labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o considerate_a man_n than_o the_o ill_a entertainment_n which_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n have_v find_v in_o the_o world_n for_o its_o precept_n be_v so_o rational_a so_o easy_a so_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o the_o general_n and_o the_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n even_o in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o will_v be_v every_o wise_a man_n choice_n be_v they_o not_o his_o duty_n and_o yet_o beside_o the_o internal_a goodness_n and_o conveniency_n of_o those_o command_n god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o with_o many_o powerful_a motive_n he_o have_v denounce_v many_o dreadful_a punishment_n against_o those_o person_n who_o disobey_v they_o punishment_n so_o intolerable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v even_o by_o those_o who_o must_v undergo_v they_o he_o have_v propose_v many_o excellent_a reward_n to_o those_o who_o comply_v 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1._o a_o compare_v a_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n with_o a_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a one_o a_o consider_v what_o pleasure_n and_o conveniency_n each_o of_o they_o afford_v what_o effect_n they_o produce_v and_o a_o determine_n within_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v best_a and_o most_o for_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o live_v a_o honest_a sober_a and_o devout_a life_n though_o attend_v with_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o expose_v to_o many_o suffering_n but_o this_o have_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o a_o former_a discourse_n first_o sermon_n the_o first_o or_o else_o 2._o the_o think_v on_o our_o way_n may_v denote_v a_o reflection_n on_o our_o own_o particular_a action_n a_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n and_o examine_v our_o conscience_n whether_o we_o have_v live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o from_o thence_o conclude_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v and_o what_o expectation_n we_o may_v reasonable_o entertain_v of_o be_v happy_a hereafter_o and_o if_o we_o take_v these_o word_n of_o my_o text_n i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n in_o this_o last_o sense_n than_o they_o imply_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o set_n apart_o some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o past_a action_n of_o our_o life_n have_v be_v second_o a_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n three_o a_o serious_a resolution_n to_o persevere_v in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o put_v these_o thing_n in_o practice_n and_o perform_v they_o with_o the_o better_a success_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n thus_o to_o consider_v his_o way_n ii_o i_o shall_v show_v after_o what_o manner_n we_o ought_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n iii_o what_o excellent_a effect_n a_o due_a performance_n of_o it_o will_v have_v upon_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n first_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o every_o one_o who_o design_n to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a life_n to_o consider_v his_o way_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v so_o frequent_o enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o our_o frame_n and_o disposition_n and_o what_o mean_n will_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n frequent_o exhort_v we_o to_o look_v back_o into_o our_o past_a life_n to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n by_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o if_o we_o find_v we_o have_v do_v amiss_o to_o repent_v and_o do_v so_o no_o more_o in_o the_o four_o psalm_n verse_n the_o four_o the_o psalmist_n advise_v we_o commune_fw-la with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o upon_o which_o word_n st._n chrysostom_n thus_o dictate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n that_o be_v before_o you_o compose_v yourself_o to_o sleep_n summon_v a_o court_n of_o judicature_n in_o your_o own_o conscience_n and_o exact_v a_o severe_a account_n of_o yourself_o consider_v what_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o design_n you_o have_v harbour_v and_o how_o many_o of_o these_o have_v take_v effect_n arraign_v and_o condemn_v yourself_o for_o those_o sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o you_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o any_o more_o st._n ourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11.31_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o we_o will_v discern_v or_o distinguish_v ourselves_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v i._n e._n we_o shall_v avoid_v those_o sin_n which_o bring_v the_o divine_a judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o same_o advice_n be_v couch_v in_o those_o parable_n luk._n 14.28_o 29._o and_o the_o follow_a verse_n for_o which_o of_o you_o intend_v to_o build_v a_o tower_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o compute_v the_o cost_n whether_o he_o have_v sufficient_a to_o finish_v it_o lest_o happy_o after_o he_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v it_o all_o that_o behold_v he_o begin_v to_o mock_v he_o say_v this_o man_n begin_v to_o build_v and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o finish_v or_o what_o king_n go_v to_o make_v war_n against_o another_o king_n sit_v not_o down_o first_o and_o consult_v whether_o he_o be_v able_a with_o ten_o thousand_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o
twenty_o thousand_o or_o else_o whilst_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o he_o send_v a_o embassage_n and_o desire_v condition_n of_o peace_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o these_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a race_n what_o temptation_n he_o must_v encounter_v withal_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o purpose_v to_o forego_v every_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o than_o deny_v his_o saviour_n he_o can_v never_o be_v christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n so_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o good_a resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v acquit_v ourselves_o like_o christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o cowardly_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o desert_v his_o colour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o self_n and_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o galatian_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o try_v as_o that_o a_o man_n action_n may_v be_v thorough_o know_v and_o approve_v fift_v and_o make_v evident_a and_o that_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a wellbeing_a be_v evident_a 2._o from_o reason_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o if_o we_o design_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v frequent_o compare_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consider_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o act_v as_o become_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o sinful_a passion_n and_o though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o strong_a resolution_n though_o they_o can_v set_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o exact_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o which_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v they_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o disorderly_a affection_n and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o he_o have_v his_o fail_n his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o assault_v he_o on_o that_o side_n where_o he_o lie_v most_o open_a to_o temptation_n and_o will_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n a_o good_a man_n can_v take_v be_v frequent_o to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o consider_v when_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o what_o betray_v he_o into_o that_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a action_n and_o have_v discover_v this_o hearty_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n to_o fence_v and_o guard_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o resolve_v steadfast_o never_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v again_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v many_o action_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o we_o good_a and_o praiseworthy_a which_o when_o more_o narrow_o consider_v and_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v find_v to_o be_v crooked_a and_o deform_v such_o as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o repent_v of_o we_o place_v they_o at_o first_o in_o a_o wrong_a light_n we_o behold_v they_o through_o a_o false_a medium_fw-la our_o kindness_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o make_v they_o seem_v of_o a_o different_a complexion_n than_o they_o be_v real_o of_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v they_o without_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v every_o circumstance_n then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o we_o admire_v ourselves_o for_o quality_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o applaud_v ourselves_o for_o action_n which_o be_v nothing_o worth_a we_o perform_v they_o either_o out_o of_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o transact_v they_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o action_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n even_o those_o action_n which_o we_o esteem_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a for_o our_o righteousness_n the_o most_o regular_a act_n of_o our_o life_n our_o most_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a devotion_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n and_o want_v that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o god_n require_v in_o they_o they_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o self-love_n or_o pride_n or_o desire_v of_o honour_n or_o love_n of_o gain_n from_o fear_n of_o damage_n or_o discredit_v in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o a_o sober_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o true_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o obliquity_n of_o our_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o express_v our_o sorrow_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o resolve_v to_o act_n better_a for_o the_o future_a which_o can_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a account_n how_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v offend_v but_o far_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v amid_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o world_n our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o chief_o in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v and_o station_n he_o have_v place_v he_o in_o than_o he_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v continual_o upon_o his_o knee_n perform_v one_o uninterrupted_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v for_o this_o one_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v chief_o intend_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a relation_n but_o yet_o see_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n so_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n to_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o breast_n and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n our_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a part_n be_v in_o what_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n every_o prudent_a man_n and_o good_a husband_n do_v this_o in_o his_o secular_a concern_v he_o that_o design_n either_o to_o keep_v or_o increase_v his_o estate_n make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o keep_v his_o account_n to_o balance_v they_o often_o and_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o proportion_n his_o income_n bear_v with_o his_o expense_n and_o thus_o careful_a and_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o same_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o fade_a good_n of_o this_o world_n this_o will_v supersede_n my_o
these_o let_v we_o make_v solemn_a vow_n and_o resolution_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o will_v be_v more_o vigilant_a and_o watchful_a that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o devil_n and_o then_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o we_o and_o never_o again_o return_v to_o folly_n 6.11_o jam._n 4.7_o eph._n 6.11_o but_o that_o we_o will_v take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o a_o christian_a wherewith_o we_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o stand_v in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o remain_v christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n to_o our_o life_n end_v and_o to_o conclude_v all_o let_v we_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o give_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n that_o we_o may_v do_v so_o and_o if_o we_o thus_o pray_v and_o thus_o do_v then_o we_o shall_v certain_o reap_v those_o bless_a fruit_n and_o effect_n which_o will_v natural_o flow_v from_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n we_o shall_v turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n to_o show_v what_o these_o fruit_n and_o effect_n be_v be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o head_n i_o propose_v to_o discourse_n upon_o 1._o a_o due_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o will_v keep_v our_o conscience_n tender_a it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o the_o habitual_a practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n who_o daily_o call_v himself_o to_o account_n for_o his_o action_n who_o distinct_o and_o serious_o consider_v in_o what_o particular_n he_o have_v offend_v god_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o do_v so_o for_o vice_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o ugly_a and_o deform_a so_o destructive_a to_o our_o true_a interest_n even_o in_o this_o life_n and_o virtue_n so_o lovely_a and_o amiable_a that_o no_o man_n who_o see_v they_o both_o barefaced_a but_o must_v needs_o hate_v and_o detest_v the_o first_o and_o close_o with_o and_o embrace_v the_o latter_a it_o be_v want_n of_o consideration_n which_o betray_v man_n into_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a practice_n when_o the_o mind_n be_v blind_v either_o with_o passion_n or_o sensuality_n than_o it_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o every_o vile_a lust_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v to_o come_v unto_o man_n in_o a_o still_a voice_n 3.8_o 1_o kin._n 19.12_o gen._n 3.8_o and_o in_o the_o cool_a of_o the_o day_n when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o harken_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n but_o the_o devil_n appear_v in_o storm_n and_o tempest_n and_o hurry_v man_n on_o into_o ruin_n when_o he_o have_v once_o engage_v they_o in_o any_o evil_a practice_n he_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o take_v any_o rest_n to_o sit_v down_o and_o look_v back_o upon_o what_o they_o have_v do_v but_o carry_v they_o on_o from_o one_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v neither_o will_n nor_o power_n to_o repent_v for_o the_o sinner_n at_o first_o be_v timorous_a and_o bashful_a his_o conscience_n be_v seize_v with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n misgivings_a and_o relent_n it_o accuse_v condemn_v and_o punish_v he_o for_o his_o crime_n and_o perform_v the_o part_n of_o god_n vicegerent_n in_o his_o soul_n whilst_o he_o be_v attentive_a to_o it_o and_o continue_v to_o live_v under_o its_o government_n and_o submit_v himself_o to_o its_o discipline_n but_o when_o he_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o its_o admonition_n and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o its_o obedience_n when_o he_o be_v so_o much_o take_v up_o with_o the_o specious_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n from_o without_o that_o he_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o this_o heavenly_a monitor_n from_o within_o then_o sin_n that_o strong_a man_n take_v possession_n of_o his_o heart_n rule_n and_o domineer_v there_o and_o he_o be_v give_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n whereas_o be_v but_o this_o one_o rule_n of_o a_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o conscientious_o practise_v man_n may_v have_v some_o struggle_n and_o fight_n within_o they_o their_o deprave_a nature_n may_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o they_o but_o they_o will_v never_o become_v habitual_o debauch_v 4._o st._n chrys_n in_o psal_n 4._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o consideration_n what_o smart_a man_n have_v former_o endure_v for_o their_o sin_n will_v make_v they_o fearful_a of_o commit_v the_o same_o again_o and_o the_o thought_n that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o speedy_a account_n of_o their_o action_n not_o only_o to_o god_n in_o the_o other_o world_n but_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o this_o will_v engage_v they_o so_o to_o govern_v their_o action_n that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o blush_v at_o or_o repent_v of_o they_o the_o pleasure_n of_o reflect_v on_o their_o good_a deed_n will_v be_v a_o most_o powerful_a allurement_n to_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n and_o the_o far_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o path_n of_o virtue_n they_o will_v take_v the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o they_o 2._o from_o a_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o will_v flow_v peace_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o comfortable_a persuasion_n and_o assurance_n that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o mind_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n if_o we_o have_v repent_v of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n we_o need_v not_o fear_v what_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v do_v unto_o we_o fear_n be_v general_o the_o effect_n of_o gild_n and_o a_o consciousness_n that_o we_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o our_o evil_a deed_n but_o when_o by_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v set_v account_n right_a between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o those_o accurse_a thing_n which_o make_v god_n our_o enemy_n 15.33_o 1_o sam._n 15.33_o and_o hew_v these_o amalakite_n in_o piece_n before_o the_o lord_n then_o have_v we_o good_a ground_n to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n 50.10_o isay_n 50.10_o and_o to_o stay_v ourselves_o upon_o our_o god_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v 26.3_o isa_n 26.3_o that_o he_o will_v keep_v that_o man_n mind_n in_o perfect_a peace_n who_o soul_n be_v stay_v on_o he_o 3._o a_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o will_v increase_v our_o charity_n and_o incline_v we_o to_o entertain_v the_o most_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o other_o men._n we_o shall_v espy_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a fault_n in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v neither_o a_o desire_n nor_o leisure_n to_o pore_v upon_o those_o of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o consideration_n how_o much_o need_n we_o have_v of_o forgiveness_n will_v render_v we_o more_o willing_a to_o overlook_v or_o pardon_v those_o offence_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o we_o and_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o forgive_v other_o 11.25_o mark_v 11.25_o even_o as_o we_o hope_v that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v forgive_v we_o 4._o self-examination_n will_v make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a who_o still_o extend_v his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n towards_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o manifold_a and_o daily_a provocation_n he_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o pardon_n than_o we_o be_v to_o repent_v and_o kind_o meet_v and_o receive_v all_o such_o as_o return_v unto_o he_o the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o recapitulate_v all_o the_o benefit_n and_o bless_a effect_n which_o will_v flow_v from_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o condition_n it_o will_v keep_v we_o humble_a in_o prosperity_n support_v we_o in_o adversity_n it_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o moderate_v our_o appetite_n it_o will_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n and_o make_v our_o departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n easy_a and_o comfortable_a in_o short_a it_o will_v be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o sweeten_v the_o comfort_n of_o life_n to_o we_o and_o help_v we_o to_o obtain_v everlasting_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o now_o i_o think_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o frequent_a examine_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o by_o god_n practise_v by_o man_n eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o virtue_n both_o christian_n and_o heathen_n agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o of_o admirable_a use_n in_o all_o the_o various_a exigence_n of_o life_n and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o mis-carriage_n sin_n and_o folly_n which_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o do_v proceed_v from_o the_o neglect_n and_o omission_n of_o it_o what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o go_v and_o put_v this_o plain_a and_o easy_a rule_n in_o practice_n and_o so_o think_v on_o
undertake_n depend_v much_o on_o our_o right_n time_v of_o they_o and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o administer_a reproof_n god_n come_v to_o adam_n in_o the_o cool_a of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o best_a time_n to_o advise_v a_o man_n be_v when_o he_o be_v sedate_v and_o calm_a and_o at_o leisure_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o counsel_n we_o give_v he_o every_o man_n have_v his_o mollia_fw-la tempora_fw-la fandi_fw-la season_n when_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v a_o impression_n and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v our_o advice_n successful_a and_o profitable_a to_o he_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o these_o opportunity_n for_o as_o solomon_n well_o observe_v a_o word_n speak_v in_o due_a season_n 15.23_o prov._n 15.23_o how_o good_a be_v it_o it_o be_v like_a apple_n of_o gold_n in_o picture_n of_o silver_n there_o must_v be_v also_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o place_n for_o the_o more_o private_a our_o reproof_n be_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o better_a 15._o matth._n 18_o 15._o if_o thy_o brother_n trespass_n against_o thou_o tell_v he_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o public_a correption_n be_v then_o only_o necessary_a when_o other_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v to_o leave_v the_o same_o sin_n and_o avoid_v the_o same_o snare_n neither_o be_v all_o person_n to_o be_v treat_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n inferior_n must_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o their_o superior_n and_o governor_n be_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v to_o a_o king_n 34.18_o job_n 34.18_o thou_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o prince_n you_o be_v ungodly_a great_a care_n must_v be_v have_v lest_o what_o we_o think_v zeal_n for_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v just_o interpret_v sawsiness_n and_o and_o presumption_n and_o therefore_o when_o nathan_n be_v send_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o reprove_v david_n he_o do_v it_o after_o the_o most_o modest_a and_o submissive_a manner_n by_o represent_v his_o case_n to_o he_o in_o a_o parable_n and_o decent_o veil_v his_o reproof_n under_o the_o name_n of_o another_o man._n with_o our_o equal_n and_o inferior_n we_o may_v use_v great_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n only_o take_v care_n that_o whilst_o we_o reprove_v the_o vice_n we_o do_v not_o show_v any_o distaste_n to_o the_o person_n many_o more_o rule_n may_v be_v give_v but_o in_o this_o as_o in_o such_o like_a case_n much_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o christian_a prudence_n and_o he_o who_o careful_o observe_v the_o first_o rule_n i_o lay_v down_o with_o which_o i_o shall_v also_o conclude_v can_v do_v very_o much_o amiss_o which_o be_v that_o we_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o end_n and_o aim_n of_o our_o reproof_n as_o well_o as_o of_o our_o other_o action_n sermon_n v._o preach_v when_o the_o chapel_n be_v new_o furnish_v and_o beautify_v psalm_n xcvi_o 9_o o_o worship_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v agree_v on_o by_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o interpreter_n that_o the_o inspire_v penman_n of_o this_o psalm_n set_v forth_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o bless_a effect_n of_o it_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o hereby_o show_v we_o not_o only_a how_o god_n be_v worship_v under_o the_o law_n but_o point_v out_o to_o we_o how_o he_o expect_v to_o be_v worship_v under_o the_o gospel_n the_o beginning_n of_o this_o psalm_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o heathen_n as_o jew_n to_o praise_n god_n for_o that_o wonderful_a blessing_n of_o send_v a_o saviour_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o and_o reveal_v the_o doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v his_o worshipper_n to_o declare_v his_o glory_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o his_o wonder_n among_o all_o the_o people_n that_o all_o the_o earth_n shall_v sing_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v show_v forth_o his_o salvation_n from_o day_n to_o day_n so_o that_o their_o praise_n may_v be_v as_o extensive_a as_o his_o benefit_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n bear_v proportion_n with_o his_o blessing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v shed_v upon_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o continue_v for_o ever_o ver._n 1_o 2_o 3._o in_o the_o follow_a verse_n he_o enforce_v this_o duty_n of_o praise_v god_n by_o some_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o glorious_a and_o wonderful_a attribute_n his_o majesty_n glory_n power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o be_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n display_v and_o manifest_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o from_o thence_o he_o conclude_v ver._n 7_o 8_o 9_o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n to_o frequent_v the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n to_o prostrate_v themselves_o before_o he_o and_o to_o admire_v reverence_n and_o adore_v his_o holy_a name_n honour_n and_o majesty_n be_v before_o he_o strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v in_o his_o sanctuary_n give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n give_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o name_n bring_v a_o offer_v and_o come_v into_o his_o court_n and_o have_v in_o these_o word_n describe_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o worship_v he_o under_o the_o law_n by_o approach_v his_o temple_n and_o bring_v a_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n he_o explain_v himself_o that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o these_o sacrifice_n shall_v continue_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o reign_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v worship_v as_o the_o jew_n do_v but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n i._n e._n with_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o devout_a frame_n of_o mind_n such_o suitable_a affection_n such_o become_a decent_a and_o orderly_a behaviour_n as_o be_v typify_v and_o denote_v to_o they_o by_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n o_o worship_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v these_o two_o plain_a lesson_n teach_v we_o i._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v frequent_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v perform_v in_o the_o most_o decent_a and_o solemn_a manner_n imaginable_a 1._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v oblige_v frequent_o to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n by_o worship_n i_o mean_v that_o immediate_a worship_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n in_o his_o sanctuary_n that_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o his_o government_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v enjoin_v we_o in_o the_o first_o table_n such_o as_o be_v pray_v to_o he_o magnify_v his_o holy_a name_n hear_v his_o word_n and_o receive_v his_o sacrament_n which_o duty_n be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n call_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o immediate_a object_n they_o be_v address_v to_o he_o and_o terminate_v in_o he_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o worship_n here_o mean_v may_v be_v define_v that_o religious_a adoration_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n in_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o christian_n the_o command_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o the_o text_n be_v original_o give_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o hereby_o be_v denote_v and_o typify_v to_o we_o that_o more_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o be_v to_o succeed_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n for_o there_o be_v a_o rich_a vein_n of_o gospel_n truth_n which_o run_v through_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o particular_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n of_o which_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a be_v this_o command_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o public_a which_o be_v as_o oblige_v to_o we_o christian_n as_o ever_o it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o because_o god_n have_v institute_v and_o command_v this_o sort_n of_o worship_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o also_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o institute_v and_o reveal_v religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v one_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o contain_v in_o himself_o all_o those_o perfection_n
and_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n let_v he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o use_v such_o wholesome_a mortification_n as_o may_v bring_v his_o appetite_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o reasonable_a power_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o drunkenness_n be_v his_o darling_n vice_n let_v he_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o be_v red_a when_o it_o give_v its_o colour_n in_o the_o cup_n when_o it_o move_v itself_o aright_o but_o consider_v that_o at_o last_o it_o bit_v like_o a_o serpent_n 32._o prov._n 23.31_o 32._o and_o sting_v like_o a_o adder_n let_v he_o put_v a_o knife_n to_o his_o throat_n in_o solomon_n phrase_n when_o he_o be_v in_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a company_n i._n e._n consider_v the_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o of_o abuse_v those_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o intemperance_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v design_v for_o his_o comfort_n and_o support_v and_o let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v all_o such_o place_n and_o company_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v excess_n and_o riot_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o joseph_n be_v solicit_v by_o his_o lascivious_a mistress_n to_o defile_v his_o master_n bed_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hearken_v unto_o she_o 39.10_o gen._n 39.10_o or_o tarry_v with_o she_o in_o the_o house_n the_o nazarenes_n be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o wine_n will_v not_o eat_v the_o husk_n and_o kernel_n of_o the_o grape_n nay_o so_o careful_a be_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pass_v through_o a_o vineyard_n lest_o they_o shall_v covet_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n very_o remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n theodosius_n who_o be_v betray_v to_o some_o rash_a and_o sinful_a action_n by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o his_o passion_n oblige_v himself_o never_o to_o execute_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n till_o he_o have_v first_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n that_o by_o give_v himself_o time_n for_o second_o and_o more_o sober_a thought_n he_o may_v calm_o deliberate_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v add_v be_v it_o needful_a this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o daily_a use_n and_o practise_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o now_o have_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o question_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o matter_n practical_a in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v second_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a with_o relation_n to_o other_o for_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o be_v good_a ourselves_o and_o our_o great_a business_n in_o this_o world_n next_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o be_v beneficial_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n possible_a to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o please_v god_n and_o glorify_v he_o but_o pursue_v our_o own_o true_a interest_n also_o for_o since_o every_o man_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a of_o that_o society_n in_o which_o he_o live_v whatsoever_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o community_n must_v in_o the_o end_n redound_v upon_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_a to_o ourselves_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v as_o useful_a and_o helpful_a as_o possible_o we_o can_v be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v embark_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n 5.9_o rom._n 5.9_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v say_v the_o apostle_n goodness_n or_o a_o charitable_a disposition_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n i._n e._n a_o inclination_n to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v able_a to_o all_o man_n be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o carry_v such_o endear_n charm_v along_o with_o it_o that_o a_o man_n will_v rather_o venture_v his_o own_o life_n than_o such_o a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o his_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o employ_v all_o those_o talent_n god_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a reprove_v the_o faulty_a make_v peace_n among_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o administer_a to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o expend_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v more_o than_o will_v make_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n for_o ourselves_o and_o family_n according_a to_o that_o station_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n lay_v down_o negative_o in_o the_o text._n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n i.e._n we_o must_v set_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o open_o injurious_a to_o he_o or_o do_v he_o wrong_v in_o his_o person_n estate_n or_o good_a name_n but_o we_o must_v avoid_v speak_v any_o word_n that_o look_v like_o a_o injury_n or_o have_v thou_o but_o a_o oblique_a tendency_n to_o his_o disparagement_n and_o disgrace_n or_o which_o have_v any_o probability_n of_o be_v misinterpret_v for_o a_o affront_n if_o we_o foresee_v it_o may_v draw_v any_o ill_a consequence_n after_o it_o or_o give_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o just_a offence_n we_o ought_v to_o restrain_v ourselves_o and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o herein_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o good_a turn_v which_o lie_n in_o our_o power_n that_o we_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o self-love_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n towards_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n deal_v with_o he_o as_o we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o as_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o and_o as_o emphatical_o express_v as_o they_o can_v be_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v we_o almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a inducement_n our_o unquestionable_a interest_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n seem_v so_o concern_v for_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v rather_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 9.13_o matth._n 9.13_o he_o be_v better_a please_v with_o mercy_n i._n e._n do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n a_o duty_n which_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n those_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o a_o sense_n and_o principle_n of_o honour_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o bear_v a_o sincere_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n and_o their_o friend_n to_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o punctual_a observer_n of_o their_o word_n we_o may_v find_v example_n enough_o among_o the_o heathen_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v patriot_n to_o their_o country_n and_o have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o generous_a instance_n of_o a_o inviolable_a friendship_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v no_o more_o argument_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n but_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o action_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o general_a rule_n in_o relation_n to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o i._o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o to_o do_v any_o action_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n evil_a though_o we_o be_v assure_v some_o great_a good_a may_v be_v effect_v thereby_o ii_o we_o must_v sometime_o omit_v even_o good_a action_n when_o they_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o evil_n or_o a_o reasonable_a offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o
performance_n of_o they_o iii_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n many_o time_n to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brother_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o 1._o we_o must_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a action_n under_o this_o pretence_n that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n or_o much_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n thereby_o for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o permisson_n much_o less_o have_v he_o lay_v upon_o we_o any_o necessity_n of_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n though_o upon_o never_o so_o plausible_a a_o pretence_n he_o have_v chalk_v out_o to_o we_o the_o plain_a path_n of_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n and_o have_v place_v a_o monitor_n within_o we_o which_o continual_o give_v we_o this_o advice_n 30.21_o isa_n 30.21_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v therein_o and_o whenever_o we_o go_v astray_o through_o the_o solicitation_n of_o a_o prevail_a lust_n he_o recall_v we_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o tend_v be_v holy_a so_o he_o have_v appoint_v such_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o as_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a too_o and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o indirect_a mean_n it_o high_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o absolute_o good_a and_o all_o powerful_a be_v to_o fancy_n that_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o his_o design_n by_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o advance_v his_o glory_n what_o can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o say_v for_o himself_o more_o than_o vzza_n have_v 1_o chron._n 13.9_o who_o drive_v the_o cart_n in_o which_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v place_v and_o see_v the_o ox_n stumble_v so_o that_o the_o ark_n be_v in_o manifest_a danger_n of_o fall_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v only_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o do_v and_o we_o be_v tell_v verse_n 10._o that_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o vzza_n and_o he_o smite_v he_o because_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o ark_n and_o he_o die_v there_o before_o god_n st._n paul_n have_v plain_o determine_v this_o point_n with_o a_o god_n forbid_v and_o not_o rather_o as_o we_o be_v slanderous_o report_v of_o 3.6.8_o rom._n 3.6.8_o and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a the_o almighty_a arm_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o since_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o his_o power_n he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o venture_v upon_o any_o unlawful_a action_n out_o of_o a_o honest_a design_n as_o we_o think_v of_o do_v good_a we_o usurp_v god_n prerogative_n and_o interpose_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o like_o undisciplined_a soldier_n we_o run_v out_o of_o our_o rank_n and_o leave_v the_o post_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v and_o though_o we_o may_v do_v some_o service_n yet_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o mutiny_n and_o disobed_a nce_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n god_n blast_v the_o design_n of_o such_o man_n who_o care_v not_o what_o mean_v they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o bring_v they_o about_o they_o be_v general_o unsuccessful_a in_o their_o erterprise_n and_o convince_v by_o fatal_a experience_n that_o the_o most_o hopeful_a attempt_n prove_v abortive_a unless_o prosper_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n thus_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o whenever_o it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o permit_v evil_a man_n to_o prosper_v for_o some_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v always_o some_o fatal_a calamity_n or_o other_o which_o either_o attend_v or_o follow_v such_o sinful_a action_n and_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a way_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o therefore_o never_o be_v prevail_v on_o to_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a though_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v no_o more_o good_a than_o lawful_o we_o can_v do_v nay_o good_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o turn_v into_o evil_a when_o bring_v about_o by_o unwarrantable_a mean_n for_o to_o a_o good_a action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o circumstance_n do_v concur_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o a_o deficiency_n in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v it_o a_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wise_a course_n to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o he_o who_o be_v just_o sensible_a how_o often_o he_o transgress_v this_o law_n will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o folly_n of_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o and_o to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o make_v his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o good_a action_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v when_o some_o evil_n may_v proceed_v or_o some_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v in_o many_o case_n leave_v to_o our_o own_o prudence_n to_o determine_v what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v most_o fit_v and_o convenient_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o execute_v when_o command_v we_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v because_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n yet_o when_o only_o the_o duty_n in_o general_n be_v command_v we_o and_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o discretion_n then_o our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o so_o to_o perform_v it_o as_o most_o glory_n may_v redound_v to_o god_n most_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o we_o ourselves_o may_v reap_v most_o benefit_n thereby_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o imitate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o as_o well_o as_o the_o harmless_a simplicity_n of_o the_o dove_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o manage_v and_o husband_n wise_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a that_o every_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n and_o place_n for_o as_o he_o who_o give_v seasonable_o be_v say_v to_o confer_v a_o double_a benefit_n so_o he_o that_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o fit_v out_o every_o duty_n with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n will_v entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o more_o excellent_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o a_o indifferent_a action_n perform_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n may_v have_v a_o admirable_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o behold_v it_o and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o good_a and_o then_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o embrace_v so_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n at_o another_o time_n a_o action_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a may_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o god_n may_v be_v blaspheme_v and_o our_o neighbour_n injure_v and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_o our_o duty_n to_o omit_v that_o good_a action_n till_o some_o more_o convenient_a opportunity_n present_v itself_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o school_n affirmativa_fw-la praecepta_fw-la obligant_fw-la semper_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la semper_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n be_v always_o oblige_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o always_o limit_v we_o to_o the_o present_a time_n of_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v amiss_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o care_n and_o live_v under_o our_o jurisdiction_n be_v our_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o enjoin_v we_o by_o the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n but_o when_o this_o duty_n must_v be_v perform_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o christian_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o many_o time_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o wink_v at_o their_o fault_n
and_o pass_v by_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o correction_n of_o they_o till_o some_o other_o opportunity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n of_o do_v more_o good_a by_o it_o herein_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 7.6_o mat._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o to_o give_v our_o alm_n in_o public_a may_v sometime_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v encourage_v other_o to_o be_v liberal_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o so_o let_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o that_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o when_o this_o end_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o public_a distribution_n of_o our_o alm_n that_o it_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o do_v it_o only_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n then_o the_o more_o private_a our_o almsdeed_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a they_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v we_o open_o â—â—_o matth._n 6._o â—â—_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o since_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o prudence_n when_o these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o when_o omit_v therefore_o no_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o only_o in_o the_o general_n we_o make_v this_o useful_a remark_n that_o then_o we_o act_n with_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n when_o we_o pursue_v those_o end_n for_o which_o those_o duty_n be_v at_o first_o institute_v and_o command_v we_o thus_o he_o administer_v reproof_n best_o who_o most_o prevail_v upon_o the_o person_n reprove_v to_o reform_v and_o amend_v and_o he_o give_v his_o alm_n to_o the_o best_a purpose_n who_o charity_n be_v most_o extensive_a and_o seasonable_a in_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o poor_a brother_n 3._o in_o thing_n indifferent_a we_o ought_v to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v the_o near_a to_o himself_o and_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o self_n preservation_n engage_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consult_v our_o good_a and_o happiness_n yet_o where_o some_o great_a benefit_n will_v accrue_v to_o my_o neighbour_n by_o a_o action_n which_o bring_v to_o i_o only_o some_o inconsiderable_a loss_n and_o detriment_n i_o ought_v to_o remove_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o advantage_n to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o my_o neighbour_n and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o i_o foresee_v that_o my_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o any_o indifferent_a action_n of_o i_o i._n e._n by_o any_o action_n which_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o practice_n herein_o and_o 1._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o indifferent_a action_n as_o we_o foresee_v will_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n for_o since_o a_o good_a man_n can_v but_o be_v trouble_v and_o afflict_a when_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n fall_v into_o any_o sin_n and_o hereby_o dishonour_n god_n and_o ruin_v his_o own_o soul_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v incumbent_a upon_o he_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o prevent_v it_o and_o rather_o to_o retrench_v himself_o in_o his_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a enjoyment_n than_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n thereby_o as_o for_o example_n the_o drink_v a_o health_n be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o i_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o without_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o when_o i_o foresee_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o health_n or_o the_o drink_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o shooing-horn_n to_o intemperance_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o drink_v more_o than_o be_v fit_a or_o when_o some_o in_o the_o company_n may_v be_v disgu_v thereby_o or_o it_o may_v be_v a_o probable_a occasion_n of_o breed_a difference_n and_o quarrel_n among_o they_o then_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a recreation_n be_v certain_o indifferent_a action_n but_o when_o the_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o these_o recreation_n will_v occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n when_o they_o will_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o neighbour_n either_o by_o betray_v he_o into_o extravagant_a and_o sinful_a passion_n or_o spend_v that_o time_n and_o substance_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n than_o they_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o must_v be_v avoid_v 2._o when_o a_o indifferent_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o my_o neighbour_n may_v hereby_o be_v induce_v to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a than_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o go_v daily_o to_o the_o tomb_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o to_o pray_v by_o they_o that_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o patient_a and_o courageous_a death_n their_o zeal_n may_v be_v kindle_v their_o devotion_n render_v more_o fervent_a and_o that_o they_o may_v take_v up_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o follow_v their_o example_n but_o when_o from_o pray_v at_o the_o martyr_n tomb_n they_o begin_v first_o to_o commemorate_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o then_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o at_o last_o to_o make_v mediator_n and_o intercessor_n of_o they_o when_o this_o indifferent_a and_o at_o first_o praiseworthy_a custom_n be_v thus_o gross_o abuse_v than_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o refrain_v from_o it_o 3._o when_o my_o do_v a_o indifferent_a action_n may_v induce_v my_o neighbour_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o to_o do_v the_o same_o action_n than_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o this_o be_v that_o famous_a case_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v but_o new_o initiate_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o not_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o their_o gospel_n liberty_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o therefore_o st._n 6.3_o 2_o cor._n 6.3_o paul_n command_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o no_o offence_n which_o beza_n interpret_v ne_o quidpiam_fw-la ad_fw-la quod_fw-la possint_fw-la impingere_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n that_o those_o who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v these_o meat_n shall_v not_o tempt_v those_o person_n to_o partake_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n but_o â—ather_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o no_o occasion_n of_o offence_n till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v last_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o all_o our_o indifferent_a action_n that_o we_o may_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o endeavour_v hereby_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o affection_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v he_o more_o good_a and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o foresee_v that_o by_o any_o indifferent_a action_n we_o shall_v forfeit_v his_o good_a opinion_n or_o that_o our_o indifferent_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o his_o rash_a judgement_n uncharitable_a censure_n and_o will_v give_v he_o occasion_n to_o harbour_v malice_n and_o illwill_a in_o his_o mind_n then_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n rather_o to_o retrench_v ourselves_o in_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n than_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o mischief_n to_o our_o brother_n or_o to_o exclude_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bless_a opportunity_n of_o do_v he_o good_a for_o it_o be_v the_o
as_o well_o upon_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o fullness_n all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n 1.9_o joh._n 1.9_o and_o though_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o impart_v to_o all_o alike_o yet_o every_o man_n receive_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n of_o it_o sufficient_a to_o supply_v all_o his_o want_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a for_o as_o if_o you_o dip_v vessel_n of_o different_a size_n into_o the_o sea_n every_o one_o will_v be_v full_a of_o water_n though_o every_o one_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o quantity_n so_o though_o there_o be_v different_a gift_n and_o different_a administration_n and_o different_a measure_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o man_n yet_o god_n withhold_v from_o no_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o to_o answer_v all_o his_o press_a and_o unavoidable_a necessity_n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n gather_v manna_n 16.18_o exod._n 16.18_o according_a to_o every_o man_n be_v eat_v when_o they_o do_v measure_v it_o with_o a_o omer_n he_o that_o have_v gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o he_o that_o have_v gather_v little_a have_v no_o lack_n so_o god_n give_v his_o grace_n unto_o man_n according_a to_o every_o man_n necessity_n measure_v it_o with_o a_o omer_n weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neither_o he_o that_o have_v little_a have_v cause_n to_o repine_v nor_o he_o that_o have_v much_o to_o boast_v one_o man_n be_v surround_v with_o temptation_n burden_v and_o load_v even_o to_o the_o ground_n with_o affliction_n oppress_v with_o difficulty_n and_o to_o this_o man_n god_n give_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assist_v he_o more_o powerful_o he_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o close_v and_o grapple_v with_o the_o difficulty_n or_o temptation_n which_o assault_v he_o another_o have_v be_v nurture_v in_o vice_n and_o bring_v up_o in_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v from_o his_o evil_a do_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o outstretched_a arm._n a_o three_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_a to_o good_a and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o sobriety_n and_o virtue_n and_o require_v only_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o keep_v he_o so_o thus_o god_n like_o a_o wise_a housholder_n proportion_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o will_v require_v of_o every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n he_o that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n give_v he_o if_o he_o well_o employ_v that_o one_o may_v obtain_v the_o government_n of_o one_o city_n though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o high_a place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o will_v find_v admittance_n there_o where_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o happiness_n will_v consist_v of_o joy_n unspeakable_a which_o transcend_v all_o comparison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v out_o any_o one_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n or_o long_o suffer_v or_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v rest_v assure_v that_o though_o at_o present_a he_o find_v himself_o weak_a and_o frail_a and_o unable_a to_o undergo_v the_o affliction_n which_o he_o fear_v will_v sudden_o fall_v upon_o he_o yet_o i_o say_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o divine_a assistance_n will_v always_o attend_v he_o god_n will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o but_o as_o his_o trouble_n grow_v upon_o he_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v supply_v with_o more_o power_n more_o courage_n and_o more_o ability_n to_o bear_v up_o under_o they_o god_n be_v faithful_a 10.13_o 1._o cor._n 10.13_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o his_o other_o promise_n we_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o that_o of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o past_a transaction_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v how_o frequent_o god_n grace_n have_v suggest_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v in_o suspense_n how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v point_v out_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n and_o stir_v up_o and_o incite_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o transgress_v god_n command_n have_v general_o be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o improve_v those_o good_a motion_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o impulse_v of_o god_n grace_n within_o we_o for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o other_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n beside_o those_o of_o god_n write_a word_n and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o this_o establish_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o instigation_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n yet_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o find_v any_o vigorous_a and_o strong_a inclination_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o that_o place_n then_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n work_v in_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o to_o encourage_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o then_o it_o will_v certain_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o god_n at_o the_o first_o design_v and_o intend_v it_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o i._n e._n give_v we_o strength_n ability_n and_o mean_n enough_o to_o subdue_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o if_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o any_o of_o these_o we_o must_v accuse_v our_o own_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n in_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v to_o the_o uttermost_a those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o this_o will_v be_v make_v more_o evident_a by_o consider_v 3._o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n according_a to_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o life_n such_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n so_o very_o remarkable_a and_o instructive_a that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o condition_n we_o can_v fall_v into_o wherein_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o his_o example_n and_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o powerfulness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o jew_n how_o zealous_a be_v he_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n how_o furious_a in_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o such_o who_o either_o teach_v or_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o by_o consequence_n a_o rigid_a observer_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o rabbi_n so_o that_o though_o he_o live_v at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v hear_v of_o if_o not_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v yet_o be_v he_o a_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n and_o this_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n carry_v he_o forth_o to_o a_o furious_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o martyr_n st._n stephen_n 9.1_o act_n 22.20_o acts._n 8.3_o act_n 9.1_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n drag_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n and_o procure_v letter_n of_o inquisition_n against_o they_o from_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v he_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o only_a righteousness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o make_v he_o preach_v that_o
beget_v comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o prove_v of_o wonderful_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o support_v we_o under_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n which_o can_v possible_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o vale_n of_o tear_n many_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o will_v flow_v from_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o this_o rule_n only_o to_o name_v they_o will_v take_v up_o more_o time_n than_o i_o have_v now_o leave_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v remit_v this_o subject_a to_o your_o private_a meditation_n though_o the_o best_a way_n to_o frame_n a_o adequate_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o put_v this_o rule_n in_o practice_n 4._o let_v we_o admire_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v please_v to_o govern_v we_o by_o such_o law_n as_o be_v high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o he_o do_v not_o impose_v on_o we_o such_o arbitrary_a command_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v obey_v but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o imposer_n but_o the_o essential_a goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n incline_v he_o to_o give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o ennoble_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o more_o like_o himself_o and_o more_o capable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o our_o obedience_n he_o first_o place_n in_o we_o a_o natural_a instinct_n to_o love_n and_o preserve_v ourselves_o and_o then_o make_v this_o both_o the_o measure_n and_o motive_n of_o love_v other_o so_o plain_a and_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o god_n design_n the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o his_o creature_n because_o he_o make_v their_o desire_n the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o his_o command_n be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o natural_a inclination_n 5._o and_o last_o how_o unexcusable_a shall_v we_o be_v leave_v if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o excellent_a rule_n for_o have_v god_n lay_v a_o more_o weighty_a burden_n upon_o we_o have_v he_o command_v we_o all_o those_o numerous_a observance_n which_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v a_o yoke_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v or_o all_o those_o mortification_n and_o that_o austere_a way_n of_o live_v which_o some_o poor_a mistake_v christian_n impose_n upon_o themselves_o yet_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v inducement_n sufficient_a to_o perform_v all_o this_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v have_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o hard_a usage_n we_o can_v have_v undergo_v in_o this_o world_n but_o when_o god_n have_v lay_v upon_o our_o shoulder_n so_o good_a and_o gracious_a a_o yoke_n such_o just_a reasonable_a and_o equitable_a command_n so_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o for_o our_o interest_n what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o what_o excuse_v can_v we_o make_v if_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o they_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o do_v by_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v by_o we_o and_o yet_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o rule_n comprehend_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n even_o those_o who_o be_v most_o backward_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o themselves_o yet_o be_v general_o very_o rigid_a in_o exact_v it_o from_o other_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v willing_o be_v comfort_v in_o a_o time_n of_o trouble_n protect_v in_o a_o time_n of_o danger_n and_o calamity_n relieve_v in_o a_o time_n of_o want_n and_o sickness_n though_o he_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o these_o duty_n towards_o his_o neighbour_n what_o answer_v then_o shall_v we_o make_v at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o a_o inquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v whether_o we_o have_v visit_v the_o sick_a feed_v the_o hungry_a or_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o relieve_v the_o prisoner_n and_o in_o short_a whether_o we_o have_v do_v justice_n and_o love_a mercy_n how_o dreadful_a will_v that_o sentence_n be_v which_o shall_v pass_v upon_o those_o man_n who_o have_v neglect_v these_o duty_n and_o if_o those_o person_n shall_v be_v condemn_v who_o have_v neglect_v they_o who_o have_v bare_o omit_v the_o performance_n of_o they_o where_o shall_v those_o man_n appear_v who_o have_v practise_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o have_v oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a circumvent_v and_o defraud_v their_o neighbour_n and_o have_v go_v on_o during_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n in_o act_n of_o injustice_n oppression_n extortion_n contrary_a to_o the_o check_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n certain_o god_n will_v pour_v out_o the_o full_a vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o these_o man_n and_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n and_o unbeliever_n god_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v partaker_n in_o their_o gild_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o undergo_v the_o same_o punishment_n but_o that_o by_o a_o conscientious_a observance_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o do_v by_o other_o as_o we_o ourselves_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v do_v unto_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n finis_fw-la the_o reader_n be_v desire_v to_o correct_v these_o follow_a errata_n with_o his_o pen._n errata_fw-la page_n 6._o l._n 2._o r._n man._n p._n 10._o l._n ult_n r._n virtuous_a p._n 20._o l._n 22._o r._n which_o p._n 27._o l._n 21._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 60._o l._n 18._o r._n recount_v p._n 89._o l._n 21._o r._n grateful_a p._n 92._o l._n 18._o r._n let_v out_o p._n 104._o l._n 3._o r._n chappel_n p._n 245._o l._n penult_n r._n write_v beside_o some_o literal_a fault_n which_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d end_v by_o the_o eye_n