all_o manner_n of_o fraud_n and_o trick_n deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o and_o oppress_v no_o man_n and_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v honest_o stand_v to_o and_o justify_v and_o modest_o own_o without_o a_o blush_n second_o righteousness_n be_v use_v in_o scripture_n in_o a_o more_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a sense_n as_o it_o take_v in_o our_o whole_a duty_n and_o include_v whatever_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v towards_o god_n our_o neighbour_n or_o ourselves_o all_o duty_n be_v proper_o righteousness_n and_o so_o it_o comprehend_v all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n holiness_n and_o sanctity_n to_o this_o purpose_n deut._n 9.4_o 5._o moses_n dissuade_v the_o people_n from_o a_o vain_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o the_o humour_n of_o attribute_v their_o success_n and_o victory_n to_o any_o thing_n in_o themselves_o word_n it_o after_o this_o manner_n speak_v not_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n after_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n have_v cast_v they_o i._n e._n the_o canaanite_n out_o from_o before_o thou_o say_v for_o my_o righteousness_n the_o lord_n have_v bring_v i_o to_o possess_v this_o land_n not_o for_o thy_o righteousness_n or_o the_o uprightness_n of_o thy_o heart_n do_v thou_o go_v to_o possess_v their_o land_n but_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o these_o nation_n the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v drive_v they_o out_o from_o before_o thou_o where_o the_o righteousness_n which_o he_o forbid_v they_o to_o assume_v to_o themselves_o must_v be_v suppose_v of_o a_o equal_a latitude_n to_o the_o wickedness_n with_o which_o he_o charge_v those_o nation_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o their_o idolatry_n or_o any_o particular_a sort_n of_o vice_n but_o wickedness_n in_o general_n and_o rom._n 6.13_o the_o consecrate_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o pious_a life_n be_v call_v a_o yield_a our_o member_n instrument_n of_o righteousness_n and_o again_o luke_n 1.6_o zacharias_n and_o elizabeth_n have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v righteous_a before_o god_n the_o meaning_n of_o that_o character_n appear_v in_o the_o immediate_o subsequent_a word_n viz._n walk_v in_o all_o the_o commandment_n and_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n blameless_a and_o according_a to_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v all_o his_o commandment_n always_o that_o be_v devout_a and_o religious_a holy_a and_o virtuous_a and_o do_v herein_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o men._n now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o righteousness_n take_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n do_v high_o contribute_v to_o and_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o the_o maintenance_n and_o support_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o civil_a society_n yet_o because_o in_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o the_o verse_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o sin_n indefinite_o and_o universal_o that_o the_o opposition_n may_v be_v entire_a i_o presume_v the_o righteousness_n set_v against_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o like_a latitude_n have_v say_v thus_o much_o towards_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o righteousness_n here_o mention_v and_o fix_v that_o notion_n of_o it_o which_o i_o conceive_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n and_o import_n of_o my_o text_n i_o proceed_v ii_o to_o make_v out_o each_o of_o the_o assertion_n contain_v therein_o and_o first_o that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n now_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o any_o thing_n tend_v to_o make_v a_o nation_n prosperous_a and_o wealthy_a and_o formidable_a so_o far_o it_o likewise_o contribute_v to_o exalt_v their_o honour_n and_o renown_n and_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o universal_a righteousness_n have_v a_o tendency_n towards_o the_o former_a will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n first_o in_o that_o it_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o god_n second_o in_o that_o it_o preserve_v their_o union_n and_o agreement_n among_o themselves_o three_o in_o that_o it_o remove_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o fear_n and_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n from_o abroad_o four_o in_o that_o it_o comprehend_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o moral_a efficiency_n towards_o the_o produce_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o nation_n first_o the_o exercise_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n entitle_v a_o nation_n to_o the_o particular_a and_o extraordinary_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o secure_v he_o on_o their_o side_n as_o a_o bulwark_n and_o defence_n a_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n to_o they_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o by_o imitate_v these_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v follower_n of_o he_o as_o dear_a child_n resemble_v their_o parent_n in_o feature_n and_o disposition_n we_o have_v the_o similitude_n and_o image_n of_o god_n renew_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v make_v partake_v of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o be_v so_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v very_o much_o delight_v and_o please_v with_o we_o and_o have_v a_o peculiar_a concern_v and_o regard_n for_o we_o of_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v to_o find_v the_o happy_a effect_n for_o likeness_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o love_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o love_v himself_o viz._n because_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a good_a and_o beneficent_a etc._n etc._n he_o do_v certain_o love_v those_o that_o imitate_v he_o in_o these_o perfection_n the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o eye_n will_v with_o complacency_n behold_v the_o upright_a psal_n 11.7_o so_o long_o as_o a_o nation_n continue_v to_o be_v his_o people_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o unalienable_a right_n of_o dominion_n which_o he_o have_v over_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o by_o a_o voluntary_a resignation_n and_o surrender_n of_o themselves_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o his_o law_n so_o long_o they_o may_v hope_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o he_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o according_o exercise_v a_o especial_a and_o particular_a providence_n over_o they_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v partaker_n in_o common_a with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n of_o those_o emanation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n that_o be_v diffuse_v and_o scatter_v through_o all_o the_o world_n but_o the_o ray_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v contract_v and_o fix_v upon_o they_o they_o shall_v live_v under_o the_o warm_a influence_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o their_o preservation_n be_v his_o more_o immediate_a care_n indeed_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o in_o a_o numerous_a body_n of_o man_n every_o one_o shall_v prove_v virtuous_a but_o when_o in_o a_o society_n the_o honour_n of_o religion_n be_v zealous_o maintain_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n strict_o keep_v up_o virtue_n encourage_v and_o reward_v and_o vice_n discountenance_v and_o punish_v so_o that_o a_o general_a vein_n of_o piety_n run_v through_o it_o these_o thing_n do_v mighty_o advance_v it_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n and_o the_o contrary_a as_o much_o depress_v it_o almighty_a god_n declare_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o consider_v that_o he_o always_o love_v wise_o and_o without_o any_o unaccountable_a fondness_n it_o will_v hold_v good_a of_o any_o other_o people_n 2_o chron._n 15.2_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o while_o you_o be_v with_o he_o and_o if_o you_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o you_o but_o if_o you_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v forsake_v you_o and_o again_o which_o though_o it_o be_v in_o a_o particular_a case_n yet_o may_v i_o suppose_v be_v without_o any_o incongruity_n apply_v to_o a_o community_n 1_o sam._n 2.30_o they_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v and_o they_o that_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o regard_v now_o the_o advantage_n that_o accrue_v to_o any_o nation_n by_o have_v attain_v the_o divine_a favour_n be_v apparent_a and_o visible_a in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v to_o such_o as_o a_o friend_n and_o ally_n he_o prosper_v their_o state_n and_o defend_v their_o cause_n he_o bless_v and_o second_v their_o endeavour_n espouse_n their_o interest_n be_v a_o friend_n to_o their_o friend_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o all_o their_o enemy_n he_o be_v their_o constant_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n and_o their_o assure_a guardian_n and_o protector_n he_o be_v always_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o encamp_v himself_o round_o about_o they_o he_o increase_v their_o basket_n and_o store_n and_o put_v they_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o they_o may_v lend_v to_o many_o nation_n and_o need_v not_o borrow_v and_o he_o discover_v all_o the_o sly_a plot_n and_o machination_n and_o defeat_v all_o the_o unjust_a open_a hostility_n
a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_z mayor_z and_z aldermen_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o the_o guildhall-chappel_n september_n xvii_o 1682._o by_o joshua_n richardson_n a.m._n chaplain_n to_o his_o lordship_n london_n print_v by_o a.g._n and_o j.p._n for_o w._n ketilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1682._o moor_n mayor_n martis_n xxvi_o o_o die_v septembris_fw-la 1682._o annoque_fw-la regni_fw-la regis_fw-la caroli_n secundi_fw-la angliae_fw-la etc._n etc._n tricesimo_fw-la quarto_fw-la this_o court_n do_v desire_n mr._n richardson_n to_o print_v his_o sermon_n late_o preach_v at_o the_o guildhall-chappel_n before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o this_o city_n wagstaffe_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n john_n moor_n kt._n lord_n mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n my_o lord_n the_o mean_a opinion_n i_o have_v of_o this_o slight_a composition_n when_o i_o preach_v it_o remove_v i_o far_o from_o any_o apprehension_n of_o a_o order_n to_o print_v it_o but_o your_o lordship_n and_o the_o honourable_a court_n to_o who_o it_o be_v habitual_a to_o overvalue_v all_o the_o performance_n of_o your_o servant_n have_v require_v the_o print_n of_o it_o i_o present_v you_o with_o a_o honest_a well-meant_a sermon_n and_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v despise_v from_o any_o man_n the_o compliment_n of_o a_o high_a character_n the_o relation_n i_o stand_v in_o to_o your_o lordship_n may_v put_v i_o under_o a_o temptation_n of_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o mention_v something_o that_o may_v look_v like_o flattery_n but_o your_o lordship_n virtue_n surmount_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o say_v that_o the_o memorable_a lord_n mayor_n of_o eighty_o two_o sir_n john_n moor_n be_v a_o person_n most_o exemplary_o devout_a and_o pious_a wise_a and_o prudent_a oblige_v and_o affable_a valiant_a and_o loyal_a be_v no_o more_o than_o for_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v all_o the_o honest_a world_n my_o voucher_n may_v god_n almighty_n bless_v your_o lordship_n and_o grant_v that_o this_o city_n may_v always_o have_v such_o a_o magistrate_n to_o fill_v the_o chair_n i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o obedient_a servant_n and_o chaplain_n joshua_n richardson_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_z mayor_z prov_n fourteen_o 34._o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n when_o there_o be_v no_o propensity_n more_o prevail_v in_o humane_a nature_n than_o the_o desire_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n which_o man_n bear_v more_o impatient_o than_o the_o be_v render_v little_a and_o despicable_a when_o a_o nice_a resentment_n of_o any_o diminution_n do_v not_o only_o affect_v some_o particular_a person_n but_o spread_v itself_o like_o a_o universal_a genius_n through_o whole_a community_n and_o body_n politic_a insomuch_o that_o the_o several_a individual_n do_v not_o only_o agree_v to_o defray_v every_o one_o his_o share_n of_o the_o charge_n requisite_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o the_o just_a government_n they_o live_v under_o but_o be_v in_o some_o constitution_n know_v willing_o to_o submit_v to_o many_o private_a pressure_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o whole_a thing_n stand_v thus_o i_o say_v it_o may_v appear_v strange_a and_o surprise_v that_o any_o society_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v general_o vicious_a and_o debauch_a when_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n alone_o can_v render_v they_o great_a and_o considerable_a and_o that_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n that_o they_o degenerate_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n they_o must_v necessary_o sink_v and_o dwindle_v into_o contempt_n among_o all_o that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o yet_o in_o a_o age_n that_o have_v reconcile_v almost_o all_o moral_a contradiction_n experience_n do_v convince_v we_o that_o whether_o their_o understanding_n be_v more_o infatuate_v or_o their_o will_n more_o pervert_v man_n general_o act_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o wrong_a measure_n and_o pursue_v their_o most_o desire_a end_n by_o false_a mean_n though_o justice_n and_o integrity_n agreement_n and_o union_n fortitude_n and_o magnanimity_n diligence_n and_o industry_n and_o the_o like_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o advance_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n yet_o while_o man_n retain_v a_o strong_a desire_n to_o this_o they_o retchless_n neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o and_o seem_v to_o lie_v under_o the_o fatal_a delusion_n of_o a_o deceitful_a hope_n that_o vice_n and_o infamy_n be_v not_o inseparable_a now_o this_o may_v arise_v either_o from_o a_o more_o confirm_v mistake_v concern_v or_o a_o actual_a inadvertency_n to_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o in_o order_n to_o remove_v both_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n to_o evince_v the_o everlasting_a truth_n and_o to_o prompt_v you_o to_o a_o present_a consideration_n of_o the_o assertion_n of_o my_o text_n righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v two_o particular_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n ii_o because_o both_o the_o assertion_n of_o my_o text_n after_o i_o shall_v have_v brief_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o righteousness_n therein_o mention_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o vary_v they_o into_o any_o other_o proposition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o distinct_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o they_o as_o they_o lie_v before_o i_o i._o i_o be_o to_o consider_v two_o particular_a notion_n of_o righteousness_n contain_v in_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o present_a purpose_n now_o righteousness_n in_o scripture_n as_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o present_a undertake_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o confine_v or_o a_o more_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a sense_n first_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o more_o confine_v sense_n it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o equity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v both_o in_o distributive_a and_o commutative_a justice_n in_o render_v to_o every_o one_o his_o right_n with_o regard_n to_o more_o public_a and_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o in_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o in_o our_o mutual_a deal_n and_o private_a contract_n with_o one_o another_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o former_a leu._n 19.15_o the_o jewish_a magistrate_n have_v this_o command_v give_v they_o you_o shall_v do_v no_o vnrighteousness_n in_o judgement_n thou_o shall_v not_o respect_v the_o person_n of_o the_o poor_a nor_o honour_v the_o person_n of_o the_o mighty_a but_o in_o righteousness_n shall_v thou_o judge_v thy_o neighbour_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o latter_a psal_n 15._o to_o the_o question_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n who_o shall_v dwell_v in_o thy_o holy_a hill_n the_o answer_n be_v he_o that_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o what_o righteousness_n be_v there_o mean_v appear_v by_o the_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o afterward_o enumerate_v viz._n that_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n that_o do_v no_o evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n that_o swear_v to_o his_o own_o hurt_n and_o change_v not_o that_o be_v who_o be_v sincere_a and_o unreserve_v charitable_a and_o uncensorious_a innocent_a and_o harmless_a and_o so_o inflexible_o just_a to_o any_o promise_v he_o make_v however_o disadvantageous_a they_o may_v prove_v to_o his_o own_o interest_n that_o he_o continue_v honest_a and_o punctual_a to_o they_o though_o he_o be_v a_o loser_n thereby_o now_o according_a to_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o who_o if_o he_o be_v a_o magistrate_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o stem_v a_o popular_a current_n and_o dare_v go_v through_o with_o his_o duty_n though_o oppose_v by_o a_o potent_a and_o restless_a faction_n who_o be_v even_o and_o steady_a in_o all_o his_o action_n and_o suffer_v not_o himself_o to_o be_v bias_v either_o by_o passion_n or_o interest_n but_o in_o all_o his_o proceed_n act_v without_o partiality_n who_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v bribe_v nor_o awe_v into_o or_o out_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o eternal_a justice_n and_o rectitude_n conscience_n and_o equity_n or_o if_o he_o be_v a_o private_a man_n he_o be_v one_o that_o be_v fair_a and_o open_a in_o all_o his_o deal_n that_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o may_v warrantable_o expect_v to_o receive_v from_o they_o that_o make_v good_a his_o contract_n and_o perform_v his_o oath_n and_o promise_n that_o eschew_v
that_o may_v be_v attempt_v upon_o they_o so_o that_o no_o weapon_n form_v against_o they_o shall_v prosper_v second_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n tend_v to_o exalt_v a_o nation_n in_o that_o it_o promote_v union_n and_o agreement_n between_o its_o member_n now_o union_n be_v so_o indispensable_o necessary_a towards_o the_o make_n a_o people_n happy_a much_o more_o towards_o the_o render_v they_o great_a that_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o ruin_v the_o most_o flourish_a kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n the_o adjust_n of_o supremacy_n and_o subordination_n a_o power_n to_o command_v and_o a_o consent_n to_o obey_v and_o agreement_n to_o live_v together_o in_o peace_n and_o order_n love_n and_o amity_n those_o be_v essential_a to_o all_o constitution_n of_o government_n and_o without_o they_o any_o society_n will_v soon_o degenerate_v into_o a_o promiscuous_a herd_n of_o savage_a animal_n continual_o employ_v in_o worry_v and_o devour_v each_o other_o dissension_n among_o a_o people_n be_v like_o a_o latent_fw-la disease_n in_o a_o human_a body_n that_o secret_o prey_v upon_o its_o vital_n and_o from_o a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n reduce_v it_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o faint_a and_o languish_a condition_n and_o be_v perpetual_o hasten_v its_o dissolution_n now_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n discontent_n self-conceit_n and_o other_o the_o like_a deviation_n from_o universal_a righteousness_n do_v natural_o separate_v man_n in_o mind_n and_o affection_n and_o make_v they_o uncharitable_a and_o censorious_a ungovernable_a and_o factious_a but_o religion_n be_v a_o strong_a and_o sure_a ligament_n of_o society_n it_o cement_v man_n affection_n unite_v their_o soul_n and_o tie_v they_o together_o by_o the_o very_a heartstring_n it_o mollify_v their_o nature_n and_o sweeten_v their_o temper_n and_o take_v away_o all_o that_o roughness_n which_o otherwise_o will_v make_v they_o unfit_a for_o conversation_n it_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n for_o man_n to_o hate_n and_o malign_v to_o slander_n and_o reproach_n to_o keep_v up_o feud_n and_o animosity_n and_o to_o fasten_v distinguish_v and_o opprobious_a name_n upon_o each_o other_o such_o practice_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o dissolve_v that_o union_n which_o it_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o religion_n to_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o good_a of_o society_n by_o lay_v upon_o they_o the_o strict_a command_v back_v with_o the_o high_a sanction_n to_o peace_n and_o love_n to_o charity_n and_o good_a will_n to_o desire_v and_o rejoice_v in_o and_o endeavour_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o each_o other_o whereby_o they_o become_v a_o muttal_n relief_n and_o supply_n defence_n and_o security_n and_o every_o member_n of_o a_o society_n have_v a_o share_n in_o every_o one_o and_o so_o be_v sure_a of_o all_o interchangeable_a office_n of_o kindness_n and_o friendship_n agreement_n and_o unanimity_n be_v the_o beauty_n and_o strength_n of_o any_o body_n politic_a and_o a_o kingdom_n and_o a_o city_n by_o be_v divide_v forfeit_v they_o both_o now_o it_o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n to_o conserve_v peace_n among_o mankind_n and_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o do_v not_o what_o they_o can_v in_o order_n thereunto_o whatever_o refine_a name_n they_o may_v assume_v to_o themselves_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v by_o a_o odd_a figure_n in_o rhetoric_n that_o any_o wise_a man_n will_v call_v they_o christian_n there_o be_v a_o general_a complaint_n of_o the_o division_n that_o be_v among_o we_o and_o there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n for_o it_o now_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 16.17_o bid_v we_o to_o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n a_o exhortation_n which_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n will_v reach_v as_o much_o to_o faction_n in_o the_o state_n as_o to_z schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o avoid_v such_o men._n who_o they_o be_v will_v not_o easy_o be_v acknowledge_v each_o party_n be_v as_o forward_o to_o shift_v off_o the_o gild_n as_o they_o be_v to_o lament_v the_o misfortune_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a scrutiny_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v much_o more_o desirous_a that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v remove_v than_o the_o person_n bare_o discover_v only_o thus_o much_o i_o shall_v say_v that_o whoever_o they_o be_v who_o out_o of_o pride_n or_o self-conceit_n peevishness_n or_o humour_n covetousness_n or_o interest_n ill-nature_n or_o uncharitableness_n can_v oppose_v and_o disturb_v a_o most_o excellent_o form_v government_n or_o who_o talk_v very_o much_o of_o religion_n and_o practise_v but_o little_a can_v strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o rather_o than_o submit_v to_o a_o innocent_a ceremony_n separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o best_a establish_a national_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o sacrifice_v her_o peace_n to_o little_a imaginary_a groundless_a scruple_n those_o be_v they_o under_o what_o denomination_n soever_o they_o fall_v who_o be_v causer_n of_o division_n and_o so_o come_v within_o the_o apostle_n caution_n and_o do_v indeed_o contribute_v very_o high_o to_o the_o depress_v and_o diminish_v any_o society_n they_o be_v member_n of_o three_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n tend_v to_o the_o exalt_v a_o nation_n as_o it_o prevent_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o any_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n from_o abroad_o since_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o one_o universal_a monarch_n but_o divide_v into_o several_a kingdom_n and_o principality_n and_o republic_n and_o since_o some_o ambitious_a man_n will_v be_v always_o likely_a enough_o without_o any_o just_a pretension_n when_o occasion_n offer_v to_o endeavour_v the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o own_o dominion_n by_o the_o accession_n of_o new_a conquest_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o any_o people_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o guard_v and_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o foreign_a attemt_n or_o hostile_a incursion_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o this_o the_o practice_n of_o righteousness_n do_v high_o contribute_v to_o as_o by_o divers_a other_o way_n so_o particular_o by_o give_v a_o general_a reputation_n to_o a_o people_n and_o spread_v their_o fame_n wide_o through_o the_o world_n society_n of_o man_n be_v judge_v of_o by_o some_o common_a genius_n that_o chief_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a for_o a_o people_n to_o be_v general_o industrious_a and_o sober_a and_o martial_a this_o will_v gain_v they_o a_o settle_a name_n and_o credit_n the_o neighbour_a nation_n round_o about_o who_o observe_v they_o will_v say_v sure_o this_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o understand_a people_n and_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a will_v very_o great_o advance_v they_o and_o make_v other_o willing_a to_o keep_v up_o commerce_n and_o enter_v into_o league_n and_o alliance_n with_o they_o it_o will_v render_v they_o true_o great_a and_o formidable_a so_o that_o a_o ambitious_a neighbour_n shall_v not_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o invade_v they_o nor_o cheap_a to_o affront_v they_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v slur_n and_o reproach_v a_o nation_n for_o a_o people_n to_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n vicious_a and_o debauch_a and_o effeminate_a this_o make_v they_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a and_o solicit_v and_o invite_v foreign_a attempt_n and_o by_o add_v courage_n to_o their_o enemy_n render_v they_o half-conquered_a before_o they_o be_v engage_v with_o four_o universal_a righteousness_n do_v imply_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o moral_a efficiency_n towards_o the_o produce_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o nation_n there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o virtue_n which_o do_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o more_o or_o less_o contribute_v towards_o the_o benefit_n of_o society_n but_o there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v more_o immediate_o necessary_a to_o the_o keep_n up_o and_o maintenance_n of_o its_o grandeur_n and_o the_o disposition_n to_o and_o exercise_n and_o habit_n of_o these_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o other_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o instance_n only_o in_o two_o viz._n wisdom_n and_o courage_n by_o the_o former_a of_o which_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o certain_a slippery_a craft_n and_o wiliness_n but_o a_o solid_a steady_a prudence_n nor_o by_o the_o latter_a a_o sort_n of_o rash_a and_o brutal_a and_o valour_n but_o a_o brave_a and_o generous_a fortitude_n now_o it_o will_v i_o think_v be_v plain_a that_o neither_o of_o those_o can_v inhabit_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o vicious_a men._n for_o with_o reference_n to_o prudence_n vice_n do_v infatuate_a their_o mind_n and_o craze_v their_o understanding_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o manage_v or_o deliberate_v of_o weighty_a and_o important_a affair_n it_o render_v they_o unable_a to_o discern_v and_o
unactive_a to_o prosecute_v their_o true_a and_o great_a interest_n it_o make_v they_o hot_a and_o fiery_a in_o their_o debate_n rash_a and_o precipitant_a in_o their_o resolution_n and_o giddy_a and_o inconstant_a in_o their_o action_n it_o misguide_v their_o judgement_n and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o frequent_a fatal_a mistake_v and_o thereby_o supplant_v that_o settle_a prudence_n which_o be_v require_v to_o support_v the_o dignity_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o so_o long_o as_o man_n be_v steer_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o fix_v on_o proper_a mean_n to_o accomplish_v their_o honest_a ends._n their_o sight_n be_v not_o delude_v by_o pride_n or_o passion_n or_o interest_n but_o they_o see_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o without_o the_o false_a shape_n that_o those_o or_o the_o like_a vice_n be_v wont_a to_o put_v upon_o they_o they_o soon_o foresee_v danger_n and_o take_v the_o sure_a course_n to_o obviate_v they_o and_o quick_o apprehend_v inconvenience_n and_o make_v the_o wise_a provision_n against_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n with_o respect_n to_o fortitude_n vice_n do_v emasculate_v the_o spirit_n and_o soften_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o render_v they_o unfit_a for_o great_a and_o hazardous_a erterprise_n intemperance_n and_o debauchery_n luxury_n and_o wantonness_n do_v tend_v to_o make_v man_n impotent_a and_o listless_a cowardly_a and_o effeminate_a and_o take_v off_o that_o hardiness_n of_o temper_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o military_a state_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o none_o pursue_v their_o folly_n and_o gild_n expose_v they_o to_o the_o terror_n and_o affright_n of_o false_a and_o imaginary_a fear_n but_o now_o a_o man_n that_o keep_v his_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n entire_a be_v inspire_v with_o bravery_n and_o magnanimity_n and_o dare_v meet_v and_o despise_v a_o danger_n religion_n raise_v man_n to_o a_o heroic_a constitution_n of_o mind_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o true_a courage_n and_o valour_n and_o enspirit_n and_o animate_v they_o to_o do_v mighty_a thing_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o prince_n their_o country_n or_o their_o religion_n and_o because_o these_o and_o other_o the_o like_a virtue_n so_o immediate_o necessary_a to_o support_v the_o honour_n of_o a_o society_n be_v all_o found_v upon_o the_o uniform_a practice_n of_o universal_a righteousness_n i_o think_v i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o towards_o the_o proof_n that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o former_a assertion_n of_o my_o text._n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o speak_v more_o brief_o of_o the_o latter_a viz._n ii_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o any_o people_n in_o the_o management_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v how_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o a_o people_n as_o take_v complex_o and_o make_v up_o a_o body_n politic_a for_o that_o i_o have_v be_v do_v in_o effect_n all_o the_o time_n i_o have_v be_v prove_v how_o much_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n tend_v to_o exalt_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o a_o nation_n but_o i_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o make_v out_o how_o sin_n be_v a_o reproach_n to_o human_a nature_n itself_o or_o to_o man_n consider_v single_o and_o individual_o and_o especial_o to_o christian_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n it_o be_v manifest_o a_o reproach_n to_o any_o man_n first_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o profession_n second_o to_o violate_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n three_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o do_v that_o which_o sometime_o or_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o wish_v undo_v four_o to_o make_v that_o his_o choice_n which_o have_v no_o other_o tendency_n than_o to_o his_o ruin_n first_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o a_o man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o profession_n if_o we_o consider_v ourselves_o in_o common_a but_o as_o man_n all_o vice_n be_v below_o we_o and_o have_v we_o that_o reverence_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v for_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v above_o all_o tentation_n to_o it_o and_o be_v able_a to_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o base_a unmanly_a thing_n sin_n do_v deform_v the_o native_a beauty_n and_o degrade_v the_o excellency_n of_o mankind_n their_o craft_n turn_v they_o into_o fox_n their_o fierceness_n and_o rage_n into_o tiger_n and_o their_o lust_n into_o baboon_n and_o it_o be_v little_o less_o shameful_a for_o we_o to_o have_v the_o same_o disposition_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o exchange_v shape_n and_o figure_n with_o those_o animal_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n he_o be_v one_o that_o profess_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a religion_n and_o have_v agree_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o solemn_o vow_v in_o his_o baptism_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n holy_a will_n and_o commandment_n and_o continue_v christ_n faithful_a servant_n to_o his_o life_n end_n now_o if_o our_o religion_n do_v strict_o forbid_v man_n to_o be_v dissolute_a and_o intemporate_a lascivious_a and_o wanton_a proud_a and_o haughty_a censorious_a and_o uncharitable_a turbulent_a and_o seditious_a etc._n etc._n any_o man_n who_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o vice_n and_o yet_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n be_v false_a to_o his_o vow_n and_o promise_v and_o a_o hypocrite_n to_o his_o profession_n and_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o be_v so_o second_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o a_o man_n to_o violate_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o conscience_n the_o quiet_a and_o peace_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n that_o he_o must_v undergo_v the_o imputation_n of_o folly_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o preserve_v they_o but_o this_o no_o man_n do_v who_o act_v not_o according_a to_o the_o best_a principle_n he_o have_v now_o the_o great_a of_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o visible_a that_o all_o mankind_n can_v but_o discern_v they_o and_o according_a as_o they_o keep_v up_o to_o or_o deviate_v from_o they_o stand_v either_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v to_o themselves_o but_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o have_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o full_a a_o discovery_n make_v to_o they_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o any_o plea_n of_o ignorance_n and_o have_v nothing_o leave_v they_o but_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o precept_n contain_v therein_o and_o since_o the_o do_v the_o contrary_n will_v make_v they_o stand_v self-condemned_a be_v a_o perpetual_a sting_n and_o scorpion_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o continual_o gall_v and_o disease_n their_o mind_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o inward_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o which_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n will_v always_o feast_v they_o it_o must_v needs_o reflect_v disgrace_n upon_o they_o thus_o to_o defeat_v their_o own_o end_n and_o to_o supplant_v and_o destroy_v their_o own_o happiness_n of_o which_o they_o have_v a_o strong_a desire_n root_v in_o their_o nature_n three_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o a_o man_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o which_o he_o will_v some_o time_n or_o other_o certain_o wish_v undo_v it_o be_v never_o account_v a_o part_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o exercise_v himself_o in_o such_o employment_n as_o will_v turn_v to_o no_o account_n nor_o compensate_a the_o time_n and_o cost_n and_o pain_n bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n for_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v assure_v beforehand_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o inconsiderate_a sinner_n wretched_a state_n he_o be_v busy_a at_o present_a in_o prepare_v himself_o sad_a future_a work_n if_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a till_o he_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o wickedness_n in_o the_o other_o world_n there_o he_o will_v with_o a_o fruitless_a and_o too_o late_a remorse_n everlasting_o reproach_n himself_o for_o his_o madness_n and_o stupidity_n or_o suppose_v the_o best_a of_o his_o case_n if_o he_o do_v in_o this_o life_n betake_v himself_o to_o sober_a purpose_n and_o make_v effectual_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n yet_o even_o then_o he_o must_v undergo_v the_o agony_n of_o a_o severe_a repentance_n which_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o that_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n that_o displeasure_n and_o indignation_n agha_v himself_o which_o will_v be_v much_o more_o sharp_a and_o pungent_a than_o ever_o the_o sin_n which_o produce_v it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o gratify_v now_o what_o be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o faculty_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o foresee_v and_o decline_v a_o danger_n than_o wilful_o to_o commit_v that_o which_o will_v end_v so_o fatal_o four_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v that_o his_o own_o choice_n which_o have_v no_o other_o tendency_n than_o to_o his_o ruin_n that_o all_o the_o inconvenience_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o horror_n and_o torture_n of_o the_o next_o will_v be_v the_o unavoidable_a punishment_n of_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a to_o all_o that_o either_o believe_v holy_a writ_n or_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o what_o a_o reflection_n be_v it_o upon_o our_o credit_n to_o choose_v sin_n under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n and_o yet_o this_o we_o do_v the_o devil_n himself_o can_v only_o tempt_v and_o allure_v but_o can_v force-us_a to_o it_o god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v nor_o can_v any_o temptation_n prove_v irresistible_a but_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n god_n will_v not_o withhold_v from_o we_o sufficient_a grace_n if_o we_o ask_v for_o it_o and_o faithful_o improve_v it_o and_o if_o we_o may_v conquer_v temtation_n if_o we_o will_v i._n e._n if_o we_o concur_v with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v we_o to_o that_o end_n then_o if_o we_o be_v wicked_a we_o make_v sin_v our_o own_o choice_n and_o must_v not_o only_o undergo_v the_o unavoidable_a pressure_n of_o it_o but_o suffer_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o unpitiable_a state_n of_o be_v miserable_a by_o our_o own_o election_n and_o mere_o because_o we_o will_v be_v so_o i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o consideration_n of_o each_o of_o the_o assertion_n of_o my_o text_n and_o i_o may_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o infer_v that_o the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v enjoin_v we_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o impose_v any_o thing_n arbitrary_o upon_o we_o nor_o mere_o to_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o we_o but_o have_v prescribe_v we_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v real_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o all_o mankind_n either_o single_o or_o in_o society_n but_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o the_o exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 4.8_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n be_v with_o you_o amen_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la page_n 19_o line_n 20._o deal_n and_o p._n 24._o l._n 23._o after_o great_a add_v line_n