truth_n that_o seek_v to_o diminish_v and_o obscure_v those_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o so_o evident_o appear_v throughout_o all_o the_o tract_n of_o immense_a space_n thus_o then_o when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o but_o into_o the_o fabric_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v with_o what_o wonderful_a art_n and_o contrivance_n thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o each_o part_n be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o conspire_v to_o one_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o very_a consideration_n that_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o frame_v for_o end_n and_o design_n will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o conscious_a and_o intelligent_a nature_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o powerful_a god_n therefore_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o either_o the_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n or_o the_o admirable_a structure_n of_o humane_a body_n in_o which_o be_v lodge_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o blind_a chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a coalition_n of_o atom_n we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o at_o first_o sight_n as_o a_o error_n and_o delusion_n because_o it_o derogate_v and_o take_v away_o from_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o make_n even_o of_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n again_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o damn_v they_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n it_o be_v impossible_a keep_v ourselves_o to_o this_o rule_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v believe_v such_o a_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n which_o as_o it_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a so_o it_o will_v never_o destroy_v or_o turn_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n without_o its_o own_o demerit_n and_o default_n to_o instance_n once_o more_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o that_o though_o he_o invite_v all_o man_n yet_o he_o deny_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o be_v extricate_v out_o of_o their_o miserable_a condition_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o a_o downright_a falsehood_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n can_v command_v and_o enjoin_v impossibility_n nor_o exact_v and_o require_v man_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n without_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n whereby_o to_o do_v they_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o will_v so_o little_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o tyranny_n and_o unaccountable_a self-will_a hence_o now_o it_o follow_v not_o only_o in_o these_o instance_n but_o in_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatever_o if_o they_o any_o way_n lessen_v the_o goodness_n wisdom_n or_o power_n of_o god_n if_o they_o disparage_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o attribute_n such_o doctrine_n can_v never_o be_v true_a for_o truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o alike_o and_o be_v ever_o find_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n 2._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v teach_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o find_a reason_n or_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a because_o reason_n be_v that_o lamp_n or_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v light_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o our_o sense_n be_v another_o infallible_a mean_n of_o communicate_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o when_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o not_o vitiate_a and_o their_o object_n due_o and_o convenient_o circumstantiate_v now_o as_o our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v give_v we_o to_o discern_v object_n of_o sight_n and_o hear_v so_o be_v our_o reason_n to_o discern_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o as_o no_o man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v craze_v in_o his_o intellectual_n will_v distrust_v his_o eye_n or_o ear_n when_o their_o object_n be_v due_o place_v so_o neither_o will_v he_o distrust_v his_o reason_n when_o it_o act_v according_a to_o those_o common_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n upon_o which_o all_o reason_n be_v found_v and_o that_o this_o may_v yet_o be_v more_o manifest_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o please_v whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ungratefulness_n and_o disagreeableness_n between_o falsehood_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o believe_v a_o falsehood_n be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n wherefore_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v at_o his_o pleasure_n his_o understanding_n be_v limit_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o right_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o consequent_o that_o doctrine_n must_v be_v false_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o give_v some_o light_n to_o this_o in_o a_o particular_a instance_n our_o adversary_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n say_v that_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o the_o consecrate_a wafer_n and_o every_o crum_n of_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a and_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v utter_o false_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o christ_n natural_a body_n can_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o continuation_n of_o itself_o be_v in_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n upon_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n because_o three_o of_o our_o sense_n viz._n our_o taste_v touch_v and_o see_v inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v still_o bread_n and_o if_o our_o faculty_n may_v deceive_v we_o in_o their_o proper_a object_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o arrive_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o must_v be_v condemn_v to_o a_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a judge_n when_o they_o be_v right_o circumstantiate_v appear_v from_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v which_o be_v only_o so_o many_o appeal_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n 3._o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o drive_v at_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o design_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a for_o all_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o some_o way_n or_o other_o serve_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o true_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v we_o better_o their_o design_n be_v to_o communicate_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n to_o we_o as_o may_v affect_v our_o heart_n and_o render_v we_o more_o godlike_a holiness_n be_v the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o whatever_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n promote_v and_o advance_v a_o pious_a and_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v believe_v to_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v imagine_v that_o a_o bare_a naked_a faith_n without_o a_o inward_a change_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enough_o to_o save_v he_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v frame_v to_o himself_o any_o opinion_n that_o give_v any_o liberty_n indulgence_n or_o allowance_n to_o any_o sin_n these_o and_o such_o like_a fancy_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v because_o they_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a holiness_n purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n by_o these_o rule_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o we_o in_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
whatever_o be_v venerable_a grave_a decent_a and_o become_a for_o doubtless_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o natural_a decency_n and_o decorum_n which_o may_v be_v rate_v according_a to_o the_o different_a circumstance_n and_o qualification_n of_o men._n thus_o some_o thing_n may_v pass_v irreprehensible_a in_o a_o private_a person_n which_o be_v unbecoming_a a_o prince_n and_o that_o which_o may_v be_v allow_v in_o another_o will_v yet_o be_v unfit_a for_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o tim._n 3.2_o of_o good_a behaviour_n which_o in_o verse_n 8._o be_v express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d grave_n i._n e._n adorn_v with_o a_o comely_a gravity_n and_o decency_n in_o his_o whole_a conversation_n so_o that_o whatever_o degree_n or_o place_n a_o man_n hold_v in_o the_o world_n he_o ought_v to_o act_n suitable_o and_o agreeable_o to_o it_o thus_o parent_n and_o master_n ought_v to_o set_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n a_o example_n of_o gravity_n and_o becomingness_n which_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o measure_v from_o the_o use_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o nation_n wherein_o they_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o general_n rule_v of_o becomingness_n which_o nature_n and_o reason_n will_v furnish_v we_o withal_o for_o grave_a and_o venerable_a and_o become_v be_v thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v some_o rule_n and_o measure_n whereby_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v know_v as_o well_o as_o for_o any_o other_o virtue_n as_o 1._o this_o gravity_n and_o becomeingness_n which_o the_o apostle_n advise_v we_o to_o follow_v require_v that_o we_o act_n in_o all_o thing_n suitable_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v make_v we_o rational_a creature_n and_o endue_v we_o with_o a_o power_n of_o discern_v between_o moral_a good_a and_o evil._n now_o we_o have_v the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o what_o be_v base_a and_o deform_a and_o what_o be_v honest_a and_o become_v engrave_v upon_o our_o soul_n whenever_o we_o transgress_v these_o rule_n we_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n hence_o be_v that_o precept_n of_o the_o philosopher_n reverere_fw-la teipsum_fw-la reverence_n thyself_o i._n e._n take_v care_n that_o thou_o act_n not_o below_o the_o dignity_n and_o eminency_n of_o thy_o nature_n for_o right_o reason_n be_v that_o rule_n and_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n be_v to_o be_v form_v and_o square_v whenever_o we_o swerve_v and_o deviate_v from_o that_o rule_n we_o go_v below_o and_o debase_v our_o nature_n and_o this_o superiority_n of_o reason_n over_o all_o our_o animal_n and_o brutish_a passion_n and_o inclination_n be_v denote_v in_o gen._n 1.28_o where_o god_n bid_v man_n have_v dominion_n over_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o over_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o over_o every_o live_a thing_n that_o move_v upon_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v many_o passion_n and_o affection_n and_o sensation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n and_o as_o they_o be_v innocent_a in_o themselves_o so_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n wherefore_o man_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n he_o have_v likewise_o a_o empire_n and_o rule_n and_o dominion_n give_v he_o over_o all_o his_o bodily_a affection_n and_o inclination_n to_o moderate_v and_o guide_v they_o in_o the_o lesser_a world_n as_o god_n do_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o great_a throughout_o the_o whole_a creation_n thus_o st._n judas_n verse_n 6_o speak_v of_o the_o lapse_v angel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n the_o vulgar_a latin_a have_v it_o principatum_fw-la suum_fw-la non_fw-la servaverunt_fw-la which_o be_v thus_o express_v by_o simplicius_n after_o the_o platonical_a manner_n 163._o in_o epictet_n p._n 163._o and_o in_o term_n very_o little_a different_a from_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neglect_v that_o archical_a power_n wherein_o consist_v their_o similitude_n with_o god_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o irrational_a appetite_n now_o when_o the_o brutish_a life_n lead_v we_o astray_o from_o the_o government_n of_o reason_n and_o we_o cast_v away_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o principality_n and_o archical_a rule_n wherewith_o god_n have_v invest_v we_o over_o all_o our_o corporeal_a passion_n and_o affection_n than_o the_o order_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v invert_v and_o the_o beast_n govern_v the_o man_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o unbecoming_a and_o unhandsome_a to_o every_o one_o that_o have_v any_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o discern_v in_o he_o it_o be_v a_o evil_n which_o solomon_n say_v he_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n eccles_n 10.7_o servant_n upon_o horse_n and_o prince_n walk_v as_o servant_n upon_o the_o earth_n the_o moral_a be_v true_a in_o every_o wicked_a man_n in_o who_o reason_n be_v dethrone_v and_o the_o low_a of_o his_o appetite_n and_o desire_n command_v and_o force_v he_o to_o obey_v they_o for_o any_o man_n therefore_o by_o intemperance_n debauchery_n and_o a_o lawless_a pursuit_n after_o sensual_a pleasure_n to_o abuse_v any_o power_n of_o his_o body_n or_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v dishonest_a and_o uncomely_a in_o force_v reason_n from_o its_o seat_n and_o set_v up_o his_o brutish_a lust_n in_o its_o stead_n to_o be_v carry_v out_o in_o a_o fond_a dote_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o sensual_a vanity_n and_o to_o follow_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a eagerness_n and_o desire_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o ultimate_a happiness_n of_o man_n it_o be_v to_o debase_v and_o dishonour_v our_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o abuse_n and_o a_o slur_n cast_v upon_o humane_a nature_n because_o we_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o those_o purpose_n which_o god_n never_o intend_v it_o for_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o be_v overcurious_a in_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o body_n and_o to_o bestow_v too_o much_o time_n in_o deck_v and_o adorn_v that_o to_o the_o prejudice_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v what_o be_v unbecoming_a and_o dishonourable_a to_o a_o man_n because_o it_o be_v a_o prefer_n our_o worse_a part_n before_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v much_o the_o noble_a half_n of_o we_o now_o as_o for_o that_o decency_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v even_o in_o our_o apparel_n it_o be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o custom_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a person_n among_o who_o we_o live_v who_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v slight_v or_o undervalue_v the_o state_n likewise_o and_o condition_n of_o person_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v they_o that_o be_v gorgeous_o apparel_v and_o live_v delicate_o say_v christ_n luke_n 7.25_o be_v in_o king_n court_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o condemn_v the_o wear_n of_o rich_a apparel_n either_o as_o a_o thing_n undecent_a or_o unlawful_a but_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o the_o quality_n and_o condition_n of_o person_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 2._o gravity_n and_o comeliness_n require_v that_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o consider_v the_o end_n of_o our_o being_n and_o that_o we_o act_n suitable_o and_o agreeable_o to_o that_o end_n every_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v determine_v and_o as_o the_o end_n be_v more_o or_o less_o noble_a so_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o creature_n proportionable_o more_o or_o less_o now_o the_o high_a and_o best_a end_n of_o man_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n must_v undoubted_o be_v the_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o noble_a nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o this_o wherefore_o all_o comeliness_n and_o decorum_n consist_v in_o a_o apt_a and_o due_a order_n and_o consent_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o then_o act_n the_o most_o become_v when_o we_o act_n the_o most_o agreeable_o and_o consonant_o to_o the_o great_a and_o universal_a end_n of_o our_o being_n therefore_o whatever_o it_o be_v that_o hinder_v our_o communication_n with_o god_n and_o our_o partake_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o far_o forth_o it_o be_v dishonest_a vile_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o our_o intellectual_a creature_n it_o be_v good_a advice_n of_o the_o wise_a ben_fw-mi syrack_n ecclesiast_fw-la 7.36_o remember_v the_o end_n and_o thou_o shall_v never_o do_v amiss_o for_o he_o that_o act_v agreeable_o and_o conformable_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o be_v he_o act_v according_a to_o that_o order_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a let_v
they_o serious_o consider_v this_o who_o can_v quiet_o and_o content_o wallow_v and_o tumble_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n who_o be_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o with_o the_o serpent_n they_o be_v creep_v upon_o the_o ground_n and_o lick_v the_o dust_n how_o infinite_o they_o deviate_v and_o swerve_v from_o that_o great_a end_n of_o their_o creation_n man_n be_v make_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o therefore_o have_v such_o faculty_n and_o power_n in_o his_o soul_n as_o be_v fit_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o when_o our_o understanding_n and_o our_o will_n when_o our_o love_n and_o our_o desire_n be_v take_v up_o with_o the_o search_n and_o complacency_n they_o find_v in_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a object_n these_o faculty_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v misplace_v which_o breed_v a_o disorder_n and_o a_o confusion_n and_o this_o be_v what_o in_o itself_o be_v dishonest_a and_o unbecoming_a every_o excess_n and_o exorbitancy_n of_o our_o passion_n be_v a_o indecency_n not_o only_o as_o it_o sink_v a_o man_n below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o exalt_v the_o brutish_a part_n in_o he_o but_o as_o it_o destroy_v and_o contradict_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o be_v that_o be_v his_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o most_o calm_a and_o uniform_a and_o sedate_v thing_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o gravity_n and_o becomingness_n command_v we_o to_o treat_v holy_a thing_n and_o person_n with_o that_o reverence_n that_o be_v due_a and_o proper_a to_o they_o virtue_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v mere_o acquire_v and_o transfuse_v into_o we_o from_o without_o but_o rather_o a_o exsuscitation_n and_o raise_v up_o of_o those_o intellectual_a principle_n pro_fw-la re_fw-la nata_fw-la and_o according_a as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a action_n invite_v which_o be_v essential_o engrave_v and_o seal_v upon_o the_o soul_n at_o her_o first_o creation_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o law_n or_o principle_n which_o be_v connate_a and_o bear_v with_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v reverence_n our_o superior_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o superiority_n so_o our_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n and_o honour_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v thus_o god_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v with_o the_o high_a honour_n to_o be_v love_v with_o the_o great_a love_n and_o serve_v with_o the_o most_o cheerful_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n because_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a be_v the_o fruitful_a cause_n and_o original_a from_o whence_o all_o thing_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n flow_v and_o derive_v themselves_o and_o if_o it_o be_v judge_v among_o all_o nation_n a_o thing_n very_o unbecome_a to_o deride_v and_o treat_v our_o parent_n with_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n much_o more_o be_v it_o when_o this_o abuse_n be_v offer_v to_o god_n himself_o and_o pass_v upon_o thing_n or_o person_n that_o for_o his_o sake_n be_v call_v holy_a it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o cry_v sin_n of_o this_o age_n that_o man_n be_v grow_v of_o such_o a_o light_n and_o frothy_a temper_n as_o to_o think_v it_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o wit_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o ridicule_n the_o scripture_n and_o to_o expose_v to_o scorn_v the_o sacred_a person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o he_o that_o can_v do_v this_o with_o the_o fine_a fancy_n and_o cloth_n the_o lewdness_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o neat_a dress_n be_v applaud_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o herd_n and_o pass_v for_o a_o most_o exquisite_a wit_n though_o it_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o wit_n as_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v either_o ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n but_o these_o whiffler_n who_o have_v neither_o learning_n nor_o good_a manner_n be_v neither_o afraid_a nor_o ashamed_a by_o their_o rude_a droll_a and_o buffoon_v to_o expose_v to_o contempt_n all_o that_o which_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v always_o have_v the_o great_a veneration_n for_o and_o how_o unbecoming_a and_o uncivil_a a_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n speak_v aloud_o and_o whoever_o have_v but_o a_o dram_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n leave_v in_o he_o must_v needs_o abhor_v it_o as_o contrary_a to_o that_o gravity_n which_o nature_n herself_o instruct_v man_n in_o 4._o to_o expose_v any_o man_n to_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n for_o any_o imperfection_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o gravity_n and_o decorum_n for_o as_o for_o the_o imbecillity_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o mind_n since_o all_o man_n soul_n be_v cast_v in_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v make_v proceed_v from_o a_o hide_a and_o reserve_v providence_n altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a to_o expose_v they_o to_o scorn_v for_o that_o who_o reason_n we_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a of_o a_o fool_n be_v rather_o the_o object_n of_o our_o pity_n and_o commiseration_n than_o of_o our_o contempt_n and_o derision_n and_o to_o vilify_v and_o upbraid_v another_o for_o any_o defect_n or_o deformity_n of_o body_n it_o be_v to_o upbraid_v he_o for_o that_o which_o be_v no_o more_o in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n not_o to_o be_v born_n lest_o of_o all_o do_v it_o become_v we_o to_o make_v ourselves_o merry_a with_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o rather_o to_o mourn_v and_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v so_o degenerate_a and_o fall_v from_o the_o excellency_n and_o height_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o as_o for_o their_o folly_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o derision_n yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o imitate_v the_o sad_a and_o sober_a temper_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n of_o who_o we_o read_v that_o he_o sometime_o weep_v but_o never_o that_o he_o laugh_v 5._o last_o christian_a gravity_n will_v teach_v we_o to_o avoid_v all_o filthiness_n and_o foolish_a talk_v and_o jest_a which_o this_o apostle_n st._n paul_n tell_v we_o ephes_n 5.4_o be_v not_o convenient_a i._n e._n they_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o that_o gravity_n and_o modesty_n that_o a_o christian_n ought_v to_o observe_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o he_o that_o either_o use_n or_o delight_n in_o obscene_a and_o filthy_a discourse_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o soul_n be_v strange_o sink_v and_o bemire_v in_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d urbanity_n which_o be_v here_o render_v jest_a be_v reckon_v by_o aristotle_n as_o a_o virtue_n that_o help_v to_o accomplish_v a_o man_n and_o those_o who_o neither_o willing_o use_n nor_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o jest_n be_v by_o he_o term_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rustical_a yet_o as_o the_o one_o will_v hardly_o merit_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n unless_o it_o be_v use_v with_o great_a caution_n and_o prudence_n so_o the_o other_o be_v so_o far_o from_o rusticity_n that_o it_o may_v rather_o seem_v the_o exaltedness_n and_o heroicalness_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o slight_v and_o undervalue_v these_o little_a flirt_n of_o wit_n as_o mean_a and_o trivial_a in_o a_o word_n we_o that_o profess_v christianity_n ought_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o becomingness_n as_o that_o we_o may_v neither_o be_v tax_v with_o superciliousness_n pride_n or_o scorn_v nor_o yet_o with_o a_o vain_a light_a and_o frothy_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a we_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o virtue_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n the_o next_o in_o order_n be_v to_o consider_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v just_o and_o let_v no_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n as_o mean_a and_o light_n and_o a_o thing_n of_o no_o consequence_n for_o whoever_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o can_v never_o true_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n for_o the_o true_a christian_a life_n be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o be_v and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o true_a in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n that_o do_v not_o act_v suitable_o and_o agreeable_o to_o that_o nature_n god_n have_v implant_v in_o he_o and_o moreover_o can_v allow_v himself_o know_o to_o defraud_v his_o neighbour_n whatever_o plausible_a cover_v he_o may_v shelter_v himself_o under_o yet_o he_o can_v never_o pass_v for_o a_o true_a christian_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n or_o man._n we_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v though_o we_o transgress_v these_o rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o we_o may_v go_v on_o and_o deceive_v
to_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o society_n for_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d just_o that_o be_v if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o right_a naturally_n and_o antecedent_o to_o all_o will_n and_o power_n but_o that_o it_o whole_o arise_v and_o flow_v from_o positive_a determination_n than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unjust_a for_o any_o man_n to_o break_v and_o rescind_v those_o very_a compact_n and_o agreement_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v make_v as_o oft_o as_o he_o have_v opportunity_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v which_o must_v effectual_o destroy_v all_o society_n and_o leave_v all_o man_n in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n one_o with_o another_o the_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a like_a brute_n eternal_o prey_v upon_o and_o devour_v the_o weak_a but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o right_o by_o nature_n be_v pertinent_o observe_v by_o that_o great_a poilosopher_n dr._n more_o in_o his_o useful_a treatise_n of_o ethic_n 6._o lib._n 2._o c._n 6._o where_o upon_o andronicus_n rhodius_n his_o definition_n of_o equity_n that_o it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o defect_n and_o error_n of_o the_o law_n be_v supply_v and_o correct_v he_o add_v if_o there_o be_v nothing_o just_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o write_a law_n what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o emendation_n of_o the_o law_n since_o the_o law_n itself_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v make_v any_o thing_n just_o but_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o equity_n to_o correct_v the_o very_a law_n and_o to_o appoint_v such_o thing_n upon_o emergent_a circumstance_n which_o if_o he_o can_v have_v foresee_v they_o the_o legislator_n himself_o will_v have_v constitute_v and_o appoint_v which_o yet_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o arbitrament_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o legislator_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n themselves_o wherefore_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o just_a and_o right_o as_o thing_n essential_o inherent_a in_o god_n who_o be_v that_o eternal_a and_o live_a law_n from_o whence_o all_o justice_n and_o equity_n flow_v and_o he_o have_v engrave_v these_o principle_n in_o humane_a soul_n so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o positive_a law_n make_v yet_o there_o will_v have_v be_v such_o a_o nature_n as_o just_a and_o right_a which_o be_v so_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o eternal_o independent_a upon_o all_o will_v whatever_o 2._o we_o be_v inform_v that_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v a_o right_n to_o justice_n and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v injure_v or_o wrong_v for_o just_a and_o right_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a thing_n that_o can_v never_o alter_v or_o be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o they_o though_o a_o man_n therefore_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a he_o must_v not_o be_v defraud_v or_o injure_v or_o oppress_v because_o he_o have_v a_o right_a by_o god_n order_n and_o decree_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o consequent_o can_v without_o injustice_n be_v despoil_v of_o his_o propriety_n contrary_n to_o the_o fancy_n of_o some_o who_o think_v none_o but_o saint_n have_v any_o true_a right_n to_o earthly_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n whereas_o certain_o their_o claim_n be_v the_o least_o their_o holy_a lord_n himself_o say_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n christ_n religion_n do_v not_o justify_v a_o unrighteous_a action_n though_o do_v to_o a_o wicked_a man._n 3._o it_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o black_a and_o heinous_a as_o that_o of_o injustice_n for_o as_o justice_n in_o some_o sense_n comprehend_v all_o other_o virtue_n under_o it_o so_o all_o sin_n have_v some_o tincture_n of_o injustice_n in_o they_o for_o there_o be_v a_o right_n that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n another_o to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o a_o three_o to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o violate_v and_o break_v any_o of_o these_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o heinousness_n of_o injustice_n appear_v in_o this_o in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o destructive_a of_o society_n it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v a_o manifest_a nuisance_n against_o the_o well_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o which_o turn_v the_o earth_n into_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n to_o be_v inhabit_a only_o by_o wild_a beast_n therefore_o this_o sin_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o so_o opposite_a to_o god_n providence_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n so_o severe_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o this_o of_o injustice_n for_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o father_n of_o all_o have_v rank_v all_o being_n that_n be_v capable_a of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a under_o their_o distinctive_a family_n and_o form_v they_o into_o several_a society_n and_o corporation_n whatever_o in_o their_o respective_a precinct_n deviate_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o just_a and_o right_a must_v have_v a_o more_o severe_a inquiry_n than_o any_o other_o fault_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o more_o or_o less_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n or_o subversion_n of_o society_n 4._o it_o teach_v we_o in_o all_o our_o action_n to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v just_o which_o if_o every_o man_n will_v careful_o endeavour_v to_o do_v the_o world_n will_v soon_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o perfect_a heaven_n and_o become_v once_o more_o the_o habitation_n of_o righteousness_n and_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v on_o such_o a_o spirit_n of_o benignity_n and_o righteousness_n which_o may_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o rapine_n cruelty_n and_o oppression_n that_o may_v take_v off_o their_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n which_o be_v common_o the_o cause_n and_o root_n of_o injustice_n he_o that_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v right_o and_o just_a will_v certain_o find_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o he_o shall_v have_v peace_n of_o conscience_n here_o and_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o blessedness_n hereafter_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a the_o apostle_n come_v now_o to_o urge_v the_o follow_a and_o practise_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v pure_a the_o old_a translation_n render_v it_o sancta_fw-la as_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v holy_a now_o the_o universal_a christian_a or_o divine_a life_n be_v express_v frequent_o by_o this_o general_a term_n of_o holiness_n of_o which_o purity_n be_v a_o essential_a branch_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v comprehend_v under_o it_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a and_o more_o restrain_a expression_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a moreover_o sanctum_fw-la be_v no_o other_o than_o separatum_fw-la as_o grotius_n observe_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v separate_v and_o set_v apart_o from_o common_a and_o impure_a uses_n and_o consecrate_a to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o sanctity_n be_v oppose_v in_o scripture_n to_o filthiness_n or_o pollution_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v compare_v to_o fine_a linen_n clean_a and_o white_a for_o the_o fine_a linen_n be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o saint_n revel_v 19.8_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o impurity_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n which_o be_v denote_v by_o filthy_a garment_n zech._n 3.4_o where_o joshua_n be_v clothe_v with_o filthy_a garment_n the_o angel_n say_v take_v away_o the_o filthy_a garment_n from_o he_o and_o unto_o he_o he_o say_v behold_v i_o have_v cause_v thy_o iniquity_n to_o pass_v from_o thou_o and_o i_o will_v cloth_n thou_o with_o change_n of_o raiment_n the_o purity_n than_o that_o st._n paul_n exhort_v we_o here_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o essential_a part_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n whereby_o we_o have_v so_o perfect_a and_o full_a a_o command_n over_o all_o our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o all_o the_o delight_n and_o allurement_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o they_o may_v not_o in_o the_o least_o hinder_v our_o union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o god_n nor_o by_o gross_a and_o material_a steam_n and_o suffusion_n intercept_v our_o sight_n of_o that_o eternal_a pulchritude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n and_o direct_v all_o our_o action_n hence_o the_o platonist_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d purgative_n virtue_n whereby_o they_o clear_v the_o mind_n from_o all_o those_o irregular_a motion_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o object_n
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
apostle_n now_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v judge_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o these_o two_o plain_a note_n or_o character_n 1._o if_o our_o religion_n be_v as_o well_o in_o private_a as_o in_o public_a for_o he_o that_o confine_v his_o religion_n only_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o a_o festival-day_n be_v like_o those_o heathen_n that_o chain_v up_o their_o god_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v run_v away_o and_o they_o shall_v never_o find_v they_o again_o but_o when_o we_o be_v hearty_a in_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v deep_o seal_v and_o impress_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v exert_v and_o show_v itself_o as_o well_o when_o none_o but_o god_n be_v present_a as_o if_o ten_o thousand_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v upon_o it_o for_o since_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o that_o the_o bright_a eye_n of_o eternity_n be_v ever_o broad_a awake_a and_o look_v upon_o we_o it_o argue_v little_a fear_n and_o veneration_n of_o that_o holy_a be_v if_o we_o can_v dare_v commit_v a_o sin_n in_o his_o presence_n though_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v privy_a to_o it_o therefore_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v fair_a and_o invite_a and_o concur_v to_o the_o act_v a_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a vice_n with_o the_o great_a secrecy_n and_o impunity_n then_o to_o abstain_v and_o hate_v the_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o religious_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n and_o debase_v our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o sincere_a 2._o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o keep_v firm_a in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o in_o adversity_n as_o prosperity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v religious_a when_o god_n incircle_n we_o with_o his_o blessing_n and_o rains_n down_o pearl_n as_o it_o be_v into_o our_o mouth_n but_o when_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o and_o a_o storm_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n from_o without_o blow_n hard_a upon_o we_o then_o to_o be_v virtuous_a be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o as_o it_o si_fw-mi no_o great_a credit_n to_o practice_v a_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o fashion_n or_o to_o adorn_v ourselves_o with_o a_o modish_a piety_n but_o to_o follow_v virtue_n through_o rough_a and_o uneven_a path_n and_o to_o be_v religious_a when_o holiness_n be_v contemn_v and_o disgrace_v that_o show_v a_o steady_a resolution_n and_o that_o a_o man_n love_v god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a be_v these_o note_n and_o character_n of_o sincerity_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o discern_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n without_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o evidence_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o exact_a search_n may_v prove_v either_o impertinent_a or_o unreasonable_a nay_o certain_o he_o that_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n incessant_o to_o breath_n after_o though_o with_o the_o loss_n and_o hazard_n of_o all_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n yea_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o last_a comfort_n and_o a_o strong_a security_n for_o heaven_n flow_v from_o his_o own_o soul_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o celestial_a happiness_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n from_o its_o great_a necessity_n and_o apparent_a usefulness_n there_o be_v two_o main_a season_n or_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o a_o sincere_a and_o candid_a breast_n will_v be_v his_o great_a strength_n and_o support_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n prosperity_n be_v a_o very_a false_a glass_n and_o most_o common_o represent_v we_o to_o ourselves_o in_o other_o colour_n and_o feature_n than_o real_o we_o be_v but_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n wipe_v off_o all_o this_o paint_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n and_o show_v we_o the_o true_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n a_o formal_a and_o hypocritical_a dress_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a while_o we_o can_v draw_v water_n at_o our_o own_o cistern_n we_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o cheerful_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o a_o severe_a providence_n dry_v up_o the_o well-spring_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o lead_v we_o through_o a_o scorch_a wilderness_n wherein_o we_o combat_v with_o fierce_a and_o fiery-flying_a serpent_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o indeed_o the_o true_a and_o native_a glory_n of_o virtue_n be_v never_o make_v so_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a as_o when_o it_o be_v surround_v and_o begird_v with_o the_o great_a danger_n adversity_n be_v a_o proper_a mean_a to_o discover_v whether_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o virtue_n be_v sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v counterfeit_n and_o adulterate_a which_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o scorch_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n i._n e._n the_o time_n of_o misery_n and_o tribulation_n quick_o show_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o soil_n wherein_o that_o divine_a seed_n be_v cast_v 2._o the_o hour_n of_o death_n be_v another_o of_o those_o time_n which_o will_v discover_v our_o sincerity_n man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n as_o when_o they_o be_v draw_v near_o their_o end_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o another_o world_n for_o as_o the_o body_n in_o sickness_n loathe_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o grateful_a and_o pleasant_a in_o its_o health_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o mind_n or_o spirit_n when_o it_o foresee_v that_o it_o be_v hasten_v to_o another_o and_o strange_a world_n it_o distaste_v and_o hate_v the_o thought_n of_o those_o sin_n it_o so_o free_o act_v and_o indulge_v itself_o in_o before_o for_o then_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o order_n the_o soul_n may_v more_o free_o and_o clear_o behold_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o according_o be_v more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o the_o clear_a sight_n we_o have_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o great_a be_v that_o horror_n and_o fear_v the_o conscience_n inflict_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o gild_n now_o since_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o dissolution_n of_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n make_v so_o perfect_a a_o representation_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a appearance_n and_o divest_v of_o that_o paint_n and_o flourish_n we_o put_v upon_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o mighty_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o find_v the_o face_n of_o our_o soul_n calm_a and_o smooth_a and_o ourselves_o not_o burden_v with_o the_o heaviness_n and_o weight_n of_o gild_n but_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a day_n come_v into_o our_o remembrance_n and_o we_o consider_v how_o false_a we_o have_v be_v to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n when_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v betray_v our_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o support_v a_o frail_a and_o totter_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n there_o will_v then_o be_v little_a else_o but_o a_o dismal_a scene_n of_o horror_n present_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o nearness_n of_o our_o approach_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o must_v dwell_v for_o ever_o strike_v a_o chillness_n and_o coldness_n to_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o all_o because_o we_o have_v lose_v that_o hope_n and_o confidence_n which_o flow_v from_o sincerity_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o if_o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v into_o view_v this_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n which_o we_o call_v sincerity_n clothe_v with_o all_o its_o native_a richness_n and_o glory_n i_o shall_v soon_o want_v word_n to_o express_v it_o than_o be_v able_a full_o to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v beauty_n be_v so_o faultless_a and_o irreprehensible_a and_o the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o earth_n so_o lovely_a and_o so_o desirable_a it_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o will_v not_o lose_v and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o not_o if_o he_o know_v but_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o purchase_v it_o for_o certain_o if_o ever_o