much_o candour_n and_o passionate_a sweetness_n that_o those_o who_o sin_n be_v reprove_v may_v clear_o see_v it_o be_v their_o good_a and_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o be_v only_o aim_v at_o for_o otherwise_o man_n mind_n may_v rather_o be_v exasperate_v than_o heal_v when_o truth_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v deliver_v with_o too_o great_a a_o sharpness_n and_o harshness_n man_n do_v not_o usual_o care_v to_o hear_v of_o their_o fault_n but_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v with_o bitterness_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o cast_v a_o heal_a influence_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o it_o provoke_v and_o inflame_v their_o mind_n 3._o he_o that_o will_v exact_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v lovely_a must_v provide_v that_o in_o do_v kindness_n he_o do_v not_o upbraid_v and_o shame_v they_o upon_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o confer_v they_o there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o that_o tender_a and_o modest_a disposition_n who_o blush_n and_o be_v ashamed_a either_o to_o ask_v or_o to_o receive_v those_o kindness_n which_o real_o they_o want_v and_o then_o the_o do_v thing_n lovely_a oblige_v a_o man_n so_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o whatever_o it_o be_v as_o may_v lest_o of_o all_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v from_o general_a observation_n draw_v from_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o these_o few_o particular_n we_o may_v competent_o enough_o understand_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o exhort_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n the_o last_o instance_n of_o virtue_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o be_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o good_a report_n by_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o think_v of_o and_o do_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v purchase_v we_o a_o good_a name_n and_o esteem_v and_o reputation_n among_o such_o as_o be_v virtuous_a and_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n now_o from_o hence_o we_o be_v inform_v 1._o that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o indifferent_a and_o alike_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a bravery_n excellency_n and_o becomingness_n in_o some_o action_n and_o there_o be_v a_o baseness_n and_o filthiness_n in_o other_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o for_o the_o difference_n and_o distinction_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o will_n nor_o can_v we_o change_v their_o nature_n as_o we_o please_v indeed_o to_o the_o atheist_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o any_o spiritual_a be_v but_o resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n or_o difference_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o what_o man_n be_v please_v to_o make_v and_o then_o as_o oft_o as_o wicked_a man_n get_v into_o power_n they_o may_v make_v thing_n vicious_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o since_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o none_o but_o fool_n can_v think_v otherwise_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o virtue_n derive_v from_o he_o and_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o his_o image_n and_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o god_n have_v copy_v out_o and_o engrave_v this_o his_o image_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o all_o man_n that_o have_v a_o due_a use_n of_o their_o faculty_n have_v likewise_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a deep_o seal_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o can_v change_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o action_n as_o be_v conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o those_o intellectual_a law_n and_o principle_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o they_o be_v detestable_a and_o vile_a and_o have_v a_o inward_a turpitude_n stick_v fast_o to_o they_o and_o since_o all_o man_n have_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n write_v on_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o these_o there_o will_v natural_o arise_v a_o esteem_n for_o those_o person_n who_o walk_v the_o near_a according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o this_o which_o we_o call_v esteem_n or_o fame_n and_o a_o good_a name_n or_o report_n be_v indeed_o a_o part_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n when_o man_n be_v applaud_v and_o praise_v when_o they_o fulfil_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o act_n like_o rational_a creature_n according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o prescription_n the_o eternal_a mind_n have_v interweave_v in_o the_o essential_a frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o their_o soul_n true_a it_o be_v fame_n and_o reputation_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_o seek_v after_o even_o by_o those_o that_o be_v no_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o strictness_n of_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n a_o secret_a desire_n and_o tendency_n towards_o the_o embalm_v and_o consecrate_v their_o name_n to_o after_o age_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a conviction_n and_o natural_a presage_n of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n in_o all_o man_n mind_n there_o be_v something_o that_o whisper_v to_o they_o and_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o action_n that_o they_o have_v something_o in_o they_o that_o shall_v survive_v their_o ash_n and_o live_v and_o act_n when_o their_o body_n be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o the_o grave_a and_o from_o hence_o they_o natural_o affect_v and_o desire_v a_o continuation_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o kind_n of_o immortality_n in_o this_o life_n and_o this_o set_v they_o upon_o those_o various_a way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o purchase_n and_o acquisition_n of_o it_o some_o by_o valour_n and_o heroic_a action_n other_o by_o honour_n and_o some_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o posterity_n which_o evident_o show_v the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o all_o man_n to_o continue_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n at_o least_o in_o their_o fame_n and_o name_n and_o memory_n although_o they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o as_o to_o their_o personal_a being_n thus_o we_o read_v psal_n 49.11_o of_o some_o who_o inward_a thought_n be_v that_o their_o house_n shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o call_v their_o land_n after_o their_o own_o name_n i._n e._n many_o man_n see_v that_o themselves_o be_v mortal_a and_o quick_o die_v yet_o desire_v to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n and_o that_o their_o memory_n shall_v live_v after_o they_o whereas_o this_o only_a show_n that_o there_o be_v implant_v in_o man_n natural_o a_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n which_o will_v procure_v fame_n and_o esteem_v and_o a_o good_a name_n while_o they_o live_v here_o and_o continue_v it_o when_o they_o be_v go_v from_o hence_o but_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o but_o now_o true_a religion_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n that_o will_v advance_v a_o good_a name_n and_o purchase_n esteem_v here_o and_o continue_v it_o after_o death_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o wicked_a man_n name_n be_v remember_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o his_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v prov._n 10.7_o the_o name_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v rot_v i._n e._n it_o shall_v be_v as_o offensive_a and_o unpleasant_a as_o a_o dead_a and_o rot_a carcase_n we_o read_v of_o a_o covetous_a and_o treacherous_a judas_n who_o sell_v his_o master_n but_o we_o detest_v and_o abhor_v his_o memory_n and_o of_o a_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a herod_n but_o with_o almost_o as_o keen_a a_o passion_n as_o those_o sorrowful_a mother_n feel_v at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o little_a infant_n thus_o every_o wicked_a man_n if_o he_o be_v at_o all_o remember_v it_o be_v with_o some_o infamous_a character_n and_o note_n of_o disgrace_n as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o profane_a and_o debauch_v or_o a_o lascivious_a covetous_a or_o unjust_a person_n and_o it_o be_v better_a that_o our_o name_n perish_v for_o ever_o and_o we_o descend_v into_o a_o common_a and_o ignoble_a grave_n than_o to_o be_v thus_o remember_v 2._o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o proper_a judge_n of_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n be_v virtuous_a and_o wise_a person_n among_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v valuable_a with_o man_n there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o of_o so_o high_a a_o esteem_n as_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o
unblamable_a conversation_n which_o be_v according_a to_o that_o sound_a admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v against_o you_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v by_o your_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v behold_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malicious_a cavil_n and_o atheistical_a objection_n make_v against_o religion_n yet_o a_o true_a christian_n that_o walk_v answerable_o to_o his_o profession_n must_v gain_v at_o the_o last_o a_o repute_n and_o esteem_v from_o all_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n 2._o if_o we_o will_v do_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o which_o may_v purchase_v we_o a_o good_a name_n among_o man_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v not_o only_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o vice_n but_o whatever_o may_v have_v any_o suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n a_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thess_n 5.22_o whether_o that_o signify_v from_o every_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o evil_a or_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o bear_v the_o likeness_n appearance_n or_o show_v of_o a_o sin_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v as_o near_o to_o the_o confine_n and_o border_n of_o sin_n as_o he_o can_v seem_v to_o declare_v a_o tacit_fw-la like_n and_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o be_v betray_v and_o surprise_v and_o so_o of_o lose_v his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n therefore_o a_o wary_a and_o cautious_a christian_a and_o such_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v will_v studious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_v the_o least_o jealousy_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a yet_o to_o another_o who_o have_v not_o that_o maturity_n and_o ripeness_n of_o understanding_n may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a be_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o ground_n command_v by_o law_n and_o another_o through_o weakness_n be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n can_v help_v and_o there_o be_v a_o offence_n take_v but_o not_o give_v though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v as_o few_o of_o these_o stumble_v block_n lay_v before_o weak_a person_n as_o may_v fair_o consist_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n itself_o 3._o he_o that_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n must_v take_v care_n that_o in_o all_o his_o act_n with_o other_o he_o be_v sincere_a i._n e._n upon_o all_o emergence_n he_o must_v practice_v virtue_n for_o virtue_n sake_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o best_a and_o most_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o in_o our_o conversation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o sinister_a end_n and_o that_o self-advantage_n and_o interest_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n beside_o that_o it_o redound_v to_o the_o discredit_n of_o religion_n it_o cast_v a_o disgrace_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o so_o far_o deviate_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n as_o selfishness_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o action_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o some_o virtuous_a action_n mere_o to_o compass_v self-advantage_n do_v hereby_o manifest_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o private_a and_o self_n love_n he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n must_v needs_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o gross_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o our_o true_a credit_n and_o reputation_n thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a virtue_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n so_o serious_o exhort_v we_o and_o he_o that_o have_v any_o care_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o this_o life_n and_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o will_v careful_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o do_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n grant_v to_o we_o to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n of_o sincerity_n john_n 1.47_o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n these_o word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o nathanael_n who_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n though_o call_v by_o another_o name_n for_o we_o find_v he_o express_o mention_v with_o they_o john_n 21.2_o this_o person_n be_v bring_v by_o philip_n to_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v come_v within_o distance_n or_o hear_n christ_n say_v behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v see_v here_o a_o man_n of_o that_o integrity_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o be_v high_o value_v and_o prize_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o though_o this_o be_v speak_v particular_o of_o that_o apostle_n yet_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o god_n sight_n for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o israelite_n for_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o so_o in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n in_o plain_a term_n rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n i._n e._n though_o they_o may_v lineal_o descend_v from_o israel_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v the_o proper_a israelite_n or_o true_a christian_n so_o again_o rom._n 2.28_o now_o to_o be_v without_o guile_n here_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o without_o hypocrisy_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v value_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o sincerity_n and_o this_o sometime_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n i_o have_v no_o great_a joy_n say_v st._n john_n ep._n 3.4_o then_o to_o hear_v that_o my_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a christian_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v st._n paul_n great_a comfort_n when_o he_o suppose_v himself_o near_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o godly_a simplicity_n he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n he_o neither_o flatter_v himself_o nor_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o but_o tell_v they_o the_o plain_a truth_n show_v they_o both_o by_o what_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o must_v hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o downright_a sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o have_v no_o doubling_n wind_n or_o turn_n with_o god_n but_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o do_v his_o will._n this_o alone_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o upon_o this_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o righteousness_n the_o pleasant_a mansion_n of_o immortality_n be_v entail_v this_o be_v the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n without_o which_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a shadow_n &_o pageantry_n for_o then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n say_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o it_o be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o best_a and_o all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n must_v own_v that_o god_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v absolute_o and_o above_o all_o comparison_n the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o since_o this_o be_v not_o only_o simple_o the_o best_a but_o the_o utmost_a and_o complete_a felicity_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o follow_v that_o sincerity_n be_v then_o most_o perfect_a when_o our_o will_n with_o all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o full_o and_o whole_o i_o say_v that_o be_v without_o any_o by-end_n or_o self-design_n or_o sinister_a respect_n of_o particular_a fame_n or_o gain_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o mere_o upon_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o he_o who_o intention_n be_v not_o direct_v aright_o can_v hardly_o attain_v that_o excellent_a qualification_n our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o his_o
and_o transgression_n of_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o follow_v verse_n 16._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a and_o plead_v for_o the_o widow_n from_o hence_o you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o god_n put_v a_o high_a estimate_n and_o value_n upon_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o these_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o service_n be_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o further_o acceptable_a than_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o conjunction_n with_o act_n of_o kindness_n beneficence_n justice_n and_o equity_n towards_o our_o fellow-creature_n nay_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o brief_a summary_n or_o compendium_n of_o religion_n they_o always_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o moral-virtue_n to_o be_v the_o main_a part_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o say_v that_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1.27_o that_o true_a religion_n before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n moreover_o the_o value_n that_o god_n put_v upon_o moral-virtue_n be_v so_o great_a that_o when_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o character_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o description_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n draw_v from_o instance_n of_o morality_n in_o the_o 31st_o chapter_n of_o job_n we_o find_v that_o holy_a man_n make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v but_o so_o many_o act_n of_o moral-virtue_n yet_o have_v he_o this_o commendation_n give_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o and_o that_o which_o endear_v cornelius_n to_o god_n and_o make_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o visit_n of_o a_o angel_n first_o and_o then_o of_o a_o apostle_n be_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 10.2_o that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o insomuch_o that_o st._n peter_n make_v this_o general_a deduction_n and_o conclusion_n from_o it_o verse_n 34_o 35._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n whoever_o he_o be_v and_o in_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o sincere_o honour_v he_o and_o live_v up_o as_o near_o as_o he_o can_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o right_a reason_n that_o almighty_a be_v look_n down_o with_o a_o favourable_a eye_n upon_o he_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o christianity_n itself_o who_o ultimate_n end_n be_v the_o salvation_n and_o blessedness_n of_o mankind_n have_v therefore_o appear_v say_v st._n paul_n tit._n 2.12_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o argument_n when_o the_o apostle_n will_v give_v we_o the_o character_n of_o a_o complete_a and_o full_a grow_v christian_a he_o say_v heb._n 5.14_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v his_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n so_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v make_v to_o consist_v in_o have_v a_o vital_a relish_n and_o discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 2._o by_o these_o moral_a action_n we_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o make_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o grand_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v our_o partake_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o wisdom_n or_o power_n but_o in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n in_o holiness_n justice_n and_o equity_n in_o love_n commiseration_n and_o pity_n all_o which_o be_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o we_o partake_v more_o or_o less_o of_o they_o so_o do_v we_o more_o or_o less_o resemble_v and_o draw_v down_o god_n into_o our_o soul_n the_o eternity_n omniscience_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n be_v not_o where_o set_v as_o our_o copy_n to_o follow_v for_o these_o be_v incommunicable_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o all_o his_o moral-perfection_n we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v by_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n by_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n that_o god_n fall_v down_o into_o our_o soul_n and_o impregnate_v they_o with_o his_o sacred_a life_n and_o form_n there_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n and_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o which_o so_o near_o resemble_v god_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n copy_v out_o and_o implant_v in_o his_o creature_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o of_o all_o value_a and_o respect_v by_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n as_o we_o increase_v in_o holiness_n and_o purity_n in_o truth_n goodness_n and_o righteousness_n now_o that_o god_n account_v these_o thing_n most_o dear_a to_o he_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o example_n he_o propose_v to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o who_o that_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v most_o clear_o and_o conspicuous_o discover_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o have_v make_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n exemplary_a and_o set_v as_o a_o godlike_a pattern_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v be_v 1._o his_o superlative_a love_n and_o charity_n design_v not_o so_o much_o his_o own_o interest_n as_o the_o universal_a and_o common_a good_a of_o all_o the_o world_n his_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n but_o extend_v and_o communicate_v to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n of_o age_n or_o sex_n or_o party_n but_o scatter_v his_o bounty_n to_o all_o and_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o all_o person_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n by_o his_o presence_n and_o whenever_o he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o almighty_a power_n which_o reside_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o harm_n and_o damage_n but_o to_o the_o support_n and_o relief_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v withal_o 2._o again_o he_o make_v his_o life_n a_o exemplary_a pattern_n to_o we_o in_o his_o humility_n and_o the_o resignation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o never_o find_v our_o saviour_n ever_o arrogate_a any_o praise_n or_o glory_n to_o himself_o but_o refer_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o action_n to_o god_n insomuch_o as_o though_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v innocent_a and_o without_o sin_n yet_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v good_a say_v that_o none_o be_v good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n and_o whatever_o his_o condition_n be_v he_o never_o murmur_v or_o repine_v at_o it_o but_o entire_o commit_v himself_o to_o the_o wise_a providence_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o ever_o desire_v the_o fulfil_a his_o own_o will_n and_o desire_v any_o further_a than_o they_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n 3._o and_o then_o last_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a example_n of_o a_o unspotted_a purity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n he_o converse_v with_o a_o wicked_a and_o censorious_a world_n with_o man_n that_o lay_v at_o the_o catch_n to_o ensnare_v he_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v they_o can_v ever_o fasten_v any_o sin_n upon_o he_o and_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v ever_o keep_v undefiled_a and_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n so_o his_o body_n be_v never_o pollute_v by_o any_o inordinate_a pleasure_n or_o excess_n but_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n remain_v always_o pure_a as_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_n god_n
order_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o understanding_n 2._o truth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o practice_n be_v proper_o veracity_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o lie_v and_o deceit_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o true_a heart_a in_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o mind_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o his_o exhortation_n ephes_n 4.25_o wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o deceive_a man_n either_o in_o his_o word_n or_o promise_n he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o this_o duty_n be_v necessary_a upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n it_o have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n that_o can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o new_a the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v or_o to_o deceive_v for_o to_o lie_n be_v a_o weakness_n sickness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o god_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o power_n or_o force_n can_v constrain_v he_o to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o nature_n will_v and_o his_o counsel_n and_o will_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n there_o can_v be_v in_o he_o any_o variableness_n inconstancy_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o he_o be_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o stand_v confident_o and_o immutable_o to_o what_o be_v true_a and_o right_a for_o truth_n derive_v from_o a_o infinite_a and_o almighty_a be_v be_v bold_a and_o take_v place_n when_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n be_v put_v to_o its_o shift_n and_o run_v into_o hole_n hate_v the_o light_n therefore_o the_o wise_a heathen_n use_v to_o say_v that_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v thing_n that_o make_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n swerve_v and_o decline_v from_o truth_n the_o further_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n hence_o when_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n who_o testify_v that_o truth_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o john_n 8.44_o they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o lie_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o say_v christ_n when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n creation_n but_o a_o effect_n which_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a cause_n and_o author_n and_o original_a of_o when_o that_o foul_a spirit_n have_v once_o disjoin_v and_o separate_v himself_o from_o god_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o lie_v and_o to_o deceive_v and_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v so_o too_o which_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n when_o once_o it_o become_v uncentre_v and_o unhinged_a from_o that_o stable_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v who_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o truth_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n between_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o liar_n be_v banish_v and_o exclude_v from_o all_o sober_a society_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o destroy_v that_o which_o god_n and_o nature_n ordain_v shall_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v a_o correspondence_n one_o with_o another_o therefore_o the_o very_a formality_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o lie_n include_v in_o it_o a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n and_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o another_o for_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_a of_o judge_v and_o understand_v by_o these_o what_o be_v signify_v to_o he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n tell_v a_o lie_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o right_n by_o make_v he_o to_o believe_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o man_n shall_v speak_v they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a mat._n 12.36_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o every_o impertinent_a or_o useless_a but_o every_o vain_a or_o false_a word_n i._n e._n for_o every_o lie_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n for_o this_o because_o he_o that_o lie_v to_o another_o not_o only_o betray_v the_o effeminateness_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v real_o injurious_a to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v that_o which_o be_v the_o common_a cement_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o society_n be_v incorporate_v together_o wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v every_o man_n care_n to_o avoid_v all_o fraud_n and_o dissimulation_n in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o man_n much_o more_o undecent_a and_o odious_a be_v it_o in_o a_o christian_a who_o profess_v a_o religion_n that_o own_v the_o great_a simplicity_n and_o openness_n and_o freedom_n and_o plain-heartedness_n in_o the_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n though_o he_o many_o time_n prudent_o avoid_v captious_a and_o enshare_a question_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i._n e._n whether_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o true_a messiah_n he_o own_v it_o though_o he_o know_v this_o very_a truth_n will_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n lie_v at_o stake_n than_o truth_n must_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n show_v itself_o for_o to_o dissemble_v and_o to_o be_v false_a to_o this_o be_v to_o betray_v the_o religion_n that_o we_o profess_v therefore_o we_o find_v among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o such_o as_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n revel_v 22.15_o not_o only_o such_o as_o make_v deceit_n and_o dissimulation_n to_o betray_v the_o truth_n but_o such_o as_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o such_o treacherous_a action_n and_o in_o express_a term_n god_n almighty_n threaten_v all_o liar_n revel_v 21.8_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n because_o falsehood_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o sink_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n the_o further_a remove_v from_o he_o but_o destroy_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n which_o require_v in_o all_o its_o professor_n the_o great_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n christ_n come_v to_o promote_v a_o fair_a and_o innocent_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o those_o blemish_n and_o spot_n that_o attend_v lie_v and_o deceit_n truth_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a but_o a_o lie_n be_v crooked_a and_o perverse_a and_o make_v up_o of_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n so_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a truth_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n will_v not_o think_v such_o a_o exhortation_n as_o this_o to_o be_v unseasonable_a but_o will_v with_o all_o diligence_n pursue_v and_o follow_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a beside_o what_o we_o have_v here_o discourse_v of_o virtue_n in_o general_n we_o may_v further_o note_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o moral_a furniture_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o be_v the_o transcript_n and_o derivation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o however_o by_o a_o long_a degeneracy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v wear_v out_o and_o the_o trace_n of_o they_o in_o many_o to_o be_v scarce_o visible_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o cognation_n and_o congruity_n between_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v whenever_o due_o offer_v to_o they_o after_o have_v advise_v to_o thing_n true_a the_o apostle_n come_v next_o to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a signification_n as_o honesty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o justice_n for_o that_o st._n paul_n mention_n afterward_o but_o the_o word_n honest_a hear_v must_v be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a signification_n for_o whatever_o be_v become_v so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a import_v