we_o the_o blessing_n we_o pray_v for_o he_o will_v give_v we_o some_o better_a thing_n instead_o of_o they_o or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o deliver_v we_o out_o of_o that_o affliction_n or_o trouble_v we_o groan_v under_o he_o will_v bestow_v upon_o we_o a_o suitable_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o support_v we_o under_o it_o either_o of_o these_o consideration_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o place_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n upon_o god_n and_o to_o persevere_v in_o our_o address_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n sermon_n ix_o prov_n iv_o 23._o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o it_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n it_o be_v deserve_o look_v upon_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a excellency_n of_o the_o persian_a law_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o design_n the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n as_o the_o use_v mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o commission_n of_o it_o that_o by_o a_o careful_a education_n of_o youth_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n they_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o render_v their_o duty_n so_o familiar_a and_o habitual_a to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o those_o terrible_a torture_n and_o bloody_a execution_n whereby_o other_o lawgiver_n fright_v their_o subject_n into_o obedience_n and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o duty_n recommend_v in_o the_o text_n for_o be_v but_o this_o one_o precept_n sincere_o conform_v to_o do_v we_o but_o perform_v this_o one_o duty_n conscientious_o and_o honest_o we_o shall_v find_v very_o little_a difficulty_n in_o yield_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o that_o man_n will_v never_o commit_v murder_n that_o dare_v not_o be_v angry_a without_o a_o cause_n nor_o be_v adulterous_a in_o the_o act_n who_o do_v not_o first_o transgress_v in_o his_o desire_n can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o deliberate_a perjury_n that_o fear_v a_o oath_n or_o defraud_v another_o who_o permit_v not_o himself_o to_o covet_n for_o if_o the_o first_o spark_n of_o ill_n be_v quench_v within_o they_o will_v never_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v advice_n well_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n in_o which_o word_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n i._o of_o a_o duty_n recommend_v to_o we_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n ii_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v with_o all_o diligence_n iii_o of_o the_o motive_n to_o engage_v we_o thus_o to_o perform_v it_o for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n iv_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o direction_n to_o facilitate_v this_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o to_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n 1._o here_o be_v a_o duty_n enjoin_v we_o heart_n psal_n 12.2_o 2_o kin._n 10.30_o matth._n 22.37_o 2_o sam._n 24.5_o rom._n 7.22_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o man_n within_o we_o 1_o pet._n 3.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o keep_v our_o heart_n now_o the_o heart_n have_v different_a acceptation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o one_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o sometime_o for_o another_o for_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_n the_o affection_n the_o conscience_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o whole_a soul_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o in_o the_o most_o comprehensive_a sense_n and_o then_o it_o will_v denote_v to_o we_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o inclination_n the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n that_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o its_o most_o noble_a operation_n so_o that_o by_o keep_v the_o heart_n be_v mean_v a_o look_v into_o the_o most_o private_a recess_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o curious_a and_o particular_a observation_n what_o be_v transact_v there_o the_o take_v a_o view_n of_o all_o our_o inclination_n passion_n desire_n and_o affection_n and_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n approve_v those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o disallow_v those_o which_o be_v evil._n it_o denote_v also_o the_o make_v use_n of_o such_o mean_n as_o may_v be_v effectual_a to_o bring_v our_o soul_n into_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o temper_v the_o take_a care_n that_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n may_v not_o be_v take_v up_o with_o any_o unlawful_a object_n or_o draw_v out_o too_o far_o on_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n but_o that_o we_o sincere_o desire_v and_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o entire_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o best_a and_o most_o holy_a man_n to_o govern_v their_o heart_n so_o exact_o as_o never_o to_o transgress_v the_o strict_a rule_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o never_o to_o offend_v in_o thought_n alas_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n will_v continual_o spring_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o incite_v they_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o present_v such_o tempt_a and_o allure_a object_n to_o our_o fancy_n as_o will_v produce_v inordinate_a affection_n and_o desire_v it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o that_o no_o vain_a thought_n shall_v intrude_v themselves_o there_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o these_o frail_a body_n and_o house_n of_o clay_n we_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o many_o passion_n and_o the_o fume_n which_o arise_v from_o our_o inferior_a appetite_n will_v cloud_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n captivate_v our_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n proceed_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o body_n and_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o present_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o and_o the_o object_n we_o converse_v with_o if_o we_o be_v of_o a_o cold_a and_o phlegmatic_a constitution_n we_o shall_v be_v affect_v with_o melancholy_a and_o distrustful_a thought_n and_o fancy_n if_o of_o a_o choleric_a temper_n passion_n will_v sometime_o get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o we_o when_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o in_o prosperity_n our_o thought_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o gay_a and_o volatile_a if_o in_o pain_n or_o misery_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o pore_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o a_o good_a christian_a can_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o as_o good_a a_o frame_n as_o he_o possible_o can_v to_o be_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o though_o he_o can_v attain_v to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o by_o curb_v his_o unruly_a passion_n govern_v his_o affection_n and_o appetite_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o whenever_o they_o break_v out_o and_o act_n irregular_o reduce_v they_o within_o their_o due_a bound_n and_o not_o allow_v or_o delight_v in_o the_o least_o sinful_a thought_n or_o suffer_v it_o to_o dwell_v or_o remain_v in_o our_o heart_n but_o cast_v it_o out_o with_o all_o speed_n and_o indignation_n imaginable_a and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v ii_o with_o all_o diligence_n which_o denote_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v our_o constant_a employment_n that_o we_o do_v not_o let_v any_o day_n slip_v without_o examine_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o if_o we_o sleep_v never_o so_o little_a the_o evil_a one_o will_v take_v the_o opportunity_n of_o sow_v his_o tare_n in_o our_o soul_n if_o we_o be_v not_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n or_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v imprint_v either_o such_o light_n and_o garish_a or_o such_o melancholy_a and_o distract_n idea_n of_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v produce_v a_o fruitful_a crop_n of_o vain_a solicitous_a and_o sinful_a thought_n this_o must_v be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o day_n for_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v disorder_v with_o every_o gust_n of_o passion_n and_o will_v require_v a_o watchful_a eye_n and_o a_o continual_a care_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o any_o tolerable_a order_n 2._o the_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n imply_v the_o great_a intenseness_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n imaginable_a for_o we_o must_v take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a
of_o our_o duty_n it_o command_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o necessary_a precept_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o this_o and_o the_o precede_a chapter_n and_o leave_v our_o reason_n to_o work_v out_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o particular_a and_o casual_a emergency_n to_o direct_v in_o some_o case_n what_o be_v lawful_a and_o in_o most_o what_o be_v prudent_a and_o expedient_a and_o for_o our_o great_a security_n have_v lay_v down_o some_o general_a rule_n which_o if_o serious_o consider_v and_o careful_o attend_v to_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v our_o reason_n in_o all_o its_o judgement_n and_o determination_n thus_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n which_o principal_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o holy_a gospel_n command_v we_o 24._o joh._n 4.24_o 24._o to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o direct_v our_o address_n to_o god_n alone_o through_o one_o mediator_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o several_a other_o particular_a precept_n it_o give_v we_o as_o to_o the_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o our_o direction_n how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n be_v all_o refer_v to_o this_o general_a rule_n 14.40_o 1_o cor._n 14.40_o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n and_o thus_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o concern_v our_o neighbour_n our_o saviour_n have_v lay_v down_o many_o excellent_a precept_n in_o this_o admirable_a though_o short_a epitome_n of_o morality_n his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o then_o close_v all_o with_o this_o rule_n of_o universal_a influence_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n the_o end_n and_o design_n then_o of_o this_o rule_n be_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a and_o most_o neglect_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o we_o be_v general_o so_o much_o bias_v by_o self-love_n that_o when_o any_o controversy_n be_v start_v in_o which_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v concern_v we_o be_v very_o nice_a and_o exact_a in_o claim_v what_o belong_v to_o we_o and_o be_v our_o due_n but_o when_o the_o scale_n be_v turn_v and_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o our_o neighbour_n may_v just_o expect_v from_o we_o than_o we_o make_v use_v of_o false_a weight_n and_o measure_n and_o too_o often_o determine_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n we_o be_v not_o so_o apt_a scholar_n in_o learning_n this_o lesson_n of_o charity_n as_o we_o be_v severe_a master_n in_o exact_v it_o from_o other_o and_o therefore_o ii_o i_o shall_v mark_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o rule_n and_o consider_v the_o just_a extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o these_o word_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v etc._n etc._n 1._o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o rule_n be_v determine_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n for_o so_o it_o be_v limit_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o text._n it_o be_v whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o etc._n etc._n some_o there_o be_v indeed_o who_o will_v have_v this_o rule_n extend_v also_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n and_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n but_o this_o without_o the_o support_n of_o any_o good_a reason_n for_o though_o religion_n may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v justice_n towards_o god_n because_o all_o the_o service_n which_o we_o owe_v and_o be_v able_a to_o pay_v unto_o god_n be_v high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a and_o what_o be_v but_o our_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n yet_o the_o distance_n be_v so_o great_a between_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v and_o we_o poor_a vile_a worm_n his_o work_n be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a presumption_n for_o we_o to_o weigh_v our_o action_n in_o the_o same_o balance_n with_o he_o these_o word_n be_v therefore_o limit_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n as_o may_v be_v plain_o make_v out_o from_o that_o parallel_n place_n where_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v ask_v this_o question_n 22.3_o matt._n 22.3_o master_n which_o be_v the_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n return_v this_o answer_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o then_o add_v on_o these_o two_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n where_o we_o may_v see_v that_o this_o rule_n be_v make_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n only_o of_o the_o second_o table_n 2._o this_o rule_n be_v determine_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o st._n austin_n read_v the_o word_n quaecunque_fw-la bona_fw-la etc._n etc._n whatsoever_o good_a thing_n you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v some_o man_n of_o such_o envious_a and_o malicious_a temper_n that_o they_o will_v willing_o undergo_v any_o severity_n themselves_o on_o condition_n that_o their_o enemy_n may_v endure_v the_o same_o and_o suffer_v their_o own_o house_n to_o be_v burn_v that_o his_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o flame_n nay_o lose_v one_o of_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o like_a advantage_n like_o the_o pretend_a mother_n of_o the_o live_a child_n will_v say_v 3.26_o 1_o kin._n 3.26_o let_v neither_o of_o we_o have_v it_o but_o let_v it_o be_v divide_v other_o there_o be_v of_o so_o proud_a and_o churlish_a a_o disposition_n that_o they_o scorn_v to_o be_v oblige_v and_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o a_o benefit_n than_o to_o be_v behold_v for_o it_o to_o one_o they_o hate_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o will_v soon_o die_v than_o owe_v his_o life_n to_o a_o enemy_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o these_o man_n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v thus_o 3._o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o any_o man_n not_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o 4._o if_o we_o will_v put_v the_o case_n right_a we_o must_v suppose_v the_o circumstance_n to_o be_v the_o same_o between_o our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o for_o one_o different_a circumstance_n will_v very_o much_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o action_n thus_o upon_o supposition_n that_o i_o be_o strong_a and_o more_o healthy_a than_o my_o neighbour_n i_o may_v be_v willing_a that_o he_o may_v do_v some_o thing_n to_o i_o which_o if_o i_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o to_o he_o will_v tend_v very_o much_o to_o his_o prejudice_n and_o disadvantage_n a_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a man_n may_v be_v willing_a that_o other_o shall_v withhold_v their_o hand_n from_o do_v he_o good_a that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o same_o excuse_v to_o deny_v his_o charitable_a relief_n to_o the_o poor_a nay_o mere_a difference_n in_o opinion_n may_v make_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v desire_v some_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o man_n which_o he_o may_v very_o reasonable_o demand_v of_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v ready_o comply_v with_o 5._o we_o must_v take_v care_n in_o apply_v this_o rule_n that_o our_o desire_n be_v restrain_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v just_a and_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o our_o neighbour_n and_o then_o this_o rule_n will_v run_v thus_o whatsoever_o you_o have_v just_a and_o reasonable_a cause_n to_o desire_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o every_o malefactor_n who_o be_v sentence_v to_o punishment_n for_o his_o evil_a deed_n will_v willing_o have_v his_o punishment_n remit_v and_o the_o judge_n himself_o will_v desire_v it_o if_o he_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o a_o criminal_a at_o the_o bar_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o all_o criminal_n shall_v be_v pardon_v for_o this_o will_v make_v the_o law_n itself_o useless_a by_o relax_v the_o co-ercive_a power_n of_o it_o and_o render_v magistrate_n cheap_a and_o contemptible_a when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o ble_a to_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o evil_a doer_n 13.3_o rom._n 13.3_o but_o only_a encourager_n of_o those_o who_o do_v well_o these_o be_v the_o most_o
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
9.27_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o so_o as_o to_o save_v other_o and_o yet_o he_o himself_o number_v among_o the_o cast_n aways_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o instance_n because_o this_o proposition_n be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o many_o shall_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o do_v not_o only_o fail_v in_o observe_v it_o through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n but_o they_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o in_o despite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n act_n quite_o contrary_a and_o go_v direct_o against_o it_o like_o herod_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o perhaps_o in_o part_n reform_v their_o life_n and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o still_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v their_o herodias_n their_o belove_a sin_n and_o darling_n vice_n and_o this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n forego_v even_o for_o heaven_n itself_o they_o say_v with_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 5.18_o 2_o kin._n 5.18_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n in_o the_o 3._o place_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_o to_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o no._n and_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n verse_n 2_o 3_o 4._o they_o be_v say_v he_o lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v not_o only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n 23._o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n but_o because_o a_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n may_v counterfeit_v these_o grace_n so_o exact_o as_o to_o deceive_v not_o only_o other_o man_n but_o himself_o also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o four_o rule_n by_o which_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o honest_o and_o conscientious_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o such_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v act_n out_o of_o religious_a motive_n and_o principle_n i._n e._n they_o will_v be_v religious_a because_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v annex_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n their_o religion_n be_v not_o take_v up_o from_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o think_v it_o will_v suit_v best_a with_o their_o interest_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v it_o a_o engine_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o worldly_a project_n and_o design_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o ready_o comport_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o look_v upon_o serve_v god_n as_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n and_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n truckle_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o their_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o righteousness_n 6.33_o matth._n 6.33_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a for_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v add_v thereunto_o they_o prefer_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o other_o comfort_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v they_o and_o have_v rather_o part_v with_o father_n mother_n wife_n and_o child_n 10.29_o mark_v 10.29_o nay_o their_o own_o life_n than_o deny_v their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a they_o who_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o retain_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n consider_v that_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n be_v every_o where_o and_o behold_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v as_o devout_a in_o his_o closet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o conscientious_a in_o perform_v his_o private_a devotion_n as_o in_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o unjust_a action_n though_o he_o be_v assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v discover_v as_o he_o be_v to_o prevent_v open_a violence_n he_o will_v not_o defame_v backbite_v or_o so_o much_o as_o speak_v a_o evil_a word_n against_o his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o be_v moral_o assure_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o his_o ear_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o harbour_v the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a intent_n against_o his_o brother_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n will_v one_o day_n call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o 16.27_o matth._n 16.27_o and_o either_o reward_n or_o punish_v he_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n 3._o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yield_v a_o uniform_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n law_n he_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o obey_v one_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v for_o observe_v the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o think_v that_o his_o performance_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v atone_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o other_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o more_o easy_a duty_n of_o religion_n or_o avoid_v only_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v burdensome_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o but_o he_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v he_o how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o his_o temporal_a interest_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o he_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_z lays_z aside_o every_o weight_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n 1.6_o luk._n 1.6_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v god_n with_o mammon_n or_o by_o be_v nice_a and_o exact_a in_o perform_v some_o of_o god_n command_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o obey_v god_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o exception_n or_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o 24.16_o prov._n 24.16_o that_o the_o most_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n but_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o he_o quick_o rise_v again_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n he_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o himself_o and_o resolve_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a he_o do_v not_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o he_o pray_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o 4._o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o only_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o he_o maintain_v the_o same_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o religious_a and_o devout_a at_o some_o time_n but_o then_o they_o let_v the_o reins_o lose_v at_o other_o and_o think_v by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o some_o duty_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o gross_a miscarriage_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o true_o religious_a man_n persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n in_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n he_o be_v not_o indeed_o always_o equal_o zealous_a and_o fervent_a he_o do_v not_o always_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o same_o ardency_n of_o affection_n nor_o be_v he_o always_o wrought_v up_o to_o the_o
in_o the_o most_o eminent_a degree_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o communicate_v to_o inferior_a being_n and_o be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o since_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o proportion_v our_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o worth_n and_o dignity_n we_o apprehend_v to_o be_v in_o they_o it_o will_v from_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o infinite_a perfection_n will_v require_v and_o aught_o to_o raise_v our_o praise_n and_o adoration_n for_o we_o receive_v all_o that_o we_o have_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n imaginable_a to_o return_v he_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n due_a unto_o his_o holy_a name_n so_o that_o whether_o we_o contemplate_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o general_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n derive_v down_o to_o we_o in_o particular_a either_o of_o they_o will_v afford_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o to_o what_o end_n can_v we_o imagine_v our_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v place_v in_o we_o why_o be_v our_o body_n enlighten_v with_o this_o ray_n of_o divinity_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o consider_v and_o contemplate_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o providence_n to_o what_o end_n have_v we_o a_o power_n give_v we_o of_o communicate_v our_o thought_n one_o to_o another_o but_o that_o we_o may_v join_v together_o in_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o psalmist_n call_v the_o tongue_n man_n glory_n 57.8_o psal_n 57.8_o because_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o speech_n be_v to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v god_n from_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reflection_n the_o generality_n of_o virtuous_a and_o think_v man_n have_v give_v their_o assent_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o therefore_o how_o wide_a soever_o man_n of_o different_a persuasion_n be_v from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_v god_n which_o proceed_v from_o their_o different_a notion_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n yet_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n centre_n and_o agree_v in_o this_o common_a truth_n and_o principle_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v public_a and_o solemn_a public_a worship_n therefore_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n a_o precept_n of_o universal_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n but_o beside_o it_o be_v our_o declare_a duty_n by_o positive_a institution_n the_o jew_n we_o know_v have_v a_o set_v and_o solemn_a worship_n dictate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n himself_o they_o be_v under_o his_o immediate_a guidance_n and_o government_n he_o be_v their_o god_n and_o their_o king_n too_o their_o civil_a and_o religious_a sanction_n be_v blend_v together_o and_o their_o worship_n so_o true_o public_a that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v any_o express_o command_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v not_o so_o and_o this_o i_o the_o rather_o mention_v because_o it_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n agree_v that_o the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o though_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o it_o be_v no_o long_o oblige_v than_o till_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v typify_v thereby_o yet_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n as_o public_a worship_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v be_v to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v not_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n 5.17_o matth._n 5.17_o but_o to_o fulfil_v it_o i._n e._n he_o come_v to_o perform_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o type_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n which_o have_v have_v their_o completion_n in_o he_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v shall_v pass_v away_o but_o he_o come_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v moral_a duty_n to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o to_o give_v mankind_n just_a notion_n of_o they_o and_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o by_o more_o powerful_a motive_n to_o this_o end_n he_o make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o establish_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o refine_v it_o from_o its_o dross_n and_o to_o reform_v it_o from_o all_o those_o superstition_n and_o abuse_n which_o in_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n be_v creep_v into_o it_o because_o the_o purity_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o cement_n of_o society_n and_o the_o source_n and_o original_a of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n to_o this_o end_n our_o saviour_n institute_v a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n a_o particular_a order_n of_o man_n invest_v with_o authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o offer_v up_o public_a prayer_n and_o thansgiving_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o unite_v man_n into_o society_n for_o the_o public_a and_o more_o solemn_a performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o gather_v he_o a_o kingdom_n or_o church_n through_o the_o whole_a world_n i._n e._n a_o society_n of_o man_n who_o enter_v into_o covenant_n by_o baptism_n to_o obey_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n and_o to_o live_v by_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o appoint_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n he_o therefore_o who_o neglect_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v in_o effect_n disown_n god_n authority_n deny_v his_o saviour_n and_o cast_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o protection_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n so_o earnest_o exhort_v the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o 10.25_o heb._n 10.25_o as_o be_v one_o effectual_a mean_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o that_o heinous_a and_o dangerous_a sin_n of_o apostatise_v from_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o appear_v that_o to_o worship_n god_n public_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o our_o indispensible_a duty_n for_o since_o worship_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o that_o be_v who_o we_o adore_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o more_o public_a this_o acknowledgement_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a and_o acceptable_a be_v the_o worship_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v more_o conducive_a and_o answerable_a to_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o at_o first_o institute_v and_o design_v it_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v oblige_v thus_o public_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o may_v hereby_o express_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o poor_a indigent_a and_o necessitous_a condition_n and_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o we_o receive_v every_o thing_n we_o possess_v from_o this_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o since_o we_o can_v make_v he_o no_o other_o return_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o withhold_v that_o of_o a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n and_o the_o natural_a expression_n of_o a_o grateful_a mind_n and_o since_o god_n be_v good_a not_o only_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a but_o to_o all_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o his_o most_o valuable_a though_o most_o unregarded_a favour_n be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o in_o common_a therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o join_v together_o in_o celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n with_o the_o great_a veneration_n and_o solemnity_n 3._o consider_v the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o from_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n we_o be_v creature_n natural_o addict_v to_o imitation_n and_o rather_o incline_v to_o do_v as_o other_o do_v than_o to_o take_v their_o advice_n and_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v example_n have_v a_o strange_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o matter_n spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o temporal_a our_o passion_n be_v wonderful_o raise_v when_o by_o a_o holy_a kind_n of_o emulation_n we_o as_o it_o be_v contend_v in_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o devotion_n for_o as_o fire_n kindle_v fire_n and_o turn_v all_o other_o material_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o a_o holy_a and_o christian_n zeal_n will_v produce_v its_o like_a in_o the_o breast_n of_o all_o who_o behold_v it_o a_o man_n may_v go_v on_o a_o long_a time_n
damnation_n and_o such_o as_o only_o deserve_v some_o temporary_a punishment_n especial_o since_o under_o the_o head_n of_o venial_a sin_n they_o rank_v the_o gross_a enormity_n so_o that_o even_o murder_n shall_v become_v a_o venial_a sin_n if_o commit_v to_o maintain_v a_o man_n honour_n or_o under_o pretence_n of_o return_v some_o trivial_a affront_n a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n have_v be_v make_v by_o some_o jesuitical_a casuist_n a_o justifiable_a provocation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o express_a term_n determine_v the_o quite_o contrary_a so_o plain_o do_v these_o man_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o distinction_n but_o 2._o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a and_o justifiable_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o whosoever_o do_v any_o action_n without_o that_o persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o do_n which_o be_v here_o call_v faith_n he_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a convenient_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o consequence_n most_o please_v unto_o god_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o who_o thus_o act_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o perform_v what_o he_o sincere_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n will_v be_v more_o excusable_a when_o he_o do_v amiss_o than_o that_o man_n who_o think_v he_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o his_o own_o knowledge_n though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o no_o action_n be_v good_a without_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o resolve_v upon_o a_o action_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o commit_v a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n though_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o our_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o sustain_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n as_o well_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o accuser_n and_o suppose_v our_o conscience_n due_o inform_v whilst_o we_o follow_v its_o determination_n we_o can_v do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v hereby_o excuse_v from_o perform_v a_o know_v and_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n which_o be_v require_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v administer_v fuel_n to_o such_o perplexity_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o will_v render_v christ_n easy_a yoke_n far_o more_o burdensome_a than_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish-law_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v by_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n to_o perform_v a_o action_n which_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o nice_a in_o weigh_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prefer_v our_o submission_n to_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o our_o lawful_a governor_n before_o the_o trivial_a doubt_n of_o a_o unsettle_a and_o waver_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v certain_o a_o grievous_a sin_n whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o with_o that_o questionable_a circumstance_n be_v so_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o common_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o rather_o to_o venture_v upon_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n we_o be_v not_o so_o full_o satisfy_v in_o than_o on_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v manifest_o evil_a rather_o than_o from_o those_o which_o have_v only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o thus_o a_o common_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_a officer_n a_o servant_n of_o his_o master_n without_o play_v the_o casuist_n and_o nice_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o execute_v what_o the_o head_n command_v and_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n will_v be_v answerable_a for_o all_o the_o lesser_a defect_n whilst_o there_o will_v be_v great_a allowance_n make_v to_o that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n peace_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o sacrifice_n his_o own_o private_a opinion_n but_o square_n his_o action_n in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n so_o as_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n but_o 3._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o such_o action_n as_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n and_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o incentives_n unto_o evil_a for_o he_o that_o will_v the_o cause_n will_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o he_o that_o expose_v himself_o to_o temptation_n be_v blame-worthy_a though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o nor_o be_v overpower_a thereby_o it_o be_v the_o business_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v by_o reflect_v on_o its_o past_a action_n to_o collect_v from_o thence_o what_o will_v be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o be_v the_o inlet_n and_o inducement_n to_o it_o the_o true_a spiritual_a warrior_n will_v not_o have_v any_o parley_n with_o his_o enemy_n he_o stand_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v the_o least_o approach_n towards_o he_o well_o know_v that_o he_o be_v only_o then_o secure_a when_o his_o enemy_n have_v not_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o hurt_v he_o and_o that_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o his_o ruin_n be_v to_o be_v secure_a 30.6_o psal_n 30.6_o and_o to_o fancy_n he_o stand_v so_o fast_o that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v move_v it_o will_v be_v therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v what_o sin_n he_o be_v most_o addict_v to_o what_o vice_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v betray_v into_o these_o sin_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o they_o and_o let_v he_o take_v up_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n 101.3_o psal_n 101.3_o i_o will_v remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o such_o object_n and_o example_n show_n and_o appearance_n as_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o i_o and_o betray_v i_o into_o sin_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v be_v angry_a let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o passion_n when_o first_o raise_v and_o throw_v these_o coal_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v retain_v they_o long_a theâ—e_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v anger_n maintain_v and_o encourage_v turn_n natural_o either_o into_o fury_n or_o malice_n and_o when_o once_o it_o degenerate_v into_o either_o of_o these_o devilish_a temper_n of_o mind_n who_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o that_o spark_n which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v suppress_v will_v be_v ungovernable_a when_o blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n either_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o all_o or_o to_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o hereby_o prevent_v its_o be_v criminal_a and_o sinful_a if_o he_o find_v himself_o addict_v to_o uncleanness_n and_o lust_n let_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o
performance_n of_o they_o iii_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n many_o time_n to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brother_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o 1._o we_o must_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a action_n under_o this_o pretence_n that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n or_o much_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n thereby_o for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o permisson_n much_o less_o have_v he_o lay_v upon_o we_o any_o necessity_n of_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n though_o upon_o never_o so_o plausible_a a_o pretence_n he_o have_v chalk_v out_o to_o we_o the_o plain_a path_n of_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n and_o have_v place_v a_o monitor_n within_o we_o which_o continual_o give_v we_o this_o advice_n 30.21_o isa_n 30.21_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v therein_o and_o whenever_o we_o go_v astray_o through_o the_o solicitation_n of_o a_o prevail_a lust_n he_o recall_v we_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o tend_v be_v holy_a so_o he_o have_v appoint_v such_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o as_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a too_o and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o indirect_a mean_n it_o high_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o absolute_o good_a and_o all_o powerful_a be_v to_o fancy_n that_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o his_o design_n by_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o advance_v his_o glory_n what_o can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o say_v for_o himself_o more_o than_o vzza_n have_v 1_o chron._n 13.9_o who_o drive_v the_o cart_n in_o which_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v place_v and_o see_v the_o ox_n stumble_v so_o that_o the_o ark_n be_v in_o manifest_a danger_n of_o fall_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v only_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o do_v and_o we_o be_v tell_v verse_n 10._o that_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o vzza_n and_o he_o smite_v he_o because_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o ark_n and_o he_o die_v there_o before_o god_n st._n paul_n have_v plain_o determine_v this_o point_n with_o a_o god_n forbid_v and_o not_o rather_o as_o we_o be_v slanderous_o report_v of_o 3.6.8_o rom._n 3.6.8_o and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a the_o almighty_a arm_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o since_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o his_o power_n he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o venture_v upon_o any_o unlawful_a action_n out_o of_o a_o honest_a design_n as_o we_o think_v of_o do_v good_a we_o usurp_v god_n prerogative_n and_o interpose_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o like_o undisciplined_a soldier_n we_o run_v out_o of_o our_o rank_n and_o leave_v the_o post_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v and_o though_o we_o may_v do_v some_o service_n yet_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o mutiny_n and_o disobed_a nce_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n god_n blast_v the_o design_n of_o such_o man_n who_o care_v not_o what_o mean_v they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o bring_v they_o about_o they_o be_v general_o unsuccessful_a in_o their_o erterprise_n and_o convince_v by_o fatal_a experience_n that_o the_o most_o hopeful_a attempt_n prove_v abortive_a unless_o prosper_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n thus_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o whenever_o it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o permit_v evil_a man_n to_o prosper_v for_o some_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v always_o some_o fatal_a calamity_n or_o other_o which_o either_o attend_v or_o follow_v such_o sinful_a action_n and_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a way_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o therefore_o never_o be_v prevail_v on_o to_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a though_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v no_o more_o good_a than_o lawful_o we_o can_v do_v nay_o good_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o turn_v into_o evil_a when_o bring_v about_o by_o unwarrantable_a mean_n for_o to_o a_o good_a action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o circumstance_n do_v concur_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o a_o deficiency_n in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v it_o a_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wise_a course_n to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o he_o who_o be_v just_o sensible_a how_o often_o he_o transgress_v this_o law_n will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o folly_n of_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o and_o to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o make_v his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o good_a action_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v when_o some_o evil_n may_v proceed_v or_o some_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v in_o many_o case_n leave_v to_o our_o own_o prudence_n to_o determine_v what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v most_o fit_v and_o convenient_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o execute_v when_o command_v we_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v because_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n yet_o when_o only_o the_o duty_n in_o general_n be_v command_v we_o and_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o discretion_n then_o our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o so_o to_o perform_v it_o as_o most_o glory_n may_v redound_v to_o god_n most_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o we_o ourselves_o may_v reap_v most_o benefit_n thereby_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o imitate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o as_o well_o as_o the_o harmless_a simplicity_n of_o the_o dove_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o manage_v and_o husband_n wise_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a that_o every_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n and_o place_n for_o as_o he_o who_o give_v seasonable_o be_v say_v to_o confer_v a_o double_a benefit_n so_o he_o that_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o fit_v out_o every_o duty_n with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n will_v entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o more_o excellent_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o a_o indifferent_a action_n perform_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n may_v have_v a_o admirable_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o behold_v it_o and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o good_a and_o then_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o embrace_v so_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n at_o another_o time_n a_o action_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a may_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o god_n may_v be_v blaspheme_v and_o our_o neighbour_n injure_v and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_o our_o duty_n to_o omit_v that_o good_a action_n till_o some_o more_o convenient_a opportunity_n present_v itself_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o school_n affirmativa_fw-la praecepta_fw-la obligant_fw-la semper_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la semper_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n be_v always_o oblige_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o always_o limit_v we_o to_o the_o present_a time_n of_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v amiss_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o care_n and_o live_v under_o our_o jurisdiction_n be_v our_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o enjoin_v we_o by_o the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n but_o when_o this_o duty_n must_v be_v perform_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o christian_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o many_o time_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o wink_v at_o their_o fault_n
they_o corrupt_v their_o most_o holy_a offering_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n into_o sin_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o well_o begin_v have_v half_o finish_v his_o work_n if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o will_v natural_o produce_v 2._o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o our_o affection_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n so_o excellent_o fit_v to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v require_v little_o more_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o like_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o sober_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o daily_a and_o constant_a accustom_v ourselves_o to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o religious_a duty_n to_o pray_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o corrupt_a and_o stubborn_a nature_n by_o a_o daily_a practice_n of_o these_o duty_n nothing_o will_v yield_v we_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n as_o the_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o god_n the_o lay_v open_a our_o want_n and_o beg_a supply_n the_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o communicate_v to_o other_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n above_o and_o will_v create_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n in_o every_o good_a man_n breast_n who_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o glorious_a conception_n and_o joyful_a resentment_n as_o these_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o these_o as_o david_n tell_v we_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o make_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o spend_v one_o day_n in_o god_n court_n 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o let_v we_o therefore_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o embrace_v his_o truth_n with_o our_o understanding_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o caress_n it_o with_o our_o affection_n let_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o faith_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o due_a admiration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o then_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o that_o 3._o we_o close_v with_o it_o by_o our_o will_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n in_o every_o particular_a wherein_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o every_o know_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perform_v our_o devotion_n only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v real_o so_o and_o not_o only_o be_v wise_a man_n but_o better_a christian_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o practice_n they_o be_v enjoin_v we_o as_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o conversation_n aright_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v but_o take_v any_o particular_a duty_n into_o your_o consideration_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o instance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o sigh_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o he_o be_v do_v we_o good_a and_o communicate_v his_o blessing_n unto_o we_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v we_o to_o repent_v be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n which_o our_o vice_n betray_v we_o into_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o fancy_n that_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o increase_v his_o happiness_n for_o he_o be_v infinite_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o but_o these_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v we_o that_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v more_o serious_o affect_v with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o a_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o god_n goodness_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o yield_v the_o ready_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o institute_v religion_n 11.4_o hosea_n 11.4_o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o more_o happy_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o then_o it_o do_v obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v when_o we_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o live_v better_o and_o of_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o that_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o attention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o will_n with_o god_n divine_a will._n i_o come_v to_o consider_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o our_o body_n for_o since_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v but_o high_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o they_o and_o serve_v he_o also_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v dispose_v ourselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o such_o decent_a become_v and_o reverential_a gesture_n that_o we_o may_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o this_o will_v be_v best_a perform_v by_o bear_v in_o mind_n this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o put_v on_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n and_o deport_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v from_o we_o for_o though_o irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o too_o many_o esteem_v a_o light_n and_o trivial_a offence_n and_o hardly_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o this_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o if_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o their_o bodily_a behaviour_n be_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o of_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n if_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o of_o unprejudiced_a reason_n for_o 1._o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v those_o man_n will_v worship_n god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n who_o will_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o comport_v their selve_o decent_o and_o affectionate_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o worship_v he_o with_o intention_n of_o soul_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n it_o require_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o application_n to_o keep_v their_o mind_n attentive_a and_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o these_o man_n will_v