such_o great_a and_o principal_a virtue_n as_o be_v even_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o brain_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n namely_o justice_n and_o peace_n but_o for_o the_o more_o exact_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o necessary_a virtue_n let_v we_o descend_v to_o the_o particular_a branch_n and_o kind_n of_o it_o christian_n equity_n therefore_o be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a public_a equity_n be_v that_o which_o be_v practise_v in_o public_a meting_n and_o assembly_n of_o man_n as_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n assize_n session_n counsel_n parliment_n and_o such_o like_a the_o matter_n where_o about_o this_o public_a equity_n be_v conversant_a be_v the_o right_a and_o convenient_a and_o the_o moderate_a and_o discrete_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n law_n of_o man_n make_v by_o lawful_a authority_n according_a to_o god_n law_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a be_v and_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v bone_n and_o sinew_n to_o hold_v to_o gether_o prop_n and_o pillar_n to_o uphold_v the_o commonwealth_n and_o all_o society_n god_n therefore_o have_v give_v to_o king_n and_o to_o their_o lawful_a deputy_n power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o command_v and_o execute_v his_o own_o law_n command_v in_o his_o word_n but_o also_o to_o ordain_v and_o enact_v other_o good_a and_o profitable_a law_n of_o their_o own_o for_o the_o more_o particular_a government_n of_o their_o people_n and_o to_o be_v help_n for_o the_o better_a execute_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o also_o to_o annexe_v a_o punishment_n and_o penalty_n to_o the_o say_a law_n which_o penalty_n be_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o fault_n great_a or_o less_o in_o so_o much_o that_o they_o may_v in_o many_o case_n if_o the_o common_a good_a so_o require_v inflict_v even_o death_n itself_o and_o further_o god_n have_v give_v these_o god_n upon_o earth_n a_o power_n as_o to_o make_v these_o law_n and_o annexe_v these_o punishment_n so_o also_o upon_o man_n default_n and_o breach_n have_v he_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o execute_v the_o law_n so_o make_v and_o to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o offender_n the_o punishment_n annex_v now_o because_o this_o point_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o a_o common_a wealth_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o due_a practice_n thereof_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o a_o kingdom_n therefore_o for_o the_o better_a direction_n herein_o both_o of_o prince_n and_o people_n magistrate_n and_o people_n govern_v let_v we_o enter_v further_o into_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o in_o the_o law_n of_o commonwealth_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o sight_n whereof_o will_v give_v great_a light_n to_o know_v more_o perfect_o what_o this_o public_a equity_n be_v these_o be_v 1._o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o law_n both_o these_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n by_o god_n himself_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o his_o discretion_n and_o as_o the_o circumstance_n require_v and_o of_o they_o in_o order_n the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v when_o any_o law_n of_o man_n be_v urge_v and_o execute_v straight_o and_o precise_o according_a to_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o strict_a form_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o exact_a meaning_n that_o can_v be_v make_v out_o of_o the_o word_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o relaxation_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v good_a and_o convenient_a cause_n of_o mitigation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v this_o point_n can_v well_o be_v express_v in_o sewer_a word_n the_o principal_a and_o most_o material_a clause_n in_o this_o description_n of_o extremity_n be_v in_o those_o word_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n of_o mitigation_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o person_n offend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o good_a cause_n of_o mitigation_n than_o it_o be_v not_o call_v extremity_n but_o justice_n of_o the_o law_n but_o when_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n why_o in_o a_o christian_a consideration_n of_o some_o circumstance_n this_o justice_n shall_v be_v mitigate_v and_o yet_o be_v not_o but_o contrariwise_o be_v extreme_o urge_v and_o press_v to_o the_o further_a than_o it_o be_v extremity_n now_o this_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v in_o this_o case_n so_o far_o from_o justice_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v flat_a injustice_n and_o herein_o be_v the_o proverb_n true_a summum_fw-la ius_n summa_fw-la iniuria_fw-la that_o be_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n be_v extreme_a injury_n and_o of_o this_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_a eccles._n 7._o 8._o be_v not_o over_o just_a that_o be_v press_v not_o justice_n to_o far_o nor_o urge_v it_o to_o extreme_o in_o all_o case_n lest_o sometime_o you_o make_v the_o name_n of_o justice_n a_o cover_n for_o cruelty_n now_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v a_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n namely_o the_o moderation_n relaxation_n or_o mitigation_n of_o this_o extremity_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o proper_a form_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o strict_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o urge_v and_o the_o punishment_n prescribe_v in_o the_o law_n be_v moderate_v or_o lessen_v or_o defer_v or_o it_o may_v be_v remit_v upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n and_o in_o such_o case_n as_o whereof_o the_o law_n speak_v not_o direct_o nor_o the_o lawmaker_n do_v purposely_o aim_v at_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o mitigation_n be_v because_o no_o law_n maker_n be_v man_n can_v foresee_v or_o set_v down_o all_o case_n that_o may_v fall_v out_o therefore_o when_o the_o case_n alter_v then_o must_v the_o discretion_n of_o the_o lawemaker_n show_v itself_o and_o do_v that_o which_o the_o law_n can_v do_v this_o mitigation_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o extremity_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a and_o he_o offend_v as_o well_o that_o neglect_v to_o mitigate_v the_o extremity_n when_o just_a occasion_n be_v as_o he_o that_o neglect_v to_o execute_v the_o extremity_n when_o there_o be_v need_n as_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n who_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o care_v to_o execute_v the_o law_n so_o he_o be_v but_o half_a a_o judge_n who_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o urge_v the_o law_n and_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v not_o able_a also_o to_o mitigate_v the_o rigour_n of_o of_o the_o law_n when_o need_n so_o require_v therefore_o every_o magistrate_n be_v to_o practice_v this_o with_o the_o other_o and_o not_o to_o separate_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v join_v but_o now_o lest_o this_o moderation_n and_o mitigation_n of_o man_n law_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o public_a equity_n shall_v turn_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o malefactor_n the_o abolish_n of_o law_n the_o despise_v or_o weaken_v of_o authority_n which_o in_o these_o day_n little_a need_v we_o must_v therefore_o now_o remember_v this_o caution_n that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o mitigation_n but_o honest_a profitable_a and_o convenient_a if_o any_o man_n ask_v when_o be_v it_o so_o i_o answer_v in_o three_o case_n first_o when_o the_o mitigation_n stand_v with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n second_o when_o it_o agree_v with_o the_o moral_a law_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o write_a word_n three_o when_o a_o inferior_a law_n be_v overruled_n or_o countermand_v by_o a_o high_a law_n in_o these_o three_o case_n the_o moderation_n of_o man_n law_n and_o the_o mitigation_n of_o the_o punishment_n due_a by_o the_o extremity_n of_o these_o law_n be_v honest_a and_o good_a and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v practise_v but_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o not_o warrant_v by_o some_o of_o these_o then_o that_o mitigation_n be_v flat_a injustice_n and_o a_o manifest_a wrong_n unto_o the_o law_n that_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o two_o the_o extremity_n and_o mitigation_n may_v better_o be_v discern_v let_v we_o consider_v it_o in_o some_o example_n it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o england_n and_o many_o other_o country_n that_o the_o thief_n shall_v die_v now_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v not_o the_o same_o punishment_n in_o plain_a term_n yet_o be_v the_o law_n good_a and_o warrantable_a as_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n and_o i_o think_v be_v doubt_v of_o by_o none_o the_o drift_n of_o this_o law_n be_v to_o repress_v that_o common_a and_o general_a sin_n of_o the_o every_o a_o prevail_a sin_n as_o any_o other_o and_o so_o far_o prevail_a as_o the_o rigour_n of_o good_a law_n be_v necessary_o require_v for_o the_o repress_v of_o it_o so_o that_o this_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o cut_n off_o of_o such_o rot_a member_n as_o do_v but_o corrupt_v
other_o and_o of_o who_o amendment_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n now_o suppose_v a_o young_a boy_n pinch_v with_o hunger_n cold_a and_o poverty_n steal_v meat_n apparel_n and_o other_o thing_n for_o relief_n be_v press_v to_o it_o by_o want_n and_o not_o have_v knowledge_n or_o grace_n to_o use_v better_a mean_n to_o put_v this_o person_n to_o death_n for_o this_o fact_n be_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n who_o do_v it_o be_v a_o child_n and_o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o do_v it_o to_o relieve_v his_o want_n now_o the_o moderation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v when_o upon_o these_o consideration_n that_o first_o he_o be_v not_o a_o old_a nor_o a_o practise_a thief_n but_o young_a and_o corrigible_a one_o that_o be_v reform_v may_v live_v long_o and_o prove_v a_o good_a member_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o second_o that_o his_o theft_n be_v not_o heinous_a but_o the_o thing_n he_o steal_v be_v of_o small_a value_n and_o three_o that_o he_o do_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o malicious_a cruel_a and_o injurious_a intent_n but_o to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n and_o want_n the_o equity_n or_o moderation_n i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o to_o inflict_v death_n for_o that_o be_v extremity_n but_o to_o determine_v a_o punishment_n less_o than_o death_n yet_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reform_v the_o party_n from_o his_o sin_n to_o punish_v the_o fault_n to_o terrify_v other_o and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o law_n thus_o in_o this_o example_n it_o appear_v manifest_o what_o this_o moderation_n be_v and_o what_o be_v extremity_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o the_o same_o may_v we_o see_v in_o many_o more_o now_o have_v thus_o consider_v these_o two_o together_o here_o upon_o we_o may_v see_v what_o this_o public_a equity_n be_v namely_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o moderation_n and_o mitigation_n of_o the_o extremity_n of_o a_o law_n upon_o honest_a and_o convenient_a reason_n and_o in_o such_o case_n as_o be_v not_o direct_o intend_v in_o the_o law_n the_o observation_n and_o due_a practice_n of_o this_o equity_n be_v the_o glory_n credit_n and_o honour_n of_o all_o public_a assembly_n as_o assize_n session_n and_o all_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o without_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o when_o need_n be_v all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v flat_a injustice_n in_o that_o case_n for_o they_o lame_a and_o maim_v the_o law_n they_o fulfil_v but_o the_o one_o part_n of_o the_o law_n for_o in_o every_o law_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n the_o extremity_n in_o plain_a term_n and_o the_o mitigation_n imply_v and_o these_o two_o together_o make_v the_o law_n perfect_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o law_n stand_v as_o well_o in_o practise_v of_o mitigation_n as_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o extremity_n nay_o sometime_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o mitigation_n and_o not_o in_o the_o extremity_n insomuch_o as_o the_o moderation_n be_v then_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o extremity_n be_v more_o injustice_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o law_n so_o be_v it_o the_o glory_n of_o judge_n and_o magistrate_n thus_o to_o execute_v the_o law_n and_o to_o temper_v they_o with_o such_o discretion_n as_o neither_o too_o much_o mitigation_n do_v abolish_v the_o law_n nor_o too_o much_o extremity_n leave_v no_o place_n for_o mitigation_n therefore_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o point_n two_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v here_o reprovable_a first_o such_o man_n as_o by_o a_o certain_a foolish_a kind_n of_o pity_n be_v so_o carry_v away_o that_o will_v have_v nothing_o but_o mercy_n mercy_n and_o will_v have_v all_o punnishment_n forfeiture_n penalty_n either_o quite_o take_v away_o and_o remit_v or_o at_o least_o lesson_v and_o moderate_v they_o will_v also_o have_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n execute_v on_o no_o man_n this_o be_v the_o high_a way_n to_o abolish_v law_n and_o consequent_o to_o pull_v down_o authority_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n to_o open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o confusion_n disorder_n and_o to_o all_o licentiousness_n of_o life_n but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o say_v much_o herein_o for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o offend_v in_o this_o kind_n man_n nature_n be_v general_o incline_v rather_o to_o cruelty_n then_o to_o mercy_n this_o fault_n proceed_v either_o from_o a_o weakness_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o effeminatenes_n of_o mind_n and_o then_o a_o man_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n or_o else_o from_o vain_a glory_n and_o a_o base_a and_o affect_a popularity_n and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v unworthy_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o very_a scope_n of_o this_o text_n condemn_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o be_v more_o cumbersome_a that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o man_n as_o have_v nothing_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o the_o law_n the_o law_n and_o justice_n justice_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n forget_v that_o justice_n always_o shake_v hand_n with_o her_o sister_n mercy_n and_o that_o all_o law_n allow_v a_o mitigation_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v two_o 1._o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o deal_v too_o hardly_o with_o other_o man_n as_o also_o too_o mild_o with_o themselves_o and_o partial_o in_o their_o own_o cause_n 2._o and_o second_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o man_n do_v gain_v more_o by_o law_n then_o by_o equity_n more_o by_o extremity_n then_o by_o mitigation_n as_o the_o soldier_n live_v better_a by_o war_n then_o by_o peace_n and_o as_o the_o flesh-fly_n feed_v on_o the_o wound_n that_o can_v feed_v on_o the_o sound_a flesh_n so_o these_o man_n gain_v by_o law_n that_o which_o they_o can_v never_o get_v by_o equity_n for_o equity_n and_o moderation_n breed_v unity_n and_o if_o all_o man_n be_v at_o unity_n what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o but_o extremity_n breed_v variance_n for_o in_o reason_n one_o extremity_n draw_v on_o a_o other_o and_o so_o in_o man_n variance_n they_o be_v set_v on_o work_n and_o the_o more_o the_o better_a for_o they_o these_o man_n therefore_o stick_v so_o precise_o on_o their_o point_n and_o on_o the_o very_a trick_n and_o trifle_n of_o the_o law_n as_o so_o the_o law_n be_v keep_v and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a extremity_n of_o it_o they_o care_v not_o though_o equity_n be_v tread_v under_o foot_n and_o that_o law_n may_v reign_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o by_o it_o they_o care_v not_o though_o mercy_n take_v she_o to_o her_o wing_n and_o fly_v to_o heaven_n these_o man_n for_o all_o their_o goodly_a show_n be_v the_o decayer_n of_o our_o estate_n and_o enemy_n to_o all_o good_a government_n for_o though_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o their_o mouth_n but_o justice_n justice_n and_o have_v banish_v mercy_n yet_o let_v they_o know_v that_o justice_n will_v not_o stay_v where_o mereie_n be_v not_o they_o be_v sister_n and_o go_v always_o hand_n in_o hand_n they_o be_v the_o two_o pillar_n that_o uphold_v the_o throne_n of_o the_o prince_n as_o you_o can_v hold_v mercy_n where_o justice_n be_v banish_v so_o can_v you_o keep_v justice_n where_o mercy_n be_v exile_v and_o as_o mercy_n without_o justice_n be_v foolish_a pity_n so_o justice_n without_o mercy_n be_v cruelty_n so_o that_o as_o these_o man_n have_v banish_v mercy_n so_o within_o a_o short_a time_n they_o will_v send_v justice_n after_o she_o and_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n will_v come_v in_o their_o room_n which_o be_v the_o very_a overthrow_n of_o all_o estate_n these_o man_n when_o they_o be_v make_v practiser_n of_o the_o law_n judge_n or_o magistrate_n be_v to_o learn_v this_o lesson_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o teach_v let_v you_o equity_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n and_o let_v all_o magistrate_n think_v it_o their_o honour_n to_o be_v count_v merciful_a judge_n let_v they_o rejoice_v as_o well_o to_o show_v mercy_n when_o there_o be_v cause_n as_o to_o execute_v extremity_n when_o there_o be_v desert_n and_o let_v they_o labour_v for_o that_o christian_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v when_o mercy_n and_o mitigation_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o when_o extremity_n shall_v be_v execute_v if_o inferior_a judge_n or_o magistrate_n be_v negligent_a herein_o then_o must_v we_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o prince_n the_o high_a judge_n on_o earth_n and_o under_o god_n the_o first_o fountain_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n who_o care_n must_v be_v that_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o both_o together_o do_v uphold_v his_o throne_n and_o fasten_v the_o crown_n upon_o his_o head_n so_o he_o likewise_o see_v they_o both_o maintain_v and_o take_v
order_n that_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o own_o law_n there_o be_v always_o a_o room_n as_o well_o for_o mercy_n and_o mitigation_n as_o for_o justice_n and_o extremity_n this_o must_v he_o do_v because_o his_o law_n can_v be_v as_o god_n law_n be_v god_n law_n be_v perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o of_o such_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n as_o that_o at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n they_o be_v of_o equal_a strength_n and_o of_o the_o same_o equity_n in_o all_o case_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v without_o dispensation_n relaxation_n or_o any_o mitigation_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v unto_o they_o but_o with_o injury_n and_o violation_n but_o man_n law_n come_v from_o their_o own_o wit_n be_v imperfect_a and_o so_o in_o all_o case_n they_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o equity_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v execute_v with_o a_o discreet_a and_o wise_a moderation_n this_o moderation_n be_v public_a equity_n and_o this_o public_a equity_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o this_o text_n and_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o man_n law_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o christian_a commonwealth_n hitherto_o of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a branch_n of_o public_a equity_n to_o proceed_v further_o as_o this_o public_a equity_n principal_o stand_v in_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n so_o it_o descend_v more_o special_o even_o to_o all_o the_o public_a action_n of_o a_o man_n life_n so_o that_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n of_o this_o equity_n thus_o describe_v man_n may_v know_v how_o to_o guide_v themselves_o in_o sue_v bond_n and_o take_v forfeiture_n and_o how_o man_n may_v with_o good_a conscience_n carry_v themselves_o in_o suretyship_n in_o take_v of_o fine_n in_o let_v of_o lease_n and_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o mutual_a bargain_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o a_o man_n may_v see_v how_o to_o frame_v all_o these_o and_o such_o like_a action_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o himself_o shall_v reap_v credit_n and_o gain_n enough_o &_o his_o neighbour_n help_v and_o succour_v by_o he_o for_o in_o forfeiture_n of_o bond_n forfeiture_n of_o land_n or_o lease_n in_o suretyship_n in_o rent_n in_o fine_n and_o all_o other_o deal_n of_o man_n together_o there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o the_o extremity_n that_o be_v that_o which_o the_o law_n will_v afford_v a_o man_n in_o that_o case_n and_o there_o be_v second_o the_o moderation_n of_o the_o extremity_n upon_o good_a and_o convenient_a reason_n let_v we_o consider_v of_o they_o in_o some_o few_o example_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o another_o in_o a_o hundred_o pound_n to_o pay_v fifty_o at_o a_o day_n the_o same_o man_n not_o by_o negligence_n but_o by_o some_o necessity_n break_v his_o day_n and_o afterward_o bring_v the_o principal_a debt_n now_o to_o take_v the_o forfeiture_n be_v in_o this_o case_n extremity_n though_o the_o law_n do_v yield_v it_o and_o if_o a_o man_n stand_v upon_o this_o extremity_n he_o deal_v not_o honest_o and_o equal_o but_o hardly_o and_o extreme_o with_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o law_n can_v free_v he_o in_o this_o case_n from_o manifest_a injustice_n what_o be_v then_o the_o moderation_n in_o this_o case_n even_o this_o to_o take_v thy_o own_o and_o remit_v the_o forfeiture_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o cause_n &_o ground_n of_o appoint_v a_o forfeiture_n be_v not_o for_o advantage_n but_o only_o for_o the_o better_a security_n of_o the_o principal_a which_o see_v thou_o have_v thou_o have_v that_o which_o the_o law_n do_v intend_v thou_o again_o his_o breach_n be_v not_o wilful_a or_o with_o purpose_n to_o hurt_v thou_o but_o against_o his_o will_n if_o therefore_o thou_o be_v direct_o damnify_v by_o his_o miss_v thy_o day_n without_o all_o aequivocation_n then_o take_v thy_o reasonable_a damage_n out_o of_o his_o forfeiture_n if_o not_o then_o remit_v the_o whole_a forfeiture_n and_o this_o moderation_n be_v public_a equity_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o buy_v nor_o sell_v borrow_a nor_o lend_v betwixt_o man_n &_o man_n see_v another_o example_n one_o take_v a_o lease_n of_o thou_o for_o year_n to_o pay_v thou_o such_o a_o rent_n &_o for_o not_o payment_n of_o that_o rent_n his_o lease_n to_o be_v void_a the_o poor_a man_n miss_v his_o rend_a day_n now_o what_o say_v the_o law_n his_o lease_n be_v forfeit_v but_o to_o take_v this_o advantage_n be_v the_o extremity_n of_o the_o law_n the_o moderation_n be_v to_o remit_v the_o same_o forfeiture_n in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a as_o thou_o shall_v see_v reason_n in_o equity_n and_o conscience_n this_o moderation_n be_v in_o this_o ease_n public_a equity_n and_o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o let_v of_o land_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n so_o for_o fine_n and_o rent_n the_o law_n say_v thou_o may_v make_v the_o most_o of_o thy_o own_o if_o thou_o stretch_v this_o law_n as_o far_o as_o the_o very_a word_n will_v bear_v then_o may_v thou_o make_v such_o fine_n and_o rent_n as_o may_v grind_v the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a so_o as_o no_o man_n shall_v live_v under_o thou_o but_o thus_o to_o do_v be_v extremity_n and_o beyond_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o law_n the_o moderation_n in_o this_o case_n be_v not_o to_o take_v all_o thou_o may_v get_v but_o so_o to_o fine_a and_o rend_v thy_o land_n as_o he_o that_o take_v they_o may_v live_v of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o mitigation_n be_v because_o envy_v and_o hatred_n may_v often_o make_v many_o man_n offer_v more_o for_o a_o farm_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a to_o cross_v and_o hurt_v their_o neighbour_n or_o to_o get_v all_o into_o their_o own_o hand_n here_o therefore_o though_o the_o law_n do_v yield_v thou_o all_o that_o which_o a_o man_n do_v willing_o offer_v yet_o must_v thy_o own_o conscience_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o thou_o to_o make_v thou_o a_o moderator_n of_o that_o extremity_n let_v these_o three_o example_n serve_v for_o many_o now_o in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o public_a deal_n betwixt_o man_n in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n observe_v public_a equity_n when_o he_o deal_v not_o with_o his_o neighbour_n according_a to_o that_o extremity_n which_o the_o strict_a word_n of_o the_o law_n will_v bear_v but_o according_a to_o that_o moderation_n which_o good_a conscience_n require_v &_o which_o the_o law_n itself_o in_o some_o case_n do_v admit_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o two_o a_o man_n that_o have_v any_o conscience_n may_v see_v how_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o all_o these_o civil_a affair_n in_o a_o even_o upright_o and_o equal_a course_n and_o warrantable_a not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o even_o by_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o make_v this_o distinction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n because_o we_o be_v to_o know_v this_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o every_o extremity_n which_o a_o law_n in_o the_o strict_a acception_n do_v afford_v be_v not_o warrantable_a to_o be_v urge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v good_a convenient_a and_o requisite_a that_o the_o extremity_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n because_o in_o some_o case_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v execute_v the_o law_n of_o man_n may_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v extremity_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n must_v tell_v we_o when_o to_o urge_v they_o and_o when_o to_o moderate_v they_o so_o then_o when_o a_o man_n take_v the_o extremity_n he_o do_v that_o that_o be_v always_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n but_o in_o some_o case_n be_v not_o warrantable_a by_o god_n word_n which_o command_v a_o mitigation_n when_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o he_o that_o take_v the_o extremity_n when_o there_o be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o mitigate_a it_o and_o again_o do_v mitigate_v it_o when_o there_o be_v cause_n his_o course_n be_v not_o only_o warrantable_a by_o the_o law_n of_o man_n but_o even_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o christian_a man_n to_o remember_v in_o all_o his_o bargain_n and_o deal_n that_o his_o manner_n of_o deal_v must_v not_o only_o be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n but_o even_o by_o god_n word_n also_o and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o take_v for_o a_o general_a rule_n in_o all_o this_o treatise_n and_o he_o that_o will_v due_o consider_v the_o true_a difference_n of_o extremity_n and_o moderation_n as_o they_o be_v here_o describe_v may_v see_v how_o to_o carry_v himself_o in_o all_o his_o deal_n so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v warrantable_a both_o by_o our_o own_o law_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o return_v then_o to_o the_o
be_v sure_a to_o defend_v his_o own_o life_n in_o the_o second_o place_n though_o a_o man_n forgive_v the_o injury_n and_o wrong_n do_v unto_o he_o yet_o may_v he_o safe_o in_o some_o case_n go_v to_o law_n for_o recompense_n of_o that_o wrong_n it_o be_v a_o devilish_a opinion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o man_n can_v go_v to_o law_n and_o be_v in_o charity_n we_o must_v know_v that_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o law_n &_o yet_o be_v in_o charity_n for_o to_o forgive_v the_o malice_n and_o to_o sue_v for_o recompense_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o charity_n to_o forbear_v the_o recompense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o forgive_v the_o malice_n if_o therefore_o a_o man_n forgive_v not_o the_o malice_n he_o be_v out_o of_o charity_n but_o he_o may_v sue_v for_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v in_o charity_n the_o scripture_n forbid_v not_o man_n go_v to_o law_n but_o tell_v they_o how_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o law_n be_v not_o evil_a though_o contentious_a man_n and_o unconscionable_a lawyer_n have_v vile_o abuse_v it_o but_o it_o god_n ordinance_n and_o may_v lawful_o be_v use_v so_o it_o be_v on_o this_o manner_n first_o it_o must_v not_o be_v for_o every_o trifle_n every_o trespass_n every_o ill_a word_n but_o in_o these_o case_n a_o man_n be_v both_o to_o forgive_v the_o malice_n and_o to_o remit_v the_o recompense_n because_o he_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o at_o all_o hurt_n by_o it_o for_o example_n a_o poor_a man_n steal_v a_o little_a meat_n from_o thou_o in_o his_o hunger_n let_v the_o law_n take_v hold_v on_o he_o but_o pursue_v thou_o he_o no_o more_o for_o it_o then_o by_o the_o law_n thou_o needs_o must_v again_o thy_o neighbour_n cattle_n do_v trespass_v thou_o thou_o must_v not_o go_v to_o law_n for_o it_o the_o malice_n be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o thou_o must_v forgive_v in_o christianity_n &_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o the_o damage_n be_v so_o small_a as_o that_o therefore_o thou_o may_v not_o go_v to_o law_n for_o it_o for_o the_o law_n be_v abuse_v in_o be_v execute_v upon_o trifle_n and_o those_o lawyer_n shame_n themselves_o and_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n who_o be_v willing_a that_o every_o trespass_n of_o sixpence_n damage_n be_v a_o action_n in_o the_o law_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o base_a and_o vile_a name_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o law_n and_o lawyer_n in_o these_o day_n because_o the_o law_n be_v employ_v upon_o sueh_a trifle_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n will_v take_v order_n to_o restrain_v this_o general_a evil_a that_o contentious_a man_n &_o unconscionable_a lawyer_n may_v not_o conspire_v together_o to_o pester_v the_o law_n with_o these_o trifle_n and_o though_o man_n be_v so_o unconscionable_a as_o to_o run_v to_o the_o law_n for_o every_o trespass_n yet_o shall_v lawyer_n be_v so_o conscionable_a and_o so_o wise_a as_o they_o shall_v drive_v they_o from_o the_o law_n again_o three_o thy_o neighbour_n give_v the_o ill_a word_n raise_v or_o carry_v evil_a tale_n of_o thou_o equity_n be_v not_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o every_o evil_a word_n but_o to_o consider_v that_o for_o the_o malice_n thou_o be_v to_o forgive_v it_o and_o for_o the_o damage_n it_o can_v be_v great_a because_o many_o man_n tongue_n be_v no_o slander_n neither_o art_n thou_o any_o thing_n worse_o for_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o dare_v not_o stand_v to_o that_o he_o have_v say_v as_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o do_v not_o the_o second_o caution_n in_o go_v to_o law_n be_v that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v the_o first_o but_o the_o last_o mean_n of_o peace_n law_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o war_n as_o therefore_o war_n be_v to_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n of_o public_a peace_n so_o shall_v the_o law_n be_v the_o last_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attain_n of_o private_a peace_n all_o mean_n must_v be_v try_v ere_o thou_o go_v to_o law_n and_o if_o none_o will_v serve_v then_o be_v the_o law_n ordain_v for_o thou_o whereby_o to_o recover_v thy_o right_n and_o to_o maintain_v equity_n for_o as_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o a_o trifle_n or_o at_o the_o first_o be_v extremity_n and_o so_o injury_n so_o to_o go_v to_o the_o law_n for_o a_o cause_n sufficient_a and_o after_o other_o mean_v use_v in_o vain_a be_v justice_n and_o equity_n and_o no_o extremity_n here_o therefore_o let_v all_o christian_n learn_v how_o to_o go_v to_o law_n and_o the_o rather_o i_o do_v urge_v this_o point_n because_o the_o law_n be_v notorious_o abuse_v and_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a what_o infinite_a sum_n and_o mass_n of_o money_n be_v daily_o spend_v in_o it_o most_o unnecessary_o insomuch_o as_o the_o lawyer_n do_v exceed_v in_o wealth_n any_o other_o sort_n or_o call_n for_o man_n in_o this_o whole_a realm_n for_o reformation_n whereof_o let_v man_n but_o learn_v and_o practice_v the_o two_o former_a rule_n 1._o law_n be_v not_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o judge_n of_o every_o trifle_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o our_o law_n that_o man_n be_v suffer_v in_o the_o common_a wealth_n to_o arreast_n each_o other_o for_o debt_n of_o small_a value_n so_o as_o ten_o time_n and_o otherwhiles_o twenty_o time_n as_o much_o be_v spend_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o they_o as_o the_o principal_n be_v be_v not_o we_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n why_o then_o have_v we_o not_o the_o wisdom_n to_o appoint_v another_o a_o easy_a and_o a_o direct_a way_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o debt_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n why_o do_v not_o a_o christian_a man_n stay_v for_o it_o or_o loose_v it_o rather_o than_o go_v to_o law_n for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n for_o our_o nation_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o one_o assize_n over_o england_n so_o many_o hundred_o action_n of_o trespass_n wherein_o the_o damage_n be_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o reform_v these_o be_v a_o work_n worthy_a of_o a_o prince_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v put_v to_o his_o helping-hand_n to_o it_o second_o let_v law_n be_v thy_o last_o remedy_n this_o rule_n control_v another_o foul_a misorder_n in_o our_o land_n man_n be_v sue_v when_o they_o will_v glad_o compound_v when_o they_o will_v willing_o satisfy_v by_o private_a order_n they_o be_v compel_v to_o answer_v by_o law_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o worse_a thing_n than_o this_o the_o law_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o last_o be_v not_o only_o make_v the_o first_o mean_n but_o whereas_o it_o shall_v be_v open_a and_o public_a it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o close_a &_o secret_a mean_n it_o steal_v upon_o man_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v for_o man_n be_v sue_v afore_o they_o know_v and_o great_a charge_n come_v upon_o they_o ere_o they_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o by_o they_o that_o sue_v they_o be_v this_o equity_n yea_o be_v it_o not_o rather_o extremity_n and_o yet_o alas_o how_o common_a be_v it_o in_o most_o place_n let_v therefore_o every_o christian_a man_n remember_v his_o lesson_n here_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n let_v your_o equity_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n but_o it_o seem_v then_o will_v some_o say_v that_o man_n may_v not_o go_v to_o law_n i_o answer_v thou_o may_v go_v to_o law_n though_o not_o for_o trifle_n yet_o for_o thing_n of_o weight_n as_o for_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o notorious_a thief_n to_o his_o due_a and_o just_a trial_n for_o the_o title_n of_o thy_o land_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o thy_o just_a and_o due_a debt_n of_o value_n and_o of_o thy_o child_n portion_n for_o the_o make_v straight_o of_o great_a account_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o thy_o good_a name_n when_o thou_o be_v so_o slander_v and_o by_o such_o as_o that_o thy_o credit_n be_v public_o endanger_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n thou_o may_v go_v to_o law_n when_o by_o other_o more_o easy_a mean_n thou_o can_v not_o procure_v a_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n for_o than_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o sue_v for_o the_o great_a cause_n in_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o all_o this_o doctrine_n do_v paul_n teach_v the_o corinth_n who_o he_o reprove_v of_o three_o fault_n 1._o that_o they_o go_v to_o law_n before_o heathen_a judge_n 2._o for_o every_o cause_n 3._o they_o use_v no_o private_a mean_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o run_v to_o the_o law_n at_o the_o first_o the_o first_o of_o these_o can_v be_v our_o sin_n for_o we_o have_v no_o heathen_a judge_n in_o as_o much_o as_o our_o state_n and_o government_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v not_o heathenish_a but_o we_o have_v a_o christian_a commonwealth_n but_o the_o other_o two_o be_v the_o general_a sore_n of_o this_o land_n let_v we_o therefore_o labour_v to_o heal_v they_o and_o to_o
study_n sept._n 10._o 1603._o your_o honour_n and_o worship_n in_o the_o lord_n w._n crashawe_n to_o the_o christian_a reader_n whosoever_o i_o do_v here_o present_a unto_o thou_o christian_a brother_n a_o small_a discourse_n of_o equity_n deliver_v by_o that_o faithful_a labourer_n in_o the_o harvest_n of_o god_n mr._n william_n perkins_n in_o a_o few_o lecture_n the_o discourse_n be_v little_a and_o brief_a but_o the_o matter_n be_v pithy_a and_o the_o use_v profitable_a equity_n and_o christian_a moderation_n whether_o public_a or_o private_a be_v the_o true_a badge_n of_o christianity_n without_o public_a equity_n what_o be_v the_o court_n of_o justice_n but_o turn_v into_o the_o seat_n of_o iniquity_n and_o without_o private_a equity_n what_o be_v man_n life_n humane_a society_n neighbourhood_n nay_o friendship_n nay_o kindred_n nay_o marriage_n itself_o but_o even_o a_o potion_n of_o poison_n in_o a_o golden_a cup_n be_v thou_o therefore_o a_o magistrate_n here_o be_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o discharge_v thy_o place_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n as_o shall_v neither_o be_v unbeseeming_a the_o lenity_n of_o a_o christian_a nor_o the_o severity_n of_o a_o magistrate_n be_v thou_o a_o private_a man_n here_o be_v teach_v thou_o how_o to_o carry_v thyself_o in_o all_o deal_n and_o bargain_v with_o another_o how_o to_o demean_v thyself_o towards_o thy_o wife_n thy_o servant_n thy_o child_n thy_o friend_n thy_o neighbour_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v all_o the_o comfort_n and_o contentment_n of_o this_o earth_n yet_o the_o practice_n hereof_o shall_v make_v they_o all_o ten_o time_n more_o comfortable_a and_o the_o want_n hereof_o shall_v turn_v all_o their_o sweetness_n into_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n when_o therefore_o thou_o read_v this_o little_a book_n and_o withal_o lay_v it_o to_o thy_o life_n do_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o thy_o course_n &_o conversation_n then_o acknowledge_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o holy_a man_n who_o now_o sleep_v in_o peace_n praise_n god_n for_o he_o be_v wail_v his_o loss_n and_o help_v i_o and_o other_o with_o thy_o holy_a prayer_n that_o we_o may_v still_o go_v forward_o in_o this_o good_a work_n of_o publish_v these_o his_o godly_a labour_n and_o in_o deliver_v out_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n these_o jewel_n which_o the_o lord_n from_o his_o mouth_n give_v we_o to_o keep_v not_o for_o our_o own_o but_o for_o the_o common_a good_a thy_o brother_n in_o christ_n jesus_n w._n c._n philip._n 4._o 5._o let_v your_o moderation_n of_o mind_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o apostle_n in_o this_o chapter_n give_v sundry_a exhortation_n to_o many_o christian_a duty_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n to_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o 2._o and_o 3._o to_o mutual_a concord_n in_o the_o 4._o to_o a_o spiritual_a joy_n in_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o 5._o verse_n he_o exhort_v to_o the_o virtue_n of_o equity_n or_o moderation_n of_o mind_n our_o english_a translation_n common_o read_v it_o thus_o let_v your_o patient_a mind_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n which_o though_o it_o be_v true_o and_o well_o say_v yet_o the_o word_n translate_v have_v a_o large_a and_o full_a signification_n therefore_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o force_n of_o the_o word_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o read_v it_o thus_o let_v your_o equity_n or_o moderation_n of_o mind_n be_v know_v etc._n etc._n the_o word_n contain_v 2._o part_n 1._o a_o exhortation_n let_v your_o equity_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n 2._o a_o excellent_a reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o exhortation_n be_v to_o persuade_v the_o phillippian_o and_o in_o they_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o equity_n now_o this_o equity_n whereunto_o the_o holy_a apostle_n so_o earnest_o exhort_v be_v a_o worthy_a christian_n virtue_n so_o excellent_a as_o the_o careful_a practice_n thereof_o be_v the_o marrow_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o common_a weal_n and_o where_o it_o be_v there_o can_v but_o be_v peace_n and_o contentment_n in_o all_o estate_n and_o so_o necessary_a as_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o no_o house_n family_n society_n city_n commonwealth_n kingdom_n or_o church_n can_v stand_v or_o continue_v indeed_o a_o kingdom_n may_v be_v establish_v by_o force_n and_o arm_n by_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n but_o it_o can_v stand_v or_o continue_v without_o this_o equity_n and_o christian_n moderation_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n nay_o civil_a society_n and_o common_a deal_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n can_v continue_v unless_o one_o man_n yield_v to_o a_o other_o in_o a_o word_n there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n in_o family_n no_o sound_n nor_o last_a love_n betwixt_o man_n &_o wife_n nor_o any_o comfortable_a quietness_n where_o one_o do_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o other_o and_o one_o bear_v with_o a_o other_o in_o many_o thing_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o marriage_n which_o be_v the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a society_n which_o be_v in_o this_o world_n then_o be_v it_o much_o more_o true_a in_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n no_o christian_n neighbourhood_n no_o true_a friendship_n unless_o one_o bear_v with_o another_o and_o one_o towards_o another_o do_v carry_v himself_o in_o a_o even_a and_o moderate_a course_n see_v therefore_o this_o be_v so_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n i_o have_v purpose_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o at_o large_a let_v we_o then_o examine_v these_o two_o point_n 1._o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o kind_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o christian_a equity_n be_v a_o rare_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n whereby_o man_n use_v a_o true_a mean_a and_o a_o equal_a moderation_n in_o all_o their_o affair_n and_o deal_n with_o man_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o justice_n and_o preservation_n of_o peace_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n and_o herein_o first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o virtue_n which_o be_v conversant_a about_o practise_v of_o a_o moderation_n in_o all_o our_o course_n and_o deal_n with_o man_n for_o we_o man_n can_v use_v no_o mean_a nor_o moderation_n with_o god_n but_o if_o we_o do_v evil_a it_o be_v all_o to_o much_o and_o if_o we_o do_v good_a it_o be_v all_o to_o little_a again_o equity_n and_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v of_o god_n towards_o man_n and_o not_o of_o man_n towards_o god_n for_o if_o man_n deal_v not_o equal_o towards_o god_n the_o fault_n be_v they_o and_o not_o he_o god_n be_v not_o worse_o for_o it_o but_o if_o god_n deal_v not_o moderate_o with_o man_n the_o world_n will_v not_o last_v one_o hour_n and_o last_o where_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n there_o be_v no_o forgiveness_n where_o no_o infirmity_n there_o need_v no_o moderation_n but_o in_o god_n there_o be_v no_o want_n no_o error_n no_o imperfection_n but_o his_o love_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o mankind_n and_o to_o his_o church_n especial_o be_v most_o perfect_a therefore_o there_o need_v no_o moderation_n nor_o forbearance_n towards_o god_n but_o towards_o man_n who_o be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o full_a of_o infirmitis_n from_o which_o regeneration_n itself_o do_v not_o full_o free_v we_o do_v therefore_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o this_o virtue_n to_o be_v practise_v amongst_o they_o else_o their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n can_v endure_v and_o further_o all_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v alike_o and_o therefore_o one_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o bear_v with_o another_o the_o prince_n be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o his_o subject_n the_o husband_n be_v flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o well_o as_o the_o wife_n be_v the_o pastor_n be_v a_o man_n as_o his_o people_n and_o hearer_n be_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o therefore_o one_o be_v subject_a to_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o a_o other_o and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o in_o all_o our_o course_n &_o deal_n of_o man_n with_o man_n in_o this_o word_n there_o must_v be_v practise_v a_o christian_n moderation_n second_o i_o say_v in_o the_o description_n that_o the_o end_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v to_o maintain_v justice_n &_o to_o preserve_v peace_n which_o two_o be_v the_o very_a sinew_n and_o strength_n of_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n for_o where_o we_o do_v not_o to_o other_o man_n as_o we_o will_v other_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o there_o be_v no_o justice_n and_o where_o we_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o small_a fault_n and_o forbear_v infirmity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n such_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o virtue_n as_o it_o serve_v to_o maintain_v two_o other_o
matter_n and_o to_o end_v this_o point_n of_o public_a equity_n if_o any_o man_n shall_v object_v that_o this_o moderation_n be_v a_o wrong_n to_o the_o law_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o for_o it_o be_v neither_o against_o the_o law_n nor_o altogether_o beside_o the_o law_n but_o only_o beside_o the_o strict_a meaning_n of_o the_o law_n nay_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o the_o extremity_n be_v though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o the_o extremity_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o law_n mitigation_n be_v but_o tolerate_v the_o law_n allow_v extremity_n but_o it_o only_o admit_v a_o mitigation_n so_o then_o both_o extremity_n and_o mitigation_n be_v within_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n principal_o of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o in_o some_o case_n of_o other_o man_n also_o to_o discern_v the_o several_a circumstance_n when_o the_o one_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v &_o when_o the_o other_o for_o sometime_o one_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o law_n and_o sometime_o the_o other_o and_o according_a as_o these_o two_o be_v just_o and_o wise_o execute_v or_o neglect_v so_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o law_n execute_v or_o neglect_v the_o want_n of_o this_o equity_n in_o man_n public_a action_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o much_o cruelty_n oppression_n and_o inequality_n in_o deal_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n because_o extremity_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_o regard_v and_o mitigation_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o all_o bargain_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v good_a conscience_n in_o forfeiture_n of_o bond_n and_o in_o forfeiture_n of_o land_n suretiship_n fine_n rent_n and_o such_o kind_n of_o action_n unless_o there_o be_v due_a regard_n have_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o public_a equity_n man_n therefore_o must_v consider_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n and_o they_o must_v not_o stand_v only_o upon_o the_o law_n and_o the_o advantage_n that_o the_o law_n give_v as_o they_o be_v man_n they_o have_v a_o law_n of_o the_o country_n which_o may_v allow_v extremity_n but_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o live_v under_o a_o law_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a law_n which_o must_v judge_v they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o righteous_a law_n which_o no_o creature_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o blame_v of_o injustice_n or_o of_o extremity_n and_o man_n must_v know_v that_o god_n himself_o command_v this_o equity_n of_o one_o man_n to_o another_o but_o if_o man_n for_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v not_o deal_v equal_o and_o moderate_o with_o they_o that_o be_v in_o their_o power_n but_o stand_v strict_o upon_o forfeiture_n and_o other_o extremity_n then_o must_v the_o godly_a magistrate_n exercise_v his_o power_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o his_o authority_n cause_v they_o to_o mitigate_v their_o extremity_n and_o to_o put_v in_o practice_v that_o equity_n which_o become_v christian_n and_o let_v every_o judge_n and_o magistrate_n know_v that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n he_o not_o only_o may_v but_o be_v bind_v thus_o to_o do_v to_o they_o who_o will_v not_o do_v it_o of_o themselves_o it_o may_v be_v therefore_o good_a counsel_n to_o all_o man_n rather_o to_o practice_v this_o christian_a equity_n of_o themselves_o they_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o by_o authority_n for_o every_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n the_o more_o free_a and_o voluntary_a it_o be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a be_v it_o to_o god_n and_o more_o commendable_a before_o man_n and_o let_v all_o man_n remember_v that_o whereas_o the_o strict_a word_n of_o man_n law_n seem_v to_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o urge_v the_o extremity_n yet_o can_v that_o excuse_v they_o nor_o free_v they_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o god_n law_n which_o command_v they_o to_o practice_v christian_a equity_n and_o moderation_n now_o before_o we_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o public_a equity_n one_o point_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v handle_v in_o few_o word_n some_o may_v object_v if_o moderation_n be_v intend_v and_o include_v in_o our_o law_n as_o well_o as_o extremity_n why_o then_o be_v extremity_n only_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n and_o not_o this_o mitigation_n which_o they_o so_o much_o do_v urge_v unto_o we_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a the_o law_n express_v and_o urge_v the_o extremity_n to_o fray_v man_n thereby_o from_o come_v within_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o extremity_n and_o conceal_v the_o mitigation_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o offend_v yet_o intend_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o extremity_n and_o leave_v it_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o put_v in_o practice_n when_o just_a occasion_n be_v offer_v as_o well_o as_o the_o extremity_n herein_o appear_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o the_o lawmaker_n our_o ancient_a forefather_n who_o well_o and_o wise_o foresee_v that_o though_o mitigation_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o extremity_n and_o oftentimes_o more_o yet_o because_o of_o the_o ill_a conscience_n of_o the_o most_o man_n and_o the_o readiness_n of_o all_o man_n to_o offend_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o express_v the_o extremity_n in_o plain_a term_n thereby_o to_o keep_v ill_a man_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o obedience_n and_o close_o to_o leave_v the_o mitigation_n to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o magistrate_n so_o then_o our_o lawegiver_n conceal_v the_o mitigation_n and_o express_v it_o not_o in_o their_o law_n in_o good_a policy_n and_o to_o good_a purpose_n if_o we_o therefore_o do_v only_o take_v the_o extremity_n we_o take_v only_o one_o part_n of_o their_o intent_n and_o show_v ourselves_o unwise_a and_o shallow_a witted_a who_o can_v see_v the_o wisdom_n which_o they_o close_o conceal_v in_o wise_a and_o christian_a policy_n he_o be_v not_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o a_o lawyer_n at_o least_o of_o a_o christian_a lawyer_n much_o less_o worthy_a the_o place_n and_o seat_n of_o a_o judge_n who_o know_v not_o this_o for_o if_o the_o law_n contain_v not_o both_o these_o it_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o so_o no_o law_n for_o mitigation_n be_v for_o the_o good_a man_n and_o extremity_n for_o the_o evil_a the_o careless_a and_o unconscionable_a man_n if_o there_o be_v no_o extremity_n how_o can_v the_o evil_a man_n be_v keep_v within_o compass_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o poor_a honest_a man_n live_v if_o there_o be_v no_o mitigation_n so_o then_o it_o be_v warrantable_a by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o good_a conscience_n that_o extremity_n shall_v be_v in_o force_n and_o shall_v stand_v by_o law_n but_o so_o as_o it_o always_o admit_v of_o mitigation_n when_o need_n be_v let_v therefore_o our_o conclusion_n be_v to_o exhort_v every_o man_n into_o who_o hand_n be_v put_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n to_o show_v himself_o as_o wise_a in_o execute_v they_o as_o be_v our_o forefather_n in_o the_o make_n of_o they_o that_o be_v as_o well_o to_o regard_v the_o mitigation_n which_o be_v conceal_v as_o the_o extremity_n which_o be_v express_v so_o shall_v the_o lawmaker_n wise_a intent_n be_v perform_v public_a equity_n preserve_v and_o much_o injustice_n and_o hard_a deal_n prevent_v now_o in_o regard_n of_o this_o that_o have_v be_v deliver_v touch_v public_a equity_n lawyer_n must_v not_o think_v that_o i_o have_v go_v beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o call_n and_o encroch_v upon_o their_o liberty_n for_o they_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o law_n of_o man_n be_v policy_n but_o equity_n be_v christianity_n now_o christianity_n be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o law_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v order_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n again_o divine_n must_v take_v lawyer_n advise_v concern_v extremity_n and_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n good_a reason_n then_o that_o lawyer_n take_v the_o divine_n advise_v touch_v equity_n which_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o the_o law_n moreover_o their_o law_n be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o equity_n but_o our_o law_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o equity_n therefore_o the_o principal_a rule_n of_o equity_n must_v they_o fetch_v from_o our_o law_n consider_v that_o law_n without_o equity_n be_v plain_a tyranny_n last_o in_o the_o first_o christian_a commonwealth_n that_o ever_o be_v namely_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_n that_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o those_o day_n be_v the_o only_a lawyer_n for_o their_o positive_a law_n be_v the_o judicial_a law_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o interpreter_n be_v the_o priest_n and_o levite_n if_o therefore_o once_o the_o divine_n have_v so_o much_o to_o do_v with_o positive_a law_n it_o may_v not_o now_o be_v think_v amiss_o if_o they_o give_v advice_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n touch_v the_o equal_a execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o man_n and_o so_o much_o touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o
public_a equity_n ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n now_o follow_v the_o second_o kind_n of_o equity_n call_v private_a namely_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n in_o their_o private_a action_n but_o ere_o we_o go_v further_o some_o may_v demand_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o public_a and_o private_a action_n private_a action_n of_o man_n be_v such_o as_o be_v practise_v among_o man_n without_o any_o help_n of_o the_o law_n as_o contrariwise_o public_a action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n whereupon_o it_o follow_v that_o public_a action_n may_v be_v betwixt_o private_a man_n and_o private_a action_n betwixt_o public_a person_n there_o be_v a_o publiknes_n and_o a_o privatenes_n as_o i_o may_v term_v it_o both_o of_o man_n and_o action_n a_o man_n be_v private_a until_o he_o be_v exalt_v unto_o some_o authority_n in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n then_o he_o be_v a_o public_a person_n a_o action_n be_v private_a as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v begin_v and_o handle_v betwixt_o two_o man_n and_o need_v not_o the_o public_a voice_n nor_o censure_n of_o the_o law_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o then_o it_o be_v public_a for_o example_n a_o magistrate_n may_v have_v deal_v with_o a_o other_o man_n or_o two_o magistrate_n together_o if_o they_o determine_v it_o together_o betwixt_o themselves_o it_o be_v a_o private_a action_n because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o as_o they_o be_v magistrate_n but_o as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o private_a action_n betwixt_o public_a person_n so_o a_o private_a man_n no_o magistrate_n may_v have_v a_o trespass_n a_o debt_n a_o forfeiture_n or_o any_o other_o action_n or_o demand_n against_o another_o man_n wherein_o because_o he_o can_v come_v to_o a_o reasonable_a and_o equal_a end_n by_o private_a mean_n he_o crave_v the_o help_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o so_o here_o be_v a_o public_a action_n betwixt_o private_a man_n now_o this_o virtue_n of_o equity_n respect_v not_o the_o publiknes_n or_o privatenes_n of_o the_o person_n but_o of_o the_o action_n therefore_o as_o that_o be_v public_a equity_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o determine_n of_o public_a action_n which_o come_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o be_v private_a equity_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o manage_n of_o private_a action_n which_o be_v begin_v and_o conclude_v private_o betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n and_o never_o come_v to_o public_a hear_n nor_o trial_n of_o the_o law_n now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o search_v more_o near_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n private_a equity_n be_v a_o moderate_a even_o and_o equal_a carriage_n of_o a_o man_n self_n in_o all_o his_o private_a word_n and_o deed_n towards_o all_o other_o man_n and_o all_o their_o word_n and_o deed_n first_o i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o moderate_a carriage_n of_o a_o man_n self_n that_o be_v betwixt_o both_o extreme_n neither_o bear_v all_o thing_n nor_o revenge_v every_o thing_n second_o i_o say_v towards_o all_o other_o man_n wherein_o i_o comprehend_v all_o man_n &_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n husband_n wife_n magistrate_n subject_n teacher_n hearer_n master_n servant_n parent_n child_n man_n woman_n neighbour_n in_o town_n fellow_n in_o society_n in_o service_n in_o labour_n in_o a_o word_n none_o be_v except_v who_o any_o way_n do_v live_v or_o converse_v together_o but_o of_o they_o all_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o moderation_n and_o a_o forbearance_n one_o of_o another_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n among_o they_o but_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o hell_n upon_o the_o earth_n see_v therefore_o the_o necessity_n and_o excellency_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v such_o that_o the_o due_a practice_n of_o it_o be_v the_o ornament_n of_o family_n and_o society_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o a_o man_n life_n in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o enter_v into_o more_o particular_a consideration_n thereof_o private_a equity_n have_v four_o degree_n or_o principal_a duty_n first_o to_o bear_v with_o natural_a infirmity_n second_o to_o interpret_v doubtful_a thing_n in_o the_o better_a part_n three_o to_o depart_v from_o our_o own_o right_a sometime_o four_o to_o forgive_v private_a and_o personal_a wrong_n of_o all_o these_o brief_o and_o in_o order_n the_o first_o duty_n of_o private_a equity_n be_v to_o bear_v with_o the_o defect_n and_o infirmity_n of_o man_n nature_n with_o who_o we_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o break_v not_o out_o into_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n or_o enormity_n these_o infirmity_n be_v manifold_a as_o for_o example_n forwardness_n or_o morosity_n of_o nature_n bastine_n slowness_n of_o conceit_n dulness_n of_o wit_n suspitiousnes_n desire_v of_o praise_n and_o such_o like_a these_o and_o many_o other_o natural_a infirmity_n must_v a_o christian_a man_n bear_v and_o tolerate_v patient_o in_o those_o with_o who_o he_o converse_v as_o with_o his_o wife_n his_o child_n his_o servant_n his_o friend_n his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o long_o must_v he_o bear_v with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v keep_v within_o a_o mean_a and_o break_v not_o out_o into_o extremity_n of_o these_o the_o holy_a ghost_n speak_v prou._n 19_o 31._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o man_n to_o pass_v by_o a_o infirmity_n that_o be_v if_o he_o see_v in_o his_o brother_n weakness_n of_o nature_n which_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o settle_a malice_n or_o canker_a corruption_n it_o be_v a_o man_n glory_n and_o praise_n always_o so_o far_o to_o moderate_v himself_o as_o not_o to_o see_v they_o nor_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v move_v nor_o disquiet_v at_o they_o and_o oftentimes_o so_o little_a to_o regard_v they_o as_o though_o they_o be_v not_o do_v to_o this_o end_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 13._o love_n suffer_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v bear_v with_o good_a conscience_n &_o be_v do_v by_o they_o who_o we_o love_v now_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v bear_v with_o good_a conscience_n which_o be_v either_o so_o private_a or_o so_o small_a that_o the_o wrong_n be_v only_o we_o and_o no_o dishonour_n thereby_o ensue_v to_o god_n glory_n nor_o ill_a example_n to_o the_o church_n all_o such_o thing_n love_n suffer_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o true_a love_n to_o pass_v by_o many_o want_n and_o the_o more_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v root_v in_o true_a love_n the_o more_o infirmity_n will_v he_o pass_v by_o in_o they_o who_o he_o love_v he_o set_v no_o limit_n to_o himself_o how_o many_o or_o how_o long_o to_o bear_v but_o even_o all_o that_o be_v infirmity_n of_o nature_n many_o hard_a word_n many_o angry_a fit_n many_o needle_n surmise_n many_o unkindness_n will_v he_o put_v up_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o see_v they_o who_o heart_n be_v possess_v with_o true_a love_n wisdom_n and_o the_o scare_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o must_v every_o one_o do_v that_o will_v practice_v christian_a equity_n for_o this_o be_v a_o man_n glory_n and_o commendation_n let_v we_o lay_v this_o doctrine_n near_o to_o our_o conscience_n by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o virtue_n in_o some_o few_o example_n a_o man_n have_v a_o wife_n or_o a_o woman_n a_o husband_n in_o who_o there_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o honest_a and_o faithful_a love_n but_o he_o or_o she_o be_v subject_a to_o anger_n or_o to_o hastiness_n or_o to_o a_o austerity_n in_o their_o behaviour_n or_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o nature_n to_o practice_v those_o outward_a compliment_n of_o kindness_n which_o other_o can_v do_v with_o great_a facility_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v but_o weakness_n of_o nature_n in_o they_o that_o fear_n god_n therefore_o must_v love_n cover_v they_o and_o bear_v they_o and_o oftentimes_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o the_o rather_o because_o he_o or_o she_o that_o have_v not_o such_o have_v either_o the_o like_a or_o great_a weakness_n all_o which_o if_o one_o forbear_v not_o in_o another_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o live_v in_o peace_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o this_o part_n of_o equity_n be_v practise_v it_o be_v scarce_o credible_a how_o much_o it_o will_v augment_v the_o happiness_n and_o add_v to_o the_o comfort_n of_o they_o that_o be_v marry_v again_o a_o man_n have_v a_o servant_n careful_a and_o willing_a enough_o to_o obey_v and_o please_v his_o master_n also_o trusty_a and_o faithful_a but_o he_o be_v slow_a in_o his_o business_n and_o do_v not_o dispatch_v thing_n appoint_v he_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o master_n not_o so_o speedy_o not_o so_o ready_o nor_o with_o
of_o conscience_n when_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v do_v for_o want_n of_o heedfulness_n but_o always_o we_o must_v remember_v to_o make_v the_o best_a we_o can_v even_o of_o another_o man_n infirmity_n and_o as_o if_o our_o brother_n do_v well_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o commend_v he_o for_o it_o so_o if_o he_o do_v amiss_o we_o must_v not_o make_v it_o worse_o than_o it_o be_v but_o the_o world_n be_v far_o too_o blame_v herein_o for_o they_o can_v extol_v their_o own_o well-doing_n and_o twenty_o way_n excuse_v their_o evil_n do_v but_o as_o for_o other_o man_n they_o can_v debase_v their_o well_o do_v and_o advance_v their_o evil_n do_v nay_o it_o be_v a_o common_a thing_n to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n worse_o than_o he_o be_v and_o to_o speak_v of_o a_o evil_a action_n and_o of_o man_n fault_n worse_o than_o they_o be_v yea_o to_o speak_v worse_o even_o of_o ill_a man_n than_o they_o deserve_v but_o it_o be_v flat_a injustice_n not_o only_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o that_o be_v good_a but_o even_o to_o make_v a_o evil_a thing_n worse_o than_o it_o be_v many_o case_n there_o be_v wherein_o a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v the_o best_a he_o can_v of_o a_o bad_a action_n but_o to_o make_v it_o worse_o than_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v do_v it_o without_o plain_a injury_n to_o his_o brother_n if_o any_o man_n reply_n and_o say_v i_o be_o not_o to_o spare_v myself_o nor_o excuse_v my_o own_o fault_n but_o to_o judge_v as_o hardly_o of_o my_o own_o say_n and_o do_n as_o they_o deserve_v why_o then_o shall_v i_o not_o also_o do_v so_o to_o another_o the_o answer_n be_v ready_a because_o a_o man_n know_v not_o another_o man_n so_o well_o as_o himself_o word_n and_o deed_n be_v know_v to_o other_o man_n but_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v know_v to_o himself_o alone_o therefore_o for_o thy_o own_o say_n and_o do_n thou_o be_v also_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o thy_o own_o heart_n and_o of_o thy_o purpose_n and_o intent_n in_o so_o speak_v and_o do_v but_o of_o another_o man_n thou_o can_v say_v he_o speak_v or_o do_v thus_o or_o thus_o but_o his_o heart_n his_o purpose_n &_o intent_n in_o so_o do_v thou_o can_v not_o judge_v &_o therefore_o thou_o may_v not_o judge_v so_o sharp_o of_o another_o man_n saying_n and_o do_n as_o of_o thy_o own_o to_o make_v a_o end_n of_o this_o point_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n two_o caution_n must_v be_v remember_v first_o that_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o continue_a course_n in_o do_v or_o speak_v evil_a but_o of_o particular_a speech_n and_o action_n for_o not_o a_o action_n or_o a_o speech_n but_o the_o course_n of_o life_n show_v what_o a_o man_n be_v one_o evil_a speech_n or_o action_n may_v be_v excuse_v but_o a_o continue_a course_n in_o do_v or_o speak_v evil_a may_v be_v by_o no_o mean_n colour_v or_o excuse_v second_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o manifest_a &_o public_a enormity_n as_o of_o treason_n against_o the_o prince_n or_o state_n for_o therein_o it_o may_v be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o prince_n and_o hurtful_a to_o the_o state_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n colour_v conceal_a or_o excuse_v in_o such_o case_n we_o must_v set_v aside_o our_o duty_n to_o our_o brother_n and_o remember_v our_o duty_n to_o the_o head_n and_o whole_a body_n and_o better_o it_o be_v that_o one_o member_n be_v cut_v off_o then_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n perish_v but_o we_o speak_v of_o private_a evil_a word_n or_o deed_n the_o evil_a and_o hurt_n whereof_o redound_v to_o private_a man_n and_o in_o they_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o manifest_a gross_a and_o palpable_a crime_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o action_n be_v plain_o evil_a but_o the_o intent_n also_o for_o to_o excuse_v or_o conceal_v or_o to_o extenuate_v such_o be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o accessary_a to_o the_o evil_a of_o they_o but_o we_o speak_v of_o doubtful_a word_n or_o deed_n wherein_o either_o the_o action_n itself_o or_o at_o the_o least_o the_o intent_n of_o it_o may_v receive_v a_o likely_a excuse_n and_o a_o probable_a interpretation_n of_o good_a and_o unto_o these_o two_o caution_n add_v thus_o much_o further_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o the_o most_o part_n cease_v when_o the_o minister_n be_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o impenitent_a or_o a_o presumptuous_a sinner_n for_o than_o he_o be_v not_o to_o moderate_v or_o mitigate_v to_o colour_n or_o excuse_v to_o lessen_v or_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n but_o to_o speak_v of_o sin_n as_o it_o deserve_v and_o to_o lay_v out_o his_o sin_n in_o their_o own_o colour_n that_o so_o he_o may_v humble_v he_o and_o cast_v he_o down_o but_o out_o of_o these_o three_o case_n this_o duty_n lie_v upon_o all_o man_n at_o all_o time_n to_o interpret_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o better_a part_n so_o then_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o second_o duty_n be_v this_o action_n apparent_o good_a be_v to_o be_v commend_v doubtful_a be_v to_o be_v construe_v in_o the_o best_a sense_n apparent_o evil_a be_v to_o be_v make_v no_o worse_o than_o they_o be_v but_o rather_o to_o be_v excuse_v and_o let_v a_o man_n always_o rather_o speak_v too_o well_o then_o too_o evil_a of_o another_o man_n &_o rather_o speak_v better_a then_o worse_o then_o be_v deserve_v and_o rather_o judge_v too_o mild_o and_o merciful_o then_o too_o sharp_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v deceive_v either_o way_n that_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n wherein_o to_o be_v deceive_v thus_o to_o do_v be_v to_o perform_v that_o christian_a equity_n which_o be_v here_o command_v and_o to_o maintain_v peace_n which_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o 2._o duty_n the_o three_o duty_n and_o degree_n of_o private_a equity_n be_v in_o sundry_a case_n to_o depart_v from_o a_o man_n own_o right_a that_o be_v to_o yield_v oftentimes_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o by_o law_n he_o may_v stand_v and_o oftentimes_o to_o forgo_v such_o thing_n which_o by_o law_n he_o may_v require_v without_o this_o equity_n justice_n and_o peace_n can_v stand_v christ_n our_o saviour_n give_v a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o in_o pay_v toll_n math._n 17._o 27._o christ_n need_v not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o law_n have_v compel_v he_o to_o it_o yet_o because_o he_o will_v not_o trouble_v the_o public_a peace_n nor_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o contention_n he_o yield_v from_o his_o right_n and_o pay_v they_o toll_v all_o christian_a man_n must_v learn_v by_o his_o example_n not_o to_o stand_v always_o upon_o their_o right_n if_o they_o will_v continue_v peace_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o christianity_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wicked_a speech_n which_o we_o often_o hear_v man_n speak_v it_o be_v my_o right_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o loose_v it_o so_o may_v christ_n have_v say_v and_o if_o you_o look_v the_o place_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o he_o first_o of_o all_o argue_v the_o case_n and_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v free_a and_o not_o bind_v to_o pay_v and_o yet_o say_v christ_n rather_o than_o i_o will_v offend_v they_o or_o give_v they_o cause_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o i_o or_o my_o doctrine_n i_o will_v pay_v it_o even_o so_o must_v a_o christian_n man_n in_o many_o case_n go_v from_o his_o right_n and_o that_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o public_a peace_n in_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o of_o private_a peace_n one_o man_n with_o another_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o public_a peace_n thus_o must_v man_n do_v in_o public_a conference_n as_o in_o parliament_n and_o counsel_n and_o such_o like_a general_a assembly_n wherein_o the_o several_a opinion_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o thus_o must_v man_n do_v in_o bond_n forfeiture_n borrow_v lend_v lose_v find_v buy_v sell_v in_o lease_n fine_n rent_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o bargain_n and_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o private_a peace_n man_n must_v in_o their_o most_o private_a action_n one_o yield_v to_o another_o in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o may_v stand_v and_o oftentimes_o be_v content_v to_o loose_v that_o â—hat_n be_v their_o own_o and_o in_o conference_n must_v a_o man_n oftentimes_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v cross_v and_o overthwart_v in_o that_o of_o which_o he_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v not_o and_o that_o not_o to_o be_v which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v if_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o small_a moment_n and_o concern_v not_o religion_n nor_o the_o state_n many_o such_o thing_n must_v a_o christian_a man_n put_v up_o daily_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o brother_n for_o
cover_v our_o shame_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o extremity_n but_o equity_n become_v a_o christian_n and_o let_v every_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o as_o he_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o know_a badge_n of_o christianity_n be_v mercifullnes_n the_o more_o merciful_a the_o better_a christian._n for_o he_o have_v taste_v deep_a of_o god_n mercy_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o the_o worse_a christian_a the_o less_o merciful_a for_o he_o never_o feel_v god_n mercy_n to_o himself_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n now_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o every_o trifle_n or_o to_o steal_v law_n upon_o thy_o brother_n or_o to_o sue_v he_o before_o thou_o offer_v he_o peace_n it_o argue_v a_o hard_a hart_n and_o unmerciful_a and_o far_o from_o this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a but_o to_o be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o law_n and_o to_o put_v it_o of_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o first_o to_o give_v warning_n and_o to_o offer_v peace_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n it_o argue_v a_o merciful_a heart_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o such_o a_o one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v open_v this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a and_o forbear_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o a_o christian_a may_v see_v how_o to_o practice_v it_o with_o comfort_n to_o his_o conscience_n also_o without_o any_o great_a loss_n in_o this_o world_n or_o hurt_v to_o his_o estate_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o four_o several_a duduty_n and_o degree_n of_o private_a equity_n now_o have_v open_v the_o nature_n &_o kind_n of_o christian_a equity_n let_v we_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o text_n let_v your_o equity_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n the_o word_n import_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o only_o to_o know_v this_o virtue_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o but_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n public_a and_o private_a and_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n so_o to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n that_o man_n may_v see_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o other_o man_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o avouch_v for_o we_o that_o our_o deal_n be_v upright_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a join_v with_o equity_n and_o moderation_n and_o free_a from_o extremity_n and_o oppression_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v here_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n urge_v we_o to_o make_v it_o know_v be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o privy_a hypocrisy_n in_o our_o nature_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o make_v show_n of_o more_o than_o be_v in_o us._n against_o which_o vice_n we_o do_v true_o labour_v when_o we_o labour_v to_o make_v our_o virtue_n manifest_a and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o fruit_n he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a man_n not_o who_o know_v and_o can_v talk_v well_o but_o he_o who_o religion_n and_o holiness_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o see_v of_o man_n he_o be_v a_o merciful_a man_n of_o who_o mercy_n man_n do_v taste_v so_o he_o be_v a_o equal_a &_o upright_a man_n who_o equity_n be_v feel_v &_o find_v by_o they_o who_o deal_v with_o he_o let_v therefore_o our_o action_n with_o man_n testify_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o man_n who_o live_v with_o we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o virtue_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v true_o good_a not_o when_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v well_o or_o tell_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n but_o when_o other_o man_n see_v it_o feel_v it_o and_o speak_v of_o it_o hitherto_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o that_o which_o be_v paul_n exhortation_n to_o the_o philippian_n shall_v be_v i_o to_o all_o true_a christian_n let_v your_o equity_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n you_o have_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o content_v not_o ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n but_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o we_o and_o put_v it_o in_o practice_v all_o our_o deal_n public_a and_o private_a yea_o and_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a so_o that_o every_o man_n with_o who_o we_o deal_v may_v taste_v and_o feel_v of_o our_o equity_n and_o be_v able_a to_o testify_v of_o we_o that_o equity_n bear_v rule_v in_o all_o our_o action_n thus_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v christian_n not_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o all_o to_o this_o holy_a duty_n let_v we_o use_v some_o few_o reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o and_o among_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v there_o be_v none_o better_o than_o this_o here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o one_o other_o which_o do_v most_o natural_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o god_n show_v most_o admirable_a equity_n and_o moderation_n towards_o we_o therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o show_v it_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a wonderful_a be_v the_o moderation_n that_o god_n show_v to_o man_n &_o it_o appear_v especial_o in_o four_o thing_n whereof_o two_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o other_o two_o concern_v his_o church_n the_o first_o action_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o show_v great_a moderation_n towards_o all_o man_n be_v this_o a_o law_n be_v give_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n eat_v not_o of_o this_o tree_n if_o you_o do_v you_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o a_o double_a death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o they_o eat_v and_o so_o break_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o do_v undergo_v the_o penalty_n annex_v by_o force_n and_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v die_v present_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o have_v be_v no_o extremity_n but_o justice_n for_o this_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v give_v they_o but_o now_o behold_v god_n equity_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o law_n he_o strike_v they_o not_o present_o as_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o their_o desert_n require_v neither_o with_o the_o first_o nor_o second_o death_n but_o defer_v the_o full_a execution_n lay_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o present_a a_o less_o punishment_n namely_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o first_o death_n and_o a_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o second_o that_o be_v of_o damnation_n behold_v a_o marvelous_a mitigation_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n their_o body_n and_o soul_n 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all_o mankind_n general_o but_o especial_o adam_n and_o eve_n but_o the_o second_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v all_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o man_n commit_v any_o sin_n even_o than_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o he_o have_v break_v the_o law_n for_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o only_o a_o guiltiness_n but_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n present_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o sin_n commit_v without_o any_o intermission_n so_o that_o so_o oft_o as_o a_o man_n sin_v so_o oft_o do_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v plunge_v soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n without_o be_v