spare_v one_o hour_n if_o therefore_o the_o lord_n do_v cast_v ten_o thousand_o into_o hell_n in_o one_o hour_n he_o do_v but_o justice_n for_o so_o the_o law_n require_v but_o see_v the_o merciful_a moderation_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o we_o deserve_v every_o hour_n to_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n yet_o be_v every_o hour_n and_o minute_n of_o our_o life_n full_a of_o the_o mercy_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o as_o though_o our_o sin_n cry_v for_o damnation_n present_o yet_o god_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o execute_v the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n upon_o the_o sinner_n instant_o after_o his_o sin_n no_o not_o in_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o but_o spare_v every_o man_n many_o year_n some_o more_o some_o less_o but_o all_o more_o than_o their_o sin_n deserve_v or_o the_o law_n require_v we_o often_o read_v and_o always_o find_v that_o god_n hear_v the_o cry_n of_o sinner_n but_o we_o seldom_o read_v that_o god_n hear_v the_o cry_n of_o sin_n for_o if_o he_o 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that_o break_v it_o further_o than_o this_o the_o law_n by_o itself_o go_v not_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o command_v we_o &_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o to_o the_o gospel_n be_v we_o behold_v for_o accept_v our_o repentance_n which_o the_o law_n will_v never_o do_v which_o indeed_o be_v so_o far_o from_o accept_v repentance_n as_o it_o never_o intend_v nor_o aim_v at_o repentance_n direct_o in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o in_o itself_o it_o be_v worthy_o call_v the_o ministry_n of_o condemnation_n so_o then_o behold_v a_o most_o straight_a law_n and_o a_o most_o merciful_a god_n so_o straight_o a_o law_n as_o if_o that_o mercy_n be_v not_o it_o will_v never_o give_v we_o one_o hour_n to_o repent_v in_o nor_o receive_v we_o to_o favour_v though_o we_o repent_v present_o but_o present_o upon_o our_o sin_n cast_v we_o into_o hell_n o_o therefore_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o good_a and_o gracious_a the_o lord_n be_v the_o law_n can_v have_v his_o extremity_n nor_o the_o devil_n his_o will_n upon_o we_o who_o be_v the_o jailer_n of_o the_o law_n and_o be_v malicious_a though_o the_o law_n be_v just_a and_o so_o by_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o extremity_n of_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o other_o no_o man_n shall_v live_v one_o hour_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o mitigation_n of_o god_n who_o contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o law_n both_o accept_v man_n when_o they_o repent_v and_o give_v also_o time_n to_o repent_v and_o thus_o have_v god_n do_v as_o in_o the_o begin_n with_o adam_n so_o in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o old_a world_n after_o many_o preacher_n send_v and_o many_o hundred_o year_n patience_n and_o many_o thousand_o of_o sin_n ripe_a for_o vengeance_n yet_o god_n give_v 120._o year_n more_o o_o how_o many_o million_o of_o sin_n do_v they_o commit_v against_o he_o in_o that_o time_n and_o yet_o have_v they_o repent_v at_o the_o last_o they_o 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the_o moderation_n of_o god_n more_o to_o we_o then_o to_o they_o who_o deserve_v worse_o than_o they_o he_o give_v we_o not_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o but_o many_o hundred_o year_n and_o bring_v no_o flood_n of_o judgement_n but_o spare_v we_o from_o year_n to_o year_n and_o from_o age_n to_o age_n that_o so_o we_o may_v either_o repent_v and_o escape_v hell_n or_o when_o our_o time_n be_v come_v drown_v ourselves_o in_o damnation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o our_o own_o destruction_n it_o may_v not_o unfit_o be_v note_v in_o this_o place_n that_o sometime_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o cast_v a_o man_n into_o hell_n and_o sometime_o man_n himself_o god_n throw_v a_o man_n into_o hell_n when_o for_o some_o monstrous_a and_o contagious_a sin_n he_o take_v away_o a_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o wickedness_n by_o some_o sudden_a judgement_n and_o so_o send_v he_o to_o hell_n but_o a_o man_n plunge_v himself_o into_o hell_n when_o god_n give_v he_o leave_v to_o live_v and_o liberty_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v but_o he_o continue_v careless_o in_o his_o sin_n till_o he_o die_v and_o so_o cast_v himself_o violent_o into_o damnation_n now_o such_o be_v the_o merciful_a moderation_n of_o god_n that_o for_o one_o man_n who_o he_o cast_v into_o hell_n as_o he_o do_v judas_n present_o upon_o his_o sin_n a_o hundred_o wicked_a man_n cast_v themselves_o into_o hell_n abuse_v that_o time_n and_o liberty_n which_o he_o give_v they_o to_o repent_v in_o and_o so_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o swift_a damnation_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o every_o day_n of_o his_o life_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o thousand_o of_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v that_o day_n and_o see_v no_o flood_n of_o water_n fire_n nor_o brimstone_n to_o come_v upon_o we_o let_v he_o wonder_v at_o god_n mercy_n and_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v furthermore_o this_o moderation_n of_o god_n to_o all_o man_n have_v another_o branch_n every_o man_n ill_a conscience_n be_v to_o he_o like_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o doubtless_o the_o torment_n of_o conscience_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o very_a real_a torment_n of_o hell_n now_o if_o every_o man_n have_v but_o justice_n he_o shall_v feel_v present_o after_o every_o sin_n the_o very_a torment_n of_o hell_n namely_o the_o sting_n and_o torment_v of_o a_o guilty_a accuse_a conscience_n but_o see_v the_o mercy_n &_o moderation_n of_o god_n he_o inflict_v it_o not_o present_o but_o only_o give_v the_o sinner_n a_o prick_n or_o a_o little_a pang_n as_o it_o be_v when_o
he_o have_v sin_v but_o the_o rage_a fury_n of_o the_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o great_a hell_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n he_o defer_v till_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o therefore_o thou_o have_v do_v evil_a and_o feel_v a_o prick_n in_o thy_o conscience_n and_o a_o cheek_n but_o no_o more_o remember_v that_o even_o then_o if_o god_n do_v not_o moderate_v his_o justice_n thou_o shall_v feel_v the_o extreme_a horror_n of_o thy_o conscience_n which_o will_v overwhelm_v thou_o as_o a_o burden_n which_o be_v to_o heavy_a for_o thou_o to_o bear_v thus_o than_o we_o see_v the_o marvelous_a mercy_n of_o god_n wicked_a man_n be_v his_o swear_a enemy_n for_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o offend_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o so_o great_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o so_o large_a be_v his_o moderation_n that_o even_o his_o enemy_n taste_v of_o it_o every_o day_n and_o hour_n thus_o much_o of_o god_n equity_n and_o moderation_n to_o all_o man_n now_o second_o this_o moderate_a &_o mild_a deal_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v more_o special_a to_o his_o church_n and_o child_n and_o that_o also_o show_v it_o self_n in_o two_o action_n first_o of_o all_o justice_n require_v that_o every_o man_n shall_v pay_v his_o debt_n &_o common_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o word_n &_o promise_n can_v pass_v for_o payment_n but_o due_a debt_n must_v be_v satisfy_v now_o every_o christian_a man_n be_v in_o a_o great_a debt_n to_o god_n that_o debt_n be_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n for_o christ_n come_v to_o save_v we_o from_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n not_o to_o free_v we_o from_o obedience_n to_o it_o but_o how_o do_v we_o pay_v that_o debt_n even_o as_o he_o do_v who_o owe_v ten_o thousand_o pound_n and_o crave_v to_o pay_v it_o by_o a_o penny_n a_o year_n for_o so_o we_o owe_v perfect_a obedience_n in_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n and_o also_o purity_n of_o nature_n the_o root_n of_o all_o we_o i_o mean_v the_o best_a &_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o have_v nothing_o to_o tender_v to_o god_n but_o a_o few_o good_a desire_n and_o groan_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o a_o silly_a poor_a endeavour_n all_o which_o be_v unto_o that_o which_o the_o law_n require_v like_v unto_o one_o penny_n to_o ten_o thousand_o pound_n yet_o behold_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o compassion_n to_o his_o child_n these_o our_o desire_n and_o that_o our_o endeavour_n come_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o heart_n do_v he_o accept_v for_o perfect_a payment_n and_o that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o heart_n fear_v god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n endeavour_v it_o according_o be_v the_o man_n who_o god_n love_v and_o embrace_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o mercy_n though_o he_o be_v far_o from_o that_o which_o in_o debt_n and_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o god_n thus_o do_v god_n testify_v of_o himself_o in_o malachi_n i_o will_v spare_v you_o even_o as_o a_o father_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o now_o we_o know_v there_o be_v no_o spare_v nor_o forbearance_n like_a unto_o that_o a_o father_n bid_v his_o little_a son_n do_v this_o or_o that_o which_o be_v far_o above_o his_o strength_n the_o child_n not_o consider_v the_o difficulty_n but_o look_v only_o at_o his_o duty_n and_o desire_v not_o only_a to_o please_v his_o father_n go_v about_o it_o and_o do_v his_o best_a and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v he_o can_v do_v nothing_o to_o it_o at_o all_o now_o the_o father_n rejoice_v in_o this_o willing_a obedience_n of_o his_o son_n and_o approve_v in_o his_o child_n the_o will_n and_o endeavour_n though_o he_o can_v do_v the_o thing_n he_o bid_v he_o even_o so_o do_v the_o lord_n spare_v his_o child_n he_o command_v we_o to_o keep_v his_o law_n and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o out_o duty_n which_o notwithstanding_o of_o ourselves_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o little_a child_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v a_o millstone_n yet_o if_o we_o willing_o go_v when_o god_n command_v we_o and_o do_v our_o endeavour_n and_o all_o we_o can_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v more_o this_o our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n proceed_v from_o faith_n &_o from_o a_o sonlike_a willingness_n do_v the_o lord_n accept_v for_o the_o perfect_a deed_n this_o be_v no_o small_a moderation_n but_o great_a and_o wonderful_a for_o whereas_o we_o owe_v perfect_a obedience_n and_o he_o may_v just_o challenge_v it_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o make_v we_o pay_v it_o with_o soul_n and_o all_o he_o be_v be_v content_a to_o take_v a_o will_n a_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n which_o be_v all_o we_o can_v and_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o at_o all_o in_o this_o world_n that_o man_n will_v be_v extol_v for_o his_o mercy_n who_o will_v take_v of_o his_o debtor_n a_o penny_n a_o week_n who_o owe_v he_o 100_o pound_n or_o that_o take_v all_o he_o can_v pay_v and_o accept_v his_o good_a mind_n for_o the_o rest_n oh_o then_o how_o merciful_a be_v our_o god_n who_o for_o so_o great_a offence_n and_o so_o huge_a a_o debt_n as_o we_o be_v to_o his_o majesty_n be_v content_a to_o accept_v of_o our_o endeavour_n and_o hearty_a desire_n the_o heart_n &_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v sufficient_o magnify_v so_o great_a a_o mercy_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o again_o the_o mercy_n and_o moderation_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o child_n appear_v thus_o there_o be_v not_o the_o best_a man_n but_o he_o sin_v &_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n so_o little_a but_o in_o justice_n it_o deserve_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o punishment_n yea_o all_o those_o curse_n denounce_v in_o the_o law_n even_o all_o those_o plague_n threaten_v deut._n 28._o all_o which_o in_o justice_n shall_v overwhelm_v he_o press_v he_o down_o &_o crush_v he_o to_o nothing_o but_o behold_v the_o merciful_a moderation_n of_o god_n he_o be_v content_a to_o lay_v no_o more_o cross_n on_o his_o child_n then_o by_o his_o own_o grace_n which_o he_o also_o give_v they_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o undergo_v and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o overcome_v also_o when_o his_o child_n sin_n as_o when_o do_v they_o not_o do_v he_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o sin_n no_o for_o then_o all_o the_o curse_n of_o his_o law_n shall_v be_v heap_v on_o they_o for_o one_o sin_n and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o he_o do_v but_o justice_n nay_o he_o deal_v so_o with_o they_o as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o punishment_n at_o all_o but_o rather_o a_o chastisement_n for_o a_o punishment_n must_v be_v in_o some_o sort_n proportionable_a to_o the_o offence_n but_o that_o which_o he_o lay_v on_o his_o child_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o punishment_n proper_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o chastisement_n or_o correction_n of_o a_o father_n to_o teach_v his_o son_n his_o duty_n and_o to_o reform_v he_o and_o bring_v he_o home_o from_o his_o evil_a way_n and_o therefore_o not_o in_o the_o rigour_n of_o a_o judge_n but_o in_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o father_n he_o first_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o then_o lay_v no_o more_o on_o we_o than_o we_o may_v well_o bear_v and_o which_o be_v most_o wonderful_a of_o all_o he_o give_v we_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o to_o this_o end_n speak_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n 1._o cor._n 10._o there_o have_v no_o temptation_n take_v you_o but_o that_o which_o befall_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o import_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v temptation_n and_o cross_n in_o god_n justice_n due_a for_o sin_n and_o which_o he_o have_v in_o store_n ready_a at_o his_o pleasure_n which_o be_v so_o great_a so_o heavy_a and_o so_o fearful_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n can_v not_o possible_o bear_v they_o but_o shall_v sink_v under_o they_o and_o perish_v as_o do_v cain_n and_o judas_n and_o such_o like_a among_o these_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v one_o which_o be_v so_o intolerable_a as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v prou._n 14._o 18._o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v it_o but_o the_o cross_n he_o lay_v on_o his_o child_n be_v always_o such_o as_o they_o bear_v with_o comfort_n for_o a_o time_n and_o at_o last_o with_o joy_n do_v overcome_v they_o a_o notable_a example_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o solomon_n of_o who_o god_n say_v to_o david_n if_o he_o sin_v i_o will_v chastise_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v i_o can_v in_o my_o justice_n for_o salomon_n great_a sin_n
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
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
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
cover_v our_o shame_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o not_o extremity_n but_o equity_n become_v a_o christian_n and_o let_v every_o man_n take_v heed_n of_o this_o as_o he_o will_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n for_o the_o know_a badge_n of_o christianity_n be_v mercifullnes_n the_o more_o merciful_a the_o better_a christian._n for_o he_o have_v taste_v deep_a of_o god_n mercy_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o the_o worse_a christian_a the_o less_o merciful_a for_o he_o never_o feel_v god_n mercy_n to_o himself_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n now_o to_o go_v to_o law_n for_o every_o trifle_n or_o to_o steal_v law_n upon_o thy_o brother_n or_o to_o sue_v he_o before_o thou_o offer_v he_o peace_n it_o argue_v a_o hard_a hart_n and_o unmerciful_a and_o far_o from_o this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a but_o to_o be_v loath_a to_o go_v to_o law_n and_o to_o put_v it_o of_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o first_o to_o give_v warning_n and_o to_o offer_v peace_n and_o not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o weight_n it_o argue_v a_o merciful_a heart_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o such_o a_o one_o in_o who_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v dwell_v and_o thus_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v open_v this_o duty_n of_o forgive_a and_o forbear_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o a_o christian_a may_v see_v how_o to_o practice_v it_o with_o comfort_n to_o his_o conscience_n also_o without_o any_o great_a loss_n in_o this_o world_n or_o hurt_v to_o his_o estate_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o four_o several_a duduty_n and_o degree_n of_o private_a equity_n now_o have_v open_v the_o nature_n &_o kind_n of_o christian_a equity_n let_v we_o proceed_v further_o in_o the_o text_n let_v your_o equity_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n the_o word_n import_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n not_o only_o to_o know_v this_o virtue_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o talk_v of_o it_o but_o in_o all_o our_o affair_n public_a and_o private_a and_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n with_o man_n so_o to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n that_o man_n may_v see_v it_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v know_v to_o other_o man_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o avouch_v for_o we_o that_o our_o deal_n be_v upright_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a join_v with_o equity_n and_o moderation_n and_o free_a from_o extremity_n and_o oppression_n this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v here_o command_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n urge_v we_o to_o make_v it_o know_v be_v because_o there_o be_v a_o privy_a hypocrisy_n in_o our_o nature_n whereby_o we_o be_v give_v to_o make_v show_n of_o more_o than_o be_v in_o us._n against_o which_o vice_n we_o do_v true_o labour_v when_o we_o labour_v to_o make_v our_o virtue_n manifest_a and_o know_v to_o the_o world_n that_o so_o the_o tree_n may_v be_v know_v by_o his_o fruit_n he_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a man_n not_o who_o know_v and_o can_v talk_v well_o but_o he_o who_o religion_n and_o holiness_n be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o see_v of_o man_n he_o be_v a_o merciful_a man_n of_o who_o mercy_n man_n do_v taste_v so_o he_o be_v a_o equal_a &_o upright_a man_n who_o equity_n be_v feel_v &_o find_v by_o they_o who_o deal_v with_o he_o let_v therefore_o our_o action_n with_o man_n testify_v the_o virtue_n of_o our_o heart_n that_o man_n who_o live_v with_o we_o and_o deal_v with_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o say_v for_o we_o that_o we_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o virtue_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v true_o good_a not_o when_o a_o man_n can_v speak_v well_o or_o tell_v of_o his_o own_o goodness_n but_o when_o other_o man_n see_v it_o feel_v it_o and_o speak_v of_o it_o hitherto_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n now_o that_o which_o be_v paul_n exhortation_n to_o the_o philippian_n shall_v be_v i_o to_o all_o true_a christian_n let_v your_o equity_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n you_o have_v learn_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v practise_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o we_o content_v not_o ourselves_o with_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n but_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o of_o a_o doctrine_n belong_v to_o we_o and_o put_v it_o in_o practice_v all_o our_o deal_n public_a and_o private_a yea_o and_o make_v it_o manifest_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n good_a and_o bad_a so_o that_o every_o man_n with_o who_o we_o deal_v may_v taste_v and_o feel_v of_o our_o equity_n and_o be_v able_a to_o testify_v of_o we_o that_o equity_n bear_v rule_v in_o all_o our_o action_n thus_o if_o we_o do_v we_o be_v christian_n not_o in_o name_n and_o profession_n only_o but_o in_o deed_n and_o truth_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o all_o to_o this_o holy_a duty_n let_v we_o use_v some_o few_o reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o and_o among_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v there_o be_v none_o better_o than_o this_o here_o use_v in_o the_o text_n the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o it_o let_v we_o consider_v of_o one_o other_o which_o do_v most_o natural_o enforce_v this_o exhortation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o god_n show_v most_o admirable_a equity_n and_o moderation_n towards_o we_o therefore_o ought_v we_o to_o show_v it_o one_o towards_o another_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o heavenly_a father_n be_v merciful_a wonderful_a be_v the_o moderation_n that_o god_n show_v to_o man_n &_o it_o appear_v especial_o in_o four_o thing_n whereof_o two_o belong_v to_o all_o man_n and_o the_o other_o two_o concern_v his_o church_n the_o first_o action_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o show_v great_a moderation_n towards_o all_o man_n be_v this_o a_o law_n be_v give_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n eat_v not_o of_o this_o tree_n if_o you_o do_v you_o die_v for_o it_o and_o that_o a_o double_a death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o they_o eat_v and_o so_o break_v the_o law_n and_o thereby_o do_v undergo_v the_o penalty_n annex_v by_o force_n and_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o shall_v have_v die_v present_o the_o death_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o this_o have_v be_v no_o extremity_n but_o justice_n for_o this_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o by_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v give_v they_o but_o now_o behold_v god_n equity_n and_o moderation_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o that_o law_n he_o strike_v they_o not_o present_o as_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n and_o their_o desert_n require_v neither_o with_o the_o first_o nor_o second_o death_n but_o defer_v the_o full_a execution_n lay_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o present_a a_o less_o punishment_n namely_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o first_o death_n and_o a_o guiltiness_n of_o the_o second_o that_o be_v of_o damnation_n behold_v a_o marvelous_a mitigation_n by_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n their_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v both_o have_v present_o die_v and_o be_v cast_v into_o hell_n but_o god_n in_o mercy_n suspend_v and_o defer_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o only_o strike_v adam_n body_n with_o mortality_n whereby_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o first_o death_n and_o his_o soul_n with_o guiltiness_n whereby_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o second_o death_n by_o which_o mitigation_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o as_o adam_n by_o his_o repentance_n afterward_o quite_o escape_v the_o second_o death_n so_o he_o taste_v not_o of_o the_o first_o death_n till_o nine_o hundred_o year_n after_o if_o a_o prisoner_n count_v it_o a_o merciful_a favour_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o the_o judge_n when_o after_o his_o judgement_n to_o die_v he_o be_v reprive_v but_o one_o year_n than_o what_o a_o merciful_a mitigation_n be_v this_o in_o god_n to_o reprieve_v our_o first_o parent_n for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n this_o be_v the_o first_o action_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o man_n and_o this_o concern_v all_o mankind_n general_o but_o especial_o adam_n and_o eve_n but_o the_o second_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v all_o man_n so_o soon_o as_o man_n commit_v any_o sin_n even_o than_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n because_o he_o have_v break_v the_o law_n for_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v not_o only_o a_o guiltiness_n but_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n present_o to_o be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o sin_n commit_v without_o any_o intermission_n so_o that_o so_o oft_o as_o a_o man_n sin_v so_o oft_o do_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v plunge_v soul_n and_o body_n into_o hell_n without_o be_v