order_n that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n there_o be_v always_o a_o room_n as_o well_o for_o mercy_n and_o mitigation_n as_o for_o justice_n and_o extremity_n this_o must_v he_o do_v because_o his_o law_n can_v be_v as_o god_n law_n be_v god_n law_n be_v perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o of_o such_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n as_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a strength_n and_o of_o the_o same_o equity_n in_o all_o case_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v without_o dispensation_n relaxation_n or_o any_o mitigation_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o with_o injury_n and_o violation_n but_o man_n law_n come_v from_o their_o own_o wit_n be_v imperfect_a and_o so_o in_o all_o case_n they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o equity_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v execute_v with_o a_o discreet_a and_o wise_a moderation_n this_o moderation_n be_v public_a equity_n and_o this_o public_a equity_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o text_n and_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o man_n law_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o christian_a commonwealth_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a branch_n of_o public_a equity_n to_o proceed_v further_o as_o this_o public_a equity_n principal_o stand_v in_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n so_o it_o descend_v more_o special_o even_o to_o all_o the_o public_a action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n so_o that_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o equity_n thus_o describe_v man_n may_v know_v how_o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o sue_v bond_n and_o take_v forfeiture_n and_o how_o man_n may_v with_o good_a conscience_n carry_v themselves_o in_o suretyship_n in_o take_v of_o fine_n in_o let_v of_o lease_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o mutual_a bargain_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o a_o man_n may_v see_v how_o to_o frame_v all_o these_o and_o such_o like_a action_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o himself_o shall_v reap_v credit_n and_o gain_n enough_o &_o his_o neighbour_n help_v and_o succour_v by_o he_o for_o in_o forfeiture_n of_o bond_n forfeiture_n of_o land_n or_o lease_n in_o suretyship_n in_o rent_n in_o fine_n and_o all_o other_o deal_n of_o man_n together_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o extremity_n that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o law_n will_v afford_v a_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o there_o be_v second_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o extremity_n upon_o good_a and_o convenient_a reason_n let_v we_o consider_v of_o they_o in_o some_o few_o example_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o another_o in_o a_o hundred_o pound_n to_o pay_v fifty_o at_o a_o day_n the_o same_o man_n not_o by_o negligence_n but_o by_o some_o necessity_n break_v his_o day_n and_o afterward_o bring_v the_o principal_a debt_n now_o to_o take_v the_o forfeiture_n be_v in_o this_o case_n extremity_n though_o the_o law_n do_v yield_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n stand_v upon_o this_o extremity_n he_o deal_v not_o honest_o and_o equal_o but_o hardly_o and_o extreme_o with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o law_n can_v free_v he_o in_o this_o case_n from_o manifest_a injustice_n what_o be_v then_o the_o moderation_n in_o this_o case_n even_o this_o to_o take_v thy_o own_o and_o remit_v the_o forfeiture_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o cause_n &_o ground_n of_o appoint_v a_o forfeiture_n be_v not_o for_o advantage_n but_o only_o for_o the_o better_a security_n of_o the_o principal_a which_o see_v thou_o have_v thou_o have_v that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v intend_v thou_o again_o his_o breach_n be_v not_o wilful_a or_o with_o purpose_n to_o hurt_v thou_o but_o against_o his_o will_n if_o therefore_o thou_o be_v direct_o damnify_v by_o his_o miss_v thy_o day_n without_o all_o aequivocation_n then_o take_v thy_o reasonable_a damage_n out_o of_o his_o forfeiture_n if_o not_o then_o remit_v the_o whole_a forfeiture_n and_o this_o moderation_n be_v public_a equity_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o buy_v nor_o sell_v borrow_a nor_o lend_v betwixt_o man_n &_o man_n see_v another_o example_n one_o take_v a_o lease_n of_o thou_o for_o year_n to_o pay_v thou_o such_o a_o rent_n &_o for_o not_o payment_n of_o that_o rent_n his_o lease_n to_o be_v void_a the_o poor_a man_n miss_v his_o rend_a day_n now_o what_o say_v the_o law_n his_o lease_n be_v forfeit_v but_o to_o take_v this_o advantage_n be_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o moderation_n be_v to_o remit_v the_o same_o forfeiture_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a as_o thou_o shall_v see_v reason_n in_o equity_n and_o conscience_n this_o moderation_n be_v in_o this_o ease_n public_a equity_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o let_v of_o land_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n so_o for_o fine_n and_o rent_n the_o law_n say_v thou_o may_v make_v the_o most_o of_o thy_o own_o if_o thou_o stretch_v this_o law_n as_o far_o as_o the_o very_a word_n will_v bear_v then_o may_v thou_o make_v such_o fine_n and_o rent_n as_o may_v grind_v the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a so_o as_o no_o man_n shall_v live_v under_o thou_o but_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v extremity_n and_o beyond_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o law_n the_o moderation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o to_o take_v all_o thou_o may_v get_v but_o so_o to_o fine_a and_o rend_v thy_o land_n as_o he_o that_o take_v they_o may_v live_v of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o mitigation_n be_v because_o envy_v and_o hatred_n may_v often_o make_v many_o man_n offer_v more_o for_o a_o farm_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a to_o cross_v and_o hurt_v their_o neighbour_n or_o to_o get_v all_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n here_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n do_v yield_v thou_o all_o that_o which_o a_o man_n do_v willing_o offer_v yet_o must_v thy_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o thou_o to_o make_v thou_o a_o moderator_n of_o that_o extremity_n let_v these_o three_o example_n serve_v for_o many_o now_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o public_a deal_n betwixt_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n observe_v public_a equity_n when_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o his_o neighbour_n according_a to_o that_o extremity_n which_o the_o strict_a word_n of_o the_o law_n will_v bear_v but_o according_a to_o that_o moderation_n which_o good_a conscience_n require_v &_o which_o the_o law_n itself_o in_o some_o case_n do_v admit_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o a_o man_n that_o have_v any_o conscience_n may_v see_v how_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o all_o these_o civil_a affair_n in_o a_o even_o upright_o and_o equal_a course_n and_o warrantable_a not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o even_o by_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o every_o extremity_n which_o a_o law_n in_o the_o strict_a acception_n do_v afford_v be_v not_o warrantable_a to_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v good_a convenient_a and_o requisite_a that_o the_o extremity_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n because_o in_o some_o case_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v execute_v the_o law_n of_o man_n may_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v extremity_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n must_v tell_v we_o when_o to_o urge_v they_o and_o when_o to_o moderate_v they_o so_o then_o when_o a_o man_n take_v the_o extremity_n he_o do_v that_o that_o be_v always_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n but_o in_o some_o case_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o god_n word_n which_o command_v a_o mitigation_n when_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o he_o that_o take_v the_o extremity_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o mitigate_a it_o and_o again_o do_v mitigate_v it_o when_o there_o be_v cause_n his_o course_n be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a man_n to_o remember_v in_o all_o his_o bargain_n and_o deal_n that_o his_o manner_n of_o deal_v must_v not_o only_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o even_o by_o god_n word_n also_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o take_v for_o a_o general_a rule_n in_o all_o this_o treatise_n and_o he_o that_o will_v due_o consider_v the_o true_a difference_n of_o extremity_n and_o moderation_n as_o they_o be_v here_o describe_v may_v see_v how_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v warrantable_a both_o by_o our_o own_o law_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o return_v then_o to_o the_o
he_o have_v sin_v but_o the_o rage_a fury_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a hell_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o defer_v till_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o therefore_o thou_o have_v do_v evil_a and_o feel_v a_o prick_n in_o thy_o conscience_n and_o a_o cheek_n but_o no_o more_o remember_v that_o even_o then_o if_o god_n do_v not_o moderate_v his_o justice_n thou_o shall_v feel_v the_o extreme_a horror_n of_o thy_o conscience_n which_o will_v overwhelm_v thou_o as_o a_o burden_n which_o be_v to_o heavy_a for_o thou_o to_o bear_v thus_o than_o we_o see_v the_o marvelous_a mercy_n of_o god_n wicked_a man_n be_v his_o swear_a enemy_n for_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o offend_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o great_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o so_o large_a be_v his_o moderation_n that_o even_o his_o enemy_n taste_v of_o it_o every_o day_n and_o hour_n thus_o much_o of_o god_n equity_n and_o moderation_n to_o all_o man_n now_o second_o this_o moderate_a &_o mild_a deal_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o special_a to_o his_o church_n and_o child_n and_o that_o also_o show_v it_o self_n in_o two_o action_n first_o of_o all_o justice_n require_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v pay_v his_o debt_n &_o common_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o word_n &_o promise_n can_v pass_v for_o payment_n but_o due_a debt_n must_v be_v satisfy_v now_o every_o christian_a man_n be_v in_o a_o great_a debt_n to_o god_n that_o debt_n be_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n for_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n not_o to_o free_v we_o from_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o how_o do_v we_o pay_v that_o debt_n even_o as_o he_o do_v who_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n and_o crave_v to_o pay_v it_o by_o a_o penny_n a_o year_n for_o so_o we_o owe_v perfect_a obedience_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o also_o purity_n of_o nature_n the_o root_n of_o all_o we_o i_o mean_v the_o best_a &_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o have_v nothing_o to_o tender_v to_o god_n but_o a_o few_o good_a desire_n and_o groan_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o silly_a poor_a endeavour_n all_o which_o be_v unto_o that_o which_o the_o law_n require_v like_v unto_o one_o penny_n to_o ten_o thousand_o pound_n yet_o behold_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o his_o child_n these_o our_o desire_n and_o that_o our_o endeavour_n come_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v he_o accept_v for_o perfect_a payment_n and_o that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o heart_n fear_v god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n endeavour_v it_o according_o be_v the_o man_n who_o god_n love_v and_o embrace_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o in_o debt_n and_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o god_n thus_o do_v god_n testify_v of_o himself_o in_o malachi_n i_o will_v spare_v you_o even_o as_o a_o father_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o now_o we_o know_v there_o be_v no_o spare_v nor_o forbearance_n like_a unto_o that_o a_o father_n bid_v his_o little_a son_n do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o be_v far_o above_o his_o strength_n the_o child_n not_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n but_o look_v only_o at_o his_o duty_n and_o desire_v not_o only_a to_o please_v his_o father_n go_v about_o it_o and_o do_v his_o best_a and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o it_o at_o all_o now_o the_o father_n rejoice_v in_o this_o willing_a obedience_n of_o his_o son_n and_o approve_v in_o his_o child_n the_o will_n and_o endeavour_n though_o he_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n he_o bid_v he_o even_o so_o do_v the_o lord_n spare_v his_o child_n he_o command_v we_o to_o keep_v his_o law_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o out_o duty_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o little_a child_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v a_o millstone_n yet_o if_o we_o willing_o go_v when_o god_n command_v we_o and_o do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o all_o we_o can_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v more_o this_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n proceed_v from_o faith_n &_o from_o a_o sonlike_a willingness_n do_v the_o lord_n accept_v for_o the_o perfect_a deed_n this_o be_v no_o small_a moderation_n but_o great_a and_o wonderful_a for_o whereas_o we_o owe_v perfect_a obedience_n and_o he_o may_v just_o challenge_v it_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o make_v we_o pay_v it_o with_o soul_n and_o all_o he_o be_v be_v content_a to_o take_v a_o will_n a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v all_o we_o can_v and_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o at_o all_o in_o this_o world_n that_o man_n will_v be_v extol_v for_o his_o mercy_n who_o will_v take_v of_o his_o debtor_n a_o penny_n a_o week_n who_o owe_v he_o 100_o pound_n or_o that_o take_v all_o he_o can_v pay_v and_o accept_v his_o good_a mind_n for_o the_o rest_n oh_o then_o how_o merciful_a be_v our_o god_n who_o for_o so_o great_a offence_n and_o so_o huge_a a_o debt_n as_o we_o be_v to_o his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o accept_v of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o hearty_a desire_n the_o heart_n &_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v sufficient_o magnify_v so_o great_a a_o mercy_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o again_o the_o mercy_n and_o moderation_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o child_n appear_v thus_o there_o be_v not_o the_o best_a man_n but_o he_o sin_v &_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n so_o little_a but_o in_o justice_n it_o deserve_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o punishment_n yea_o all_o those_o curse_n denounce_v in_o the_o law_n even_o all_o those_o plague_n threaten_v deut._n 28._o all_o which_o in_o justice_n shall_v overwhelm_v he_o press_v he_o down_o &_o crush_v he_o to_o nothing_o but_o behold_v the_o merciful_a moderation_n of_o god_n he_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v no_o more_o cross_n on_o his_o child_n then_o by_o his_o own_o grace_n which_o he_o also_o give_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o undergo_v and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o overcome_v also_o when_o his_o child_n sin_n as_o when_o do_v they_o not_o do_v he_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o sin_n no_o for_o then_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o his_o law_n shall_v be_v heap_v on_o they_o for_o one_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o he_o do_v but_o justice_n nay_o he_o deal_v so_o with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o punishment_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o a_o chastisement_n for_o a_o punishment_n must_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n proportionable_a to_o the_o offence_n but_o that_o which_o he_o lay_v on_o his_o child_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o punishment_n proper_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o chastisement_n or_o correction_n of_o a_o father_n to_o teach_v his_o son_n his_o duty_n and_o to_o reform_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o home_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o therefore_o not_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o in_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o father_n he_o first_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o then_o lay_v no_o more_o on_o we_o than_o we_o may_v well_o bear_v and_o which_o be_v most_o wonderful_a of_o all_o he_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o to_o this_o end_n speak_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 10._o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o import_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v temptation_n and_o cross_n in_o god_n justice_n due_a for_o sin_n and_o which_o he_o have_v in_o store_n ready_a at_o his_o pleasure_n which_o be_v so_o great_a so_o heavy_a and_o so_o fearful_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v not_o possible_o bear_v they_o but_o shall_v sink_v under_o they_o and_o perish_v as_o do_v cain_n and_o judas_n and_o such_o like_a among_o these_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v one_o which_o be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v prou._n 14._o 18._o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o the_o cross_n he_o lay_v on_o his_o child_n be_v always_o such_o as_o they_o bear_v with_o comfort_n for_o a_o time_n and_o at_o last_o with_o joy_n do_v overcome_v they_o a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n of_o who_o god_n say_v to_o david_n if_o he_o sin_v i_o will_v chastise_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o can_v in_o my_o justice_n for_o salomon_n great_a sin_n
public_a equity_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o kind_n of_o equity_n call_v private_a namely_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n in_o their_o private_a action_n but_o ere_o we_o go_v further_o some_o may_v demand_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o public_a and_o private_a action_n private_a action_n of_o man_n be_v such_o as_o be_v practise_v among_o man_n without_o any_o help_n of_o the_o law_n as_o contrariwise_o public_a action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o public_a action_n may_v be_v betwixt_o private_a man_n and_o private_a action_n betwixt_o public_a person_n there_o be_v a_o publiknes_n and_o a_o privatenes_n as_o i_o may_v term_v it_o both_o of_o man_n and_o action_n a_o man_n be_v private_a until_o he_o be_v exalt_v unto_o some_o authority_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n then_o he_o be_v a_o public_a person_n a_o action_n be_v private_a as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o handle_v betwixt_o two_o man_n and_o need_v not_o the_o public_a voice_n nor_o censure_n of_o the_o law_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o then_o it_o be_v public_a for_o example_n a_o magistrate_n may_v have_v deal_v with_o a_o other_o man_n or_o two_o magistrate_n together_o if_o they_o determine_v it_o together_o betwixt_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o private_a action_n because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o as_o they_o be_v magistrate_n but_o as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o private_a action_n betwixt_o public_a person_n so_o a_o private_a man_n no_o magistrate_n may_v have_v a_o trespass_n a_o debt_n a_o forfeiture_n or_o any_o other_o action_n or_o demand_n against_o another_o man_n wherein_o because_o he_o can_v come_v to_o a_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a end_n by_o private_a mean_n he_o crave_v the_o help_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o here_o be_v a_o public_a action_n betwixt_o private_a man_n now_o this_o virtue_n of_o equity_n respect_v not_o the_o publiknes_n or_o privatenes_n of_o the_o person_n but_o of_o the_o action_n therefore_o as_o that_o be_v public_a equity_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o determine_n of_o public_a action_n which_o come_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o be_v private_a equity_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o private_a action_n which_o be_v begin_v and_o conclude_v private_o betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n and_o never_o come_v to_o public_a hear_n nor_o trial_n of_o the_o law_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o search_v more_o near_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n private_a equity_n be_v a_o moderate_a even_o and_o equal_a carriage_n of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o all_o his_o private_a word_n and_o deed_n towards_o all_o other_o man_n and_o all_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o moderate_a carriage_n of_o a_o man_n self_n that_o be_v betwixt_o both_o extreme_n neither_o bear_v all_o thing_n nor_o revenge_v every_o thing_n second_o i_o say_v towards_o all_o other_o man_n wherein_o i_o comprehend_v all_o man_n &_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n husband_n wife_n magistrate_n subject_n teacher_n hearer_n master_n servant_n parent_n child_n man_n woman_n neighbour_n in_o town_n fellow_n in_o society_n in_o service_n in_o labour_n in_o a_o word_n none_o be_v except_v who_o any_o way_n do_v live_v or_o converse_v together_o but_o of_o they_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o moderation_n and_o a_o forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n among_o they_o but_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hell_n upon_o the_o earth_n see_v therefore_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v such_o that_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ornament_n of_o family_n and_o society_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o man_n life_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o enter_v into_o more_o particular_a consideration_n thereof_o private_a equity_n have_v four_o degree_n or_o principal_a duty_n first_o to_o bear_v with_o natural_a infirmity_n second_o to_o interpret_v doubtful_a thing_n in_o the_o better_a part_n three_o to_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o right_a sometime_o four_o to_o forgive_v private_a and_o personal_a wrong_n of_o all_o these_o brief_o and_o in_o order_n the_o first_o duty_n of_o private_a equity_n be_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n nature_n with_o who_o we_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o break_v not_o out_o into_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n or_o enormity_n these_o infirmity_n be_v manifold_a as_o for_o example_n forwardness_n or_o morosity_n of_o nature_n bastine_n slowness_n of_o conceit_n dulness_n of_o wit_n suspitiousnes_n desire_v of_o praise_n and_o such_o like_a these_o and_o many_o other_o natural_a infirmity_n must_v a_o christian_a man_n bear_v and_o tolerate_v patient_o in_o those_o with_o who_o he_o converse_v as_o with_o his_o wife_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n his_o friend_n his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o long_o must_v he_o bear_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v within_o a_o mean_a and_o break_v not_o out_o into_o extremity_n of_o these_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v prou._n 19_o 31._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o man_n to_o pass_v by_o a_o infirmity_n that_o be_v if_o he_o see_v in_o his_o brother_n weakness_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o settle_a malice_n or_o canker_a corruption_n it_o be_v a_o man_n glory_n and_o praise_n always_o so_o far_o to_o moderate_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o see_v they_o nor_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v move_v nor_o disquiet_v at_o they_o and_o oftentimes_o so_o little_a to_o regard_v they_o as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o do_v to_o this_o end_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 13._o love_n suffer_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o good_a conscience_n &_o be_v do_v by_o they_o who_o we_o love_v now_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v bear_v with_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v either_o so_o private_a or_o so_o small_a that_o the_o wrong_n be_v only_o we_o and_o no_o dishonour_n thereby_o ensue_v to_o god_n glory_n nor_o ill_a example_n to_o the_o church_n all_o such_o thing_n love_n suffer_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a love_n to_o pass_v by_o many_o want_n and_o the_o more_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v root_v in_o true_a love_n the_o more_o infirmity_n will_v he_o pass_v by_o in_o they_o who_o he_o love_v he_o set_v no_o limit_n to_o himself_o how_o many_o or_o how_o long_o to_o bear_v but_o even_o all_o that_o be_v infirmity_n of_o nature_n many_o hard_a word_n many_o angry_a fit_n many_o needle_n surmise_n many_o unkindness_n will_v he_o put_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o see_v they_o who_o heart_n be_v possess_v with_o true_a love_n wisdom_n and_o the_o scare_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o must_v every_o one_o do_v that_o will_v practice_v christian_a equity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o man_n glory_n and_o commendation_n let_v we_o lay_v this_o doctrine_n near_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n in_o some_o few_o example_n a_o man_n have_v a_o wife_n or_o a_o woman_n a_o husband_n in_o who_o there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o honest_a and_o faithful_a love_n but_o he_o or_o she_o be_v subject_a to_o anger_n or_o to_o hastiness_n or_o to_o a_o austerity_n in_o their_o behaviour_n or_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n to_o practice_v those_o outward_a compliment_n of_o kindness_n which_o other_o can_v do_v with_o great_a facility_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v but_o weakness_n of_o nature_n in_o they_o that_o fear_n god_n therefore_o must_v love_n cover_v they_o and_o bear_v they_o and_o oftentimes_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o or_o she_o that_o have_v not_o such_o have_v either_o the_o like_a or_o great_a weakness_n all_o which_o if_o one_o forbear_v not_o in_o another_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o this_o part_n of_o equity_n be_v practise_v it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a how_o much_o it_o will_v augment_v the_o happiness_n and_o add_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o that_o be_v marry_v again_o a_o man_n have_v a_o servant_n careful_a and_o willing_a enough_o to_o obey_v and_o please_v his_o master_n also_o trusty_a and_o faithful_a but_o he_o be_v slow_a in_o his_o business_n and_o do_v not_o dispatch_v thing_n appoint_v he_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o master_n not_o so_o speedy_o not_o so_o ready_o nor_o with_o
that_o facility_n as_o his_o master_n require_v what_o be_v to_o to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n to_o see_v it_o and_o always_o to_o check_v he_o for_o it_o and_o to_o gall_n and_o gird_v he_o with_o it_o and_o ever_o to_o be_v cast_v it_o in_o his_o tooth_n and_o threaten_v he_o for_o it_o be_v the_o extremity_n which_o here_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v the_o equity_n then_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v in_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o fault_n of_o malice_n but_o of_o nature_n not_o of_o idleness_n nor_o carelessness_n but_o of_o a_o natural_a weakness_n the_o master_n must_v gentle_o tell_v he_o of_o it_o and_o private_o and_o seldom_o and_o advise_v he_o what_o be_v the_o best_a help_n for_o nature_n in_o this_o case_n and_o though_o he_o see_v not_o that_o speedy_a amendment_n which_o he_o desire_v yet_o be_v he_o to_o bear_v with_o he_o as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v trusty_a diligent_a dutiful_a and_o willing_a and_o for_o those_o so_o many_o good_a property_n he_o must_v bear_v with_o his_o want_n and_o not_o be_v too_o sharp_a either_o in_o reprove_v or_o in_o correct_v he_o for_o they_o in_o the_o the_o three_o place_n a_o man_n have_v occasion_n to_o confer_v often_o with_o another_o man_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v neighbour_n or_o special_a friend_n or_o of_o the_o same_o call_n and_o course_n of_o life_n but_o one_o of_o they_o be_v hasty_a and_o soon_o angry_a and_o it_o may_v be_v in_o his_o talk_n either_o for_o the_o matter_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o can_v but_o show_v his_o anger_n extremity_n in_o this_o case_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o deal_v rough_o with_o he_o to_o contradict_v and_o cross_v he_o to_o deny_v what_o he_o say_v to_o stand_v stiff_o to_o our_o our_o own_o opinion_n &_o to_o be_v angry_a again_o with_o he_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n christian_a equity_n teach_v a_o man_n not_o to_o see_v it_o nor_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o be_v angry_a again_o nor_o to_o check_v he_o for_o it_o but_o to_o put_v it_o off_o by_o gentle_a word_n soft_a demand_n and_o other_o talk_n and_o to_o yield_v to_o he_o as_o far_o as_o a_o man_n may_v do_v in_o good_a conscience_n without_o betray_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o the_o way_n in_o conference_n hold_v it_o always_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o private_a equity_n never_o to_o stick_v stiff_o to_o any_o opinion_n unless_o it_o be_v in_o a_o plain_a truth_n and_o of_o great_a moment_n now_o thus_o do_v to_o our_o brother_n and_o spare_v his_o weakness_n and_o continue_v on_o our_o speech_n as_o though_o we_o see_v not_o that_o he_o be_v angry_a hereby_o the_o conference_n hold_v on_o and_o love_n be_v continue_v as_o afore_o but_o if_o contrariwise_o we_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o his_o infirmity_n and_o display_v it_o and_o rub_v he_o for_o it_o if_o we_o be_v as_o short_a as_o he_o and_o stand_v stiff_o upon_o point_n than_o the_o conference_n be_v break_v off_o without_o edification_n and_o heart-burn_n rise_v betwixt_o they_o in_o stead_n of_o true_a love_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o these_o example_n how_o in_o a_o christian_a moderation_n we_o be_v to_o bear_v and_o to_o forbear_v the_o natural_a weakness_n of_o our_o brethren_n if_o we_o purpose_v to_o live_v in_o any_o comfort_n with_o they_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o this_o forbearance_n must_v be_v with_o two_o condition_n first_o that_o these_o want_n be_v want_n of_o nature_n not_o of_o malice_n nor_o of_o old_a root_v settle_a and_o canker_a corruption_n second_o if_o they_o who_o we_o forbear_v contain_v themselves_o within_o convenient_a bond_n and_o do_v not_o exceed_v nor_o break_v out_o into_o any_o outrage_n or_o extremity_n for_o than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forbear_v but_o to_o be_v tell_v and_o reprove_v for_o they_o and_o a_o man_n duty_n be_v not_o to_o wink_v at_o they_o but_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o show_v open_a dislike_n of_o they_o but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o these_o be_v want_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v infirmity_n in_o the_o one_o to_o show_v they_o so_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o other_o to_o pardon_v they_o yea_o it_o be_v a_o token_n of_o wisdom_n and_o good_a government_n and_o a_o sign_n that_o a_o man_n be_v a_o lover_n of_o peace_n and_o consequent_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o god_n himself_o to_o pass_v by_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n maintain_v peace_n in_o kingdom_n country_n state_n city_n college_n family_n and_o all_o society_n of_o man_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o duty_n the_o second_o duty_n of_o private_a equity_n be_v to_o constru_fw-la &_o interpret_v man_n saying_n that_o be_v doubtful_a in_o the_o better_a part_n if_o possible_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o man_n though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n and_o this_o must_v a_o man_n do_v if_o he_o will_v live_v in_o peace_n in_o this_o world_n our_o nature_n be_v give_v to_o take_v man_n at_o the_o worst_a to_o deprave_v man_n deed_n and_o word_n &_o to_o pervert_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a sense_n that_o may_v be_v and_o this_o be_v common_o the_o cause_n of_o debate_n and_o dissension_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a equity_n be_v contrary_a hereunto_o namely_o to_o think_v the_o best_a they_o can_v of_o all_o man_n to_o construe_v all_o doubtful_a action_n in_o the_o better_a part_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a sense_n of_o all_o doubtful_a speech_n if_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o it_o the_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o property_n of_o love_n 1._o cor._n 13._o love_n think_v not_o evil_a that_o be_v not_o only_o then_o when_o there_o be_v manifest_a and_o good_a cause_n to_o think_v well_o but_o when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a if_o it_o may_v by_o any_o mean_n have_v a_o good_a meaning_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n it_o may_v be_v well_o think_v of_o love_n will_v make_v a_o man_n think_v well_o of_o it_o &_o the_o more_o special_o a_o man_n love_v another_o the_o more_o equal_o indifferent_o and_o christianly_o will_v he_o interpret_v all_o his_o say_n and_o do_n the_o want_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o contrary_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o more_o trouble_n tumult_n garboil_n fall_n out_o and_o heartburning_n in_o kingdom_n country_n society_n and_o family_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n than_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o deal_v thus_o with_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n cost_v he_o his_o life_n for_o when_o christ_n say_v destroy_v this_o temple_n &_o i_o will_v build_v it_o in_o three_o day_n they_o interpret_v it_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n when_o as_o he_o mean_v of_o the_o temple_n of_o his_o body_n and_o the_o wrong_n and_o sinister_a interpretation_n of_o david_n ambassage_n by_o his_o neighbour_n king_n hanuâ—_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o great_a war_n betwixt_o two_o mighty_a kingdom_n the_o israelite_n and_o the_o amonite_n which_o cost_v so_o many_o thousand_o their_o life_n for_o when_o david_n send_v ambassador_n to_o comfort_v he_o after_o his_o father_n death_n he_o and_o his_o wicked_a counsellor_n interpret_v it_o that_o he_o send_v spy_n and_o intelligencer_n to_o find_v out_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o land_n it_o can_v be_v speak_v what_o broil_n hurliburly_n and_o confusion_n in_o kingdom_n what_o contention_n in_o eommon-wealthe_n what_o faction_n and_o division_n in_o college_n &_o society_n what_o disquietness_n in_o family_n what_o unkindness_n and_o fall_v out_o amongst_o old_a friend_n and_o what_o separation_n even_o amongst_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v near_o be_v daily_o in_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o sinister_a interpretation_n of_o man_n word_n and_o deed_n we_o therefore_o that_o do_v profess_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o peace_n must_v learn_v to_o make_v conscience_n of_o this_o the_o due_a practice_n whereof_o be_v the_o conservation_n of_o peace_n and_o further_o in_o this_o duty_n one_o thing_n more_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v namely_o that_o we_o must_v not_o give_v too_o sharp_a a_o censure_n even_o of_o the_o open_a and_o manifest_v evil_a say_n or_o do_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v do_v careless_o when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v do_v ignorant_o nor_o deliberate_o when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v do_v rash_o nor_o presumptuous_o when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v do_v upon_o infirmity_n nor_o to_o be_v do_v upon_o hatred_n or_o malice_n to_o we_o when_o it_o may_v be_v they_o be_v do_v for_o a_o other_o cause_n nor_o may_v we_o judge_v a_o evil_a thing_n to_o be_v do_v for_o want_v
of_o conscience_n when_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v do_v for_o want_n of_o heedfulness_n but_o always_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o make_v the_o best_a we_o can_v even_o of_o another_o man_n infirmity_n and_o as_o if_o our_o brother_n do_v well_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o commend_v he_o for_o it_o so_o if_o he_o do_v amiss_o we_o must_v not_o make_v it_o worse_o than_o it_o be_v but_o the_o world_n be_v far_o too_o blame_v herein_o for_o they_o can_v extol_v their_o own_o well-doing_n and_o twenty_o way_n excuse_v their_o evil_n do_v but_o as_o for_o other_o man_n they_o can_v debase_v their_o well_o do_v and_o advance_v their_o evil_n do_v nay_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n worse_o than_o he_o be_v and_o to_o speak_v of_o a_o evil_a action_n and_o of_o man_n fault_n worse_o than_o they_o be_v yea_o to_o speak_v worse_o even_o of_o ill_a man_n than_o they_o deserve_v but_o it_o be_v flat_a injustice_n not_o only_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o that_o be_v good_a but_o even_o to_o make_v a_o evil_a thing_n worse_o than_o it_o be_v many_o case_n there_o be_v wherein_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o a_o bad_a action_n but_o to_o make_v it_o worse_o than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v do_v it_o without_o plain_a injury_n to_o his_o brother_n if_o any_o man_n reply_n and_o say_v i_o be_o not_o to_o spare_v myself_o nor_o excuse_v my_o own_o fault_n but_o to_o judge_v as_o hardly_o of_o my_o own_o say_n and_o do_n as_o they_o deserve_v why_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o also_o do_v so_o to_o another_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a because_o a_o man_n know_v not_o another_o man_n so_o well_o as_o himself_o word_n and_o deed_n be_v know_v to_o other_o man_n but_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v know_v to_o himself_o alone_o therefore_o for_o thy_o own_o say_n and_o do_n thou_o be_v also_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o of_o thy_o purpose_n and_o intent_n in_o so_o speak_v and_o do_v but_o of_o another_o man_n thou_o can_v say_v he_o speak_v or_o do_v thus_o or_o thus_o but_o his_o heart_n his_o purpose_n &_o intent_n in_o so_o do_v thou_o can_v not_o judge_v &_o therefore_o thou_o may_v not_o judge_v so_o sharp_o of_o another_o man_n saying_n and_o do_n as_o of_o thy_o own_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o point_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n two_o caution_n must_v be_v remember_v first_o that_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o continue_a course_n in_o do_v or_o speak_v evil_a but_o of_o particular_a speech_n and_o action_n for_o not_o a_o action_n or_o a_o speech_n but_o the_o course_n of_o life_n show_v what_o a_o man_n be_v one_o evil_a speech_n or_o action_n may_v be_v excuse_v but_o a_o continue_a course_n in_o do_v or_o speak_v evil_a may_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n colour_v or_o excuse_v second_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o manifest_a &_o public_a enormity_n as_o of_o treason_n against_o the_o prince_n or_o state_n for_o 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receive_v a_o likely_a excuse_n and_o a_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o good_a and_o unto_o these_o two_o caution_n add_v thus_o much_o further_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o most_o part_n cease_v when_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o impenitent_a or_o a_o presumptuous_a sinner_n for_o than_o he_o be_v not_o to_o moderate_v or_o mitigate_v to_o colour_n or_o excuse_v to_o lessen_v or_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n but_o to_o speak_v of_o sin_n as_o it_o deserve_v and_o to_o lay_v out_o his_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o colour_n that_o so_o he_o may_v humble_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o down_o but_o out_o of_o these_o three_o case_n this_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o man_n at_o all_o time_n to_o interpret_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o better_a part_n so_o then_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o duty_n be_v this_o action_n apparent_o good_a be_v to_o be_v commend_v doubtful_a be_v to_o be_v construe_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n apparent_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v make_v no_o worse_o than_o they_o be_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v excuse_v and_o let_v a_o man_n always_o rather_o speak_v too_o well_o then_o too_o evil_a of_o another_o man_n &_o rather_o speak_v better_a then_o worse_o then_o be_v deserve_v and_o rather_o judge_v too_o mild_o and_o merciful_o then_o too_o sharp_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v deceive_v either_o way_n that_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n wherein_o to_o be_v deceive_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o perform_v that_o christian_a equity_n which_o be_v here_o command_v and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n which_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o 2._o duty_n the_o three_o duty_n and_o degree_n of_o private_a equity_n be_v in_o sundry_a case_n to_o depart_v from_o a_o man_n own_o right_a that_o be_v to_o yield_v oftentimes_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o by_o law_n he_o may_v stand_v and_o oftentimes_o to_o forgo_v such_o thing_n which_o by_o law_n he_o may_v require_v without_o this_o equity_n justice_n and_o peace_n can_v stand_v christ_n our_o saviour_n give_v a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o in_o pay_v toll_n math._n 17._o 27._o christ_n need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o law_n have_v compel_v he_o to_o it_o yet_o because_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o public_a peace_n nor_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o contention_n he_o yield_v from_o his_o right_n and_o pay_v they_o toll_v all_o christian_a man_n must_v learn_v by_o his_o example_n not_o to_o stand_v always_o upon_o their_o right_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o christianity_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wicked_a speech_n which_o we_o often_o hear_v man_n speak_v it_o be_v my_o right_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o loose_v it_o so_o may_v christ_n have_v say_v and_o if_o you_o look_v the_o place_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o first_o of_o all_o argue_v the_o case_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v free_a and_o not_o bind_v to_o pay_v and_o yet_o say_v christ_n rather_o than_o i_o will_v offend_v they_o or_o give_v they_o cause_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o i_o or_o my_o doctrine_n i_o will_v pay_v it_o even_o so_o must_v a_o christian_n man_n in_o many_o case_n go_v from_o his_o right_n and_o that_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o public_a peace_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o of_o private_a peace_n one_o man_n with_o another_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o public_a peace_n thus_o must_v man_n do_v in_o public_a conference_n as_o in_o parliament_n and_o counsel_n and_o such_o like_a general_a assembly_n wherein_o the_o several_a opinion_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o thus_o must_v man_n do_v in_o bond_n forfeiture_n borrow_v lend_v lose_v find_v buy_v sell_v in_o lease_n fine_n rent_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o bargain_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o private_a peace_n man_n must_v in_o their_o most_o private_a action_n one_o yield_v to_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v stand_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v content_v to_o loose_v that_o â—hat_n be_v their_o own_o and_o in_o conference_n must_v a_o man_n oftentimes_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v cross_v and_o overthwart_v in_o that_o of_o which_o he_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o concern_v not_o religion_n nor_o the_o state_n many_o such_o thing_n must_v a_o christian_a man_n put_v up_o daily_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o brother_n for_o
cover_v our_o shame_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o extremity_n but_o equity_n become_v a_o christian_n and_o let_v every_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o as_o he_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o know_a badge_n of_o christianity_n be_v mercifullnes_n the_o more_o merciful_a the_o better_a christian._n for_o he_o have_v taste_v deep_a of_o god_n mercy_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o the_o worse_a christian_a the_o less_o merciful_a for_o he_o never_o feel_v god_n mercy_n to_o himself_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n now_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o every_o trifle_n or_o to_o steal_v law_n upon_o thy_o brother_n or_o to_o sue_v he_o before_o thou_o offer_v he_o peace_n it_o argue_v a_o hard_a hart_n and_o unmerciful_a and_o far_o from_o this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a but_o to_o be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o law_n and_o to_o put_v it_o of_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o first_o to_o give_v warning_n and_o to_o offer_v peace_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n it_o argue_v a_o merciful_a heart_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o such_o a_o one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v open_v this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a and_o forbear_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o a_o christian_a may_v see_v how_o to_o practice_v it_o with_o comfort_n to_o his_o conscience_n also_o without_o any_o great_a loss_n in_o this_o world_n or_o hurt_v to_o his_o estate_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o four_o several_a duduty_n and_o degree_n of_o private_a equity_n now_o have_v open_v the_o nature_n &_o kind_n of_o christian_a equity_n let_v we_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o text_n let_v your_o equity_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n the_o word_n import_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o only_o to_o know_v this_o virtue_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o but_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n public_a and_o private_a and_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n so_o to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n that_o man_n may_v see_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o other_o man_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o avouch_v for_o we_o that_o our_o deal_n be_v upright_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a join_v with_o equity_n and_o moderation_n and_o free_a from_o extremity_n and_o oppression_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v here_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n urge_v we_o to_o make_v it_o know_v be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o privy_a hypocrisy_n in_o our_o nature_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o make_v show_n of_o more_o than_o be_v in_o us._n against_o which_o vice_n we_o do_v true_o labour_v when_o we_o labour_v to_o make_v our_o virtue_n manifest_a and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o fruit_n he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a man_n not_o who_o know_v and_o can_v talk_v well_o but_o he_o who_o religion_n and_o holiness_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o see_v of_o man_n he_o be_v a_o merciful_a man_n of_o who_o mercy_n man_n do_v taste_v so_o he_o be_v a_o equal_a &_o upright_a man_n who_o equity_n be_v feel_v &_o find_v by_o they_o who_o deal_v with_o he_o let_v therefore_o our_o action_n with_o man_n testify_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o man_n who_o live_v with_o we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o virtue_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v true_o good_a not_o when_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v well_o or_o tell_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n but_o when_o other_o man_n see_v it_o feel_v it_o and_o speak_v of_o it_o hitherto_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o that_o which_o be_v paul_n exhortation_n to_o the_o philippian_n shall_v be_v i_o to_o all_o true_a christian_n let_v your_o equity_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n you_o have_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o content_v not_o ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n but_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o we_o and_o put_v it_o in_o practice_v all_o our_o deal_n public_a and_o private_a yea_o and_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a so_o that_o every_o man_n with_o who_o we_o deal_v may_v taste_v and_o feel_v of_o our_o equity_n and_o be_v able_a to_o testify_v of_o we_o that_o equity_n bear_v rule_v in_o all_o our_o action_n thus_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v christian_n not_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o all_o to_o this_o holy_a duty_n let_v we_o use_v some_o few_o reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o and_o among_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v there_o be_v none_o better_o than_o this_o here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o one_o other_o which_o do_v most_o natural_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o god_n show_v most_o admirable_a equity_n and_o moderation_n towards_o we_o therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o show_v it_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a wonderful_a be_v the_o moderation_n that_o god_n show_v to_o man_n &_o it_o appear_v especial_o in_o four_o thing_n whereof_o two_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o other_o two_o concern_v his_o church_n the_o first_o action_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o show_v great_a moderation_n towards_o all_o man_n be_v this_o a_o law_n be_v give_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n eat_v not_o of_o this_o tree_n if_o you_o do_v you_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o a_o double_a death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o they_o eat_v and_o so_o break_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o do_v undergo_v the_o penalty_n annex_v by_o force_n and_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v die_v present_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o have_v be_v no_o extremity_n but_o justice_n for_o this_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v give_v they_o but_o now_o behold_v god_n equity_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o law_n he_o strike_v they_o not_o present_o as_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o their_o desert_n require_v neither_o with_o the_o first_o nor_o second_o death_n but_o defer_v the_o full_a execution_n lay_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o present_a a_o less_o punishment_n namely_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o first_o death_n and_o a_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o second_o that_o be_v of_o damnation_n behold_v a_o marvelous_a mitigation_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n their_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v both_o have_v present_o die_v and_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n but_o god_n in_o mercy_n suspend_v and_o defer_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o only_o strike_v adam_n body_n with_o mortality_n whereby_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o first_o death_n and_o his_o soul_n with_o guiltiness_n whereby_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o second_o death_n by_o which_o mitigation_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o adam_n by_o his_o repentance_n afterward_o quite_o escape_v the_o second_o death_n so_o he_o taste_v not_o of_o the_o first_o death_n till_o nine_o hundred_o year_n after_o if_o a_o prisoner_n count_v it_o a_o merciful_a favour_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o the_o judge_n when_o after_o his_o judgement_n to_o die_v he_o be_v reprive_v but_o one_o year_n than_o what_o a_o merciful_a mitigation_n be_v this_o in_o god_n to_o reprieve_v our_o first_o parent_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n this_o be_v the_o first_o action_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o man_n and_o this_o concern_v all_o mankind_n general_o but_o especial_o adam_n and_o eve_n but_o the_o second_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v all_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o man_n commit_v any_o sin_n even_o than_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o he_o have_v break_v the_o law_n for_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o only_o a_o guiltiness_n but_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n present_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o sin_n commit_v without_o any_o intermission_n so_o that_o so_o oft_o as_o a_o man_n sin_v so_o oft_o do_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v plunge_v soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n without_o be_v