consist_v in_o live_v suitable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o nature_n creature_n man_n be_v by_o nature_n a_o sociable_a creature_n and_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o main_a design_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o oblige_v mankind_n to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o become_v civil_a and_o sociable_a creature_n for_o god_n do_v at_o first_o make_v they_o so_o otherwise_o they_o must_v have_v live_v and_o die_v like_o gladiator_n and_o have_v unavoidable_o perish_v at_o one_o time_n or_o another_o by_o their_o own_o sword_n otherwise_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v entire_o attribute_v to_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o not_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o so_o be_v he_o have_v send_v his_o creature_n into_o it_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o shall_v oblige_v they_o to_o seek_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n whereas_o all_o man_n have_v by_o the_o divine_a appointment_n a_o common_a right_n and_o title_n to_o happiness_n which_o can_v be_v obtain_v without_o society_n nor_o society_n subsist_v without_o mutual_a aid_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n that_o therefore_o which_o make_v man_n acceptable_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o nothing_o troublesome_a and_o welcome_a to_o one_o another_o be_v such_o a_o quality_n as_o do_v arise_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n who_o without_o it_o will_v live_v poor_a and_o solitary_a like_a bat_n and_o owl_n or_o like_o vermine_n by_o rob_v and_o filch_v from_o one_o another_o one_o of_o these_o quality_n be_v that_o which_o aristotle_n for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a word_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o virtue_n which_o hold_v the_o middle_a place_n between_o flattery_n and_o moroseness_n a_o flatterer_n be_v one_o that_o commend_v every_o thing_n you_o do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a he_o be_v a_o fawn_a sycophant_n that_o will_v embrace_v and_o commend_v a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n in_o which_o he_o real_o hate_v he_o a_o morose_n and_o sour_a person_n be_v one_o who_o hardly_o approve_v any_o thing_n but_o be_v blunt_a in_o his_o expression_n and_o sullen_a in_o his_o humour_n towards_o all_o mankind_n he_o who_o can_v carry_v himself_o even_o between_o these_o two_o extreme_n as_o that_o he_o can_v praise_v without_o such_o flattery_n as_o call_v a_o man_n fool_n or_o knave_n by_o sign_n over_o his_o shoulder_n whilst_o he_o have_v he_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o can_v discommend_v what_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v mislike_v without_o detraction_n or_o satire_n he_o be_v the_o man_n who_o we_o seek_v for_o for_o we_o be_v to_o esteem_v virtue_n not_o as_o the_o people_n do_v man_n only_o by_o the_o mark_n and_o value_v fortune_n have_v set_v upon_o they_o never_o consider_v intrinsic_a worth_n whereas_o the_o king_n stamp_n make_v not_o the_o metal_n either_o better_a or_o heavy_a action_n the_o virtue_n affability_n give_v a_o grace_n to_o all_o our_o action_n but_o the_o good_a quality_n we_o now_o talk_v of_o be_v call_v by_o dionysius_n halicarnasseus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o virtue_n which_o give_v grace_v a_o and_o lustre_n to_o all_o our_o action_n and_o the_o same_o judicious_a author_n lament_v the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o m._n cariolanus_fw-la a_o man_n otherwise_o of_o very_o eminent_a qualification_n but_o his_o be_v without_o this_o one_o faculty_n expel_v he_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n make_v all_o his_o other_o virtue_n unprofitable_a and_o do_v cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o he_o think_v not_o to_o do_v wrong_n be_v too_o mean_a a_o piece_n of_o goodness_n to_o be_v account_v a_o virtue_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gentleness_n and_o loveliness_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o all_o his_o action_n otherwise_o most_o honourable_a whereas_o no_o courtesy_n no_o affability_n in_o a_o man_n of_o great_a accomplishment_n be_v as_o unnatural_a and_o undecent_a as_o no_o ceremony_n in_o religion_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n no_o virtue_n be_v of_o great_a use_n none_o deserve_v more_o regard_n than_o this_o especial_o in_o common_a conversation_n wherein_o the_o occasion_n of_o commend_v and_o reprove_v do_v often_o occur_v and_o this_o virtue_n teach_v we_o how_o to_o commend_v without_o flattery_n and_o to_o reprove_v without_o bitterness_n indeed_o to_o praise_v man_n in_o their_o own_o presence_n be_v very_o seldom_o necessary_a they_o can_v do_v it_o fast_o enough_o of_o themselves_o and_o many_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v do_v it_o though_o it_o be_v nauseous_a to_o the_o company_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v thing_n flattery_n be_v a_o odious_a thing_n the_o less_o need_n therefore_o shall_v we_o have_v to_o speak_v much_o of_o that_o which_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v so_o little_a use_n of_o which_o wise_a and_o modest_a man_n delight_v so_o little_a in_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o irksome_a than_o to_o hear_v a_o man_n flatter_v every_o thing_n and_o every_o body_n alike_o what_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o shameful_a than_o to_o see_v man_n bow_v low_a and_o hug_v each_o other_o whilst_o they_o can_v hardly_o hold_v their_o solemn_a false_a countenance_n how_o grievous_a be_v it_o to_o behold_v man_n as_o shy_a of_o plain-dealing_a as_o a_o cheat_n be_v of_o fair_a play_n they_o think_v they_o shall_v never_o thrive_v unless_o they_o practise_v all_o manner_n of_o plausible_a art_n to_o compass_v their_o design_n for_o let_v we_o observe_v at_o any_o time_n what_o people_n do_v when_o they_o meet_v together_o upon_o the_o exchange_n or_o at_o the_o court_n they_o seem_v to_o put_v together_o many_o good_a word_n to_o deceive_v or_o to_o signify_v nothing_o necessary_a reproof_n be_v often_o necessary_a we_o must_v confess_v occasion_n of_o reproof_n do_v often_o offer_v themselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v neglect_v many_o time_n through_o a_o clownish_a fear_n or_o too_o much_o reverence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o company_n yet_o way_n ought_v to_o be_v both_o study_a and_o find_v out_o by_o which_o we_o may_v discharge_v as_o inoffensive_o as_o we_o can_v this_o very_a necessary_a duty_n and_o what_o better_a example_n can_v we_o follow_v than_o latimer_n the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n who_o present_v king_n henry_n viii_o with_o a_o new-years-gift_n and_o it_o be_v in_o a_o box_n shut_v close_o the_o king_n break_v it_o up_o find_v in_o a_o fair_a handkerchief_n these_o word_n write_v in_o letter_n of_o gold_n fornicatores_fw-la &_o adulteros_fw-la judicabit_fw-la deus_fw-la a_o fault_n this_o prince_n be_v too_o guilty_a of_o and_o he_o thank_v the_o honest_a bishop_n for_o his_o civility_n in_o correct_v he_o after_o so_o gentile_a a_o manner_n but_o most_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o sic_fw-la objurgant_fw-la quasi_fw-la oderint_fw-la they_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o reprove_v and_o upbraid_v whereas_o reproof_n ought_v to_o be_v administer_v like_o physic_n or_o as_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o deal_v with_o child_n when_o a_o potion_n be_v give_v they_o to_o drink_v we_o anoint_v the_o cup_n with_o some_o pleasant_a and_o palatable_a thing_n to_o make_v the_o bitter_a draught_n go_v down_o and_o st._n chrysostom_n discourse_v of_o a_o sick_a person_n who_o long_v much_o for_o wine_n which_o be_v bad_a for_o his_o distemper_n report_n that_o his_o physician_n use_v this_o art_n to_o deceive_v he_o he_o take_v a_o new_a earthen_a cup_n heat_v it_o thorough_o in_o the_o fire_n than_o he_o quench_v it_o in_o such_o fragrant_a wine_n as_o the_o patient_n desire_v have_v do_v so_o he_o fill_v it_o with_o water_n and_o present_v it_o to_o the_o sick_a man_n who_o smell_v the_o fragrancy_n of_o the_o cup_n ere_o he_o be_v aware_a drink_v up_o the_o water_n and_o so_o escape_v the_o danger_n which_o have_v ensue_v upon_o his_o drink_v the_o wine_n such_o commendable_a art_n we_o must_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o when_o we_o administer_v the_o bitter_a but_o necessary_a potion_n of_o reproof_n as_o that_o chirurgeon_n who_o be_v to_o lay_v open_a a_o very_a corrupt_a ulcer_n and_o see_v his_o patient_n afraid_a hide_v his_o launcet_n in_o a_o sponge_n wherewith_o whilst_o he_o gentle_o touch_v and_o seem_v to_o foment_n the_o sore_a he_o unexpected_o lance_n it_o and_o save_v his_o patient_n converse_v great_a care_n must_v be_v have_v with_o who_o we_o converse_v this_o virtue_n who_o character_n we_o be_v now_o give_v will_v teach_v we_o a_o thousand_o such_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o mankind_n in_o the_o use_n whereof_o the_o thing_n main_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v especial_o careful_a of_o what_o person_n we_o converse_v withal_o which_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n either_o our_o better_n or_o our_o
expect_a from_o those_o special_a advantage_n which_o they_o enjoy_v in_o those_o place_n be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o careful_a to_o improve_v the_o benefit_n to_o be_v have_v by_o prudent_a conversation_n for_o the_o man_n of_o reading_n do_v very_o much_o busy_v themselves_o about_o such_o conception_n which_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v out_o of_o their_o own_o chamber_n the_o sense_n the_o custom_n the_o practice_n the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n from_o what_o they_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v in_o private_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o they_o come_v abroad_o into_o business_n they_o abound_v so_o much_o with_o fear_n and_o doubt_n and_o mistake_v idea_n of_o thing_n which_o happen_v to_o they_o because_o they_o have_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o the_o shade_n of_o their_o library_n argue_v object_v defend_v conclude_v with_o themselves_o and_o will_v never_o look_v out_o and_o by_o converse_v see_v what_o be_v act_v on_o the_o stage_n of_o the_o world_n from_z what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v be_v gather_v that_o prudence_n will_v teach_v man_n not_o to_o spend_v their_o thought_n about_o empty_a contemplation_n contemplation_n the_o prudent_a man_n be_v more_o for_o practice_n than_o contemplation_n by_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o a_o useful_a life_n thus_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v cure_v of_o all_o their_o swell_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o just_a as_o large_a as_o they_o be_v for_o the_o near_a man_n come_v to_o the_o business_n of_o life_n all_o those_o shadow_n grow_v less_o and_o less_o which_o do_v either_o enlarge_v or_o darken_v human_a affair_n and_o indeed_o of_o the_o usul_n title_n by_o which_o man_n of_o business_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v distinguish_v the_o crafty_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o prudent_a the_o crafty_a may_v answer_v to_o the_o empiric_n in_o philosophy_n who_o have_v a_o great_a collection_n of_o particular_a experience_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o but_o to_o base_a and_o low_a end_n the_o formal_a man_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o mere_a speculative_a philosopher_n who_o vain_o reduce_v every_o thing_n to_o some_o grave_n and_o solemn_a general_a rule_n without_o discretion_n and_o the_o prudent_a man_n be_v like_o he_o who_o proceed_v on_o a_o constant_a and_o solid_a course_n of_o experiment_n which_o do_v not_o rest_v upon_o empty_a knowledge_n but_o be_v design_v for_o action_n and_o it_o be_v the_o active_a life_n of_o virtue_n which_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o begin_v betimes_o because_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a task_n for_o he_o who_o have_v only_o think_v much_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o day_n to_o turn_v a_o man_n of_o practice_n as_o he_o that_o can_v paint_v the_o face_n of_o a_o lion_n will_v much_o soon_o come_v to_o draw_v any_o other_o creature_n than_o he_o who_o have_v all_o the_o rule_n of_o limn_v in_o his_o head_n but_o never_o yet_o use_v his_o hand_n to_o lay_v on_o a_o colour_n i_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o add_v concern_v prudence_n only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n we_o have_v against_o all_o false_a religion_n and_o those_o religion_n prudence_n the_o best_a preservative_n against_o false_a religion_n that_o promote_v they_o wherewith_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v well_o guard_v he_o will_v be_v ever_o expose_v to_o impostor_n who_o have_v a_o art_n of_o present_v falsehood_n for_o truth_n with_o as_o fair_a colour_n and_o pretence_n with_o as_o exact_v and_o regular_a proportion_n with_o fanciful_a consequence_n and_o artificial_a connexion_n for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a discretion_n in_o govern_v their_o life_n by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n man_n have_v run_v headlong_o into_o very_o absurd_a and_o gross_a opinion_n for_o when_o once_o religion_n be_v make_v a_o tool_n to_o advance_v the_o ambition_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o design_v man_n than_o they_o broach_v swarm_n of_o supposititious_a write_n and_o sophistical_a argument_n to_o maintain_v corrupt_a opinion_n then_o they_o pretend_v to_o vision_n and_o dream_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o their_o fond_a invention_n but_o a_o prudent_a man_n who_o make_v a_o good_a life_n his_o only_a purpose_n act_n as_o one_o in_o his_o wit_n shall_v do_v for_o holiness_n of_o life_n restore_v he_o to_o his_o primitive_a state_n to_o the_o perfect_a and_o healthful_a constitution_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o persuade_v the_o enthusiastical_a and_o the_o superstitious_a to_o be_v real_o good_a good_a the_o enthusiastical_a and_o superstitious_a be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o be_v real_o good_a it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o work_v upon_o their_o disorder_a temper_n and_o passion_n or_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o forsake_a and_o untrodden_a path_n of_o virtue_n nay_o a_o prudent_a thoughtfulness_n have_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o it_o to_o work_v in_o a_o sincere_a person_n a_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sin_n when_o he_o retire_v into_o himself_o and_o take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o condition_n for_o the_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v active_a and_o restless_a it_o will_v always_o be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o another_o and_o when_o it_o have_v no_o external_a object_n to_o entertain_v or_o divert_v it_o then_o selfreflection_n the_o best_a mean_n to_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o thing_n will_v take_v place_n and_o the_o true_a voice_n of_o conscience_n will_v be_v hear_v all_o man_n therefore_o who_o act_n wicked_o forget_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o he_o who_o guide_v his_o affair_n with_o discretion_n look_v forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o action_n examine_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o his_o religion_n be_v found_v because_o most_o of_o the_o error_n among_o man_n be_v such_o arise_v whence_o most_o man_n error_n do_v arise_v as_o their_o own_o reason_n may_v have_v correct_v have_v they_o in_o time_n bethink_v themselves_o and_o most_o of_o the_o danger_n they_o incur_v proceed_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o have_v a_o great_a indifferency_n upon_o their_o spirit_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o honesty_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v consider_v what_o fallible_a creature_n we_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v always_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o precise_a rule_n of_o prudence_n however_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o irregular_a humour_n and_o desire_n which_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o fond_a of_o we_o be_v by_o the_o law_n of_o our_o creation_n bind_v to_o use_v that_o principle_n in_o we_o we_o call_v reason_n that_o it_o may_v guide_v all_o our_o operation_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o some_o good_a end_n for_o god_n govern_v rational_a being_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o brute_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n of_o understanding_n science_n and_o wisdom_n these_o three_o may_v be_v handle_v together_o because_o they_o be_v alike_o concern_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n for_o the_o understanding_n perceive_v and_o apprehend_v the_o object_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o resemblance_n of_o these_o object_n be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n do_v there_o make_v their_o own_o image_n which_o we_o call_v science_n or_o knowledge_n in_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v imply_v be_v what_o science_n be_v the_o one_o be_v truth_n the_o other_o be_v evidence_n for_o what_o be_v not_o truth_n can_v never_o be_v know_v and_o evidence_n be_v to_o truth_n as_o sap_n to_o the_o tree_n which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o creep_v along_o with_o body_n and_o branch_n keep_v they_o alive_a where_o it_o forsake_v they_o they_o die_v for_o this_o evidence_n which_o be_v mean_v with_o our_o word_n be_v the_o life_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o which_o have_v much_o experience_n of_o fact_n be_v what_o sapience_n or_o wisdom_n be_v and_o much_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v much_o understanding_n and_o science_n have_v usual_o be_v call_v both_o by_o ancient_a and_o modern_a writer_n sapience_n or_o wisdom_n whereof_o man_n only_o be_v capable_a of_o who_o soul_n the_o understanding_n be_v the_o high_a faculty_n which_o judge_n of_o the_o report_n of_o sense_n soul_n understanding_n the_o high_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o detect_v all_o their_o imposture_n resolve_v all_o sensible_a thing_n into_o intelligible_a principle_n the_o conception_n whereof_o be_v not_o mere_a passive_a impression_n upon_o the_o soul_n from_o without_o but_o they_o be_v active_o exert_v from_o the_o mind_n its_o self_n no_o passion_n be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n
imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la nou._n 20._o 1690._o a_o treatise_n of_o moral_a and_o intellectual_a virtue_n wherein_o their_o nature_n be_v full_o explain_v and_o their_o usefulness_n prove_v as_o be_v the_o best_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o decay_n be_v inquire_v into_o conclude_v with_o such_o argument_n as_o tend_v to_o revive_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o with_o a_o preface_n show_v the_o vanity_n and_o deceitfulness_n of_o vice_n est_fw-la modus_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la sunt_fw-la certi_fw-la denique_fw-la fine_n quos_fw-la ultrà _fw-la citráque_fw-la nequit_fw-la consistere_fw-la rectum_fw-la by_o john_n hartcliffe_n b._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o king_n college_n cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o c._n harper_n at_o the_o flower-de-luce_n over_o against_o s._n dunstan_n church_n fleetstreet_n 1691._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a charles_n earl_n of_o maclesfeld_n lord_n president_n and_o lord_n lieutenant_n of_o the_o principality_n of_o wales_n lord_n lieutenant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o gloucester_n hereford_n and_o monmouth_n and_o of_o the_o city_n and_o county_n of_o bristol_n and_o one_o of_o the_o lord_n of_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n belong_v to_o great_a and_o brave_a man_n therefore_o i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o lay_v this_o treatise_n at_o your_o lordship_n foot_n it_o will_v not_o much_o enlarge_v your_o thought_n or_o acquaint_v you_o with_o any_o new_a thing_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v please_v the_o generosity_n of_o your_o temper_n to_o read_v the_o character_n of_o virtue_n the_o great_a ornament_n of_o that_o pure_a religion_n which_o your_o lordship_n have_v labour_v so_o much_o to_o recover_v from_o the_o knavery_n and_o base_a corruption_n as_o well_o as_o bondage_n of_o popery_n for_o the_o jesuit_n moral_n be_v as_o destructive_a of_o a_o 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for_o whatever_o they_o
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man_n or_o into_o the_o breach_n and_o inequality_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n now_o the_o melancholy_a temper_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o physic_n and_o time_n for_o the_o scripture_n prescribe_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n any_o more_o than_o it_o do_v for_o a_o frenzy_n or_o fever_n but_o that_o be_v a_o very_a false_a and_o dangerous_a principle_n which_o some_o have_v entertain_v concern_v god_n as_o if_o he_o do_v notreal_o desire_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n but_o watch_v all_o advantage_n to_o surprise_v he_o into_o destruction_n as_o if_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o a_o settle_a and_o constant_a disposition_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o take_v he_o at_o certain_a fit_n as_o it_o do_v the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sure_a rule_n to_o know_v when_o we_o may_v hope_v for_o his_o favour_n as_o if_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n be_v mere_o arbitrary_a in_o dispense_n of_o thing_n as_o he_o please_v without_o consider_v any_o qualification_n in_o his_o creature_n whereas_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o much_o goodness_n in_o god_n as_o that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v we_o for_o our_o own_o ruin_n can_v never_o have_v any_o quiet_a in_o his_o mind_n because_o nothing_o but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o hope_n or_o security_n to_o he_o religion_n many_o mischief_n arise_v from_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o next_o mischief_n to_o this_o do_v arise_v from_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n as_o if_o it_o do_v whole_o consist_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o external_a duty_n now_o we_o must_v not_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o the_o ebbing_n and_o flow_n of_o our_o spirit_n that_o depend_v upon_o our_o natural_a temper_n but_o by_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o soul_n to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n by_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o will_n to_o he_o life_n another_o mischief_n proceed_v from_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n another_o mischief_n proceed_v from_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n and_o great_a breach_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o this_o do_v much_o disquiet_n the_o spirit_n of_o man_n so_o that_o usual_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o false_a principle_n for_o relief_n whereas_o that_o person_n who_o right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o have_v worthy_a apprehension_n about_o his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n have_v true_a notion_n about_o religion_n and_o be_v free_a from_o any_o melancholy_a distemper_n who_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n continue_v in_o a_o even_a course_n of_o obedience_n allow_v for_o human_a frailty_n that_o befall_v the_o best_a of_o man_n he_o enjoy_v a_o last_a peace_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n without_o any_o considerable_a change_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o from_o his_o sensible_a fail_n and_o 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that_o have_v outrun_v himself_o in_o his_o estate_n he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o look_v into_o his_o book_n but_o have_v rather_o feed_v himself_o with_o some_o uncertain_a sign_n of_o his_o good_a condition_n than_o examine_v his_o account_n that_o he_o may_v true_o know_v what_o it_o be_v if_o we_o will_v not_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n we_o must_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o touchstone_n obedience_n to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v take_v a_o certain_a course_n to_o understand_v what_o state_n we_o be_v in_o which_o law_n we_o be_v sufficient_o enable_v to_o keep_v by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n that_o god_n offer_v and_o be_v never_o deny_v to_o those_o that_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o and_o man_n be_v the_o only_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n that_o be_v form_v with_o a_o capacity_n of_o worship_v and_o enjoy_v his_o maker_n we_o have_v no_o just_a pretence_n to_o reason_n commanment_n the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v what_o our_o condition_n be_v must_v be_v from_o keep_v god_n commanment_n unless_o our_o reason_n be_v determine_v to_o action_n of_o religion_n for_o as_o man_n we_o be_v endow_v with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o apprehend_v a_o deity_n and_o of_o expect_v a_o future_a state_n after_o this_o life_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o our_o proper_a happiness_n must_v consist_v in_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o faculty_n which_o nothing_o else_o but_o religion_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o health_n riches_n reputation_n safety_n be_v necessary_a to_o render_v our_o condition_n pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a in_o this_o world_n now_o herein_o appear_v the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o moral_a but_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n because_o it_o do_v not_o only_o
tongue_n tongue_n what_o it_o be_v to_o rule_v the_o tongue_n be_v to_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v about_o to_o speak_v and_o to_o restrain_v ourselves_o from_o utter_v that_o which_o upon_o consideration_n we_o find_v be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v know_v and_o be_v we_o never_o so_o passionate_o earnest_a to_o ease_v our_o mind_n yet_o we_o must_v choose_v rather_o to_o offer_v the_o great_a violence_n to_o our_o passion_n than_o give_v ourselves_o leave_v to_o speak_v that_o which_o sober_a consideration_n and_o sound_n christianity_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o both_o which_o do_v principal_o charge_v we_o to_o speak_v nothing_o when_o we_o be_v urge_v to_o speak_v much_o or_o to_o speak_v gentle_o and_o wise_o when_o our_o passion_n will_v move_v we_o to_o speak_v at_o random_n therefore_o we_o must_v bridle_v our_o tongue_n especial_o from_o meddle_v with_o these_o five_o thing_n 1._o vanity_n 2._o swear_v and_o curse_v 3._o lie_v 4._o flattery_n 5._o reproach_n and_o scoff_v for_o by_o these_o evil_n most_o of_o the_o mischief_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v promote_v he_o who_o babble_n that_o which_o be_v vain_a and_o trivial_a be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o he_o who_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v false_a be_v very_o destructive_a at_o least_o to_o himself_o he_o who_o flatter_v abuse_v his_o friend_n with_o false_a countenance_n and_o feign_a speech_n he_o who_o reproach_n wound_n his_o neighbour_n and_o violate_v the_o great_a duty_n incumbent_a on_o we_o justice_n and_o charity_n he_o that_o swear_v profane_v god_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o a_o vain_a and_o light_a spirit_n that_o consider_v little_a and_o can_v distinguish_v thing_n to_o the_o question_n why_o we_o ought_v to_o bridle_v our_o tongue_n i_o shall_v answer_v in_o two_o instance_n rash_o want_v of_o consideration_n the_o cause_n of_o speak_v foolish_o and_o rash_o first_o by_o show_v the_o evil_n that_o accompany_v a_o unbridled_a tongue_n 2._o by_o show_v the_o rare_a effect_n of_o a_o well-governed_a conversation_n now_o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v what_o he_o be_v to_o say_v in_o some_o measure_n he_o speak_v he_o know_v not_o what_o how_o great_a a_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o offer_v that_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o whereof_o a_o man_n have_v make_v no_o judgement_n himself_o to_o speak_v word_n and_o expect_v the_o hearer_n shall_v put_v sense_n into_o they_o though_o the_o speaker_n intend_v none_o whereas_o weighty_a and_o deep_a sense_n lie_v low_a and_o deep_a in_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o easy_o and_o ready_o draw_v out_o wise_a say_n and_o sage_a counsel_n do_v not_o dwell_v upon_o the_o tip_n of_o the_o tongue_n they_o do_v not_o edge_n and_o fringe_n our_o lip_n they_o do_v not_o gush_v out_o like_a pent-water_n but_o spring_v gentle_o and_o easy_o drop_v by_o drop_n so_o the_o heavy_a body_n lie_v near_a the_o centre_n gold_n and_o silver_n be_v in_o the_o hide_a mine_n of_o the_o earth_n while_o dirt_n and_o mire_n cover_v its_o face_n so_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o sea_n sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n while_o foam_n swim_v aloft_o like_v unto_o which_o be_v rash_a und_fw-ge hasty_a word_n that_o knock_v at_o every_o ear_n that_o importune_v every_o man_n that_o ask_v and_o answer_v every_o question_n they_o be_v the_o scum_n of_o a_o empty_a mind_n the_o very_a froth_n of_o a_o unsettle_a and_o uncomposed_a spirit_n when_o therefore_o i_o see_v a_o man_n swell_v with_o pride_n and_o scorn_n with_o envy_n and_o wrath_n say_v this_o man_n have_v no_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n this_o be_v a_o formalist_n and_o that_o a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v ignorant_a and_o the_o other_o mere_o moral_a i_o can_v no_o more_o think_v he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_a than_o i_o can_v believe_v scorn_n to_o be_v piety_n bitterness_n to_o be_v love_n or_o fury_n to_o be_v patience_n when_o i_o see_v a_o man_n haunt_v atheistical_a company_n hear_v he_o riot_v in_o wine_n when_o vain_a discourse_n fill_v his_o mouth_n and_o trifle_n wag_v his_o tongue_n as_o puff_n of_o wind_n shake_v the_o leaf_n of_o the_o asp_n when_o uncleanness_n flow_v out_o of_o his_o belly_n into_o his_o mouth_n i_o must_v needs_o think_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o these_o fornication_n which_o have_v debauch_v his_o tongue_n and_o that_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v paint_v tot_fw-mi he_o life_n in_o his_o impure_a fancy_n which_o hedescribe_v in_o his_o discourse_n word_n man_n will_v be_v judge_v of_o according_a to_o their_o word_n wherefore_o let_v a_o man_n speak_v as_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v for_o whatever_o slight_a thought_n any_o man_n have_v of_o his_o word_n other_o will_v pass_v sentence_n on_o he_o according_a to_o they_o and_o the_o less_o he_o consider_v they_o the_o more_o they_o will_v be_v consider_v by_o other_o and_o that_o to_o his_o shame_n and_o to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o do_v profess_v moreover_o a_o unbridled_a tongue_n disturb_v the_o world_n fill_v it_o with_o confusion_n and_o darken_v all_o with_o smoak_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o it_o set_v all_o thing_n on_o fire_n and_o no_o wonder_n at_o that_o neither_o be_v its_o self_n set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o as_o a_o spark_n will_v kindle_v a_o great_a fire_n so_o a_o word_n have_v be_v often_o the_o occasion_n of_o many_o quarrel_n and_o of_o death_n in_o the_o world_n for_o word_n be_v the_o wing_n of_o evil_a report_n and_o evil_a report_n be_v the_o arrow_n of_o evil_a tongue_n and_o wicked_a word_n feather_n those_o arrow_n they_o carry_v a_o ill_a tale_n through_o a_o whole_a country_n and_o propagate_v mischief_n as_o the_o sun_n do_v light_a swift_o and_o on_o every_o side_n they_o publish_v it_o in_o the_o street_n or_o at_o the_o table_n and_o whisper_v it_o in_o the_o closet_n so_o every_o place_n be_v infect_v with_o calumny_n evil_a surmise_n and_o bitter_a censure_n difference_n scornful_a speech_n the_o rise_n of_o most_o difference_n look_v but_o into_o any_o neighbourhood_n and_o how_o many_o feud_n shall_v you_o find_v between_o brother_n and_o brother_n how_o few_o family_n shall_v you_o find_v not_o infect_v with_o this_o breath_n that_o be_v not_o fill_v with_o suspicion_n that_o be_v not_o exasperate_v with_o contest_v and_o contradiction_n then_o if_o you_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o inordinate_a heat_n and_o unchristian_a distemper_n you_o will_v find_v they_o begin_v thus_o this_o neighbour_n speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o other_o and_o he_o return_v the_o scorn_n again_o then_o mutual_a scorn_n beget_v mutual_a grudge_n and_o god_n know_v where_o those_o grudge_n will_v end_v for_o he_o that_o draw_v the_o sword_n must_v as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v throw_v away_o the_o scabbard_n so_o he_o that_o speak_v a_o rash_a word_n little_o know_v the_o offence_n he_o may_v give_v what_o jar_n he_o may_v kindle_v and_o how_o far_o or_o how_o long_o they_o may_v be_v propagate_v for_o common_o man_n entail_v their_o quarrel_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o follow_v generation_n inherit_v the_o the_o animosity_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o child_n study_v to_o revenge_v their_o parent_n suffering_n hence_o come_v endless_a suit_n at_o law_n and_o hence_o proceed_v many_o bloody_a duel_n for_o how_o many_o have_v lose_v their_o estate_n to_o satisfy_v a_o passion_n how_o many_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o die_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n that_o have_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o sharp_a reproof_n so_o great_a misery_n do_v evil-speaking_a produce_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o confusion_n it_o create_v in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o soul_n for_o it_o make_v the_o same_o shake_n within_o as_o it_o do_v without_o now_o there_o can_v no_o great_a evil_n befall_v a_o man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a than_o to_o have_v his_o mind_n the_o seat_n of_o a_o war_n than_o to_o have_v wrath_n malice_n fear_v and_o revenge_n clash_v one_o against_o another_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n for_o every_o man_n be_v own_o spirit_n shall_v be_v a_o sanctuary_n or_o a_o place_n of_o rest_n to_o himself_o after_o the_o hurry_v that_o he_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o its_o affair_n a_o man_n shall_v always_o have_v god_n and_o a_o peaceable_a mind_n to_o retreat_n to_o for_o this_o be_v the_o security_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n that_o the_o disturbance_n which_o be_v without_o they_o do_v not_o reach_v their_o thought_n look_v outward_a when_o they_o see_v nothing_o but_o disorder_n and_o hear_v nothing_o but_o clamour_n within_o they_o find_v peace_n and_o joy_n and_o light_n even_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n and_o of_o a_o clear_a conscience_n but_o
it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a with_o the_o violent_a talker_n who_o be_v at_o first_o warm_v by_o some_o inward_a heat_n but_o then_o the_o coal_n be_v blow_v up_o and_o the_o fire_n grow_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v suppress_v hence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o who_o have_v begin_v a_o quarrel_n sometime_o in_o word_n express_v prudence_n though_o displeasure_n have_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o it_o talk_v himself_o into_o a_o fhrenzy_n and_o have_v inflame_v his_o own_o spirit_n beyond_o all_o measure_n of_o discretion_n further_o tongue_n religion_n scandalize_v by_o a_o unbridled_a tongue_n a_o unbridled_a tongue_n scandalise_v religion_n therewith_o bless_v we_o god_n even_o the_o father_n and_o therewith_o curse_v we_o man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o his_o likeness_n this_o be_v to_o join_v the_o love_n of_o our_o father_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o our_o brother_n together_o thus_o to_o represent_v religion_n as_o a_o thing_n reconcileable_a to_o evil_n be_v the_o great_a scandal_n to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o contradiction_n to_o itself_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o say_v our_o saviour_n by_o who_o offence_n come_v and_o woe_n be_v to_o he_o that_o censure_v morality_n and_o be_v not_o himself_o moral_a who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o mortify_v one_o lust_n for_o it_o be_v not_o christianity_n to_o be_v unlike_o the_o author_n who_o be_v meek_a humble_a and_o charitable_a in_o all_o his_o conversation_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o to_o make_v a_o lie_n to_o be_v suspicious_a or_o envious_a proud_a or_o self-willed_a to_o scorn_n and_o deride_v to_o censure_n and_o backbite_v for_o as_o a_o fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o at_o the_o same_o place_n sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a so_o neither_o can_v a_o godly_a man_n raise_v a_o false_a tale_n or_o believe_v it_o when_o it_o be_v raise_v but_o his_o christianity_n be_v such_o as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v 1_o corin._n 17.4_o 5_o 6.7_o suffer_v long_a and_o be_v kind_a vaunt_v not_o itself_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v in_o the_o truth_n bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n more_o than_o this_o a_o unbridled_a tongue_n be_v a_o uncontrollable_a evil_n a_o beast_n not_o to_o be_v tame_v and_o quiet_v be_v it_o not_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o value_v no_o man_n religion_n and_o to_o spare_v no_o man_n good_a name_n what_o can_v we_o think_v of_o such_o a_o spirit_n who_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n command_n shall_v not_o awe_v who_o christ_n example_n of_o patience_n shall_v not_o move_v who_o will_v not_o learn_v modesty_n from_o a_o angel_n who_o will_v not_o bring_v a_o rail_a accusation_n against_o the_o devil_n himself_o reflect_v therefore_o o_o man_n upon_o thyself_o and_o consider_v as_o thou_o will_v not_o demonstrate_v thyself_o to_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o unmortified_a person_n as_o thou_o will_v not_o inflame_v the_o neighbourhood_n and_o disturb_v the_o world_n as_o thou_o will_v not_o ruffle_v and_o darken_v thy_o own_o soul_n as_o thou_o will_v not_o of_o a_o man_n make_v thyself_o a_o unreasonable_a brute_n as_o thou_o will_v not_o have_v thy_o religion_n a_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a thing_n as_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o so_o important_a a_o affair_n as_o christianity_n itself_o take_v heed_n of_o a_o unbridled_a tongue_n and_o govern_v thy_o speech_n wise_o which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o these_o mean_n 1._o by_o possess_v certain_a habit_n 2._o by_o act_v by_o certain_a principle_n first_o the_o habit_n we_o be_v to_o possess_v be_v 1._o sound_z and_o impartial_a judgement_n 2._o true_n christian_n love_n 3._o deep_o and_o serious_a humility_n 4._o firm_a and_o solid_a patience_n first_o we_o must_v study_v to_o gain_v a_o clear_a judgement_n evil-speaking_a a_o sound_a judgement_n will_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o evil-speaking_a that_o no_o self-conceit_n may_v bribe_v we_o to_o think_v well_o of_o ourselves_o or_o to_o despise_v our_o brethren_n for_o say_v plutarch_n we_o shall_v not_o first_o love_n and_o then_o judge_v but_o first_o judge_v and_o then_o love_n and_o there_o be_v in_o no_o case_n more_o need_n of_o this_o than_o in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o because_o we_o natural_o love_v ourselves_o even_o before_o we_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o judgement_n what_o we_o real_o be_v and_o we_o be_v all_o fond_a of_o ourselves_o well_o reconcile_v to_o our_o own_o opinion_n and_o action_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o presume_v well_o of_o ourselves_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a most_o man_n be_v at_o enmity_n with_o the_o virtue_n of_o other_o therefore_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v mean_o and_o speak_v suspicious_o of_o what_o be_v eminent_a in_o they_o whereas_o if_o we_o will_v forbear_v to_o speak_v of_o other_o till_o we_o have_v examine_v ourselves_o i_o believe_v our_o accusation_n of_o they_o will_v die_v in_o that_o self-examination_n and_o we_o shall_v general_o find_v so_o much_o to_o condemn_v in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o ready_o arraign_v other_o man_n tongue_n charity_n be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o rule_v the_o tongue_n second_o he_o that_o will_v govern_v his_o tongue_n well_o must_v labour_v after_o the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n for_o charity_n will_v cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n our_o own_o sin_n from_o the_o indignation_n of_o god_n and_o other_o man_n sin_n from_o our_o reproach_n and_o he_o who_o stab_v his_o brother_n reputation_n with_o a_o evil_a tongue_n aught_o to_o consider_v that_o these_o pollute_a stream_n which_o gush_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n flow_v from_o a_o bitter_a fountain_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o keen_a word_n be_v the_o effusion_n of_o hatred_n and_o he_o that_o hate_v his_o brother_n be_v a_o murderer_n whereas_o if_o our_o religion_n be_v love_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v what_o a_o great_a change_n will_v it_o make_v among_o we_o for_o when_o we_o love_v we_o shall_v hold_v our_o peace_n without_o a_o bridle_n in_o our_o mouth_n we_o shall_v bridle_v our_o tongue_n without_o a_o bit_n in_o our_o jaw_n we_o shall_v rule_v our_o passion_n without_o pain_n and_o natural_o heal_n where_o we_o now_o wound_v word_n humility_n will_v check_v rash_a word_n three_o we_o must_v practice_v deep_a and_o serious_a humility_n for_o rash_a word_n be_v general_o the_o vomit_n of_o anger_n and_o anger_n proceed_v from_o pride_n but_o of_o all_o man_n those_o that_o be_v humble_a be_v the_o least_o prone_a to_o break_v out_o into_o violent_a and_o indecent_a speech_n for_o if_o other_o man_n think_v well_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v apt_a without_o evident_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a to_o think_v so_o of_o they_o too_o if_o other_o have_v a_o mean_a esteem_n of_o they_o they_o think_v as_o mean_o of_o themselves_o they_o agree_v with_o their_o very_a enemy_n and_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n with_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o value_n for_o they_o it_o be_v pride_n that_o swell_v and_o boil_v with_o rage_n and_o contempt_n that_o be_v displease_v and_o offend_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o brand_v this_o man_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o the_o other_o with_o superstition_n that_o call_v this_o man_n carnal_a and_o the_o other_o ignorant_a nay_o if_o god_n be_v like_a unto_o vain_a man_n than_o ignorance_n must_v know_v and_o prejudice_n must_v judge_n passion_n must_v hold_v the_o scale_n with_o her_o tremble_a hand_n and_o pride_n must_v step_v into_o the_o balance_n to_o weigh_v for_o religion_n but_o when_o these_o fume_n of_o pride_n be_v over_o and_o the_o vapour_n be_v scatter_v when_o humility_n have_v bring_v we_o to_o selfreflection_n we_o then_o learn_v to_o think_v sober_o and_o to_o judge_v charitable_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n phil._n 2.3_o let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o strife_n and_o vainglory_n but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_n other_o better_o than_o themselves_o world_n without_o patience_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o world_n four_o we_o must_v endeavour_v after_o patience_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o firm_a as_o a_o rock_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o this_o world_n if_o we_o can_v hear_v ill_o and_o do_v well_o if_o we_o can_v be_v content_a to_o hear_v a_o fool_n contemn_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o a_o hypocrite_n vaunt_v it_o over_o a_o sincere_a christian_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o patience_n to_o hear_v word_n cry_v up_o against_o thing_n and_o impertinent_a discourse_n think_v to_o be_v very_a oracle_n if_o we_o can_v hear_v our_o self_n censure_v for_o our_o sobriety_n and_o hate_v for_o our_o love_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o converse_v among_o man_n for_o the_o best_a
man_n be_v every_o day_n abuse_v by_o unjust_a reproach_n and_o asperse_v by_o lie_n and_o therefore_o if_o other_o speak_v evil_a of_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o we_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o they_o as_o long_o as_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v be_v evil-speaker_n wherefore_o we_o must_v either_o resolve_v to_o hear_v our_o self_n traduce_v by_o ill_a report_n and_o make_v no_o other_o return_n but_o prayer_n for_o our_o unjust_a accuser_n or_o else_o we_o must_v throw_v up_o our_o claim_n to_o christianity_n and_o reckon_v ourselves_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o return_v injury_n for_o injury_n and_o dash_v one_o wrong_v against_o another_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o habit_n that_o help_v we_o to_o govern_v our_o speech_n the_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v to_o act_n by_o follow_v first_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v our_o chief_a business_n to_o reform_v our_o self_n ourselves_o our_o chief_a business_n be_v to_o amend_v ourselves_o for_o the_o pharisee_n be_v not_o amend_v by_o accuse_v the_o publican_n nor_o the_o publican_n by_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi but_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o publican_n both_o by_o condemn_v themselves_o therefore_o we_o shall_v always_o when_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o condemn_v other_o think_v thus_o with_o our_o self_n do_v we_o acquit_v our_o self_n by_o accuse_v they_o do_v we_o reform_v our_o self_n by_o correct_v they_o be_v we_o the_o more_o innocent_a by_o pronounce_v other_o guilty_a do_v we_o find_v our_o own_o corruption_n abate_v by_o rip_v up_o those_o of_o other_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o what_o have_v we_o be_v do_v all_o this_o while_n we_o have_v forfeit_v our_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o our_o title_n to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o free_a to_o meddle_v with_o other_o man_n as_o they_o who_o most_o of_o all_o neglect_n themselves_o second_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o a_o man_n be_v never_o qualify_v to_o reform_v other_o till_o he_o have_v in_o the_o first_o place_n amend_v himself_o for_o let_v a_o man_n but_o look_n into_o his_o own_o bosom_n it_o will_v like_v the_o clear_a glass_n reflect_v upon_o he_o the_o exact_a image_n and_o proportion_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o only_a fear_n be_v lest_o this_o mirror_n shall_v be_v any_o way_n crack_v and_o flaw_v by_o self-love_n mingle_v with_o other_o untoward_a passion_n that_o do_v so_o cloud_v the_o mind_n with_o prejudice_n that_o it_o can_v take_v due_a measure_n and_o understand_v itself_o aright_o indeed_o a_o man_n thus_o blind_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o own_o imperfection_n that_o he_o take_v those_o very_a defect_n often_o for_o good_a and_o great_a accomplishment_n which_o make_v he_o judge_n he_o have_v no_o fault_n when_o he_o have_v as_o many_o or_o more_o than_o other_o man_n thus_o a_o man_n be_v the_o worst_a neighbour_n to_o himself_o when_o he_o be_v so_o partial_a a_o judge_n of_o his_o own_o action_n as_o quite_o to_o overlook_v his_o error_n or_o to_o misapprehend_v they_o for_o virtue_n but_o he_o be_v fit_a both_o to_o reform_v himself_o and_o other_o who_o with_o a_o impartial_a and_o severe_a judgement_n make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n after_o what_o be_v amiss_o at_o home_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v any_o fondness_n to_o himself_o to_o misguide_v he_o in_o the_o examination_n for_o after_o that_o self-love_n envy_n pride_n hatred_n and_o flattery_n those_o malignant_a humour_n be_v purge_v out_o of_o the_o heart_n he_o may_v safe_o be_v admit_v to_o judge_n of_o other_o man_n for_o know_v well_o what_o he_o himself_o be_v his_o charity_n in_o judge_v other_o will_n be_v such_o as_o will_v bear_v all_o thing_n instead_o of_o spread_v ill_a report_n he_o be_v in_o nothing_o more_o busy_a than_o in_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o they_o and_o in_o prevent_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v whatever_o will_v prove_v mischievous_a to_o human_a society_n not_o that_o he_o do_v thing_n none_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v well_o of_o all_o person_n or_o thing_n or_o aught_o to_o think_v well_o of_o all_o person_n or_o speak_v well_o of_o all_o thing_n but_o he_o think_v and_o judge_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v be_v always_o direct_v therein_o by_o charity_n and_o prudence_n for_o if_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o condemn_v thing_n as_o bad_a and_o faulty_a which_o be_v real_o so_o he_o will_v be_v in_o some_o case_n think_v treacherous_a or_o cowardly_a when_o he_o dare_v not_o reprove_v evil_a for_o fear_n of_o some_o displeasure_n in_o other_o case_n a_o hypocrite_n or_o a_o flatterer_n when_o he_o pass_v by_o or_o commend_v that_o which_o his_o conscience_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o the_o best_a method_n any_o one_o can_v follow_v to_o avoid_v these_o extreme_n and_o to_o go_v through_o the_o world_n with_o a_o unblameable_a credit_n be_v never_o to_o suffer_v the_o mind_n who_o thought_n be_v ever_o at_o work_n to_o start_v out_o into_o wanton_a imagination_n so_o as_o to_o make_v he_o a_o tatler_n or_o a_o busybody_n but_o with_o constancy_n to_o apply_v his_o whole_a soul_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o his_o own_o way_n which_o be_v the_o sure_a and_o best_a course_n to_o guide_v our_o judgement_n aright_o which_o when_o david_n do_v he_o present_o turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n god_n our_o word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o to_o god_n three_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o all_o the_o word_n which_o our_o tongue_n have_v utter_v as_o well_o as_o whatever_o our_o hand_n have_v act_v must_v be_v account_v for_o to_o god_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o our_o own_o spirit_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o every_o one_o of_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o own_o action_n and_o the_o judgement_n hereafter_o shall_v pass_v upon_o we_o according_a to_o that_o account_n for_o every_o man_n soul_n have_v a_o conscience_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o wheresoever_o this_o conscience_n be_v it_o give_v testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n as_o we_o hope_v therefore_o for_o salvation_n at_o this_o great_a day_n let_v we_o set_v a_o seal_n upon_o our_o lip_n because_o by_o our_o word_n we_o shall_v be_v justify_v and_o by_o our_o word_n we_o shall_v be_v condemn_v wherefore_o a_o man_n who_o will_v live_v as_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o virtue_n must_v take_v care_n first_o that_o he_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o place_n of_o his_o religion_n so_o as_o to_o be_v busy_a in_o the_o live_v of_o other_o and_o negligent_a of_o his_o own_o that_o he_o do_v not_o with_o zeal_n cry_v down_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o time_n and_o yet_o practice_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o condemn_v second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o mistake_v the_o power_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o a_o bare_a profess_v to_o be_v religious_a this_o opinion_n make_v some_o man_n content_v that_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v expiate_v by_o christ_n blood_n but_o they_o care_v not_o for_o have_v their_o passion_n subdue_v by_o his_o spirit_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o think_v that_o this_o be_v intend_v in_o his_o gospel_n or_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v three_o that_o he_o do_v not_o mistake_v a_o part_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o whole_a as_o if_o god_n can_v be_v indent_v withal_o for_o a_o dispensation_n in_o some_o part_n of_o christianity_n in_o recompense_n for_o his_o zeal_n and_o activity_n in_o other_o for_o if_o a_o man_n profess_v religion_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o bridle_v his_o tongue_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o he_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o his_o religion_n practical_a every_o man_n shall_v take_v care_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v practical_a as_o a_o obligation_n upon_o he_o to_o reform_v his_o life_n whereas_o if_o we_o will_v take_v as_o we_o be_v bind_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o victory_n we_o have_v gain_v over_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o have_v acquire_v it_o will_v abate_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o confidence_n and_o pride_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o then_o every_o one_o will_v take_v care_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v practical_a then_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o true_o religious_a that_o do_v not_o conform_v they_o to_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n then_o they_o will_v not_o take_v that_o for_o christianity_n which_o do_v not_o either_o subdue_v some_o know_a lust_n or_o conform_v they_o to_o some_o know_v law_n of_o justice_n hitherto_o we_o have_v handle_v virtue_n which_o concern_v we_o private_o
before_o he_o be_v full_o possess_v of_o the_o end_n he_o drive_v at_o his_o prudence_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o the_o defective_a but_o put_v these_o three_o all_o together_o and_o in_o whosoever_o they_o be_v find_v i_o may_v affirm_v that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n well_o qualify_v with_o prudence_n either_o for_o this_o or_o the_o other_o world_n for_o as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n be_v ever_o busy_a in_o contrive_v the_o most_o probable_a way_n of_o gain_v the_o most_o precious_a thing_n of_o it_o his_o head_n be_v ever_o at_o work_n his_o thought_n be_v watchful_a and_o intent_n his_o whole_a mind_n be_v in_o this_o very_a matter_n to_o promote_v his_o fortune_n and_o to_o settle_v his_o interest_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n cast_v off_o all_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n religion_n the_o behaviour_n of_o a_o prudent_a man_n in_o religion_n spend_v his_o hour_n in_o meditation_n upon_o the_o transitory_a state_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n here_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n so_o that_o he_o be_v constant_o employ_v in_o state_v his_o account_n for_o this_o great_a day_n and_o in_o examine_v himself_o how_o he_o be_v prepare_v for_o it_o as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n who_o resolve_v to_o be_v rich_a consider_v that_o he_o must_v then_o be_v very_o industrious_a in_o his_o call_v and_o very_o frugal_a in_o his_o expense_n that_o he_o must_v deny_v his_o ease_n and_o his_o appetite_n and_o exact_o keep_v his_o account_n for_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o belly_n and_o his_o sleep_n take_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o increase_v his_o estate_n and_o as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o ambition_n to_o be_v high_o honour_v or_o prefer_v will_v take_v care_n to_o offend_v no_o body_n but_o demean_v himself_o civil_o will_v put_v up_o and_o conceal_v many_o affront_v will_v do_v all_o act_n of_o courtesy_n and_o beneficence_n that_o he_o can_v as_o another_o who_o genius_n lead_v he_o to_o search_v for_o knowledge_n know_v the_o direct_v way_n to_o it_o be_v sedulous_a study_n to_o peruse_v good_a book_n frequent_a the_o best_a company_n and_o to_o render_v all_o useful_a to_o himself_o by_o sober_a contemplation_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o virtue_n aim_v at_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o eternal_a life_n with_o he_o therefore_o he_o apply_v himself_o hearty_o to_o the_o fit_a mean_n for_o this_o end_n which_o be_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o serve_v god_n faithful_o and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o opportunity_n of_o redeem_v his_o time_n therefore_o think_v much_o of_o heaven_n and_o hope_v to_o land_n himself_o safe_o there_o he_o will_v never_o steer_v his_o course_n by_o a_o false_a compass_n by_o imagine_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n when_o he_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n when_o he_o can_v dispute_v hot_o for_o this_o and_o that_o opinion_n or_o when_o he_o spend_v all_o his_o zeal_n upon_o those_o thing_n that_o perish_v in_o the_o use_n and_o never_o go_v beyond_o this_o present_a state_n as_o the_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n do_v not_o content_v himself_o with_o choose_v proper_a mean_n to_o the_o end_n he_o follow_v but_o when_o he_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o mean_n he_o have_v choose_v be_v fit_a and_o suitable_a he_o be_v never_o discourage_v or_o baffle_v out_o of_o they_o by_o any_o difficulty_n whatsoever_o for_o instance_n no_o hardship_n dishearten_v the_o man_n who_o design_n to_o get_v riches_n he_o slight_v all_o the_o labour_n and_o care_n in_o his_o way_n because_o he_o be_v steadfast_o bend_v upon_o the_o acquisition_n of_o his_o desire_n and_o as_o another_o man_n who_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o become_v eminent_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o to_o understand_v all_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o know_v well_o that_o his_o candle_n must_v never_o go_v out_o that_o by_o pain_n and_o watch_n he_o must_v contract_v pale_a look_n and_o a_o sickly_a body_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o cast_v down_o by_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o business_n of_o virtue_n be_v sure_a that_o if_o he_o do_v good_a and_o life_n well_o reproach_n a_o virtuous_a and_o prudent_a man_n value_v not_o reproach_n he_o shall_v be_v happy_a therefore_o he_o value_v not_o the_o reproach_n of_o bad_a man_n nor_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v to_o be_v endure_v for_o he_o will_v never_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o his_o intend_a purpose_n by_o any_o such_o or_o great_a discouragement_n as_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o this_o world_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o notorious_a mark_n of_o folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o adventure_n as_o he_o be_v wary_a and_o suspicious_a so_o that_o he_o will_v not_o trust_v his_o fortune_n in_o every_o body_n hand_n nor_o take_v the_o counsel_n of_o a_o man_n who_o he_o think_v not_o to_o be_v honest_a or_o that_o he_o imagine_v will_v impose_v upon_o he_o so_o the_o prudent_a person_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n build_v his_o faith_n and_o hope_n for_o a_o better_a world_n with_o as_o much_o care_n and_o caution_n therefore_o he_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o every_o impostor_n but_o contemn_v those_o mountebank_n in_o religion_n mislead_v a_o religious_a prudent_a man_n be_v not_o easy_o mislead_v who_o by_o fair_a story_n and_o specious_a gullery_n wheedle_n man_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o he_o do_v because_o he_o be_v as_o careful_a of_o his_o religion_n and_o as_o watchful_a against_o cheat_n as_o the_o cunning_a man_n for_o this_o world_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o advance_v his_o secular_a end_n and_o interest_n for_o which_o purpose_n he_o will_v watch_v the_o proper_a season_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o will_v never_o let_v it_o slip_v so_o the_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o warfare_n of_o virtue_n lay_v hold_v of_o all_o opportunity_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o consider_v if_o his_o work_n be_v not_o do_v now_o it_o will_v never_o be_v do_v at_o all_o so_o far_o the_o parallel_n go_v between_o a_o prudent_a man_n for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o virtue_n but_o here_o we_o can_v but_o bewail_v the_o ill_a state_n of_o thing_n that_o man_n shall_v strive_v to_o be_v more_o discreet_a in_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n than_o they_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o much_o more_o importance_n to_o they_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n first_o it_o be_v manifest_a virtue_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o be_v more_o prudent_a for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o virtue_n that_o a_o good_a man_n have_v a_o noble_a end_n to_o pursue_v than_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o for_o how_o low_o a_o design_n be_v it_o how_o unworthy_a a_o rational_a be_v to_o heap_v up_o wealth_n when_o he_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o or_o that_o waste_n away_o and_o leave_v he_o with_o a_o ambitious_a person_n it_o be_v just_a so_o he_o have_v labour_v all_o his_o day_n to_o become_v great_a and_o honourable_a when_o he_o have_v effect_v it_o his_o name_n be_v only_o toss_v too_o and_o frô_o by_o the_o envy_n of_o the_o world_n but_o suppose_v that_o riches_n can_v be_v durable_a or_o that_o honour_n be_v a_o certain_a thing_n yet_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o earth_n in_o their_o most_o flourish_a condition_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o virtuous_a man_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n and_o with_o his_o own_o mind_n now_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n have_v a_o great_a and_o more_o desirable_a end_n of_o his_o action_n it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v outdo_v in_o prudence_n or_o care_n in_o the_o work_n out_o his_o salvation_n second_o as_o a_o virtuous_a man_n have_v the_o best_a end_n so_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v to_o it_o be_v much_o more_o certain_a than_o all_o the_o method_n of_o the_o world_n be_v for_o solomon_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o here_o the_o race_n be_v not_o always_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a one_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v think_v that_o the_o swift_a shall_v win_v the_o race_n and_o the_o strong_a the_o battle_n yet_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o the_o best_a judge_n of_o the_o true_a valuation_n of_o all_o thing_n below_o have_v determine_v quite_o otherwise_o the_o best_a humane_a mean_n though_o never_o so_o well_o fit_v to_o their_o end_n do_v often_o miscarry_v for_o after_o a_o man_n have_v run_v the_o utmost_a danger_n and_o have_v
and_o moderate_v now_o the_o wise_a man_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o contemplative_a person_n who_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o discipline_n of_o virtue_n for_o he_o can_v be_v good_a at_o true_a theory_n who_o have_v not_o first_o be_v so_o at_o practice_n and_o to_o the_o true_a and_o sober_a man_n peculiar_o belong_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_a wisdom_n which_o vigorous_o display_v itself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o platonist_n phrase_n it_o in_o a_o intellectual_a life_n for_o the_o good_a man_n only_o live_v in_o he_o who_o be_v life_n itself_o and_o be_v enlighten_v by_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o beside_o purity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o also_o a_o ingenuous_a freedom_n of_o judgement_n truth_n what_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o truth_n for_o every_o art_n and_o science_n have_v some_o certain_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o body_n of_o it_o must_v depend_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o set_v forth_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o wisdom_n for_o it_o assert_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n and_o in_o divine_a thing_n especial_o he_o that_o be_v most_o practical_a be_v the_o wise_a man_n and_o not_o he_o that_o be_v most_o a_o dogmatist_n for_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v the_o heart_n which_o send_v up_o good_a blood_n and_o warm_a spirit_n to_o the_o brain_n whereby_o it_o receive_v power_n to_o execute_v its_o several_a function_n so_o that_o which_o give_v we_o power_n to_o understand_v the_o best_a thing_n aright_o must_v be_v a_o live_a principle_n of_o piety_n within_o we_o because_o if_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v not_o be_v plant_v by_o this_o tree_n of_o life_n world_n why_o truth_n prevail_v no_o more_o in_o the_o world_n than_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o bitter_a as_o well_o as_o sweet_a fruit_n evil_a as_o well_o as_o good_a deed_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o truth_n prevail_v no_o more_o in_o the_o world_n because_o man_n be_v busy_v more_o in_o acute_a reason_n and_o subtle_a dispute_n than_o in_o real_a goodness_n which_o goodness_n and_o truth_n grow_v both_o from_o the_o same_o root_n and_o live_v in_o one_o another_o on_o the_o contrary_a vice_n cast_v a_o cold_a poison_n into_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n benumb_v the_o faculty_n creep_v into_o the_o bed_n of_o reason_n and_o defile_v it_o yet_o vicious_a man_n be_v more_o apt_a than_o other_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o wisdom_n but_o if_o we_o come_v near_o these_o landscape_n of_o reason_n and_o wit_n that_o which_o seem_v afar_o off_o to_o be_v hill_n and_o mountain_n in_o they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o artificial_a shadow_n beside_o the_o vanity_n whereby_o sin_n be_v puff_v up_o nothing_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a and_o foolish_a for_o what_o can_v argue_v a_o great_a madness_n than_o to_o forfeit_v the_o endless_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o a_o moment_n therefore_o i_o will_v only_o ask_v this_o of_o mankind_n that_o they_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o wisdon_n that_o be_v agreeable_o to_o the_o fix_a and_o unavoidable_a fate_n of_o thing_n and_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o being_n who_o must_v hereafter_o live_v always_o either_o in_o unconceivable_a happiness_n or_o misery_n if_o this_o meditation_n will_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o dismal_a and_o pitiless_a desert_n of_o their_o want_n of_o sense_n and_o consideration_n now_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n that_o make_v up_o religion_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n religion_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n make_v up_o religion_n the_o first_o be_v whole_o in_o order_n to_o the_o second_o and_o both_o together_o constitute_v spiritual_a wisdom_n for_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o make_v know_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o to_o make_v we_o more_o learned_a but_o to_o make_v we_o more_o good_a not_o to_o enlarge_v our_o understanding_n or_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o fine_a notion_n of_o virtue_n but_o to_o form_n and_o govern_v our_o life_n therefore_o god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a for_o any_o speculation_n unless_o they_o be_v draw_v down_o into_o practice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n that_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o come_v at_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o foundation_n in_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v it_o be_v only_o new_a argument_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a now_o this_o gospel_n make_v the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n the_o only_a way_n to_o true_a wisdom_n and_o consequent_o to_o happiness_n therefore_o they_o be_v the_o practiser_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v bless_v in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n the_o poor_a in_o spirit_n the_o meek_a and_o merciful_a so_o he_o who_o act_n according_a to_o his_o knowledge_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n on_o a_o rock_n but_o he_o who_o hear_v our_o saviour_n saying_n and_o do_v they_o not_o be_v liken_v to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v happiness_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o necessary_a condition_n for_o happiness_n as_o god_n have_v make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v make_v it_o a_o necessary_a condition_n for_o it_o for_o our_o utmost_a happiness_n be_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n shall_v have_v communion_n one_o with_o another_o that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o temper_n we_o must_v be_v like_a to_o god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a now_o nothing_o can_v make_v we_o like_a unto_o god_n but_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o man_n be_v not_o wise_a who_o think_v they_o can_v be_v partaker_n of_o happiness_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n knowledge_n indeed_o itself_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n but_o yet_o that_o alone_o do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n like_o to_o god_n neither_o do_v that_o alone_o qualify_v he_o for_o his_o presence_n for_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o angel_n he_o may_v for_o all_o this_o be_v of_o a_o devilish_a temper_n and_o whosoever_o be_v so_o have_v no_o disposition_n in_o he_o for_o the_o place_n of_o pure_a happiness_n let_v every_o man_n therefore_o that_o hope_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o next_o world_n lead_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o this_o because_o a_o unholy_a life_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o in_o all_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understanding_n science_n or_o wisdom_n we_o shall_v make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n our_o main_a design_n because_o for_o this_o purpose_n god_n give_v we_o our_o reason_n for_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o faculty_n of_o reason_v by_o which_o he_o can_v form_v true_a notion_n from_o single_a experiment_n and_o infer_v one_o truth_n from_o another_o and_o to_o inspire_v his_o reason_n with_o divine_a notion_n be_v only_o two_o different_a modes_n of_o revelation_n for_o he_o do_v as_o well_o reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o when_o he_o give_v we_o reason_n to_o understand_v his_o will_n as_o he_o do_v when_o he_o send_v a_o messenger_n from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v his_o mind_n since_o than_o god_n light_v up_o in_o we_o this_o candle_n of_o our_o reason_n why_o may_v he_o not_o give_v new_a light_n to_o it_o especial_o when_o it_o begin_v to_o burn_v with_o a_o die_a and_o languish_a flame_n how_o agreeable_a be_v this_o to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o to_o that_o infinite_a care_n it_o take_v of_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o reasonable_a being_n to_o conduct_v and_o enlighten_v they_o with_o divine_a revelation_n chief_o when_o the_o grope_a world_n have_v so_o bewilder_v itself_o in_o a_o endless_a maze_n of_o error_n and_o be_v so_o lose_v in_o its_o own_o wander_n when_o no_o human_a understanding_n or_o wisdom_n can_v show_v the_o way_n then_o to_o spring_v a_o light_n from_o heaven_n whereby_o mankind_n may_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o coast_n of_o truth_n be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o the_o care_n
and_o goodness_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o take_v our_o own_o course_n but_o be_v rescue_v from_o sin_n and_o misery_n ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o so_o kind_a a_o hand_n all_z that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o trade_n shall_v give_v a_o man_n a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o it_o than_o read_v all_o the_o book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v about_o it_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v better_o know_v a_o country_n by_o travel_v into_o it_o than_o by_o pore_v upon_o all_o the_o map_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o like_a manner_n obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v dispose_v we_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o prejudice_n by_o make_v our_o understanding_n more_o clear_a and_o take_v away_o the_o great_a obstacle_n of_o wisdom_n which_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o furtherance_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o sad_a and_o most_o unhappy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n for_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n no_o reflection_n will_v more_o enrage_v our_o torment_n than_o to_o think_v that_o we_o choose_v to_o lead_v vicious_a life_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n s._n paul_n judgement_n be_v undoubted_o true_a 1_o corin._n 8.1_o that_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edifi_v now_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v this_o corinth_n the_o metropolis_n of_o achaia_n be_v as_o all_o other_o rich_a and_o populous_a place_n excessive_o proud_a and_o luxurious_a softness_n and_o ease_n have_v expel_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o laborious_a exercise_n of_o virtue_n yet_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v the_o man_n be_v ingenious_a though_o they_o be_v wicked_a in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o world_n condemn_v they_o for_o their_o debauchery_n but_o admire_v they_o for_o their_o part_n wherefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v they_o very_o true_o that_o their_o knowledge_n be_v the_o original_a of_o all_o their_o error_n they_o may_v be_v blow_v up_o with_o science_n but_o they_o must_v be_v edify_v with_o charity_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o gnostic_n dote_v on_o the_o mystery_n of_o word_n do_v pride_n themselves_o about_o fruitless_a genealogy_n and_o the_o unintelligible_a method_n of_o science_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n paul_n do_v severe_o reprehend_v these_o vainglorious_a sciolist_n and_o declare_v that_o a_o little_a charity_n towards_o a_o offend_a brother_n be_v more_o valuable_a than_o all_o their_o subtle_a theorem_n or_o the_o position_n of_o any_o the_o most_o celebrate_a dogmatist_n so_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a give_v another_o interpretation_n to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d know_v thyself_o and_o improve_v it_o into_o self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n their_o principle_n and_o their_o dictate_v seem_v always_o to_o be_v frame_v rather_o to_o oppose_v than_o to_o establish_v truth_n if_o from_o they_o we_o pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o christianity_n we_o find_v julian_n and_o lucian_n arrius_n and_o socinus_n all_o of_o they_o in_o a_o several_a way_n despise_v the_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o own_o trifle_a opinion_n which_o must_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o teach_n of_o fisherman_n nay_o how_o many_o volume_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o subject_a be_v little_a else_o but_o breach_n of_o charity_n which_o charity_n and_o not_o great_a word_n nor_o the_o fantastical_a hypothesis_n of_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o wise_a must_v set_v a_o lustre_n upon_o all_o we_o do_v for_o neither_o happiness_n here_o nor_o heaven_n hereafter_o be_v to_o be_v get_v by_o haughty_a look_n or_o supposition_n but_o by_o a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o bountifulness_n in_o our_o life_n and_o integrity_n in_o our_o action_n suppose_v therefore_o we_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o high_a mountain_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o have_v thence_o the_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o human_a learning_n all_o the_o glory_n of_o philosophy_n yet_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v one_o notion_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o moral_a virtue_n a_o manifest_a decay_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o moral_a virtue_n first_o by_o hypocrisy_n or_o formality_n when_o man_n follow_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o second_o by_o licentiousness_n of_o live_v whereby_o debauchery_n and_o ill_a manner_n have_v much_o prevail_v three_o by_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n four_o by_o make_v morality_n and_o grace_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v industrious_a to_o elude_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n by_o some_o trifle_a childish_a and_o unprofitable_a show_v thereof_o how_o can_v we_o but_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n that_o love_n to_o be_v their_o own_o impostor_n condemn_v hypocrisy_n condemn_v and_o that_o when_o they_o may_v be_v true_o good_a at_o so_o easy_a and_o advantageous_a a_o rate_n labour_v to_o be_v but_o seem_o so_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o trouble_v and_o with_o the_o pharisee_n take_v twice_o as_o much_o pain_n to_o scour_v the_o outside_n of_o the_o dish_n only_o that_o it_o may_v shine_v and_o glister_n than_o be_v needful_a to_o keep_v the_o inside_n neat_a and_o cleanly_a thus_o they_o change_v wise_a notice_n of_o thing_n for_o childish_a conceit_n freedom_n of_o spirit_n for_o narrowness_n of_o soul_n cheerfulness_n of_o mind_n for_o 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wont_a to_o be_v lavish_a and_o profuse_a in_o their_o sacrifice_n that_o they_o may_v be_v excuse_v or_o wink_v at_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n they_o will_v offer_v the_o rich_a oblation_n a_o thousand_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n all_o the_o first-born_a of_o their_o flock_n and_o family_n the_o fruit_n of_o the_o field_n and_o their_o body_n too_o to_o purchase_v a_o dispensation_n for_o their_o vice_n they_o will_v not_o grudge_v to_o pacify_v god_n with_o any_o sacrifice_n rather_o than_o offer_v up_o their_o lust_n they_o will_v honour_v he_o praise_v he_o flatter_v he_o give_v he_o all_o his_o due_n and_o more_o spare_v neither_o for_o cost_n nor_o charge_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o all_o this_o only_o to_o bribe_v he_o that_o he_o may_v indulge_v they_o their_o self-will_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o not_o be_v angry_a for_o their_o injustice_n cruelty_n and_o unmercifulness_n they_o be_v nice_a and_o punctual_a in_o their_o fast_n will_v spare_v for_o no_o trouble_n to_o appear_v devout_a yet_o be_v there_o never_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n so_o vicious_a as_o they_o the_o prophet_n every_o where_o upbraid_v they_o with_o the_o most_o notorious_a peevishness_n and_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n for_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o such_o zealous_a man_n as_o they_o be_v may_v be_v excuse_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o expensive_a devotion_n all_o those_o petty_a duty_n of_o justice_n and_o sobriety_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n and_o themselves_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o good_a man_n worship_n god_n because_o he_o love_v he_o and_o love_v he_o because_o he_o hate_v vice_n he_o love_v the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o equity_n and_o right_a reason_n because_o god_n love_v they_o too_o second_o the_o formalist_n be_v very_o busy_a about_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o religion_n but_o neglect_v the_o end_n thereof_o he_o be_v very_o zealous_a in_o religious_a performance_n but_o 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same_o time_n hate_n and_o despise_v they_o thus_o the_o instrument_n of_o piety_n be_v make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o subvert_v that_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v to_o advance_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o relative_a and_o subordinate_a duty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o man_n do_v as_o constant_o commit_v as_o they_o do_v confess_v their_o sin_n they_o frustrate_v plain_o the_o purpose_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v very_o officious_a to_o run_v on_o god_n errand_n they_o be_v very_o negligent_a of_o his_o business_n it_o be_v not_o every_o confession_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o he_o require_v but_o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o effectual_a resolution_n against_o they_o and_o therefore_o where_o it_o end_v not_o in_o reformation_n it_o end_v in_o hypocrisy_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v but_o not_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n be_v only_o to_o tell_v god_n we_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o by_o his_o leave_n intend_v to_o continue_v so_o it_o 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the_o centre_n of_o his_o soul_n thus_o his_o behaviour_n may_v be_v free_a from_o the_o common_a pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o his_o mind_n be_v infect_v with_o the_o worst_a vice_n the_o posture_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o haughty_a and_o supercilious_a as_o his_o demeanour_n be_v humble_a his_o thought_n as_o arrogant_a religion_n in_o what_o virtue_n our_o saviour_n place_v his_o religion_n as_o his_o look_n be_v lowly_a but_o our_o saviour_n ever_o tell_v his_o follower_n that_o his_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v place_v in_o a_o a_o sober_a and_o silent_a piety_n in_o candour_n mildness_n and_o humility_n in_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n that_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o it_o lay_v in_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n so_o that_o all_o the_o nice_a notion_n and_o hypothesese_n concern_v faith_n justification_n election_n and_o such_o like_a article_n be_v but_o foolish_a tradition_n of_o some_o speculative_a head_n and_o those_o that_o be_v most_o 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of_o their_o sect_n may_v be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n but_o can_v never_o be_v drink_v though_o to_o be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n be_v downright_a drunkenness_n in_o a_o carnal_a epicurean_a yet_o it_o be_v something_o else_o in_o a_o great_a stoic_a uncurable_a how_o immorality_n become_v uncurable_a now_o immorality_n under_o the_o disguise_n of_o piety_n become_v uncurable_a passion_n and_o self-will_a be_v make_v more_o implacable_a by_o pretence_n to_o sanctity_n and_o godliness_n without_o virtue_n serve_v only_o to_o furnish_v the_o conscience_n with_o excuse_n against_o conviction_n for_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o convince_v a_o debauch_a person_n of_o his_o distemper_n from_o the_o blemish_n that_o be_v in_o all_o his_o action_n but_o hypocrisy_n by_o lodging_n itself_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o so_o by_o be_v undiscernible_a become_v fatal_a and_o the_o man_n be_v past_a recovery_n before_o he_o feel_v his_o malady_n therefore_o of_o all_o man_n he_o who_o have_v the_o form_n 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of_o a_o man_n work_v in_o what_o manner_n the_o spirit_n of_o religion_n work_v and_o do_v not_o work_v out_o or_o vent_v itself_o in_o flatulent_a passion_n but_o all_o its_o motion_n be_v gentle_a compose_v and_o ground_v upon_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o sobriety_n the_o impression_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n be_v steady_a uniform_a and_o breathe_v not_o upon_o the_o passion_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n all_o its_o assistance_n work_v in_o a_o calm_a and_o rational_a way_n they_o be_v not_o such_o unsettle_a and_o unaccountable_a motion_n as_o discompose_v but_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o discover_v the_o excellency_n and_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n and_o work_n in_o we_o a_o reasonable_a love_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o serious_a resolution_n to_o discharge_v it_o therefore_o the_o spirit_n of_o every_o good_a man_n be_v sober_a discreet_a and_o compose_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o religion_n which_o float_v not_o in_o his_o blood_n nor_o rise_v and_o fall_v with_o the_o ebb_n and_o tide_n of_o his_o humour_n but_o he_o maintain_v a_o calmness_n and_o evenness_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o the_o various_a constitution_n of_o his_o body_n he_o confine_v his_o piety_n entire_o within_o his_o soul_n and_o cheerful_o keep_v it_o from_o all_o mixture_n of_o imagination_n as_o know_v a_o religious_a fancy_n to_o be_v the_o great_a impostor_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o spoil_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o best_a religion_n more_o than_o outrageous_a zeal_n which_o instead_o of_o sweeten_v embitter_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o those_o vice_n which_o moral_a philosophy_n will_v banish_v be_v often_o kindle_v at_o the_o altar_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o abuse_v the_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n of_o good_a man_n abhor_v a_o christ-like_a meekness_n and_o sobriety_n and_o fill_v their_o religion_n with_o ill_a nature_n and_o discontent_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o quarrel_n be_v so_o implacable_a as_o religious_a one_o man_n with_o great_a eagerness_n damn_v one_o another_o for_o opinion_n and_o speculative_a controversy_n if_o this_o be_v religion_n farewell_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o good_a nature_n farewell_o that_o glory_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n a_o universal_a love_n and_o kindness_n for_o all_o man_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o the_o innocence_n of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n let_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v cancel_v as_o precept_n of_o sedition_n let_v we_o banish_v religion_n out_o of_o human_a converse_n as_o the_o mother_n of_o rudeness_n and_o incivility_n let_v we_o go_v to_o the_o school_n of_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n to_o learn_v good_a manner_n but_o if_o nothing_o bid_v great_a defiance_n to_o the_o true_a spirit_n and_o genius_n of_o religion_n than_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o then_o let_v not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v charge_v with_o the_o folly_n of_o man_n let_v then_o the_o furious_a son_n of_o zeal_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n tell_v i_o the_o meaning_n of_o such_o text_n as_o these_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o humble_a i_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v with_o all_o lowliness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o complaint_n against_o any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o so_o say_v james_n 3_o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n with_o meekness_n and_o wisdom_n he_o that_o can_v reconcile_v these_o holy_a precept_n with_o a_o peevish_a or_o cynical_a disposition_n may_v as_o well_o unite_v christ_n and_o belial_n make_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o same_o what_o remain_v then_o but_o that_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o a_o serious_a mind_v of_o true_a and_o real_a goodness_n goodness_n a_o exhortation_n to_o mind_n true_a and_o real_a goodness_n that_o we_o trifle_v not_o away_o our_o time_n in_o pursue_v the_o shadow_n of_o it_o nor_o waste_v our_o zeal_n upon_o its_o form_n and_o instrument_n that_o we_o cheat_v not_o our_o soul_n with_o a_o partial_a godliness_n nor_o damn_v they_o with_o a_o half-religion_n for_o we_o must_v measure_v our_o profitableness_n under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o life_n we_o must_v pursue_v christianity_n in_o its_o true_a and_o proper_a usefulness_n give_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o every_o law_n of_o righteousness_n we_o must_v not_o divorce_v piety_n from_o justice_n and_o charity_n but_o join_v the_o love_n of_o god_n with_o the_o love_n of_o our_o brother_n be_v impatient_a against_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o other_o man_n opinion_n spend_v our_o zeal_n in_o our_o own_o and_o not_o other_o man_n business_n be_v ever_o zealous_a for_o the_o prime_n and_o most_o substantial_a principle_n of_o religion_n not_o for_o uncertain_a and_o unexamined_a speculation_n we_o must_v set_v ourselves_o with_o all_o our_o might_n against_o our_o lust_n and_o our_o passion_n for_o all_o our_o devotion_n without_o it_o will_v never_o expiate_v one_o habitual_a sin_n neither_o will_v a_o maim_a or_o halt_a religion_n ever_o arrive_v at_o heaven_n nothing_o but_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n will_v gain_v admittance_n there_o let_v we_o therefore_o inform_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o excellency_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o goodness_n let_v we_o adorn_v they_o with_o a_o inward_a purity_n
and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n accomplish_v they_o with_o all_o godlike_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o obey_v the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o justice_n mercy_n tempeperance_n humility_n meekness_n patience_n and_o charity_n we_o must_v live_v up_o to_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o real_a and_o essential_a equity_n and_o build_v all_o our_o hope_n upon_o a_o unmaimed_a and_o solid_a religion_n in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v observe_v that_o licentiousness_n of_o live_v have_v bring_v a_o great_a decay_n upon_o moral_a virtue_n the_o christian_a religion_n right_o understand_v and_o sincere_o practise_v serve_v no_o doubt_n to_o make_v man_n more_o moral_o virtuous_a than_o any_o other_o that_o at_o this_o day_n be_v or_o since_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v profess_v in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o justice_n and_o temperance_n but_o of_o wisdom_n and_o fortitude_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v lament_v the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n lament_v that_o since_o the_o first_o plantation_n hereof_o man_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n degenerate_v so_o as_o the_o far_o they_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o shine_v in_o good_a work_n they_o have_v grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o since_o their_o time_n zeal_n for_o virtue_n have_v decay_v as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o intrinsic_a excellency_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o fire_n of_o pagan_a persecution_n that_o kindle_v that_o heat_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o christian_n what_o shall_v we_o take_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o decay_n have_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n lose_v their_o efficacy_n like_o the_o gentile_a oracle_n that_o all_o the_o motive_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n have_v now_o so_o little_a influence_n upon_o man_n temper_n or_o life_n or_o rather_o this_o must_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o of_o old_a christianity_n be_v root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a work_n in_o their_o life_n whereas_o now_o it_o be_v only_o a_o barren_a notion_n in_o man_n head_n and_o their_o action_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o it_o than_o it_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o meditation_n of_o their_o hand_n in_o beneficence_n now_o it_o be_v become_v a_o disguise_n for_o covetousness_n ambition_n malice_n and_o all_o that_o be_v evil_a it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o ancient_a author_n which_o studious_a man_n turn_v over_o they_o find_v description_n of_o virtue_n more_o perfect_a than_o real_o they_o be_v the_o government_n be_v represent_v better_o and_o the_o way_n of_o life_n pleasant_a than_o they_o deserve_v upon_o this_o these_o bookish_a man_n compare_v what_o they_o read_v with_o what_o they_o see_v and_o here_o behold_v nothing_o so_o heroical_o transcendent_a because_o they_o be_v able_a to_o mark_v all_o the_o spot_n as_o well_o as_o beauty_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o close_o to_o their_o sight_n they_o present_o begin_v to_o despise_v their_o own_o time_n and_o exalt_v the_o past_a to_o contemn_v the_o virtue_n and_o aggravate_v the_o vice_n of_o their_o age_n but_o such_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o religion_n religion_n debauchery_n a_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o growth_n of_o religion_n that_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o suffer_v much_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o debauchery_n and_o ill_a manner_n of_o man_n and_o when_o lewdness_n have_v get_v a_o habit_n and_o man_n forehead_n be_v brazen_a in_o their_o wickedness_n they_o will_v not_o receive_v a_o check_n from_o disarm_v religion_n but_o rather_o harden_v themselves_o against_o it_o and_o account_n that_o their_o enemy_n which_o they_o be_v sure_o will_v not_o give_v countenance_n to_o the_o vice_n they_o be_v now_o settle_v in_o beside_o when_o a_o licentious_a course_n of_o life_n have_v bring_v man_n to_o disuse_n the_o duty_n and_o office_n of_o religigion_n all_o its_o obligation_n be_v antiquate_v with_o they_o then_o instead_o of_o prayer_n they_o learn_v to_o curse_n and_o swear_v and_o from_o not_o go_v to_o church_n for_o a_o time_n grow_v to_o plead_v a_o privilege_n not_o to_o come_v at_o it_o at_o all_o second_o not_o only_o looseness_n of_o life_n but_o also_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o christian_a liberty_n have_v much_o obstruct_v the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n for_o some_o man_n have_v think_v themselves_o discharge_v thereby_o from_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o take_v the_o gospel_n to_o contain_v nothing_o else_o proper_o but_o a_o publication_n of_o god_n promise_n and_o that_o those_o promise_n be_v absolute_a without_o any_o condition_n of_o our_o obedience_n so_o that_o neither_o man_n justification_n nor_o salvation_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o principle_n libertinism_n a_o pernicious_a principle_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o modern_a liberty_n and_o be_v a_o persuasion_n fit_a to_o debauch_v the_o whole_a world_n about_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v much_o plead_v for_o by_o the_o gnostic_n to_o excuse_v their_o revolt_n from_o christianity_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o their_o beastly_a sensuality_n as_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n give_v a_o privilege_n neither_o to_o profess_v nor_o practice_v it_o when_o the_o one_o prove_v too_o incommodious_a to_o their_o secular_a interest_n or_o the_o other_o too_o disgustful_a to_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n whereas_o the_o content_n of_o the_o great_a character_n purchase_v for_o we_o we_o what_o the_o liberty_n be_v which_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o and_o bring_v in_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v these_o that_o beside_o the_o free_v we_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n which_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o do_v and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n which_o the_o gentile_a world_n lie_v under_o he_o have_v set_v our_o conscience_n at_o liberty_n from_o judaic_a rite_n to_o pursue_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o serve_v all_o the_o interest_n of_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o world_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v liberty_n and_o condescension_n or_o self-denial_n join_v together_o by_o st._n paul_n gal._n 5.13_o you_o have_v be_v call_v unto_o liberty_n only_o use_v not_o liberty_n as_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o by_o love_n serve_v one_o another_o and_o by_o st._n peter_n 1._o eph._n 2.16_o as_o free_v yet_o not_o use_v your_o liberty_n as_o a_o cloak_n of_o maliciousness_n but_o as_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n but_o if_o religion_n shall_v set_v we_o free_a from_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o will_v be_v uncertain_a and_o precarious_a thing_n nay_o it_o will_v destroy_v itself_o and_o the_o society_n of_o man_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o that_o their_o happiness_n will_v be_v undermine_v thereby_o but_o this_o be_v so_o express_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o go_v so_o cross_a to_o the_o very_a sense_n of_o every_o honest_a mind_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o spend_v any_o more_o word_n about_o it_o in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o progress_n of_o moral_a virtue_n have_v be_v discourage_v by_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o reason_n be_v not_o as_o much_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o revelation_n as_o if_o whatever_o contradict_v reason_n be_v not_o opposite_a to_o faith_n for_o abraham_n reason_n be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o his_o faith_n two_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o he_o faith_n our_o reason_n confirm_v our_o faith_n that_o seeem_v to_o clash_v one_o with_o another_o and_o if_o his_o reason_n can_v not_o have_v reconcile_v their_o difference_n he_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v they_o both_o to_o have_v be_v from_o god_n for_o divine_a revelation_n do_v not_o give_v new_a faculty_n to_o man_n but_o propound_v new_a object_n to_o those_o faculty_n so_o that_o when_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o he_o reveal_v it_o to_o our_o understanding_n that_o we_o may_v judge_v concern_v it_o that_o we_o may_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n but_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v from_o he_o or_o no_o now_o that_o which_o have_v spoil_v the_o life_n of_o many_o man_n be_v there_o assent_v to_o such_o doctrine_n as_o never_o come_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n therefore_o to_o preserve_v our_o integrity_n and_o keep_v the_o truth_n we_o must_v try_v the_o spirit_n and_o compare_v the_o evidence_n man_n bring_v for_o what_o they_o assert_v which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n but_o to_o be_v confident_a and_o peremptory_a in_o any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n whereas_o if_o we_o turn_v off_o reason_n we_o level_v the_o
best_a and_o most_o desirable_a doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o vain_a enthusiasm_n now_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o man_n philosophy_n nor_o the_o critical_a rule_n of_o syllogism_n but_o those_o fundamental_a notice_n that_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n whereby_o we_o know_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v for_o a_o end_n and_o every_o thing_n be_v direct_v to_o its_o end_n by_o certain_a rule_n these_o rule_n in_o creature_n of_o understanding_n and_o choice_n be_v law_n and_o in_o transgress_v these_o be_v vice_n and_o sin_n as_o for_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v allege_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o that_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n but_o by_o this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o dispute_a greek_n and_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o roman_n all_o which_o the_o apostle_n set_v at_o naught_o because_o they_o be_v very_o contrary_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o holiness_n to_o the_o self-denial_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o gospel_n second_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v by_o which_o word_n nothing_o more_o be_v intend_v than_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v guide_v pure_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v not_o enlighten_v by_o divine_a revelation_n can_v understand_v matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n but_o he_o think_v they_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a till_o they_o be_v make_v know_v to_o he_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o nothing_o appear_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sound_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n three_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o our_o reason_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n by_o our_o interest_n and_o imagination_n so_o that_o many_o time_n we_o mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n when_o they_o be_v the_o false_a conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a in_o define_v speculative_a and_o difficult_a matter_n nor_o set_v our_o reason_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o disreputation_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n that_o be_v those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o we_o may_v not_o use_v our_o understanding_n scripture_n itself_o will_v signify_v either_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a to_o we_o therefore_o to_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o introduce_v atheism_n reason_n the_o mischief_n of_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n for_o what_o great_a advantage_n can_v the_o atheist_n have_v against_o virtue_n than_o that_o reason_n be_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o this_o will_v make_v our_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o warm_a fancy_n and_o a_o ungrounded_a belief_n so_o that_o it_o can_v stand_v only_o till_o a_o new_a conceit_n alter_v the_o scene_n of_o imagination_n second_o to_o decry_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o infinite_a folly_n and_o imposture_n when_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a be_v call_v vain_a philosophy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sober_a carnal_a reason_v this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v up_o a_o religion_n without_o sense_n and_o without_o moral_a virtue_n this_o be_v to_o put_v out_o our_o eye_n that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o to_o hoodwink_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v avoid_v the_o precipice_n of_o vice_n thus_o have_v all_o extravagancy_n be_v bring_v into_o religion_n beyond_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o fever_n and_o the_o conceit_n of_o midnight_n the_o last_o and_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v some_o man_n make_a morality_n and_o grace_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o opposite_n grace_n and_o morality_n be_v not_o opposite_n to_o divorce_v grace_n from_o virtue_n and_o to_o distinguish_v the_o spiritual_a christian_a from_o the_o moral_a man_n be_v a_o modern_a invention_n for_o not_o one_o ancient_a author_n that_o have_v treat_v of_o our_o religion_n do_v ever_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o evangelical_n grace_n evangelical_n grace_n be_v nothing_o else_o in_o their_o account_n but_o moral_a virtue_n heighten_v by_o the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n both_o which_o be_v external_a consideration_n to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o the_o christian_a institution_n do_v not_o introduce_v any_o new_a duty_n distinct_a from_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o strengthen_v they_o by_o new_a obligation_n and_o improve_v they_o by_o new_a principle_n for_o the_o power_n to_o perform_v these_o duty_n come_v from_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o apply_v the_o motive_n of_o religion_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o they_o persuade_v we_o to_o every_o good_a action_n that_o we_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n come_v of_o his_o gift_n who_o dispose_v we_o to_o learn_v the_o truth_n that_o we_o attend_v to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v wrought_v into_o a_o serious_a temper_n that_o we_o be_v excite_v to_o good_a resolution_n and_o confirm_v in_o they_o come_v of_o his_o grace_n who_o put_v good_a thought_n into_o our_o mind_n thereby_o move_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n most_o powerful_o to_o every_o good_a work_n or_o to_o every_o moral_a virtue_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o the_o decency_n of_o outward_a behaviour_n but_o be_v a_o prevail_a inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o those_o manner_n or_o that_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v best_a for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a goodness_n of_o manner_n in_o mind_n and_o in_o practice_n now_o it_o be_v name_v virtue_n because_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n consist_v in_o a_o temper_n of_o mind_n and_o course_n of_o life_n agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v call_v moral_a because_o it_o be_v conversant_a about_o the_o customary_a disposition_n and_o action_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o those_o law_n that_o be_v give_v with_o rational_a inducement_n to_o obedience_n be_v say_v to_o be_v moral_a law_n as_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o rational_a being_n to_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v and_o this_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o matter_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o work_n for_o that_o agent_n which_o have_v no_o power_n over_o itself_o but_o act_n because_o it_o must_v whatsoever_o laudable_a effect_n it_o may_v produce_v it_o be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o morality_n as_o those_o senseless_a machine_n be_v that_o move_v by_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n now_o the_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v moral_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n so_o that_o holiness_n and_o moral_a virtue_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o same_o thing_n diverse_o express_v for_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v it_o well_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o both_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o those_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o our_o holiness_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o be_v justice_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n his_o patience_n mercy_n and_o charity_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o love_n of_o righteousness_n all_o which_o be_v moral_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o when_o in_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v follower_n of_o god_n our_o imitation_n of_o he_o do_v necessary_o become_v moral_a virtue_n and_o those_o duty_n which_o work_n in_o we_o the_o near_a likeness_n to_o christ_n jesus_n be_v meekness_n humility_n patience_n self-denial_n contempt_n of_o the_o world_n readiness_n to_o pass_v by_o wrong_n to_o forgive_v enemy_n to_o love_v and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o be_v all_o in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n moral_a virtue_n indeed_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o end_n of_o obedience_n which_o nature_n teach_v not_o but_o be_v make_v know_v by_o grace_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o regard_v this_o end_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o christ_n and_o cause_v by_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o
concurrence_n of_o supernatural_a strength_n for_o notwithstanding_o our_o many_o weakness_n through_o christ_n we_o may_v do_v all_o thing_n he_o alone_o give_v we_o a_o will_v to_o use_v his_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n to_o discern_v the_o want_n of_o more_o the_o proper_a inference_n therefore_o from_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o we_o resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o good_a course_n of_o life_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v our_o work_n will_v be_v easy_a to_o we_o if_o we_o be_v diligent_a in_o govern_v our_o conversation_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n will_v still_o grow_v less_o because_o our_o strength_n will_v increase_v and_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o give_v great_a degree_n of_o assistance_n to_o they_o that_o use_v what_o he_o have_v already_o bestow_v than_o our_o endeavour_n must_v concur_v with_o this_o assistance_n which_o god_n give_v for_o the_o spirit_n do_v usual_o work_v insensible_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o wind_n which_o no_o man_n see_v whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whether_o it_o go_v even_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n man_n feel_v motion_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o how_o these_o be_v produce_v be_v altogether_o together_o invisible_a to_o they_o when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v propound_v and_o the_o word_n be_v preach_v they_o find_v themselves_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o as_o their_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v so_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v warn_v to_o a_o compliance_n therewith_o now_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v begin_v this_o work_n upon_o our_o heart_n our_o business_n be_v to_o cherish_v those_o motion_n and_o to_o act_v according_o which_o if_o we_o do_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o aid_n we_o shall_v find_v supply_n come_v in_o from_o he_o that_o will_v increase_v our_o strength_n unto_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n be_v meet_v withal_o at_o first_o because_o at_o first_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o bestow_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n but_o he_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o if_o we_o relish_v it_o he_o send_v forth_o continual_o large_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o all_o the_o premise_n see_v then_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n agree_v to_o teach_v and_o command_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o passion_n in_o the_o just_a regulation_n whereof_o we_o have_v place_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o virtue_n see_v this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o all_o philosophy_n aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n that_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o world_n let_v we_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n by_o live_v according_a to_o these_o rule_n which_o we_o have_v here_o set_v down_o for_o as_o they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o be_v easy_a and_o pleasant_a they_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o god_n have_v show_v we_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a virtue_n and_o vice_n first_o by_o natural_a instinct_n second_o by_o natural_a reason_n three_o by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n four_o by_o external_n revelation_n first_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v natural_o direct_v to_o approve_v some_o thing_n as_o good_a and_o avoid_v other_o thing_n as_o evil_a evil._n natural_a instinct_n teach_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil._n just_a as_o the_o creature_n below_o man_n be_v by_o a_o natural_a instinct_n lead_v to_o their_o own_o preservation_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o young_a one_o in_o like_a manner_n we_o find_v in_o human_a nature_n a_o propensity_n to_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v beneficial_a and_o a_o loathe_n of_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v hurtful_a to_o they_o the_o former_a appear_v beautiful_a and_o lovely_a the_o latter_a ugly_a and_o deform_a now_o these_o inclination_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o reason_n but_o from_o nature_n and_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o discourse_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o as_o vigorous_o in_o young_a person_n as_o in_o those_o that_o be_v old_a they_o do_v show_v themselves_o as_o much_o in_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v more_o refine_v and_o better_o instruct_v which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o they_o come_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o reason_n they_o will_v appear_v most_o eminent_o in_o those_o person_n who_o be_v of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o improve_a understanding_n and_o will_v be_v very_o obscure_a in_o such_o as_o exercise_v their_o reason_n but_o a_o little_a whereas_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o the_o most_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o mankind_n have_v as_o lively_a a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o sobriety_n as_o tender_a affection_n to_o their_o child_n as_o much_o honour_n for_o their_o parent_n as_o true_a a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o know_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o these_o be_v the_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o so_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n appear_v herein_o to_o be_v wonderful_o careful_a of_o the_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n in_o that_o he_o have_v wrought_v such_o inclination_n into_o our_o nature_n as_o to_o secure_v the_o most_o material_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n in_o plant_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o that_o in_o many_o case_n if_o we_o do_v but_o consult_v our_o own_o nature_n we_o need_v no_o other_o oracle_n to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v the_o divine_a nature_n honour_v our_o parent_n love_v our_o child_n be_v grateful_a to_o our_o benefactor_n and_o those_o that_o have_v oblige_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o our_o promise_n to_o restore_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v entrust_v with_o we_o to_o pity_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o to_o deal_v equal_o with_o other_o man_n as_o we_o will_v that_o they_o shall_v deal_v with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o subtle_a reason_n to_o prove_v the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v prevent_v by_o the_o very_a instinct_n of_o nature_n which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o these_o case_n for_o man_n be_v natural_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a in_o themselves_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o omit_v these_o thing_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n two_o 14_o 15._o when_o the_o gentile_n who_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n they_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o their_o own_o conscience_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n or_o by_o turn_n either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o according_a as_o they_o do_v or_o omit_v the_o do_n of_o these_o thing_n if_o man_n obey_v the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n their_o conscience_n give_v they_o a_o comfortable_a testimony_n as_o have_v do_v what_o become_v they_o to_o do_v on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o affront_v nature_n by_o act_v against_o its_o suggestion_n what_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n do_v we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n nay_o when_o a_o man_n have_v but_o a_o design_n to_o commit_v a_o evil_a deed_n his_o conscience_n be_v disquiet_v and_o perplex_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o and_o he_o be_v as_o guilty_a as_o if_o he_o have_v real_o act_v it_o so_o cain_n when_o he_o contrive_v the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n the_o very_a imagination_n of_o the_o wickedness_n change_v his_o countenance_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o wrath_n and_o discontent_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v consent_v to_o any_o iniquity_n our_o spirit_n receive_v a_o secret_a wound_n and_o will_v make_v we_o restless_a because_o guilt_n do_v not_o only_o fill_v the_o mind_n with_o vexation_n but_o put_v it_o into_o a_o unnatural_a fermentation_n as_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n describe_v the_o wicked_a person_n he_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n that_o can_v rest_v and_o i_o appeal_v to_o that_o which_o every_o man_n find_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n if_o he_o do_v not_o feel_v a_o trouble_n within_o he_o upon_o his_o act_n contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n undaunted_a the_o virtuous_a man_n be_v the_o most_o bold_a and_o undaunted_a beside_o man_n
do_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o it_o will_v certain_o prevail_v oppose_v it_o what_o we_o can_v nay_o if_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o every_o man_n whereby_o be_v may_v lead_v a_o virtuous_a life_n how_o shall_v he_o govern_v the_o world_n how_o shall_v man_n be_v condemn_v for_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o particular_a for_o not_o believe_v and_o repent_v when_o without_o god_n grace_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v either_o but_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a and_o if_o we_o do_v this_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o in_o god_n proceed_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o will_v then_o be_v esteem_v unjust_a by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v conceive_v any_o other_o notion_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n than_o what_o be_v own_v for_o just_a among_o man_n god_n what_o be_v just_a in_o man_n be_v just_a in_o god_n be_v it_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o appeal_v to_o man_n concern_v the_o equality_n of_o his_o way_n for_o if_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o in_o god_n as_o be_v in_o man_n we_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v just_a in_o god_n neither_o can_v we_o judge_v concerncern_v the_o equality_n or_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o proceed_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o heathen_a to_o who_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n never_o come_v shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o their_o unbelief_n it_o be_v unjust_a to_o condemn_v man_n for_o not_o believe_v that_o which_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o they_o for_o their_o faith_n this_o will_v be_v to_o oblige_v man_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a which_o no_o law_n nor_o equity_n can_v do_v but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o entertain_v any_o thought_n unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o to_o say_v that_o of_o the_o best_a be_v which_o we_o will_v account_v a_o reproach_n to_o ourselves_o since_o then_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v salvation_n to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o and_o our_o own_o conscience_n will_v accuse_v we_o as_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n because_o god_n have_v do_v his_o part_n if_o we_o be_v negligent_a in_o do_v we_o for_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o we_o that_o which_o god_n do_v and_o bid_v we_o do_v that_o which_o god_n do_v with_o we_o and_o that_o which_o we_o do_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o god_n do_v by_o we_o be_v ascribe_v both_o to_o god_n and_o we_o we_o work_v and_o god_n work_v by_o who_o we_o be_v awaken_v direct_v assist_v the_o controversy_n be_v very_o hot_a and_o very_o long_o and_o intricate_a about_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o think_v a_o right_a state_v the_o matter_n will_v extinguish_v they_o from_o be_v in_o the_o world_n since_o that_o grace_n we_o grace_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v afford_v we_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n 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the_o government_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o be_v never_o disturb_v by_o passion_n to_o be_v tender_a heart_a and_o pityful_a because_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o god_n and_o a_o provocation_n to_o man_n to_o resign_v ourselves_o up_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n leave_v all_o issue_n and_o future_a success_n to_o the_o wise_a determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o hold_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o truth_n because_o a_o man_n heart_n will_v never_o misgive_v he_o in_o her_o way_n not_o to_o dissemble_v but_o to_o deal_v open_o with_o mankind_n because_o this_o behaviour_n will_v make_v our_o passage_n easy_a through_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v have_v none_o to_o oppose_v none_o to_o do_v we_o harm_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o sober_a in_o the_o judgement_n we_o make_v of_o ourselves_o because_o self-confidence_n and_o self-conceit_n render_v man_n fool_n to_o be_v peace_n maker_n and_o compose_v difference_n to_o endure_v wrong_n patient_o to_o forbear_v revenge_n and_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n because_o god_n do_v so_o in_o nature_n while_o he_o cause_v the_o sun_n to_o rise_v upon_o good_a and_o bad_a to_o pass_v charitable_a judgement_n upon_o other_o because_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v a_o enemy_n a_o friend_n to_o give_v real_a demonstration_n of_o our_o integrity_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o because_o man_n disparage_v religion_n who_o profess_v it_o and_o do_v not_o guide_v their_o action_n according_a to_o its_o doctrine_n to_o submit_v our_o sense_n and_o inferior_a affection_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o sober_a reason_n and_o true_a understanding_n because_o mind_n and_o understanding_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v his_o subordinate_a governor_n in_o human_a life_n to_o be_v modest_a and_o chaste_a in_o our_o conversation_n because_o modesty_n secure_v the_o mind_n from_o pride_n and_o chastity_n preserve_v the_o body_n from_o the_o worst_a indisposition_n thus_o christ_n jesus_n have_v show_v we_o a_o example_n of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n and_o a_o example_n in_o some_o respect_n have_v a_o advantage_n above_o a_o rule_n for_o it_o show_v in_o what_o way_n the_o roâ—e_n be_v practicable_a and_o it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o any_o man_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v or_o suffer_v what_o other_o have_v do_v before_o he_o see_v then_o god_n have_v take_v such_o care_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o duty_n and_o have_v make_v those_o thing_n instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n we_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o and_o we_o incur_v the_o heavy_a sentence_n pronounce_v by_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n for_o whover_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a act_n against_o the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o light_n that_o shine_v in_o his_o own_o soul_n beside_o what_o advantage_n be_v it_o that_o wickedness_n bring_v to_o man_n name_v i_o that_o vice_n which_o improve_v our_o reason_n or_o make_v we_o ever_o a_o whit_n the_o wise_a that_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o to_o our_o health_n and_o credit_n among_o considerate_a person_n if_o then_o it_o be_v virtue_n that_o point_v out_o to_o we_o the_o most_o compendious_a and_o ready_a way_n to_o happiness_n we_o may_v see_v where_o our_o true_a interest_n lie_v let_v we_o not_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v cheat_v of_o it_o by_o the_o little_a art_n of_o vice_n or_o the_o insinuation_n of_o a_o temptation_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o to_o our_o prejudice_n even_o as_o to_o our_o temporal_a concern_v for_o every_o know_v and_o deliberate_a sin_n that_o a_o man_n commit_v be_v a_o flaw_n in_o his_o title_n to_o his_o estate_n not_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n but_o of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a disposer_n of_o the_o fortune_n of_o mankind_n religion_n moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o speak_v of_o moral_a virtue_n as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v and_o institute_v religion_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v ask_v which_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o the_o law_n answer_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o a_o jew_n will_v have_v think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v pitch_v upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o so_o great_a esteem_n among_o they_o sacrifice_n circumcision_n or_o the_o sabbath_n but_o he_o overlook_v all_o these_o and_o instance_n in_o the_o two_o principal_a duty_n of_o morality_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o these_o moral_a duty_n be_v those_o which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o which_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v for_o the_o judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o pass_v away_o and_o do_v so_o not_o long_o after_o but_o this_o law_n of_o moral_a duty_n be_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o immutable_a and_o the_o keep_n of_o this_o law_n consist_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v most_o of_o all_o neglect_n therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o unless_o our_o righteousness_n do_v exceed_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n we_o can_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n now_o these_o man_n be_v the_o most_o punctual_a people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o observe_v the_o jewish_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o whereas_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v tithe_n of_o their_o more_o considerable_a thing_n they_o will_v do_v it_o even_o of_o mint_n anise_v and_o cummin_n but_o then_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o moral_a duty_n they_o be_v unnatural_a to_o their_o parent_n in_o deny_v they_o relief_n because_o their_o estate_n as_o they_o pretend_v be_v dedicate_v to_o a_o holy_a use_n they_o be_v unjust_a and_o under_o a_o show_n of_o long_a prayer_n devour_v widow_n house_n in_o a_o word_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o they_o neglect_v both_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o weighty_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n which_o whosoever_o neglect_v he_o can_v never_o please_v god_n with_o any_o institute_v or_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n nothing_o be_v declare_v more_o abominable_a to_o he_o than_o sacrifice_n as_o long_o as_o man_n allow_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a practice_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o design_n to_o teach_v mankind_n righteousness_n godliness_n and_o sobriety_n and_o for_o this_o 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