_o the_o time_n to_o favour_v she_o yea_o the_o set_a time_n be_v come_v for_o thy_o servant_n take_v pleasure_n in_o her_o stone_n and_o favour_v the_o dust_n thereof_o that_o psalm_n be_v think_v to_o be_v compose_v by_o nehemiah_n when_o he_o design_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o he_o mention_n this_o as_o a_o ground_n of_o hope_n that_o god_n will_v now_o at_o last_o be_v favourable_a to_o his_o people_n because_o they_o be_v affect_v with_o a_o sad_a resentment_n at_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o it_o where_o it_o be_v imply_v to_o be_v a_o mournful_a spectacle_n to_o see_v the_o temple_n of_o god_n lie_v in_o the_o dust_n under_o decay_n and_o ruin_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o a_o people_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n to_o restore_v such_o ruin_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o pretend_v as_o excuse_n from_o such_o kind_n of_o duty_n as_o 1._o the_o fear_n of_o want_n for_o themselves_o to_o this_o the_o scripture_n answer_v that_o such_o as_o be_v bountiful_a shall_v not_o lack_v prov._n 28_o 27._o 2._o they_o must_v lay_v up_o for_o their_o child_n why_o he_o that_o be_v merciful_a his_o seed_n shall_v be_v bless_v psal._n 37.15_o 3._o but_o they_o be_v but_o of_o a_o mean_a condition_n be_v put_v to_o labour_v hard_o for_o a_o poor_a live_n neither_o shall_v this_o exempt_a man_n from_o work_n of_o charity_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v man_n to_o labour_n with_o their_o hand_n for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v to_o such_o as_o need_v ephes._n 4.28_o this_o indeed_o will_v alter_v the_o case_n as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o such_o man_n bounty_n but_o will_v not_o total_o excuse_v they_o from_o it_o 35._o goat_n hair_n and_o badger_n skin_n be_v heretofore_o esteem_v a_o suitable_a gift_n for_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o people_n a_o brother_n of_o low_a degree_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 9.6_o spare_o and_o a_o mite_n shall_v be_v accept_v from_o a_o poor_a widow_n but_o those_o who_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n also_o such_o be_v to_o bestow_v purple_a and_o gold_n and_o jewel_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v that_o scripture_n to_o be_v fulfil_v that_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o cavil_n or_o exception_n apt_a to_o rise_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n against_o this_o duty_n but_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o several_a place_n purposely_o obviate_v and_o answer_v it_o i_o have_v only_o this_o one_o word_n to_o add_v that_o we_o must_v all_o of_o we_o short_o die_v and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n be_v past_a must_v go_v to_o the_o place_n whence_o we_o shall_v not_o return_v and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o our_o deathbed_n than_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o pious_a bounty_n and_o charity_n and_o of_o the_o good_a deed_n we_o have_v do_v for_o the_o house_n of_o our_o god_n will_v minister_v more_o comfort_n to_o our_o mind_n than_o all_o the_o vast_a treasure_n that_o we_o can_v leave_v behind_o we_o upon_o earth_n which_o consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o one_o to_o this_o duty_n who_o be_v but_o serious_a in_o religion_n and_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v what_o he_o profess_v the_o twelve_o sermon_n prov_n xxv_o 15_o a_o soft_a tongue_n break_v the_o bone_n the_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n be_v a_o miscellany_n of_o sentence_n full_a of_o various_a and_o profound_a wisdom_n such_o roll_a sentence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o be_v fit_a to_o have_v a_o special_a authority_n over_o a_o man_n in_o the_o guidance_n of_o his_o affair_n they_o concern_v all_o kind_n of_o matter_n the_o custom_n vice_n humour_n of_o man_n the_o various_a business_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n quicquid_fw-la agunt_fw-la homines_fw-la votum_fw-la timor_fw-la ira_fw-la voluptas_fw-la gaudia_fw-la discursus_fw-la and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n here_o profess_v to_o