he_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n and_o he_o have_v knowledge_n thereof_o and_o just_a cause_n thereupon_o to_o complain_v leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n still_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o jew_n worship_n who_o when_o they_o go_v to_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n bring_v their_o sheep_n or_o bullock_n unto_o the_o utter_a court_n or_o as_o some_o think_v tie_v it_o to_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o token_n that_o they_o present_v it_o unto_o the_o lord_n now_o if_o at_o that_o very_a instant_n they_o do_v remember_v that_o they_o have_v any_o way_n offend_v their_o brother_n than_o be_v they_o to_o leave_v their_o gift_n there_o not_o quite_o omit_v this_o duty_n but_o only_o suspend_v or_o defer_v it_o for_o a_o while_n and_o go_v seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o brother_n who_o they_o have_v wrong_v question_n how_o can_v this_o departure_n be_v warrantable_a see_v the_o jew_n have_v a_o law_n 10._o that_o when_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v once_o begin_v none_o may_v depart_v no_o not_o the_o prince_n himself_o till_o it_o be_v end_v ans._n this_o rule_n must_v be_v understand_v of_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o utter_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n whither_o the_o people_n bring_v their_o sacrifice_n soon_o after_o they_o have_v present_v it_o before_o it_o be_v begin_v to_o be_v offer_v for_o till_o the_o priest_n have_v begin_v god_n service_n it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o people_n to_o depart_v especial_o upon_o this_o occasion_n question_n ii_o but_o what_o if_o the_o party_n offend_v can_v possible_o come_v to_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v wrong_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o absence_n in_o some_o far_a country_n his_o close_a imprisonment_n or_o such_o like_a ans._n he_o must_v testify_v his_o endeavour_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o if_o the_o act_n itself_o be_v necessary_o hinder_v by_o god_n providence_n god_n will_v accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n if_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n for_o this_o be_v christ_n meaning_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o our_o brethren_n who_o we_o have_v wrong_v show_v such_o care_n thereof_o that_o we_o prefer_v the_o same_o before_o the_o outward_a action_n of_o god_n worship_n not_o presume_v to_o worship_n god_n till_o we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o our_o brethren_n here_o we_o have_v a_o notable_a rule_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n among_o man_n namely_o brotherly_a reconciliation_n in_o the_o give_v whereof_o christ_n still_o continue_v his_o exposition_n of_o the_o six_o commandment_n for_o have_v condemn_v murder_n and_o the_o provocation_n thereunto_o in_o the_o former_a verse_n here_o he_o command_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o uphold_v the_o same_o to_o wit_n reconciliation_n for_o offence_n give_v out_o of_o this_o rule_n in_o general_n we_o may_v observe_v first_o a_o three_o direction_n commandment_n to_o the_o right_n expound_v and_o understand_v of_o god_n commandment_n namely_o where_o any_o vice_n be_v forbid_v there_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n be_v command_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o any_o virtue_n be_v command_v there_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v forbid_v this_o rule_n must_v be_v observe_v as_o a_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n above_o all_o humane_a law_n for_o man_n law_n be_v satisfy_v by_o abstain_v from_o the_o vice_n forbid_v though_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n be_v not_o practise_v as_o he_o satisfy_v man_n law_n forbid_v murder_n that_o abstaine_v from_o the_o actual_a crime_n though_o he_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n but_o he_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o perform_v not_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n though_o he_o abstain_v from_o the_o vice_n forbid_v for_o though_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o kill_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o love_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o breach_n of_o this_o six_o commandment_n which_o serve_v to_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o our_o ignorant_a people_n who_o because_o they_o abstain_v from_o murder_n adultery_n and_o other_o outward_a sin_n do_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o keep_v the_o law_n and_o that_o god_n will_v therefore_o be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o but_o they_o must_v know_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v abstain_v from_o the_o vice_n forbid_v yet_o they_o stand_v culpable_a of_o judgement_n for_o want_v of_o do_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n for_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o we_o must_v do_v good_a and_o therefore_o john_n baptist_n say_v 10_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n shall_v be_v denounce_v against_o the_o reprobate_n for_o their_o omission_n of_o do_v good_a 42_o i_o be_v a_o hungry_a and_o you_o give_v i_o no_o meat_n etc._n etc._n second_o by_o this_o rule_n of_o reconciliation_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o performance_n mercy_n of_o any_o outward_a service_n unto_o god_n be_v displease_v unto_o he_o if_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o love_n of_o our_o brethren_n isaiah_n 1._o 11_o 12._o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v reject_v in_o particular_a all_o the_o service_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o they_o live_v in_o envy_n debate_n and_o oppression_n their_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n isaiah_n 58._o 5_o 6._o the_o lord_n do_v there_o reprehend_v the_o jew_n fast_v from_o meat_n because_o they_o do_v not_o withal_o abstain_v from_o strife_n and_o oppression_n add_v withal_o that_o refrain_v from_o cruelty_n and_o do_v work_n of_o mercy_n be_v the_o fast_n which_o he_o require_v which_o serve_v to_o overthrow_v the_o natural_a conceit_n of_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n this_o be_v indeed_o the_o conceit_n and_o practice_v of_o the_o pharisee_n whereupon_o they_o 5._o teach_v the_o people_n that_o if_o they_o give_v oblation_n to_o the_o church_n though_o they_o relieve_v not_o their_o poor_a parent_n yet_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o they_o and_o the_o like_a be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o in_o case_n of_o transgression_n through_o want_n of_o brotherly_a love_n do_v not_o appoint_v this_o reconciliation_n but_o auricular_a confession_n and_o canonical_a satisfaction_n as_o matter_n well_o please_v unto_o almighty_a god_n yea_o such_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o our_o common_a people_n that_o if_o they_o be_v present_a at_o divine_a service_n if_o they_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o receive_v the_o sacracâ—aments_n at_o ordinary_a time_n than_o they_o have_v do_v good_a service_n and_o he_o will_v respect_v they_o though_o in_o their_o civil_a conversation_n they_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o their_o brethren_n or_o live_v in_o such_o like_a sin_n but_o we_o must_v learn_v that_o god_n be_v serve_v not_o only_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o table_n but_o of_o the_o second_o also_o and_o that_o god_n abhorte_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n in_o such_o person_n as_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n jerem._n 7._o 9_o 10._o will_v you_o steal_v murder_n commâ—t_a adultery_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n wherein_o my_o name_n be_v call_v and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v though_o we_o have_v do_v all_o thesâ—â—bâ—ominations_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v never_o think_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o 〈◊〉_d desiâ—e_v true_a comfort_n in_o our_o serve_v of_o god_n let_v we_o make_v conscience_n to_o join_v therewith_o the_o practice_n of_o mercy_n towards_o our_o brethren_n three_o here_o also_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o before_o 〈◊〉_d we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n even_o when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o church_n that_o we_o have_v any_o way_n offend_v our_o brother_n we_o must_v first_o go_v and_o reconcile_v ourselves_o unto_o he_o and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o must_v not_o abstain_v upon_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o wrong_n do_v for_o so_o we_o add_v sin_n unto_o sin_n refuse_v spiritual_a society_n with_o god_n because_o we_o will_v retain_v enmity_n towards_o our_o brother_n but_o seek_v speedy_o reconciliation_n we_o must_v return_v to_o receive_v the_o lord_n sacrament_n which_o flat_o condemn_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o many_o who_o abstain_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n because_o they_o will_v not_o seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o their_o brethren_n this_o argue_v a_o heart_n full_a stuâ—â—_n with_o pride_n and_o malice_n which_o prefer_v it_o own_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n of_o
natural_a corruption_n be_v most_o grievous_a and_o fearful_a it_o make_v we_o to_o sin_n in_o whatsoever_o thing_n we_o do_v though_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v thing_n indifferent_a or_o else_o good_a work_n ii_o this_o overthrow_v the_o conceit_n of_o popish_a writer_n which_o teach_v 4._o that_o god_n give_v to_o all_o man_n a_o universal_a common_a grace_n or_o help_v sufficient_a by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o will_v and_o for_o they_o which_o want_v the_o mean_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o say_v that_o if_o they_o use_v that_o common_a grace_n of_o nature_n well_o god_n will_v give_v they_o further_o grace_v whereby_o they_o may_v come_v to_o salvation_n but_o here_o we_o see_v a_o natural_a man_n have_v a_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n can_v of_o himself_o use_v it_o well_o the_o best_a thing_n he_o do_v though_o they_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o be_v sin_n in_o he_o iii_o here_o also_o we_o may_v see_v what_o a_o miserable_a case_n we_o be_v in_o while_o unregenerate_a we_o remain_v unregenerate_a for_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o sin_n we_o be_v like_a to_o thorn_n and_o thistle_n which_o either_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n or_o else_o bad_a fruit_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v labour_v to_o become_v new_a plant_n in_o christ_n orchard_n be_v ingraff_v into_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o make_v new_a creature_n by_o regeneration_n have_v believe_a heart_n and_o good_a conscience_n that_o so_o we_o may_v bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n unto_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n iv._o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v a_o general_a rule_n touch_v a_o righteous_a man_n justification_n namely_o that_o a_o man_n must_v first_o be_v true_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v before_o he_o can_v do_v a_o good_a workeâ—_n first_o a_o tree_n must_v have_v the_o sap_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o good_a tree_n and_o then_o it_o bring_v forth_o good_a fruit_n and_o not_o before_o and_o this_o 32._o overturn_v a_o point_n of_o natural_a and_o popish_a religion_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o his_o good_a work_n but_o that_o which_o follow_v can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o go_v before_o the_o fruit_n can_v make_v the_o tree_n to_o be_v good_a but_o only_o declare_v and_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v good_a from_o whence_o it_o come_v that_o the_o fruit_n be_v good_a and_o so_o good_a work_n they_o proceed_v from_o justification_n they_o say_v justification_n twofold_a one_o whereby_o a_o man_n of_o a_o evil_a man_n be_v make_v a_o good_a man_n the_o second_o whereby_o of_o a_o good_a man_n one_o be_v make_v better_o the_o first_o they_o say_v be_v of_o work_n but_o the_o second_o justification_n 14_o be_v of_o grace_n ans._n but_o this_o be_v false_a for_o the_o fruit_n make_v not_o the_o tree_n a_o better_a tree_n but_o if_o the_o tree_n increase_v in_o goodness_n it_o proceed_v from_o some_o other_o cause_n not_o from_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o vers_fw-la 19_o every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n 20._o therefore_o by_o their_o fruit_n shall_v you_o know_v they_o these_o word_n contain_v a_o conclusion_n gather_v from_o the_o former_a similitude_n which_o be_v here_o also_o continue_v wherein_o be_v set_v down_o a_o grievous_a prophet_n threaten_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n the_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n as_o if_o christ_n have_v say_v look_v as_o in_o a_o orchyard_n every_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n i._o hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n to_o be_v burn_v so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v not_o always_o be_v repute_v for_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o at_o the_o length_n shall_v be_v discover_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o church_n and_o condemn_v answerable_a to_o this_o be_v that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n every_o branch_n which_o bear_v not_o fruit_n in_o i_o 6._o be_v take_v away_o cast_v forth_o and_o wither_v and_o man_n gather_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n and_o they_o burn_v and_o s._n peter_n say_v their_o damnation_n sleep_v not_o 2._o pet._n 2._o 3._o the_o use_n 1._o this_o serve_v to_o comfort_v god_n child_n in_o regard_n of_o false_a prophet_n for_o though_o god_n church_n be_v trouble_v with_o they_o for_o a_o prophet_n time_n yet_o it_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v so_o the_o time_n will_v come_v wherein_o they_o must_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o receive_v their_o due_a and_o deserve_a destruction_n and_o this_o especial_o must_v be_v remember_v to_o stay_v and_o comfort_v our_o heart_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o popish_a religion_n which_o do_v most_o of_o all_o molest_v and_o trouble_v we_o first_o because_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o so_o ready_o embrace_v second_o many_o among_o we_o do_v much_o affect_v it_o and_o three_o it_o be_v maintain_v by_o mighty_a monarch_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o must_v down_o for_o it_o be_v a_o plant_n which_o god_n never_o set_v nor_o plant_v matth._n 15._o 13._o and_o the_o chief_a upholder_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v ii_o use_n this_o teach_v we_o to_o eschew_v and_o shun_v false_a teacher_n and_o therefore_o do_v christ_n adâ—â—_n this_o exhortation_n matth._n 15._o 14._o lâ—t_v they_o alone_o they_o be_v the_o blind_a leader_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o revel_v 18._o 4._o come_v out_o of_o she_o that_o be_v spiritual_a babylon_n which_o be_v rome_n my_o people_n for_o if_o you_o partake_v with_o she_o in_o her_o sin_n you_o shall_v suffer_v of_o her_o punishment_n iii_o use._n the_o word_n of_o this_o threaten_a be_v further_o apply_v unto_o all_o man_n as_o they_o be_v in_o s._n luke_n do_v â—each_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o abstain_v from_o commit_v gross_a sin_n and_o to_o do_v no_o man_n hâ—rmâ—_n but_o beside_o eschew_v eâ—ill_o we_o must_v do_v good_a in_o the_o last_o judgement_n the_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n shall_v be_v pronounce_v against_o the_o wicked_a not_o for_o rob_v the_o poor_a but_o for_o not_o relieve_v of_o they_o and_o for_o 45._o not_o visit_v and_o clothing_n they_o which_o do_v notable_o confute_v that_o vain_a opinion_n of_o many_o ignorant_a people_n who_o think_v that_o if_o they_o live_v a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a life_n god_n will_v hold_v they_o excuse_v and_o save_v they_o but_o the_o tree_n that_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n must_v be_v burn_v vers_fw-la 20._o therefore_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o here_o christ_n repeat_v again_o the_o rule_n he_o deliver_v in_o the_o 16_o verse_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o special_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v of_o we_o all_o for_o there_o be_v no_o idle_a word_n in_o scripture_n neither_o any_o thing_n repeat_v in_o vain_a the_o meaning_n thereof_o we_o have_v hear_v and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o a_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v discover_v with_o the_o use_v thereof_o among_o which_o we_o show_v that_o every_o true_a believer_n in_o god_n church_n may_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v a_o false_a prophet_n whereto_o these_o three_o caveat_n must_v be_v add_v i._n the_o paiâ—ie_n that_o will_v discover_v prophet_n a_o false_a prophet_n must_v humble_v himself_o before_o god_n &_o have_v a_o heart_n in_o some_o sort_n empty_v of_o all_o pride_n and_o self-love_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v teach_v the_o humble_a his_o way_n psal._n 25._o 9_o yea_o he_o do_v exalt_v the_o humble_a &_o meek_a luk._n 51._o 3._o and_o in_o all_o thing_n the_o humble_a heart_n be_v preserve_v with_o the_o lord_n ii_o the_o party_n humble_v must_v yield_v himself_o to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n do_v my_o father_n will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o my_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n joh._n 7._o 17._o and_o david_n profess_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v wise_a than_o his_o teacher_n and_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_a because_o he_o keep_v god_n commandment_n psal._n 119._o 99_o 100_o iii_o he_o must_v pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o ask_v wisdom_n in_o faith_n and_o in_o humility_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v give_v it_o unto_o he_o jam._n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n who_o give_v liberal_o yet_o some_o will_v say_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o discern_v a_o false_a prophet_n i_o answer_v we_o have_v ordinary_o this_o capacity_n when_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v read_v the_o last_o will_v and_o testament_n of_o our_o ancestor_n we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n thereof_o well_o our_o lord_n jesus_n have_v leave_v with_o we_o his_o will_n and_o testament_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o concern_v moral_a duty_n
the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n touch_v their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o some_o fruit_n of_o sanctification_n whereby_o the_o old_a man_n be_v mortify_v and_o the_o new_a man_n renew_v in_o they_o but_o principal_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o life_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v full_o justify_v and_o sanctify_v and_o have_v god_n image_n perfect_o renew_v in_o they_o vers._n 7._o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n this_o verse_n contain_v the_o five_o rule_n or_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n rule_n touch_v true_a happiness_n in_o which_o observe_v two_o point_n first_o who_o be_v bless_v second_o wherein_o this_o blessedness_n consist_v for_o the_o first_o the_o party_n bless_v be_v the_o merciful_a and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a know_v they_o i_o will_v speak_v something_o of_o this_o virtue_n first_o show_v what_o mercy_n be_v then_o what_o be_v the_o chief_a duty_n thereof_o first_o mercie_n be_v a_o holy_a compassion_n of_o heart_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v move_v describe_v to_o help_v a_o other_o in_o his_o misery_n first_o i_o call_v it_o a_o compassion_n of_o heart_n because_o it_o make_v one_o man_n to_o put_v on_o the_o person_n of_o a_o other_o and_o to_o be_v grieve_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v 12._o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n because_o when_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v touch_v therewith_o his_o very_a liver_n and_o entrails_n do_v stir_v in_o his_o body_n and_o be_v roll_v within_o he_o as_o the_o 8._o prophet_n speak_v and_o he_o be_v affect_v as_o though_o the_o bowel_n of_o he_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n be_v in_o his_o body_n second_o i_o call_v it_o a_o holy_a compassion_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o foolish_a pity_n whereby_o a_o man_n do_v unlawful_o tender_v he_o that_o be_v in_o deserve_a misery_n such_o be_v 41._o ahab_n mercy_n to_o benhadad_n and_o 9_o saul_n in_o spare_v agag_n whereas_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n be_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o such_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n as_o god_n approve_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o a_o virtue_n commend_v and_o command_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n three_o this_o virtue_n of_o mercy_n stir_v and_o move_v the_o heart_n to_o help_v a_o other_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n for_o help_v in_o misery_n be_v a_o notable_a fruit_n of_o true_a compassion_n neither_o can_v thes_n be_v sever_v for_o in_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o relief_n stand_v true_a mercy_n and_o therefore_o 17_o john_n say_v he_o that_o see_v his_o brother_n in_o need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o whereby_o also_o we_o may_v see_v that_o no_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v show_v to_o any_o man_n in_o misery_n but_o that_o which_o come_v from_o compassion_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o mercy_n be_v second_o the_o duty_n of_o mercy_n be_v answerable_a to_o man_n misery_n now_o mercy_n man_n misery_n be_v either_o in_o his_o soul_n or_o in_o his_o body_n the_o great_a misery_n of_o man_n be_v in_o his_o soul_n as_o ignorance_n impenitency_n and_o trouble_v of_o conscience_n man_n bodily_a misery_n be_v sickness_n thirst_n nakedness_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o these_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v answerable_a some_o therefore_o concern_v the_o soul_n and_o some_o the_o body_n mercy_n towards_o the_o soul_n be_v when_o a_o man_n be_v careful_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o other_o use_v mean_n to_o bring_v a_o man_n from_o spiritual_a darkness_n unto_o light_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n from_o the_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o hell_n fire_n to_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n in_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o so_o to_o life_n eternal_a and_o look_v how_o far_o the_o soul_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o the_o body_n so_o far_o do_v this_o work_v exceed_v any_o work_n of_o mercy_n that_o concern_v the_o body_n mercy_n towards_o the_o body_n be_v call_v alm_n or_o relief_n whereby_o a_o man_n outward_a necessity_n for_o food_n raiment_n or_o such_o like_a be_v supply_v that_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o mercy_n be_v manifest_a isaiah_n 58._o 10._o where_o the_o relieve_v of_o the_o hungry_a be_v the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n untohim_a and_o saint_n john_n make_v 17._o the_o not_o relieve_v of_o our_o brother_n in_o need_n to_o be_v the_o shut_n of_o the_o door_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o now_o by_o this_o which_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v mercy_n and_o the_o work_v thereof_o we_o may_v see_v who_o be_v a_o merciful_a man_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o man_n as_o have_v his_o heart_n touch_v with_o compassion_n towards_o the_o misery_n of_o another_o and_o thereby_o be_v move_v to_o help_v and_o relieve_v he_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n according_a to_o his_o estate_n and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v bless_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n himself_o howsoever_o in_o the_o world_n he_o may_v be_v despise_v first_o here_o we_o have_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o number_n of_o miserable_a and_o curse_a number_n person_n do_v live_v even_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n church_n for_o if_o this_o rule_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a then_o unmerciful_a man_n be_v accurse_v now_o such_o be_v common_a among_o we_o the_o rich_a sort_n which_o abound_v in_o outward_a blessing_n think_v themselves_o happy_a but_o if_o they_o be_v unmerciful_a they_o be_v wretched_a and_o such_o be_v all_o those_o that_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o outward_a poâ—â—pe_n and_o bravery_n spoil_v the_o poor_a that_o live_v under_o they_o by_o enclose_v of_o commons_o rack_a of_o rent_n unreasonable_a fine_n etc._n etc._n or_o for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o vain_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n bestow_v more_o upon_o hawk_n and_o hound_n then_o on_o the_o poor_a such_o a_o wretched_a person_n also_o be_v the_o corn-monger_n who_o have_v his_o barn_n full_a and_o his_o garner_n full_a and_o yet_o suffer_v the_o poor_a to_o want_v bread_n wait_v still_o for_o a_o dear_a time_n such_o also_o be_v our_o common_a usurer_n engrosser_n and_o forestallers_a of_o needful_a â—_o commodity_n whatsoever_o all_o these_o seek_v themselves_o and_o have_v no_o mercy_n on_o they_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n yea_o such_o likewise_o be_v those_o householder_n who_o spend_v their_o time_n and_o wealth_n in_o some_o disorder_a course_n as_o whore_v game_a drink_v or_o such_o like_a and_o so_o neglect_v their_o family_n these_o â—_o deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_o than_o jew_n and_o turk_n nay_o then_o many_o bruit_n beast_n for_o they_o be_v merciful_a towards_o their_o own_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n thus_o to_o show_v through_o all_o estate_n the_o great_a multitude_n of_o miserable_a person_n for_o now_o the_o common_a proverb_n be_v become_v the_o common_a practice_n every_o man_n for_o himself_o and_o god_n for_o we_o all_o second_o see_v the_o merciful_a man_n be_v bless_v we_o must_v learn_v to_o put_v mercy_n on_o tender_a mercy_n or_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o to_o move_v we_o hereunto_o let_v we_o mark_v these_o thing_n first_o 1_o the_o state_n of_o the_o merciful_a be_v here_o pronounce_v bless_v of_o christ._n second_o 2_o mercy_n be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o 12._o god_n elect_v which_o always_o deny_v the_o happy_a estate_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n for_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n do_v change_v their_o carnal_a nature_n isaiah_n 11._o 6._o 7._o three_o hereby_o we_o become_v like_a unto_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v 3_o the_o 3._o father_n of_o merciâ—â—_n four_o hereby_o we_o be_v make_v instrument_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n for_o god_n convey_v his_o blessing_n 4_o unto_o his_o poor_a creature_n ordinary_o by_o mean_n we_o count_v it_o a_o high_a honour_n to_o be_v the_o king_n almoner_n oh_o then_o how_o great_a be_v this_o dignity_n to_o be_v almoner_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n to_o disperse_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n among_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o hereto_o we_o be_v advance_v if_o we_o help_v the_o poor_a that_o be_v in_o misery_n five_o the_o exercise_n of_o mercy_n commend_v 5_o our_o religion_n not_o only_o before_o man_n but_o unto_o god_n for_o pure_a 27._o religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o distress_n and_o 6._o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n bid_v 16._o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distribute_v forget_v not_o for_o
take_v hold_v when_o other_o sin_n leave_v a_o man_n which_o cause_v christ_n to_o forewarn_v his_o disciple_n hereof_o in_o this_o place_n therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o labour_n and_o strive_v the_o more_o earnest_o to_o be_v judgement_n purge_v from_o this_o evil_a mind_n and_o preserve_v from_o these_o evil_a practice_n of_o rash_a judgement_n for_o which_o end_n let_v we_o lay_v to_o our_o conscience_n the_o reason_n follow_v i._o the_o practice_n of_o rash_a judgement_n can_v stand_v 1_o with_o christian_a charity_n for_o charity_n bind_v a_o man_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n and_o love_n suspect_v not_o evil_a but_o think_v the_o best_a always_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a think_v well_o of_o all_o ii_o when_o thou_o see_v a_o man_n speak_v or_o practice_v any_o 2_o evil_n for_o which_o thou_o begin_v to_o think_v hardly_o of_o he_o then_o consider_v well_o of_o thy_o own_o self_n how_o thou_o have_v both_o that_o and_o all_o other_o sin_n in_o thou_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o root_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o rash_o condemn_v he_o for_o his_o fact_n because_o thou_o thyself_o have_v do_v the_o like_a heretofore_o or_o else_o in_o time_n to_o come_v may_v do_v the_o like_a or_o worse_o than_o he_o have_v do_v who_o thou_o now_o condemne_v iii_o consider_v that_o god_n 3_o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n unto_o his_o son_n who_o now_o execute_v public_a judgement_n by_o the_o magistrate_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o by_o the_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n and_o private_a judgement_n of_o admonition_n and_o just_a dispraise_n by_o they_o who_o he_o call_v thereunto_o if_o therefore_o thou_o judge_v another_o not_o be_v call_v thereto_o thou_o thrust_v christ_n out_o of_o his_o office_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o honour_n which_o be_v a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o can_v be_v unpunished_a iv._o consider_v also_o that_o thou_o 4_o be_v unable_a whatsoever_o thou_o be_v to_o judge_v aright_o of_o other_o man_n action_n be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o circumstance_n thereof_o for_o thou_o know_v not_o with_o what_o mind_n or_o to_o what_o end_n the_o action_n be_v do_v thou_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n why_o he_o do_v it_o nor_o the_o state_n of_o his_o person_n nor_o manner_n of_o his_o temptation_n thereto_o and_o therefore_o why_o judge_v thou_o rash_o of_o he_o v._o he_o that_o give_v rash_a judgement_n of_o another_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o thief_n 5_o that_o steal_v away_o a_o man_n good_n for_o he_o rob_v he_o of_o his_o good_a name_n which_o as_o solomon_n say_v be_v to_o be_v choose_v above_o great_a riches_n prov._n 22._o 1._o again_o riches_n may_v be_v restore_v so_o can_v not_o a_o man_n good_a name_n be_v once_o blemish_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o many_o again_o a_o man_n may_v defend_v himself_o from_o a_o thief_n but_o no_o man_n can_v shun_v a_o other_o man_n evil_a mind_n or_o his_o bad_a tongue_n nay_o the_o backebiter_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o murderer_n for_o he_o kill_v three_o at_o once_o first_o his_o own_o soul_n in_o thus_o sin_v second_o his_o neighbour_n who_o name_n he_o hurt_v and_o three_o the_o hearer_n who_o receive_v this_o rash_a and_o injust_a report_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n the_o slanderer_n be_v number_v among_o those_o that_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n psal._n 15._o 3._o 1._o cor._n 6._o 10._o and_o the_o apostle_n charge_v christian_n to_o account_v of_o such_o railer_n as_o of_o person_n excommunicate_a 1._o cor._n 5._o 11._o here_o some_o will_v say_v if_o we_o may_v not_o give_v our_o opinion_n of_o other_o free_o other_o as_o we_o have_v do_v what_o must_v we_o do_v when_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o answ._n thy_o carriage_n towards_o other_o must_v be_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n i._o if_o thou_o know_v any_o good_a thing_n by_o the_o party_n of_o who_o 1_o thou_o speak_v when_o thou_o have_v occasion_n think_v and_o speak_v of_o that_o if_o thou_o know_v evil_a by_o he_o also_o conceal_v it_o from_o other_o and_o if_o thou_o may_v admonish_v the_o party_n thereof_o or_o else_o tell_v it_o to_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n to_o correct_v his_o fault_n and_o thus_o shall_v thou_o win_v thy_o brother_n some_o will_v say_v i_o do_v indeed_o sometime_o censure_v my_o brother_n for_o his_o fault_n yet_o only_o in_o detestation_n of_o his_o sin_n i_o love_v the_o party_n never_o the_o worse_o and_o i_o only_o do_v it_o to_o some_o private_a friend_n that_o will_v not_o tell_v it_o again_o answ._n but_o this_o excuse_n and_o all_o such_o like_a be_v frivolous_a no_o colour_n of_o good_a intent_n can_v excuse_v rash_a judgement_n if_o thou_o love_v he_o why_o do_v thou_o make_v know_v his_o fault_n to_o another_o for_o love_n cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n and_o if_o thy_o conscience_n answer_v it_o will_v tell_v thou_o that_o either_o ill_a will_n to_o the_o party_n cause_v thou_o so_o to_o do_v or_o self-love_n whereby_o through_o his_o defamation_n thou_o thyself_o seek_v to_o be_v advance_v above_o he_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o in_o thy_o censure_v therefore_o look_v to_o thy_o heart_n whether_o malice_n move_v thou_o not_o thereto_o and_o take_v heed_n to_o the_o end_n also_o for_o if_o it_o rise_v from_o a_o bad_a ground_n or_o tend_v to_o a_o wrong_a end_n the_o whole_a action_n be_v nought_o ii_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v as_o well_o of_o every_o man_n 2_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v yea_o of_o our_o enemy_n &_o of_o his_o action_n for_o love_n think_v not_o evil_a and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o love_n towards_o our_o enemy_n we_o become_v follower_n of_o god_n math._n 5._o 44_o 45._o iii_o duty_n if_o thou_o mark_v thy_o 3_o neighbour_n life_n and_o behaviour_n do_v it_o for_o this_o end_n to_o withdraw_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o further_o he_o in_o well-doing_n last_o in_o all_o thy_o society_n 4_o and_o deal_n with_o other_o labour_n either_o to_o do_v they_o good_a or_o to_o receive_v good_a from_o they_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v thou_o shall_v eschew_v the_o sin_n of_o rash_a judgement_n here_o two_o question_n may_v be_v move_v concern_v rash_a judgement_n and_o that_o necessary_o because_o surmise_n will_v arise_v upon_o very_o small_a occasion_n i._o quest._n when_o may_v a_o man_n doubt_n or_o suspect_v evil_a of_o another_o ans._n in_o all_o suspicion_n recourse_n must_v be_v have_v to_o the_o ground_n thereof_o other_o whether_o it_o rise_v of_o just_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n or_o not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o suspicion_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n be_v well_o consider_v with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o be_v judge_v sufficient_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o be_v insufficient_a which_o wise_a man_n well_o weigh_v with_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o do_v judge_v insufficient_a if_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n be_v think_v insufficient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o godly_a we_o must_v suspend_v our_o suspicion_n as_o thus_o suppose_v some_o evil_n be_v report_v abroad_o of_o such_o a_o man_n as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o thief_n a_o adulterer_n or_o such_o like_a yet_o this_o fame_n rise_v only_o of_o some_o one_o man_n report_n which_o because_o it_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o ill_a mind_n on_o a_o private_a grudge_n we_o be_v not_o to_o yield_v thereupon_o to_o suspect_v ill_o of_o the_o party_n this_o report_n may_v well_o cause_v we_o to_o search_v further_o into_o the_o case_n and_o move_v we_o to_o look_v unto_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o hurt_v by_o he_o but_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v think_v sufficient_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o discreet_a than_o we_o may_v without_o offence_n or_o breach_n of_o conscience_n yield_v to_o suspect_v and_o judge_v evil_a of_o another_o ii_o question_n how_o may_v we_o give_v upright_o judgement_n of_o all_o man_n with_o who_o we_o live_v and_o have_v to_o deal_v answ._n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v â—ightly_o know_v as_o the_o former_a for_o as_o we_o be_v prone_a to_o think_v ill_a so_o we_o be_v also_o forward_o in_o judge_v rash_o therefore_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v in_o the_o judge_a of_o other_o first_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o rule_n our_o judgement_n for_o if_o the_o cause_n be_v insufficient_a than_o our_o judgement_n be_v rash_a and_o unlawful_a before_o the_o lord_n bring_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o confusion_n of_o language_n he_o be_v say_v to_o go_v down_o among_o they_o to_o see_v their_o fact_n gen._n 11._o 6._o &_o before_o he_o destroy_v sodom_n and_o gomorra_n with_o fire_n &_o brimstone_n he_o be_v say_v to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n