and_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n let_v he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o use_v such_o wholesome_a mortification_n as_o may_v bring_v his_o appetite_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o reasonable_a power_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o drunkenness_n be_v his_o darling_n vice_n let_v he_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o be_v red_a when_o it_o give_v its_o colour_n in_o the_o cup_n when_o it_o move_v itself_o aright_o but_o consider_v that_o at_o last_o it_o bit_v like_o a_o serpent_n 32._o prov._n 23.31_o 32._o and_o sting_v like_o a_o adder_n let_v he_o put_v a_o knife_n to_o his_o throat_n in_o solomon_n phrase_n when_o he_o be_v in_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a company_n i._n e._n consider_v the_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o of_o abuse_v those_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o intemperance_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v design_v for_o his_o comfort_n and_o support_v and_o let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v all_o such_o place_n and_o company_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v excess_n and_o riot_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o joseph_n be_v solicit_v by_o his_o lascivious_a mistress_n to_o defile_v his_o master_n bed_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hearken_v unto_o she_o 39.10_o gen._n 39.10_o or_o tarry_v with_o she_o in_o the_o house_n the_o nazarenes_n be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o wine_n will_v not_o eat_v the_o husk_n and_o kernel_n of_o the_o grape_n nay_o so_o careful_a be_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pass_v through_o a_o vineyard_n lest_o they_o shall_v covet_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n very_o remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n theodosius_n who_o be_v betray_v to_o some_o rash_a and_o sinful_a action_n by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o his_o passion_n oblige_v himself_o never_o to_o execute_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n till_o he_o have_v first_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n that_o by_o give_v himself_o time_n for_o second_o and_o more_o sober_a thought_n he_o may_v calm_o deliberate_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v add_v be_v it_o needful_a this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o daily_a use_n and_o practise_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o now_o have_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o question_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o matter_n practical_a in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v second_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a with_o relation_n to_o other_o for_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o be_v good_a ourselves_o and_o our_o great_a business_n in_o this_o world_n next_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o be_v beneficial_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n possible_a to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o please_v god_n and_o glorify_v he_o but_o pursue_v our_o own_o true_a interest_n also_o for_o since_o every_o man_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a of_o that_o society_n in_o which_o he_o live_v whatsoever_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o community_n must_v in_o the_o end_n redound_v upon_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_a to_o ourselves_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v as_o useful_a and_o helpful_a as_o possible_o we_o can_v be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v embark_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n 5.9_o rom._n 5.9_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v say_v the_o apostle_n goodness_n or_o a_o charitable_a disposition_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n i._n e._n a_o inclination_n to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v able_a to_o all_o man_n be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o carry_v such_o endear_n charm_v along_o with_o it_o that_o a_o man_n will_v rather_o venture_v his_o own_o life_n than_o such_o a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o his_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o employ_v all_o those_o talent_n god_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a reprove_v the_o faulty_a make_v peace_n among_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o administer_a to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o expend_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v more_o than_o will_v make_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n for_o ourselves_o and_o family_n according_a to_o that_o station_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n lay_v down_o negative_o in_o the_o text._n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n i.e._n we_o must_v set_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o open_o injurious_a to_o he_o or_o do_v he_o wrong_v in_o his_o person_n estate_n or_o good_a name_n but_o we_o must_v avoid_v speak_v any_o word_n that_o look_v like_o a_o injury_n or_o have_v thou_o but_o a_o oblique_a tendency_n to_o his_o disparagement_n and_o disgrace_n or_o which_o have_v any_o probability_n of_o be_v misinterpret_v for_o a_o affront_n if_o we_o foresee_v it_o may_v draw_v any_o ill_a consequence_n after_o it_o or_o give_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o just_a offence_n we_o ought_v to_o restrain_v ourselves_o and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o herein_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o good_a turn_v which_o lie_n in_o our_o power_n that_o we_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o self-love_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n towards_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n deal_v with_o he_o as_o we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o as_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o and_o as_o emphatical_o express_v as_o they_o can_v be_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v we_o almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a inducement_n our_o unquestionable_a interest_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n seem_v so_o concern_v for_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v rather_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 9.13_o matth._n 9.13_o he_o be_v better_a please_v with_o mercy_n i._n e._n do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n a_o duty_n which_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n those_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o a_o sense_n and_o principle_n of_o honour_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o bear_v a_o sincere_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n and_o their_o friend_n to_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o punctual_a observer_n of_o their_o word_n we_o may_v find_v example_n enough_o among_o the_o heathen_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v patriot_n to_o their_o country_n and_o have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o generous_a instance_n of_o a_o inviolable_a friendship_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v no_o more_o argument_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n but_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o action_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o general_a rule_n in_o relation_n to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o i._o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o to_o do_v any_o action_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n evil_a though_o we_o be_v assure_v some_o great_a good_a may_v be_v effect_v thereby_o ii_o we_o must_v sometime_o omit_v even_o good_a action_n when_o they_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o evil_n or_o a_o reasonable_a offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o
our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o be_v our_o mind_n due_o qualify_v and_o prepare_v to_o perform_v that_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o god_n be_v best_a please_v with_o and_o take_v most_o delight_n in_o 4.24_o john_n 4.24_o for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o of_o so_o many_o who_o frequent_a the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o few_o reap_v benefit_n by_o it_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o worshipper_n render_v themselves_o uncapable_a of_o receive_v those_o blessing_n which_o god_n offer_v they_o in_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n they_o come_v into_o god_n court_n careless_o and_o negligent_o without_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o importance_n of_o those_o duty_n they_o be_v go_v to_o perform_v their_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o vain_a worldly_a and_o sinful_a thought_n pollute_v with_o carnal_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o they_o take_v so_o little_a delight_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o reap_v no_o more_o benefit_n by_o it_o 2._o if_o we_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n we_o must_v comport_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o and_o express_v the_o zeal_n and_o fervency_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o become_v and_o expressive_a gesture_n of_o our_o body_n do_v we_o consider_v that_o the_o place_n we_o tread_v be_v holy_a ground_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n look_v down_o upon_o we_o and_o behold_v we_o the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v strike_v a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n on_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o throne_n of_o any_o temporal_a prince_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v of_o exact_v from_o we_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o body_n 28.17_o gen._n 28.17_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n say_v jacob_n this_o be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o house_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n a_o due_a sense_n also_o of_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o will_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n for_o be_v we_o beg_v of_o god_n some_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o we_o may_v well_o be_v without_o indifferency_n in_o our_o behaviour_n will_v better_o become_v we_o but_o when_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o soul_n lie_v at_o stake_n when_o we_o be_v candidate_n for_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n we_o can_v be_v too_o earnest_a we_o can_v be_v too_o devout_a have_v we_o a_o thousand_o hand_n and_o a_o thousand_o tongue_n they_o may_v all_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v to_o express_v the_o devotion_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o fervency_n of_o our_o affection_n it_o be_v not_o a_o bare_a join_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n a_o repeat_v the_o response_n and_o put_v ourselves_o in_o that_o posture_n the_o rubric_n enjoin_v it_o be_v not_o the_o avoid_v the_o indecency_n of_o a_o profane_a or_o clownish_a worshipper_n i_o be_o now_o plead_v for_o this_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n good_a manner_n and_o gentile_a education_n will_v exact_v from_o we_o but_o that_o we_o go_v far_o and_o by_o the_o humility_n gravity_n and_o composedness_n of_o our_o behaviour_n stir_v up_o holy_a affection_n in_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o encourage_v other_o to_o imitate_v our_o example_n last_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n do_v also_o consist_v in_o the_o decency_n and_o solemnity_n of_o those_o circumstance_n which_o accompany_v our_o worship_n which_o though_o they_o consist_v of_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a yet_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o excellent_a end_n and_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n for_o the_o promote_a devotion_n and_o uniformity_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o much_o influence_v by_o the_o show_v and_o appearance_n of_o thing_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v please_v to_o the_o eye_n have_v a_o easy_a admission_n and_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v the_o care_n of_o holy_a and_o devout_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o religion_n have_v the_o countenance_n of_o public_a authority_n and_o be_v in_o a_o flourish_a condition_n to_o build_v church_n for_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o good_a repair_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o ornament_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perform_v orderly_o decent_o and_o solemn_o and_o appear_v regular_a and_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n awful_a and_o reverend_a thought_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v there_o worship_v for_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o religion_n be_v vile_a and_o cheap_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o those_o man_n who_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v can_v suffer_v the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o lie_v waist_n whilst_o they_o dwell_v in_o ceil_v roof_n they_o spare_v no_o cost_n to_o raise_v beautify_v and_o adorn_v their_o own_o house_n they_o ceile_v they_o with_o cedar_n 22.14_o jer._n 22.14_o and_o paint_v they_o with_o vermilion_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o contribute_v the_o least_o mite_n to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n quorsum_fw-la perditio_fw-la haec_fw-la be_v their_o usual_a demand_n to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o this_o cost_n and_o charges_n be_v it_o not_o better_o that_o all_o this_o money_n be_v spare_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a to_o who_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o learned_a knight_n which_o probable_o will_v give_v better_a satisfaction_n europae_n sir_n edwin_n sands_n in_o his_o speculum_fw-la europae_n than_o if_o speak_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o clergyman_n though_o the_o ornament_n say_v he_o of_o such_o place_n as_o be_v dedicate_v to_o god_n service_n aught_o to_o be_v rather_o grave_a than_o pompous_a yet_o it_o can_v never_o sink_v into_o my_o heart_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o allowance_n for_o furnish_v they_o out_o shall_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o scanty_a rule_n of_o mere_a necessity_n a_o proportion_n so_o low_a that_o nature_n itself_o have_v go_v beyond_o it_o even_o in_o the_o most_o ignoble_a creature_n or_o that_o god_n have_v enrich_v this_o low_a world_n with_o such_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o thing_n beautiful_a and_o glorious_a that_o they_o may_v serve_v only_o for_o the_o pamper_a mortal_a man_n in_o his_o pride_n and_o that_o to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n lord_n and_o giver_n of_o they_o only_a base_n cheap_a and_o less_o beautiful_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v employ_v especial_o see_v that_o as_o in_o prince_n court_n so_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o outward_a state_n and_o glory_n be_v well_o dispose_v do_v beget_v increase_n quicken_v and_o nourish_v the_o inward_a reverence_n and_o respectful_a devotion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o so_o sovereign_a a_o majesty_n thus_o this_o true_o pious_a and_o devout_a as_o well_o as_o excellent_o learned_a person_n to_o who_o assent_v the_o voice_n of_o all_o antiquity_n it_o be_v well_o know_v what_o care_n be_v take_v that_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o moses_n shall_v be_v as_o rich_a and_o as_o beautiful_a as_o art_n can_v make_v it_o in_o what_o glory_n splendour_n and_o beauty_n the_o temple_n of_o solomon_n be_v build_v how_o desirous_a david_n be_v to_o have_v be_v the_o founder_n of_o it_o but_o since_o that_o honour_n be_v reserve_v for_o his_o son_n solomon_n he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o provide_v material_n and_o tell_v we_o moreover_o because_o i_o have_v set_v my_o affection_n to_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n 29.3_o 1_o chron._n 29.3_o i_o have_v of_o my_o own_o proper_a good_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o i_o have_v give_v to_o the_o house_n of_o my_o god_n over_o and_o above_o all_o that_o i_o have_v prepare_v for_o the_o holy_a house_n even_o three_o thousand_o talent_n of_o gold_n of_o ophir_n and_o seven_o thousand_o talent_n of_o refine_a silver_n and_o when_o this_o house_n be_v destroy_v a_o second_o temple_n be_v build_v which_o though_o much_o inferour_n to_o the_o former_a yet_o for_o beauty_n and_o magnificency_n be_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o under_o the_o law_n but_o from_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v tolerate_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n their_o great_a care_n be_v to_o build_v church_n for_o the_o more_o decent_a and_o solemn_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o when_o those_o church_n which_o be_v overthrow_v in_o the_o dioclesian_n persecution_n be_v re-edify_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v under_o maximinus_n the_o historian_n tell_v we_o 2._o euseb_n lib._n 10._o cap._n 2._o that_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a