damnation_n and_o such_o as_o only_o deserve_v some_o temporary_a punishment_n especial_o since_o under_o the_o head_n of_o venial_a sin_n they_o rank_v the_o gross_a enormity_n so_o that_o even_o murder_n shall_v become_v a_o venial_a sin_n if_o commit_v to_o maintain_v a_o man_n honour_n or_o under_o pretence_n of_o return_v some_o trivial_a affront_n a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n have_v be_v make_v by_o some_o jesuitical_a casuist_n a_o justifiable_a provocation_n for_o a_o man_n to_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o express_a term_n determine_v the_o quite_o contrary_a so_o plain_o do_v these_o man_n make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n and_o distinction_n but_o 2._o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a and_o justifiable_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o for_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n i._n e._n 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o whosoever_o do_v any_o action_n without_o that_o persuasion_n and_o assurance_n of_o mind_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o his_o do_n which_o be_v here_o call_v faith_n he_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v it_o be_v therefore_o our_o duty_n to_o act_n according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lawful_a convenient_a and_o most_o expedient_a to_o be_v do_v and_o by_o consequence_n most_o please_v unto_o god_n to_o walk_v according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n in_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o he_o who_o thus_o act_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o perform_v what_o he_o sincere_o believe_v to_o be_v his_o duty_n will_v be_v more_o excusable_a when_o he_o do_v amiss_o than_o that_o man_n who_o think_v he_o act_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o his_o own_o knowledge_n though_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o no_o action_n be_v good_a without_o the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n of_o he_o who_o perform_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o resolve_v upon_o a_o action_n which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n do_v violence_n to_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o commit_v a_o very_a heinous_a sin_n though_o the_o action_n in_o itself_o shall_v be_v lawful_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o our_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o sustain_v the_o part_n of_o a_o judge_n as_o well_o as_o a_o witness_n and_o accuser_n and_o suppose_v our_o conscience_n due_o inform_v whilst_o we_o follow_v its_o determination_n we_o can_v do_v amiss_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o we_o be_v hereby_o excuse_v from_o perform_v a_o know_v and_o absolute_o necessary_a duty_n only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o full_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o every_o minute_n circumstance_n which_o be_v require_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o this_o will_v administer_v fuel_n to_o such_o perplexity_n and_o scruple_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n as_o will_v render_v christ_n easy_a yoke_n far_o more_o burdensome_a than_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish-law_n if_o therefore_o we_o be_v command_v by_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n to_o perform_v a_o action_n which_o our_o conscience_n tell_v we_o be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o not_o to_o be_v too_o nice_a in_o weigh_v every_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o in_o this_o case_n to_o prefer_v our_o submission_n to_o a_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o our_o lawful_a governor_n before_o the_o trivial_a doubt_n of_o a_o unsettle_a and_o waver_a conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o wilful_a omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v certain_o a_o grievous_a sin_n whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a whether_o the_o perform_n of_o it_o with_o that_o questionable_a circumstance_n be_v so_o or_o no_o and_o therefore_o common_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o rather_o to_o venture_v upon_o some_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n we_o be_v not_o so_o full_o satisfy_v in_o than_o on_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n which_o be_v certain_o a_o sin_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v manifest_o evil_a rather_o than_o from_o those_o which_o have_v only_o the_o appearance_n of_o it_o thus_o a_o common_a soldier_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v the_o command_n of_o his_o superior_a officer_n a_o servant_n of_o his_o master_n without_o play_v the_o casuist_n and_o nice_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o they_o be_v only_o the_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o execute_v what_o the_o head_n command_v and_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o plain_o contradictory_n to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o land_n they_o ought_v to_o obey_v their_o superior_n will_v be_v answerable_a for_o all_o the_o lesser_a defect_n whilst_o there_o will_v be_v great_a allowance_n make_v to_o that_o man_n who_o for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n peace_n and_o charity_n not_o only_o sacrifice_n his_o own_o private_a opinion_n but_o square_n his_o action_n in_o thing_n of_o lesser_a moment_n so_o as_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n but_o 3._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o such_o action_n as_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o unto_o sin_n and_o avoid_v as_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o can_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a occasion_n and_o incentives_n unto_o evil_a for_o he_o that_o will_v the_o cause_n will_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o he_o that_o expose_v himself_o to_o temptation_n be_v blame-worthy_a though_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o nor_o be_v overpower_a thereby_o it_o be_v the_o business_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v by_o reflect_v on_o its_o past_a action_n to_o collect_v from_o thence_o what_o will_v be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o avoid_v not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o least_o degree_n but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o be_v the_o inlet_n and_o inducement_n to_o it_o the_o true_a spiritual_a warrior_n will_v not_o have_v any_o parley_n with_o his_o enemy_n he_o stand_v continual_o on_o his_o guard_n and_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v the_o least_o approach_n towards_o he_o well_o know_v that_o he_o be_v only_o then_o secure_a when_o his_o enemy_n have_v not_o the_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o hurt_v he_o and_o that_o the_o first_o step_n towards_o his_o ruin_n be_v to_o be_v secure_a 30.6_o psal_n 30.6_o and_o to_o fancy_n he_o stand_v so_o fast_o that_o he_o can_v never_o be_v move_v it_o will_v be_v therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n for_o every_o one_o to_o consider_v what_o sin_n he_o be_v most_o addict_v to_o what_o vice_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o his_o temper_n and_o constitution_n how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v betray_v into_o these_o sin_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o they_o and_o let_v he_o take_v up_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o will_v set_v no_o wicked_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n 101.3_o psal_n 101.3_o i_o will_v remove_v far_o from_o i_o all_o such_o object_n and_o example_n show_n and_o appearance_n as_o may_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o i_o and_o betray_v i_o into_o sin_n thus_o for_o example_n if_o he_o find_v himself_o of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a temper_n let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v be_v angry_a let_v he_o endeavour_v to_o subdue_v and_o keep_v under_o his_o passion_n when_o first_o raise_v and_o throw_v these_o coal_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v retain_v they_o long_a theâ—e_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v anger_n maintain_v and_o encourage_v turn_n natural_o either_o into_o fury_n or_o malice_n and_o when_o once_o it_o degenerate_v into_o either_o of_o these_o devilish_a temper_n of_o mind_n who_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o mischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o that_o spark_n which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v suppress_v will_v be_v ungovernable_a when_o blow_v up_o into_o a_o flame_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o safe_a way_n either_o to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o such_o a_o meek_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v angry_a at_o all_o or_o to_o restrain_v it_o within_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o hereby_o prevent_v its_o be_v criminal_a and_o sinful_a if_o he_o find_v himself_o addict_v to_o uncleanness_n and_o lust_n let_v he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o eye_n 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a
dii_o charior_fw-la est_fw-la illis_fw-la homo_fw-la quam_fw-la sibi_fw-la which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v commit_v thyself_o and_o all_o thy_o concern_v to_o divine_a providence_n let_v he_o determine_v what_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o thou_o what_o be_v most_o requisite_a in_o the_o course_n of_o thy_o affair_n for_o god_n love_v man_n better_a than_o man_n love_v himself_o and_o do_v he_o good_a oftentimes_o against_o his_o will_n and_o though_o he_o deny_v he_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v grateful_a and_o acceptable_a to_o his_o fleshly_a appetite_n and_o desire_n to_o his_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n yet_o he_o give_v he_o other_o blessing_n which_o be_v more_o wholesome_a and_o more_o profitable_a to_o he_o thus_o a_o careful_a physician_n prescribe_v safe_a and_o beneficial_a though_o unpalatable_a medicine_n to_o his_o disease_a patient_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o mankind_n merciful_o and_o bountiful_o and_o frequent_o deny_v his_o request_n and_o prayer_n out_o of_o kindness_n to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o safe_a and_o more_o convenient_a for_o he_o this_o be_v a_o useful_a lesson_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v from_o st._n paul_n experience_n as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o two_o precede_a verse_n lest_o say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v give_v unto_o i_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v i_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v exalt_v above_o measure_n for_o this_o thing_n i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n thrice_o that_o it_o may_v depart_v from_o i_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o st._n paul_n prayer_n wherein_o god_n instead_o of_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o buffet_n of_o satan_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o pray_v for_o promise_v to_o give_v he_o his_o grace_n to_o endure_v it_o which_o will_v be_v far_o more_o commodious_a and_o advantageous_a to_o he_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o that_o i_o may_v discourse_v with_o the_o great_a profit_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v his_o grace_n ii_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a iii_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o as_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v say_v thus_o unto_o he_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v thy_o request_n in_o exempt_n thou_o from_o thy_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n but_o lest_o thou_o shall_v be_v oppress_v by_o they_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o what_o be_v more_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o wit_n my_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 1._o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n promise_v viz._n his_o grace_n which_o take_v in_o the_o general_n denote_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n renew_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o continual_o strengthen_v and_o guide_v it_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will._n now_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n proceed_v diversity_n of_o grace_n there_o be_v gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la or_o the_o miraculous_a unction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whereby_o to_o one_o be_v give_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n to_o another_o speak_n with_o tongue_n to_o a_o three_o prophesy_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o grace_n mean_v in_o the_o text_n 10.12_o 1_o cor._n 10.12_o for_o this_o be_v communicate_v to_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o to_o good_a man_n to_o balaâ—â—_n and_o saul_n and_o caiphas_n and_o judas_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o tempt_a st._n paul_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o pride_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text._n and_o those_o excellent_a gift_n and_o endowment_n with_o which_o this_o apostle_n be_v furnish_v tend_v to_o puff_n he_o up_o and_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o buffet_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o uphold_v and_o strengthen_v he_o and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o be_v what_o the_o schoolman_n call_v gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la or_o the_o grace_n of_o life_n such_o as_o be_v all_o the_o save_a gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n such_o as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n purity_n humility_n and_o all_o other_o gracious_a habit_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o wherein_o the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n do_v true_o consist_v 1.6_o eph._n 1.6_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o render_v we_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n eternal_a life_n unto_o we_o this_o be_v that_o grace_n which_o be_v best_a describe_v by_o its_o effect_n 6.23_o rom._n 6.23_o which_o illuminate_v our_o understanding_n teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o 2.27_o 1_o joh._n 2.27_o and_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o renew_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n govern_v our_o perverse_a will_n and_o affection_n counsel_n and_o action_n god_n holy_a spirit_n lead_v guide_a and_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n 8.14_o rom._n 8.14_o this_o unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n our_o head_n comfort_n we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o distress_n whether_o of_o body_n or_o soul_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v call_v the_o comforter_n 45.8_o joh._n 15.26_o psal_n 45.8_o and_o the_o oil_n of_o gladness_n and_o last_o it_o help_v we_o in_o all_o our_o strait_n and_o support_v we_o in_o time_n of_o the_o great_a distress_n and_o extremity_n it_o keep_v we_o from_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n when_o we_o consider_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o transgression_n or_o from_o question_v his_o providence_n because_o of_o our_o misery_n and_o from_o backslide_n and_o fall_a off_o from_o christ_n for_o fear_n of_o danger_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a respect_n in_o short_a it_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n 4.13_o phil._n 4.13_o which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v we_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o 2._o observable_a in_o the_o text._n the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o this_o grace_n it_o be_v such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o undergo_v whatsoever_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o lay_v upon_o we_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o 5.23_o 1_o thes_n 5.23_o for_o since_o that_o god_n who_o give_v this_o grace_n be_v in_o himself_o all-sufficient_a therefore_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o assistance_n which_o he_o afford_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o give_v it_o god_n grace_n sanctify_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o body_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n it_o cheer_v we_o in_o adversity_n it_o restrain_v we_o in_o prosperity_n not_o suffer_v we_o either_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o the_o one_o or_o to_o droop_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o fortify_v our_o soul_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o batteries_n 6.12_o eph._n 6.12_o when_o we_o be_v afflict_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o suffering_n here_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o or_o if_o we_o abound_v in_o blessing_n or_o in_o gift_n natural_a or_o supernatural_a it_o tell_v we_o from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o to_o what_o end_n they_o be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o hide_v these_o talent_n in_o a_o napkin_n or_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n unto_o wantonness_n but_o promote_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n though_o we_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o god_n without_o present_a return_v or_o apparent_a success_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n forbear_v to_o give_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o ask_v for_o that_o he_o may_v try_v our_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n and_o since_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o expedient_a to_o grant_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o wait_v the_o determination_n of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n again_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o person_n our_o heavenly_a father_n be_v so_o merciful_a that_o he_o shine_v
thing_n work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o so_o that_o though_o his_o condition_n be_v not_o so_o high_a or_o great_a so_o gay_a and_o splendid_a as_o other_o man_n nay_o though_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o cross_n and_o affliction_n yet_o he_o rest_v very_o well_o content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o it_o because_o he_o know_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o he_o 2._o by_o give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o take_v the_o comfort_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v and_o lay_v down_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o prudent_a rule_n and_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v do_v so_o and_o teach_v we_o that_o golden_a rule_n of_o moderation_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o which_o render_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n blessing_n indeed_o for_o it_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o keep_v a_o mean_a either_o their_o desire_n be_v too_o profuse_a and_o lavish_a or_o else_o too_o narrow_a and_o bind_v up_o how_o many_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o to_o who_o god_n have_v indulge_v health_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o all_o that_o their_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o yet_o have_v not_o give_v they_o the_o power_n to_o eat_v thereof_o so_o that_o they_o reap_v no_o other_o benefit_n by_o all_o those_o good_a thing_n save_v the_o behold_n of_o they_o with_o their_o eye_n and_o whilst_o they_o abound_v in_o wealth_n and_o plenty_n labour_n under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o inconvenience_n which_o attend_v the_o extreme_a want_n and_o poverty_n nay_o they_o be_v the_o poor_a for_o god_n liberality_n towards_o they_o and_o as_o their_o riches_n increase_v so_o their_o desire_n increase_n with_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o common_a be_v it_o to_o see_v man_n drown_v their_o part_n as_o well_o as_o fortune_n and_o render_v themselves_o so_o stupid_a and_o sottish_a that_o even_o their_o vice_n grow_v nauseous_a to_o they_o now_o religion_n by_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o these_o thing_n be_v give_v we_o teach_v we_o to_o use_v the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o abuse_v it_o to_o extract_v the_o sweet_n out_o of_o all_o sublunary_a enjoyment_n without_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o that_o sting_n which_o excess_n and_o debauchery_n leave_v behind_o they_o it_o make_v our_o pleasure_n durable_a and_o last_a by_o teach_v we_o the_o rational_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o deny_v we_o nothing_o which_o be_v please_v and_o divert_v but_o what_o be_v also_o extravagant_a and_o brutish_a it_o also_o 3._o free_v we_o from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o sour_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n root_a out_o all_o irregular_a passion_n such_o as_o envy_n hatred_n malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o compose_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o calm_a and_o even_a temper_n divert_v our_o affection_n from_o thing_n below_o and_o set_v they_o on_o thing_n above_o it_o stifle_v the_o first_o rise_v of_o our_o inordinate_a desire_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o lead_v our_o life_n peaceable_o sober_o and_o moderate_o consider_v that_o we_o live_v under_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o all-seeing_a god_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n will_v restrain_v the_o violence_n and_o impetuousness_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o establish_v we_o in_o a_o just_a empire_n over_o ourselves_o and_o bring_v our_o inferior_a faculty_n under_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n the_o love_n of_o god_n will_v produce_v in_o we_o a_o love_n to_o all_o mankind_n as_o well_o enemy_n as_o friend_n and_o from_o hence_o will_v proceed_v the_o most_o generous_a and_o comprehensive_a charity_n the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n will_v keep_v we_o meek_a and_o humble_a and_o inclinable_a to_o forgive_v other_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o whereas_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o 20._o isa_n 57_o 20._o be_v continual_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n nay_o he_o be_v frequent_o rack_v with_o contrary_a passion_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o what_o be_v the_o description_n of_o catiline_n alieni_fw-la appetens_fw-la svi_fw-la profusus_fw-la may_v be_v the_o character_n of_o many_o a_o wicked_a man_n he_o be_v covetous_a but_o yet_o a_o lover_n of_o expensive_a vice_n ambitious_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o yet_o too_o proud_a to_o court_v popular_a applause_n quarrelsome_a and_o revengeful_a but_o fearful_a and_o cowardly_a withal_o thus_o different_a passion_n render_v his_o life_n uneasy_a to_o he_o and_o contrary_a vice_n like_o the_o poet_n description_n of_o the_o four_o wind_n blow_v in_o a_o storm_n rage_n all_o at_o once_o and_o shipwreck_n the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o as_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o good_a man_n be_v calm_a so_o be_v his_o conscience_n clear_a he_o have_v none_o of_o those_o lash_n and_o gird_n which_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o every_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v already_o account_v with_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n and_o since_o his_o mind_n can_v charge_v he_o with_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v not_o repent_v of_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o dread_n of_o death_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o take_v away_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o most_o prosperous_a condition_n for_o when_o man_n live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gild_n the_o dread_a of_o punishment_n will_v follow_v they_o tantum_fw-la metuunt_fw-la quantum_fw-la nocent_a say_v seneca_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o future_a torment_n will_v make_v they_o all_o their_o life-time_n subject_a unto_o bondage_n it_o make_v the_o knee_n of_o a_o belshazar_n smite_v together_o when_o he_o see_v the_o handwriting_n upon_o the_o wall_n and_o it_o will_v damp_n the_o mirth_n of_o the_o most_o atheistical_a epicure_n if_o he_o know_v a_o naked_a sword_n hang_v over_o his_o head_n ready_a to_o drop_v down_o upon_o he_o man_n may_v talk_v big_a when_o their_o blood_n be_v hot_a and_o in_o the_o height_n of_o a_o debauch_n laugh_v at_o those_o superstitious_a fool_n who_o be_v scare_v with_o the_o bugbear_n of_o hell-torment_n but_o this_o be_v seldom_o the_o subject_a of_o a_o morning_n think_v do_v but_o use_v they_o as_o you_o do_v other_o madman_n and_o keep_v they_o for_o some_o time_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o they_o will_v soon_o regain_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o be_v void_a of_o fear_n the_o wicked_a flee_v when_o no_o man_n pursue_v 28.1_o prov._n 28.1_o but_o the_o righteous_a be_v as_o bold_a as_o a_o lion_n he_o only_o be_v prepare_v against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o terror_n of_o a_o eternity_n and_o cheerful_o resign_v up_o his_o breath_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o he_o look_v upon_o death_n that_o king_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a as_o a_o messenger_n of_o peace_n who_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o prison_n of_o his_o body_n and_o open_v the_o gate_n for_o he_o into_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n of_o this_o happy_a and_o easy_a departure_n out_o of_o this_o world_n we_o have_v many_o instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o who_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o enable_v they_o to_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o grave_n with_o the_o same_o quiet_a and_o composedness_n of_o mind_n they_o use_v to_o lie_v down_o in_o their_o bed_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n 4.8_o 2_o tim._n 4.8_o i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n say_v s_o paul_n â—_o 1_o sam._n â—_o 2_o â—_o who_o ox_n or_o who_o ass_n have_v i_o take_v say_v samuel_n who_o have_v i_o defraud_v or_o at_o who_o hand_n have_v i_o receive_v a_o bribe_n nay_o even_o wicked_a man_n covet_v that_o happiness_n which_o they_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o obtain_v o_o let_v i_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a 23.10_o numb_a 23.10_o and_o let_v my_o latter_a end_n be_v like_o he_o be_v balaam_n wish_n but_o here_o i_o expect_v it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o i_o have_v conceal_v the_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v a_o holy_a and_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o therefore_o very_o uneasy_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o it_o enjoin_v the_o unwelcome_a duty_n of_o mortification_n self-denial_n and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n that_o the_o
twenty_o thousand_o or_o else_o whilst_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o he_o send_v a_o embassage_n and_o desire_v condition_n of_o peace_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o these_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a race_n what_o temptation_n he_o must_v encounter_v withal_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o purpose_v to_o forego_v every_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o than_o deny_v his_o saviour_n he_o can_v never_o be_v christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n so_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o good_a resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v acquit_v ourselves_o like_o christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o cowardly_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o desert_v his_o colour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o self_n and_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o galatian_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o try_v as_o that_o a_o man_n action_n may_v be_v thorough_o know_v and_o approve_v fift_v and_o make_v evident_a and_o that_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a wellbeing_a be_v evident_a 2._o from_o reason_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o if_o we_o design_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v frequent_o compare_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consider_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o act_v as_o become_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o sinful_a passion_n and_o though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o strong_a resolution_n though_o they_o can_v set_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o exact_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o which_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v they_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o disorderly_a affection_n and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o he_o have_v his_o fail_n his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o assault_v he_o on_o that_o side_n where_o he_o lie_v most_o open_a to_o temptation_n and_o will_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n a_o good_a man_n can_v take_v be_v frequent_o to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o consider_v when_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o what_o betray_v he_o into_o that_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a action_n and_o have_v discover_v this_o hearty_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n to_o fence_v and_o guard_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o resolve_v steadfast_o never_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v again_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v many_o action_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o we_o good_a and_o praiseworthy_a which_o when_o more_o narrow_o consider_v and_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v find_v to_o be_v crooked_a and_o deform_v such_o as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o repent_v of_o we_o place_v they_o at_o first_o in_o a_o wrong_a light_n we_o behold_v they_o through_o a_o false_a medium_fw-la our_o kindness_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o make_v they_o seem_v of_o a_o different_a complexion_n than_o they_o be_v real_o of_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v they_o without_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v every_o circumstance_n then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o we_o admire_v ourselves_o for_o quality_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o applaud_v ourselves_o for_o action_n which_o be_v nothing_o worth_a we_o perform_v they_o either_o out_o of_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o transact_v they_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o action_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n even_o those_o action_n which_o we_o esteem_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a for_o our_o righteousness_n the_o most_o regular_a act_n of_o our_o life_n our_o most_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a devotion_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n and_o want_v that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o god_n require_v in_o they_o they_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o self-love_n or_o pride_n or_o desire_v of_o honour_n or_o love_n of_o gain_n from_o fear_n of_o damage_n or_o discredit_v in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o a_o sober_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o true_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o obliquity_n of_o our_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o express_v our_o sorrow_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o resolve_v to_o act_n better_a for_o the_o future_a which_o can_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a account_n how_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v offend_v but_o far_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v amid_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o world_n our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o chief_o in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v and_o station_n he_o have_v place_v he_o in_o than_o he_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v continual_o upon_o his_o knee_n perform_v one_o uninterrupted_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v for_o this_o one_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v chief_o intend_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a relation_n but_o yet_o see_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n so_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n to_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o breast_n and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n our_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a part_n be_v in_o what_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n every_o prudent_a man_n and_o good_a husband_n do_v this_o in_o his_o secular_a concern_v he_o that_o design_n either_o to_o keep_v or_o increase_v his_o estate_n make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o keep_v his_o account_n to_o balance_v they_o often_o and_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o proportion_n his_o income_n bear_v with_o his_o expense_n and_o thus_o careful_a and_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o same_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o fade_a good_n of_o this_o world_n this_o will_v supersede_n my_o
labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
circumspect_o and_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n hallow_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o those_o time_n when_o we_o intend_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o we_o retain_v no_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n no_o evil_a thing_n unrepented_a of_o which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n next_o to_o the_o time_n let_v we_o consider_v 2._o the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v a_o exact_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n concern_v our_o thought_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o most_o think_v upon_o be_v my_o thought_n serious_a seasonable_a and_o pure_a be_v my_o inclination_n compliant_a with_o god_n law_n what_o do_v most_o easy_o stir_v i_o and_o how_o be_v my_o heart_n move_v be_v my_o affection_n calm_a and_o orderly_o and_o well_o place_v what_o plot_n do_v i_o contrive_v what_o project_n be_o i_o drive_v on_o be_v my_o design_n good_a be_v my_o intention_n upright_o and_o sincere_a concern_v our_o word_n let_v we_o demand_v thus_o 39.1_o psal_n 39.1_o have_v i_o learn_v to_o keep_v my_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a speech_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o to_o that_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o our_o action_n let_v we_o first_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o let_v we_o reason_n thus_o with_o ourselves_o this_o action_n be_v indeed_o well_o do_v but_o may_v i_o not_o have_v do_v better_a may_v i_o not_o have_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v more_o good_a for_o my_o neighbour_n be_v not_o this_o good_a action_n imperfect_a as_o to_o some_o particular_n be_v i_o not_o too_o blame_v as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o resolve_v that_o if_o ever_o god_n put_v another_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o action_n again_o we_o will_v mend_v these_o defect_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a for_o the_o future_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o upon_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n we_o find_v they_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o say_v thus_o to_o ourselves_o i_o have_v do_v this_o wicked_a act_n and_o hereby_o offend_v my_o good_a god_n but_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n have_v i_o get_v for_o myself_o do_v not_o that_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o feel_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n much_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o purchase_v so_o little_a so_o momentary_a a_o pleasure_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o my_o mind_n a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o perhaps_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v do_v with_o deliberation_n perhaps_o in_o despite_n to_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o repeat_v and_o we_o still_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o call_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v of_o leave_v and_o forsake_v it_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v render_v more_o heinous_a and_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a thus_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o deep_o die_v because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n familiar_a friend_n and_o disciple_n who_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o do_v eat_v of_o his_o bread_n and_o solomon_n idolatry_n do_v offend_v god_n the_o more_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n 11.9_o 1_o kin._n 11.9_o who_o appear_v unto_o he_o twice_o and_o have_v command_v he_o concern_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v astray_o after_o other_o go_n these_o be_v the_o step_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o take_v a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o compare_v our_o present_a condition_n with_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n whether_o our_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o resolution_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v 1.8_o 2_o pet_n 1.8_o or_o else_o whether_o we_o lose_v ground_n and_o become_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o the_o standard_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o holy_a live_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v then_o soon_o warm_v and_o raise_v up_o into_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n especial_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o our_o passion_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o we_o and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o year_n these_o heat_n languish_v and_o decay_n and_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n improve_v we_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o these_o transport_v of_o our_o assection_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o live_v up_o more_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o yield_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v whether_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a practice_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o belove_a sin_n whether_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n patient_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n more_o content_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o have_v make_v these_o improvement_n what_o motive_n and_o inducement_n most_o wrought_v upon_o we_o what_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v most_o useful_a what_o company_n and_o example_n be_v most_o allure_a 3.16_o phil._n 3.16_o and_o then_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o we_o decline_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o our_o sin_n those_o son_n of_o anak_n have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a crime_n then_o let_v we_o careful_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v which_o betray_v we_o into_o these_o sin_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o do_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a action_n action_n which_o be_v both_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o rank_a of_o be_v which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o world_n by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n do_v the_o devil_n that_o old_a serpent_n wind_v himself_o into_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o bait_n do_v he_o allure_v we_o under_o what_o specious_a show_n do_v he_o represent_v his_o temptation_n which_o be_v our_o weak_a side_n that_o first_o yield_v to_o the_o assault_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o
9.27_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o so_o as_o to_o save_v other_o and_o yet_o he_o himself_o number_v among_o the_o cast_n aways_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o instance_n because_o this_o proposition_n be_v plain_o affirm_v in_o the_o text_n not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n but_o that_o many_o shall_v deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o do_v not_o only_o fail_v in_o observe_v it_o through_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n but_o they_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o in_o despite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n act_n quite_o contrary_a and_o go_v direct_o against_o it_o like_o herod_n they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o their_o way_n and_o perhaps_o in_o part_n reform_v their_o life_n and_o do_v many_o good_a deed_n but_o still_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o keep_v their_o herodias_n their_o belove_a sin_n and_o darling_n vice_n and_o this_o they_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n forego_v even_o for_o heaven_n itself_o they_o say_v with_o naaman_n the_o syrian_a 5.18_o 2_o kin._n 5.18_o in_o this_o one_o thing_n pardon_v thy_o servant_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o many_o who_o have_v a_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n then_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o great_a care_n in_o the_o 3._o place_n to_o make_v a_o diligent_a search_n and_o serious_o to_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o no._n and_o this_o may_v be_v discover_v by_o the_o follow_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v down_o by_o st._n paul_n in_o this_o chapter_n immediate_o before_o the_o text_n verse_n 2_o 3_o 4._o they_o be_v say_v he_o lover_n of_o themselves_o covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n disobedient_a to_o parent_n unthankful_a unholy_a without_o natural_a affection_n truce-breaker_n false_a accuser_n incontinent_a fierce_a despiser_n of_o those_o who_o be_v good_a traitor_n heady_a high-minded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o will_v know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v not_o only_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v love_n joy_n peace_n 23._o gal._n 5.22_o 23._o long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faith_n meekness_n temperance_n but_o because_o a_o wicked_a and_o bad_a man_n may_v counterfeit_v these_o grace_n so_o exact_o as_o to_o deceive_v not_o only_o other_o man_n but_o himself_o also_o i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o four_o rule_n by_o which_o any_o man_n who_o will_v but_o honest_o and_o conscientious_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n may_v certain_o know_v whether_o he_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o and_o they_o be_v these_o 1._o such_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n will_v act_n out_o of_o religious_a motive_n and_o principle_n i._n e._n they_o will_v be_v religious_a because_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n their_o duty_n and_o have_v annex_v the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o due_a obedience_n of_o his_o law_n their_o religion_n be_v not_o take_v up_o from_o the_o mode_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o only_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o they_o think_v it_o will_v suit_v best_a with_o their_o interest_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v it_o a_o engine_n to_o carry_v on_o their_o worldly_a project_n and_o design_n but_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o ready_o comport_v their_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n they_o look_v upon_o serve_v god_n as_o the_o great_a business_n of_o their_o life_n and_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n truckle_n and_o subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o their_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o its_o righteousness_n 6.33_o matth._n 6.33_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a for_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o will_v be_v add_v thereunto_o they_o prefer_v a_o good_a conscience_n before_o all_o other_o comfort_n this_o world_n can_v afford_v they_o and_o have_v rather_o part_v with_o father_n mother_n wife_n and_o child_n 10.29_o mark_v 10.29_o nay_o their_o own_o life_n than_o deny_v their_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n 2._o such_o as_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a in_o private_a as_o well_o as_o in_o public_a they_o who_o have_v the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o retain_v awful_a apprehension_n of_o his_o majesty_n consider_v that_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n be_v every_o where_o and_o behold_v the_o very_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o therefore_o who_o be_v true_o religious_a be_v as_o devout_a in_o his_o closet_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o church_n as_o conscientious_a in_o perform_v his_o private_a devotion_n as_o in_o frequent_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n he_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o unjust_a action_n though_o he_o be_v assure_v they_o will_v never_o be_v discover_v as_o he_o be_v to_o prevent_v open_a violence_n he_o will_v not_o defame_v backbite_v or_o so_o much_o as_o speak_v a_o evil_a word_n against_o his_o neighbour_n though_o he_o be_v moral_o assure_v it_o will_v never_o come_v to_o his_o ear_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o harbour_v the_o least_o wicked_a thought_n against_o god_n or_o injurious_a intent_n against_o his_o brother_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o his_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n will_v one_o day_n call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n for_o they_o 16.27_o matth._n 16.27_o and_o either_o reward_n or_o punish_v he_o according_a to_o his_o deed_n 3._o that_o man_n who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n yield_v a_o uniform_a and_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o god_n law_n he_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o obey_v one_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v for_o observe_v the_o rest_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o think_v that_o his_o performance_n of_o any_o one_o part_n of_o his_o duty_n will_v atone_v for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o other_o he_o do_v not_o take_v up_o with_o the_o more_o easy_a duty_n of_o religion_n or_o avoid_v only_o such_o vice_n as_o be_v burdensome_a and_o unacceptable_a to_o he_o but_o he_o perform_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v command_v he_o how_o contrary_a soever_o to_o his_o temporal_a interest_n and_o corrupt_a inclination_n 12.1_o heb._n 12.1_o he_o forsake_v every_o evil_a way_n and_z lays_z aside_o every_o weight_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o god_n commandment_n 1.6_o luk._n 1.6_o he_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v god_n with_o mammon_n or_o by_o be_v nice_a and_o exact_a in_o perform_v some_o of_o god_n command_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o rest_n but_o he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o obey_v god_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o exception_n or_o reserve_v and_o endeavour_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n it_o be_v true_a a_o good_a man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o some_o sin_n the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v such_o 24.16_o prov._n 24.16_o that_o the_o most_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n a_o day_n but_o though_o he_o fall_v yet_o he_o quick_o rise_v again_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n he_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o himself_o and_o resolve_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o future_a he_o do_v not_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o they_o he_o pray_v and_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o by_o degree_n he_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o they_o 4._o he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n be_v religious_a through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o only_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n but_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o he_o maintain_v the_o same_o steady_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n many_o there_o be_v who_o be_v very_o religious_a and_o devout_a at_o some_o time_n but_o then_o they_o let_v the_o reins_o lose_v at_o other_o and_o think_v by_o a_o strict_a observation_n of_o some_o duty_n to_o make_v amends_o for_o those_o gross_a miscarriage_n they_o allow_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o true_o religious_a man_n persevere_fw-la to_o the_o end_n in_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n he_o be_v not_o indeed_o always_o equal_o zealous_a and_o fervent_a he_o do_v not_o always_o worship_n god_n with_o the_o same_o ardency_n of_o affection_n nor_o be_v he_o always_o wrought_v up_o to_o the_o
we_o reprove_v in_o another_o and_o the_o consideration_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o we_o will_v make_v we_o more_o wary_a in_o our_o carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o more_o exact_a in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n thou_o that_o teach_v another_o say_v the_o apostle_n teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o 2.21_o rom._n 2.21_o thou_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v thou_o steal_v thou_o that_o say_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n do_v thou_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n 3._o we_o shall_v entitle_v ourselves_o to_o a_o bless_a reward_n he_o that_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a thou_o be_v righteous_a shall_v the_o people_n curse_n 25._o prov._n 24.24_o 25._o nation_n shall_v abhor_v he_o but_o to_o they_o that_o rebuke_v he_o shall_v be_v delight_n and_o a_o good_a blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o he_o last_o we_o shall_v hereby_o avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o admonish_v our_o neighbour_n when_o we_o see_v he_o commit_v any_o grievous_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n in_o his_o gild_n and_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o it_o before_o god_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n 5.11_o eph._n 5.11_o but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o and_o not_o to_o reprove_v they_o will_v be_v account_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o these_o be_v such_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o powerful_a motive_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v encourage_v every_o one_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n though_o never_o so_o difficult_a but_o since_o it_o require_v not_o only_a courage_n and_o ability_n but_o also_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o perform_v it_o aright_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o iv_o and_o last_o place_n lay_v down_o some_o direction_n for_o a_o due_a and_o prudential_a execution_n of_o it_o 1._o propose_v to_o yourself_o a_o good_a end_n in_o reprove_v other_o 2._o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o offence_n 3._o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v that_o fault_n yourself_o you_o reprove_v in_o other_o 4._o use_v the_o most_o inoffensive_a word_n and_o do_v it_o after_o the_o mild_a manner_n imaginable_a 5._o observe_v such_o due_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o your_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v 1._o be_v sure_a to_o propose_v to_o yourself_o a_o good_a end_n in_o reprove_v other_o which_o must_v be_v the_o benefit_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v reprove_v for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o reprove_v he_o be_v to_o vent_v your_o own_o passion_n or_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o resentment_n of_o your_o own_o mind_n the_o person_n reprove_v will_v reap_v very_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o he_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o personal_a quarrel_n proceed_v from_o the_o illwill_a of_o his_o adversary_n and_o rather_o seek_v a_o way_n how_o he_o may_v retaliate_v the_o injury_n as_o he_o call_v it_o than_o look_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o amend_v his_o fault_n it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o a_o cure_n to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o physician_n which_o will_v incline_v we_o to_o follow_v his_o advice_n and_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o his_o prescription_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o medicine_n without_o a_o proper_a and_o timely_a application_n of_o it_o can_v make_v it_o effectual_a if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v our_o reproof_n shall_v take_v place_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a so_o to_o manage_v it_o that_o the_o person_n admonish_v may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o our_o love_n and_o goodwill_n our_o sincere_a desire_n to_o promote_v his_o interest_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o advantage_n we_o may_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o by_o it_o or_o the_o gratify_v a_o peevish_a and_o querulous_a humour_n 2._o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o offence_n before_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o reprove_v any_o one_o a_o uncertain_a rumour_n or_o common_a fame_n which_o be_v to_o frequent_o a_o common_a liar_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reproof_n much_o less_o a_o groundless_a surmise_n or_o wide_a conjecture_n but_o we_o must_v be_v moral_o certain_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o either_o witness_n of_o it_o ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v have_v such_o plain_a evidence_n for_o it_o though_o not_o ocular_a demonstration_n as_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v call_v in_o question_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o yield_v a_o ready_a and_o willing_a ear_n to_o defamation_n and_o tale-bearing_a show_v that_o either_o we_o be_v very_o ill-natured_a ourselves_o or_o else_o very_o credulous_a that_o we_o want_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v love_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a 6._o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o 5_o 6._o bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n i._n e._n believe_v and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o man._n and_o this_o be_v a_o grace_n so_o essential_a to_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o may_v make_v what_o pretence_n he_o please_v to_o purity_n holiness_n and_o perfection_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o christ_n school_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o true_a religion_n 3._o be_v sure_a you_o yourself_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n 141.5_o psal_n 141.5_o which_o you_o reprove_v in_o other_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n though_o from_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o his_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o reproof_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n make_v very_o little_a impression_n upon_o we_o we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v they_o in_o earnest_n who_o blame_v we_o for_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o recommend_v by_o their_o own_o example_n and_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o cry_v down_o the_o vice_n be_v that_o they_o may_v engross_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o but_o when_o a_o man_n of_o know_a virtue_n and_o probity_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o reprove_v his_o admonition_n earty_a weight_n and_o authority_n along_o with_o they_o the_o reverence_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o his_o person_n set_v a_o edge_n upon_o his_o reproof_n and_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o request_n as_o command_v a_o reformation_n 4._o in_o reprove_v we_o must_v use_v the_o most_o inoffensive_a word_n and_o do_v it_o after_o the_o mild_a manner_n imaginable_a brethren_n 6.1_o gal._n 6.1_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v if_o his_o offence_n proceed_v either_o from_o weakness_n or_o inadvertency_n from_o mistake_n or_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o oil_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n a_o mild_a and_o friendly_a admonition_n will_v sink_v deep_o into_o his_o mind_n and_o soon_o heal_v the_o wound_n than_o a_o more_o rough_a and_o churlish_a medicine_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o time_n when_o we_o must_v use_v the_o caustick_a and_o the_o corrosive_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o dare_a and_o insolent_a offender_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o to_o be_v cold_a or_o lukewarm_a be_v to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o to_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o wicked_a do_n we_o must_v show_v ourselves_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o this_o zeal_n be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n 10.2_o rom._n 10.2_o that_o it_o be_v moderate_v and_o temper_v with_o true_a christian_a prudence_n 5._o and_o last_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v such_o due_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n etc._n etc._n as_o our_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v and_o right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o man_n conversant_a in_o business_n that_o the_o success_n of_o our_o
performance_n of_o they_o iii_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n many_o time_n to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o brother_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n and_o 1._o we_o must_v not_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a action_n under_o this_o pretence_n that_o much_o glory_n will_v accrue_v to_o god_n or_o much_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n thereby_o for_o god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o any_o permisson_n much_o less_o have_v he_o lay_v upon_o we_o any_o necessity_n of_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n though_o upon_o never_o so_o plausible_a a_o pretence_n he_o have_v chalk_v out_o to_o we_o the_o plain_a path_n of_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n and_o have_v place_v a_o monitor_n within_o we_o which_o continual_o give_v we_o this_o advice_n 30.21_o isa_n 30.21_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v therein_o and_o whenever_o we_o go_v astray_o through_o the_o solicitation_n of_o a_o prevail_a lust_n he_o recall_v we_o unto_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n as_o the_o end_n to_o which_o all_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o tend_v be_v holy_a so_o he_o have_v appoint_v such_o mean_n to_o attain_v it_o as_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a too_o and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a power_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n without_o make_v use_n of_o any_o indirect_a mean_n it_o high_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o absolute_o good_a and_o all_o powerful_a be_v to_o fancy_n that_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o his_o design_n by_o just_a and_o lawful_a mean_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o advance_v his_o glory_n what_o can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o say_v for_o himself_o more_o than_o vzza_n have_v 1_o chron._n 13.9_o who_o drive_v the_o cart_n in_o which_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n be_v place_v and_o see_v the_o ox_n stumble_v so_o that_o the_o ark_n be_v in_o manifest_a danger_n of_o fall_v put_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o ark_n which_o be_v only_o lawful_a for_o the_o priest_n to_o do_v and_o we_o be_v tell_v verse_n 10._o that_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o vzza_n and_o he_o smite_v he_o because_o he_o put_v his_o hand_n to_o the_o ark_n and_o he_o die_v there_o before_o god_n st._n paul_n have_v plain_o determine_v this_o point_n with_o a_o god_n forbid_v and_o not_o rather_o as_o we_o be_v slanderous_o report_v of_o 3.6.8_o rom._n 3.6.8_o and_o as_o some_o affirm_v that_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v who_o damnation_n be_v just_a the_o almighty_a arm_n of_o god_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o since_o he_o can_v bring_v about_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o a_o immediate_a act_n of_o his_o power_n he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o our_o assistance_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o venture_v upon_o any_o unlawful_a action_n out_o of_o a_o honest_a design_n as_o we_o think_v of_o do_v good_a we_o usurp_v god_n prerogative_n and_o interpose_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o we_o like_o undisciplined_a soldier_n we_o run_v out_o of_o our_o rank_n and_o leave_v the_o post_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v and_o though_o we_o may_v do_v some_o service_n yet_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o our_o mutiny_n and_o disobed_a nce_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n god_n blast_v the_o design_n of_o such_o man_n who_o care_v not_o what_o mean_v they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o bring_v they_o about_o they_o be_v general_o unsuccessful_a in_o their_o erterprise_n and_o convince_v by_o fatal_a experience_n that_o the_o most_o hopeful_a attempt_n prove_v abortive_a unless_o prosper_v and_o protect_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o blessing_n thus_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o whenever_o it_o prove_v otherwise_o and_o god_n see_v it_o fit_a to_o permit_v evil_a man_n to_o prosper_v for_o some_o time_n yet_o there_o be_v always_o some_o fatal_a calamity_n or_o other_o which_o either_o attend_v or_o follow_v such_o sinful_a action_n and_o put_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o the_o uprightness_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a way_n of_o the_o wicked_a let_v we_o therefore_o never_o be_v prevail_v on_o to_o do_v the_o least_o evil_a though_o for_o a_o good_a end_n for_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o do_v no_o more_o good_a than_o lawful_o we_o can_v do_v nay_o good_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o turn_v into_o evil_a when_o bring_v about_o by_o unwarrantable_a mean_n for_o to_o a_o good_a action_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o circumstance_n do_v concur_v and_o that_o the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o a_o deficiency_n in_o any_o one_o circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o denominate_v it_o a_o evil_a action_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wise_a course_n to_o make_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o he_o who_o be_v just_o sensible_a how_o often_o he_o transgress_v this_o law_n will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o folly_n of_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a overmuch_o and_o to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v not_o make_v his_o duty_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o 2._o it_o may_v so_o happen_v that_o a_o good_a action_n lawful_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v omit_v when_o some_o evil_n may_v proceed_v or_o some_o scandal_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o for_o though_o we_o be_v always_o oblige_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v in_o many_o case_n leave_v to_o our_o own_o prudence_n to_o determine_v what_o time_n and_o place_n be_v most_o fit_v and_o convenient_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o duty_n the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v obey_v and_o execute_v when_o command_v we_o how_o pernicious_a soever_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v because_o the_o omission_n of_o a_o know_a duty_n be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n yet_o when_o only_o the_o duty_n in_o general_n be_v command_v we_o and_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o discretion_n then_o our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v direct_v we_o so_o to_o perform_v it_o as_o most_o glory_n may_v redound_v to_o god_n most_o good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o we_o ourselves_o may_v reap_v most_o benefit_n thereby_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v exhort_v we_o to_o imitate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n 10.16_o matth._n 10.16_o as_o well_o as_o the_o harmless_a simplicity_n of_o the_o dove_n and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o a_o good_a man_n to_o manage_v and_o husband_n wise_o the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a that_o every_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v in_o its_o proper_a time_n and_o place_n for_o as_o he_o who_o give_v seasonable_o be_v say_v to_o confer_v a_o double_a benefit_n so_o he_o that_o have_v the_o skill_n to_o fit_v out_o every_o duty_n with_o its_o proper_a circumstance_n will_v entitle_v himself_o to_o the_o more_o excellent_a reward_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o it_o sometime_o happen_v that_o a_o indifferent_a action_n perform_v in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n may_v have_v a_o admirable_a influence_n on_o those_o who_o behold_v it_o and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o much_o good_a and_o then_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o embrace_v so_o happy_a a_o opportunity_n at_o another_o time_n a_o action_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v good_a and_o praiseworthy_a may_v be_v the_o occasion_n that_o god_n may_v be_v blaspheme_v and_o our_o neighbour_n injure_v and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_o our_o duty_n to_o omit_v that_o good_a action_n till_o some_o more_o convenient_a opportunity_n present_v itself_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o the_o school_n affirmativa_fw-la praecepta_fw-la obligant_fw-la semper_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la semper_fw-la i._n e._n though_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n be_v always_o oblige_v yet_o they_o do_v not_o always_o limit_v we_o to_o the_o present_a time_n of_o perform_v they_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o to_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v amiss_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o our_o care_n and_o live_v under_o our_o jurisdiction_n be_v our_o unquestionable_a duty_n and_o enjoin_v we_o by_o the_o law_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n but_o when_o this_o duty_n must_v be_v perform_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o christian_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o many_o time_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o wink_v at_o their_o fault_n
and_o pass_v by_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o leave_v the_o correction_n of_o they_o till_o some_o other_o opportunity_n when_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n of_o do_v more_o good_a by_o it_o herein_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 7.6_o mat._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o to_o give_v our_o alm_n in_o public_a may_v sometime_o be_v our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v encourage_v other_o to_o be_v liberal_a to_o the_o poor_a and_o so_o let_v our_o light_a shine_n before_o man_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o that_o other_o see_v our_o good_a work_n may_v glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o when_o this_o end_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o public_a distribution_n of_o our_o alm_n that_o it_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o be_v proud_a and_o vainglorious_a and_o do_v it_o only_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n then_o the_o more_o private_a our_o almsdeed_n be_v the_o more_o acceptable_a they_o be_v unto_o god_n and_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secret_n will_v reward_v we_o open_o â—â—_o matth._n 6._o â—â—_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o heap_v up_o many_o more_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o may_v suffice_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o since_o it_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o prudence_n when_o these_o duty_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o when_o omit_v therefore_o no_o strict_a rule_n can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o but_o only_o in_o the_o general_n we_o make_v this_o useful_a remark_n that_o then_o we_o act_n with_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n when_o we_o pursue_v those_o end_n for_o which_o those_o duty_n be_v at_o first_o institute_v and_o command_v we_o thus_o he_o administer_v reproof_n best_o who_o most_o prevail_v upon_o the_o person_n reprove_v to_o reform_v and_o amend_v and_o he_o give_v his_o alm_n to_o the_o best_a purpose_n who_o charity_n be_v most_o extensive_a and_o seasonable_a in_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o poor_a brother_n 3._o in_o thing_n indifferent_a we_o ought_v to_o abridge_v ourselves_o in_o our_o christian_a liberty_n for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o foresee_v will_v give_v he_o just_a occasion_n of_o scandal_n and_o offence_n for_o though_o every_o man_n be_v the_o near_a to_o himself_o and_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o self_n preservation_n engage_v we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consult_v our_o good_a and_o happiness_n yet_o where_o some_o great_a benefit_n will_v accrue_v to_o my_o neighbour_n by_o a_o action_n which_o bring_v to_o i_o only_o some_o inconsiderable_a loss_n and_o detriment_n i_o ought_v to_o remove_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o own_o advantage_n to_o make_v room_n for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o my_o neighbour_n and_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o i_o foresee_v that_o my_o neighbour_n will_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n by_o any_o indifferent_a action_n of_o i_o i._n e._n by_o any_o action_n which_o i_o be_o no_o way_n oblige_v either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o now_o because_o this_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o practice_n herein_o and_o 1._o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o indifferent_a action_n as_o we_o foresee_v will_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n or_o the_o omission_n of_o any_o know_a duty_n for_o since_o a_o good_a man_n can_v but_o be_v trouble_v and_o afflict_a when_o he_o see_v his_o neighbour_n fall_v into_o any_o sin_n and_o hereby_o dishonour_n god_n and_o ruin_v his_o own_o soul_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v incumbent_a upon_o he_o to_o use_v all_o mean_n possible_a to_o prevent_v it_o and_o rather_o to_o retrench_v himself_o in_o his_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a enjoyment_n than_o his_o neighbour_n shall_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n thereby_o as_o for_o example_n the_o drink_v a_o health_n be_v a_o indifferent_a action_n which_o i_o may_v do_v or_o let_v alone_o without_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n but_o when_o i_o foresee_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o a_o health_n or_o the_o drink_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o shooing-horn_n to_o intemperance_n and_o a_o occasion_n of_o drink_v more_o than_o be_v fit_a or_o when_o some_o in_o the_o company_n may_v be_v disgu_v thereby_o or_o it_o may_v be_v a_o probable_a occasion_n of_o breed_a difference_n and_o quarrel_n among_o they_o then_o at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o place_n it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a recreation_n be_v certain_o indifferent_a action_n but_o when_o the_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o these_o recreation_n will_v occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o our_o duty_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n when_o they_o will_v be_v a_o snare_n in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o neighbour_n either_o by_o betray_v he_o into_o extravagant_a and_o sinful_a passion_n or_o spend_v that_o time_n and_o substance_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o provide_v for_o his_o family_n than_o they_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o must_v be_v avoid_v 2._o when_o a_o indifferent_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o my_o neighbour_n may_v hereby_o be_v induce_v to_o do_v a_o action_n which_o be_v utter_o unlawful_a than_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o go_v daily_o to_o the_o tomb_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o martyr_n and_o to_o pray_v by_o they_o that_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o their_o holy_a life_n and_o patient_a and_o courageous_a death_n their_o zeal_n may_v be_v kindle_v their_o devotion_n render_v more_o fervent_a and_o that_o they_o may_v take_v up_o more_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o follow_v their_o example_n but_o when_o from_o pray_v at_o the_o martyr_n tomb_n they_o begin_v first_o to_o commemorate_v they_o in_o their_o prayer_n and_o then_o to_o pray_v to_o they_o and_o at_o last_o to_o make_v mediator_n and_o intercessor_n of_o they_o when_o this_o indifferent_a and_o at_o first_o praiseworthy_a custom_n be_v thus_o gross_o abuse_v than_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o refrain_v from_o it_o 3._o when_o my_o do_v a_o indifferent_a action_n may_v induce_v my_o neighbour_n who_o be_v not_o satisfy_v in_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o to_o do_v the_o same_o action_n than_o i_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o it_o this_o be_v that_o famous_a case_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v but_o new_o initiate_v into_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o not_o full_o instruct_v in_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o their_o gospel_n liberty_n think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o eat_v meat_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n and_o therefore_o st._n 6.3_o 2_o cor._n 6.3_o paul_n command_v that_o they_o shall_v give_v they_o no_o offence_n which_o beza_n interpret_v ne_o quidpiam_fw-la ad_fw-la quod_fw-la possint_fw-la impingere_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n that_o those_o who_o think_v it_o lawful_a to_o eat_v these_o meat_n shall_v not_o tempt_v those_o person_n to_o partake_v of_o they_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n but_o â—ather_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o and_o to_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o give_v they_o no_o occasion_n of_o offence_n till_o they_o be_v better_o inform_v last_o we_o ought_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o all_o our_o indifferent_a action_n that_o we_o may_v recommend_v ourselves_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o endeavour_v hereby_o to_o gain_v a_o interest_n in_o his_o affection_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o do_v he_o more_o good_a and_o to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o foresee_v that_o by_o any_o indifferent_a action_n we_o shall_v forfeit_v his_o good_a opinion_n or_o that_o our_o indifferent_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o his_o rash_a judgement_n uncharitable_a censure_n and_o will_v give_v he_o occasion_n to_o harbour_v malice_n and_o illwill_a in_o his_o mind_n then_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n rather_o to_o retrench_v ourselves_o in_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n than_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o mischief_n to_o our_o brother_n or_o to_o exclude_v ourselves_o from_o the_o bless_a opportunity_n of_o do_v he_o good_a for_o it_o be_v the_o
apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
his_o ordinance_n careless_o and_o negligent_o they_o grieve_v god_n holy_a spirit_n provoke_v he_o to_o leave_v and_o forsake_v they_o to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n 14._o isa_n 29.13_o 14._o forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n say_v the_o prophet_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v god_n do_v not_o now_o always_o punish_v profaneness_n and_o coldness_n in_o our_o devotion_n with_o temporal_a evil_n and_o sickness_n in_o the_o body_n as_o former_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o he_o have_v exchange_v they_o for_o such_o as_o be_v far_o more_o dreadful_a such_o as_o endanger_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_n every_o unsanctify_v approach_n which_o we_o make_v unto_o he_o render_v we_o more_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a in_o our_o devotion_n till_o at_o last_o iâ—_n lead_v we_o by_o degree_n into_o open_a profaneness_n and_o atheism_n let_v therefore_o every_o one_o who_o desire_v to_o receive_v the_o bless_a influence_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n may_v be_v a_o temple_n fit_v and_o prepare_v for_o he_o to_o dwell_v in_o let_v he_o i_o say_v first_o cleanse_v his_o heart_n by_o a_o due_a and_o strict_a examination_n of_o himself_o and_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n for_o the_o error_n of_o his_o way_n let_v he_o thus_o keep_v his_o foot_n before_o he_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n observe_v what_o path_n he_o have_v walk_v in_o how_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n last_o whilst_o we_o be_v go_v towards_o the_o house_n of_o god_n let_v we_o entertain_v ourselves_o with_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o that_o god_n before_o who_o we_o be_v go_v to_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a creator_n preserver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o humble_v himself_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v exalt_v above_o all_o praise_n and_o exceed_o happy_a and_o glorious_a above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o think_v it_o be_v this_o god_n who_o grant_v we_o audience_n and_o vouchsafe_v we_o the_o favour_n of_o make_v our_o address_n unto_o he_o let_v we_o consider_v also_o our_o own_o vileness_n and_o sinfulness_n how_o unworthy_a we_o be_v of_o so_o great_a favour_n and_o hereby_o raise_v up_o in_o our_o soul_n that_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v 26.2_o levit._fw-la 26.2_o which_o be_v require_v of_o every_o one_o who_o worship_n god_n thus_o the_o devout_a cornelius_n tell_v peter_n that_o he_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v present_a before_o god_n 10.23_o act_n 10.23_o to_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v they_o by_o god_n i._n e._n they_o have_v consider_v with_o themselves_o who_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o hear_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n a_o frail_a sinful_a man_n like_o themselves_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o before_o we_o present_v our_o petition_n unto_o god_n we_o be_v command_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o we_o on_o earth_n i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a distance_n between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a the_o most_o glorious_a and_o the_o most_o holy_a be_v but_o we_o only_a dust_n and_o ash_n vile_a earth_n and_o miserable_a sinner_n vile_a we_o be_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v make_v ourselves_o much_o more_o so_o by_o our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o repeat_v transgression_n when_o therefore_o we_o approach_v the_o holy_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o say_v thus_o within_o ourselves_o 28.17_o gen._n 28.17_o how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o place_n where_o the_o lord_n dwell_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n almighty_n who_o have_v my_o soul_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o my_o nostril_n at_o his_o disposal_n in_o who_o i_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v my_o be_v i_o be_o draw_v near_o to_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o present_v myself_o before_o his_o face_n to_o pay_v he_o my_o homage_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o tender_v of_o my_o bind_a duty_n and_o service_n let_v i_o therefore_o put_v my_o mind_n into_o such_o a_o devout_a frame_n as_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o and_o take_v care_n that_o i_o behave_v myself_o with_o reverence_n decency_n and_o devotion_n and_o now_o have_v bring_v you_o to_o the_o temple_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v 1._o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o soul_n 41.24_o joh._n 41.24_o 2._o the_o gesture_n of_o our_o body_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n i._n e._n require_v principal_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o then_o that_o of_o our_o body_n now_o to_o a_o due_a worship_a god_n with_o our_o soul_n there_o be_v require_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o attention_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o ii_o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o the_o affection_n iii_o the_o consent_n of_o our_o will_n and_o their_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n 1._o if_o we_o will_v offer_v up_o unto_o god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n our_o mind_n must_v be_v attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o whilst_o we_o be_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o those_o blessing_n we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o or_o praise_v he_o for_o those_o we_o have_v receive_v we_o must_v either_o be_v meditate_v on_o the_o god_n we_o worship_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v or_o praise_v he_o for_o for_o since_o worship_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o serious_a sense_n or_o make_v any_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o perfection_n unless_o we_o keep_v our_o mind_n intent_n upon_o they_o we_o may_v as_o well_o commend_v the_o beauty_n of_o a_o object_n we_o never_o see_v and_o be_v take_v with_o that_o music_n we_o never_o hear_v as_o admire_v and_o acknowledge_v those_o excellency_n we_o never_o think_v on_o or_o consider_v for_o to_o serve_v god_n with_o our_o mouth_n when_o our_o thought_n be_v wander_v some_o where_n else_o and_o employ_v about_o some_o other_o business_n be_v but_o lip-worship_n at_o the_o best_a a_o sacrifice_n without_o a_o heart_n which_o god_n will_v utter_o detest_v and_o abhor_v it_o be_v therefore_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a device_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.11_o 2_o cor._n 2.11_o of_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a to_o excite_v and_o stir_v up_o vain_a thought_n in_o our_o mind_n during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o divert_v they_o upon_o worldly_a and_o sinful_a object_n and_o hereby_o to_o deprive_v we_o of_o that_o benefit_n we_o may_v otherwise_o obtain_v by_o a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o care_n of_o all_o good_a christian_n to_o stand_v continual_o upon_o their_o guard_n to_o bear_v a_o strict_a eye_n over_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o find_v any_o vain_a and_o sinful_a thought_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o to_o restrain_v and_o bring_v back_o their_o wander_a thought_n and_o never_o to_o make_v they_o their_o own_o by_o consent_v to_o they_o or_o dwell_v upon_o they_o some_o man_n be_v more_o addict_v to_o rove_a and_o volatile_a thought_n than_o other_o be_v from_o their_o natural_a temper_n and_o constitution_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o so_o unblamable_a for_o that_o which_o they_o can_v help_v but_o it_o be_v then_o only_o they_o be_v faulty_a when_o their_o will_n close_v with_o they_o when_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_v of_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o i._n e._n a_o due_a and_o conscientious_a preparation_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o religious_a duty_n then_o do_v
they_o corrupt_v their_o most_o holy_a offering_n and_o turn_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n into_o sin_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v our_o first_o and_o principal_a care_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n and_o keep_v they_o attentive_a to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o he_o who_o have_v thus_o well_o begin_v have_v half_o finish_v his_o work_n if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o attentive_a to_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o will_v natural_o produce_v 2._o the_o intention_n and_o ardency_n of_o our_o affection_n 12.1_o rom._n 12.1_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n so_o excellent_o fit_v to_o bring_v about_o those_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o there_o be_v require_v little_o more_o to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o like_n and_o delight_n than_o a_o sober_a and_o serious_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o daily_a and_o constant_a accustom_v ourselves_o to_o they_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a and_o irksome_a to_o we_o at_o the_o first_o to_o spend_v our_o time_n in_o religious_a duty_n to_o pray_v and_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o but_o when_o we_o have_v once_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o our_o corrupt_a and_o stubborn_a nature_n by_o a_o daily_a practice_n of_o these_o duty_n nothing_o will_v yield_v we_o so_o much_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n on_o this_o side_n heaven_n as_o the_o pour_v out_o our_o prayer_n before_o god_n the_o lay_v open_a our_o want_n and_o beg_a supply_n the_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o benefit_n bestow_v upon_o we_o and_o communicate_v to_o other_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o our_o soul_n these_o be_v the_o employment_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n above_o and_o will_v create_v a_o kind_n of_o heaven_n in_o every_o good_a man_n breast_n who_o mind_n be_v take_v up_o with_o such_o glorious_a conception_n and_o joyful_a resentment_n as_o these_o 19.10_o psal_n 19.10_o these_o as_o david_n tell_v we_o be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honey_n comb_n which_o make_v he_o choose_v rather_o to_o spend_v one_o day_n in_o god_n court_n 84.10_o psal_n 84.10_o than_o a_o thousand_o elsewhere_o let_v we_o therefore_o worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o all_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o embrace_v his_o truth_n with_o our_o understanding_n treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o caress_n it_o with_o our_o affection_n let_v we_o pray_v unto_o he_o with_o faith_n zeal_n and_o fervency_n and_o praise_v he_o with_o a_o due_a admiration_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o lovingkindness_n and_o then_o nothing_o will_v remain_v but_o that_o 3._o we_o close_v with_o it_o by_o our_o will_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o his_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o we_o resolve_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n in_o every_o particular_a wherein_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o to_o yield_v a_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o every_o know_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o may_v not_o perform_v our_o devotion_n only_o that_o we_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v religious_a but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v real_o so_o and_o not_o only_o be_v wise_a man_n but_o better_a christian_n for_o the_o end_n of_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o to_o lead_v we_o unto_o practice_n they_o be_v enjoin_v we_o as_o help_n and_o mean_n to_o assist_v we_o to_o direct_v our_o conversation_n aright_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v but_o take_v any_o particular_a duty_n into_o your_o consideration_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n and_o a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o due_a performance_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o instance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o he_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o sigh_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n for_o he_o who_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o he_o be_v do_v we_o good_a and_o communicate_v his_o blessing_n unto_o we_o but_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v we_o to_o repent_v be_v that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n which_o our_o vice_n betray_v we_o into_o and_o that_o hereby_o we_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o those_o action_n which_o be_v so_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o fancy_n that_o our_o prayer_n and_o praise_n make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o glory_n or_o increase_v his_o happiness_n for_o he_o be_v infinite_o and_o therefore_o perfect_o happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o but_o these_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v we_o that_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o our_o soul_n may_v be_v more_o serious_o affect_v with_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o a_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o god_n goodness_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v incline_v to_o yield_v the_o ready_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o these_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n to_o obey_v his_o law_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o institute_v religion_n 11.4_o hosea_n 11.4_o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n do_v direct_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n more_o holy_a in_o this_o life_n in_o order_n to_o make_v they_o more_o happy_a in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o that_o then_o it_o do_v obtain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v appoint_v when_o we_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o live_v better_o and_o of_o conform_v our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v what_o that_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o that_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o attention_n of_o our_o thought_n the_o intention_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o our_o will_n with_o god_n divine_a will._n i_o come_v to_o consider_v 2._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o our_o body_n for_o since_o our_o body_n as_o well_o as_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o hand_n it_o be_v but_o high_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v pay_v he_o the_o homage_n of_o they_o and_o serve_v he_o also_o with_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o that_o we_o shall_v dispose_v ourselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o such_o decent_a become_v and_o reverential_a gesture_n that_o we_o may_v make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n that_o our_o whole_a man_n be_v dedicate_v to_o his_o service_n and_o this_o will_v be_v best_a perform_v by_o bear_v in_o mind_n this_o general_a rule_n that_o we_o put_v on_o that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n of_o look_n and_o behaviour_n and_o deport_v ourselves_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o his_o worship_n require_v from_o we_o for_o though_o irreverence_n and_o indecency_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v by_o too_o many_o esteem_v a_o light_n and_o trivial_a offence_n and_o hardly_o worth_a take_v notice_n of_o which_o proceed_v from_o this_o false_a notion_n they_o be_v prepossess_v with_o that_o if_o they_o serve_v god_n with_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o their_o bodily_a behaviour_n be_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n and_o of_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n if_o weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o of_o unprejudiced_a reason_n for_o 1._o why_o shall_v we_o believe_v those_o man_n will_v worship_n god_n with_o their_o soul_n and_o spirit_n who_o will_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o their_o body_n if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o comport_v their selve_o decent_o and_o affectionate_o during_o the_o time_n of_o divine_a service_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v perform_v that_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a to_o worship_v he_o with_o intention_n of_o soul_n and_o ardency_n of_o affection_n it_o require_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n and_o application_n to_o keep_v their_o mind_n attentive_a and_o to_o go_v along_o with_o the_o congregation_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o public_a worship_n which_o these_o man_n will_v
faith_n which_o he_o former_o persecute_v and_o from_o a_o enemy_n to_o become_v a_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n consider_v he_o now_o as_o a_o christian_a and_o then_o you_o will_v find_v he_o remarkable_a for_o the_o exact_a government_n of_o his_o life_n his_o grace_n his_o affliction_n his_o infirmity_n 1._o he_o be_v remarkable_a for_o his_o austere_a life_n and_o conversation_n like_o one_o who_o strive_v for_o the_o mastery_n he_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n which_o may_v hinder_v he_o in_o his_o christian_a course_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 9.27_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o beat_v down_o his_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n he_o labour_v more_o abundant_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n travel_v from_o nation_n to_o nation_n from_o city_n to_o city_n never_o weary_v with_o preach_v never_o baffle_v with_o opposition_n never_o tire_v with_o dispute_v and_o all_o this_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v sufficient_a in_o he_o 2_o if_o you_o will_v take_v a_o survey_n of_o his_o grace_n you_o may_v read_v that_o he_o prophesy_v he_o speak_v with_o tongue_n he_o wrought_v miracle_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v he_o be_v enlighten_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o abundance_n a_o excess_n a_o multitude_n of_o revelation_n he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n 12.4_o 2_o cor._n 12.4_o and_o hear_v word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v these_o be_v such_o privilege_n such_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n and_o a_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n that_o nothing_o can_v keep_v he_o from_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o they_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a measure_n of_o god_n grace_n with_o which_o he_o be_v endow_v and_o as_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o he_o in_o prosperity_n so_o 3._o do_v it_o support_v he_o in_o a_o day_n of_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n he_o be_v as_o he_o himself_o tell_v we_o 25._o 2_o cor._n 11.23_o 24_o 25._o in_o 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with_o such_o christian_a bravery_n nor_o have_v promise_v himself_o the_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n with_o such_o a_o earnest_a hope_n and_o steadfast_a assurance_n and_o last_o we_o have_v his_o infirmity_n there_o be_v send_v he_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n disease_n s._n chryso_n the_o iliack_a passion_n tertul._n the_o headache_n cyprian_a some_o bodily_a disease_n as_o the_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v he_o by_o which_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n understand_v some_o bodily_a disease_n and_o infirmity_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n with_o more_o probability_n affirm_v that_o by_o this_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v mean_v not_o any_o particular_a evil_n but_o all_o manner_n of_o temptation_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n strive_v either_o to_o undermine_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o beat_v he_o from_o it_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v the_o better_a of_o all_o these_o and_o be_v more_o than_o a_o conqueror_n god_n promise_v he_o his_o 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enjoin_v it_o and_o maintain_v a_o universal_a charity_n for_o all_o man_n as_o well_o enemy_n as_o friend_n 6.13_o luk._n 6.13_o you_o will_v love_v those_o who_o hate_v you_o bless_v those_o who_o curse_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o if_o you_o have_v sober_a meekness_n and_o a_o just_a valuation_n of_o yourselves_o you_o will_v have_v a_o low_a and_o mean_a opinion_n of_o yourself_o and_o your_o performance_n and_o ready_o acknowledge_v your_o own_o frailty_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o your_o infirmity_n and_o confess_v that_o natural_o you_o be_v insufficient_a for_o every_o good_a work_n 15.10_o 1_o cor._n 15.10_o and_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n grace_n alone_o that_o you_o be_v what_o you_o be_v you_o will_v rely_v on_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sole_a merit_n
not_o all_o the_o presumptuous_a sin_n you_o ever_o commit_v in_o your_o life-time_n begin_v in_o your_o heart_n be_v they_o not_o forge_v and_o contrive_v there_o and_o how_o can_v you_o tell_v but_o that_o the_o allowance_n of_o one_o wicked_a thought_n may_v be_v the_o rise_n of_o the_o most_o villainous_a act_n no_o man_n be_v ever_o wicked_a all_o of_o a_o sudden_a the_o sinner_n at_o first_o be_v timorous_a and_o bashful_a and_o go_v on_o by_o degree_n till_o at_o last_o he_o arrive_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o hardness_n and_o impenitency_n many_o a_o man_n there_o be_v who_o think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o heinous_a offence_n to_o cast_v a_o covetous_a eye_n on_o other_o man_n good_n or_o a_o wanton_a look_v on_o his_o neighbour_n wife_n and_o yet_o whosoever_o do_v not_o restrain_v these_o evil_a affection_n of_o his_o mind_n will_v soon_o lie_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a temptation_n to_o commit_v the_o grosser_n act_n of_o theft_n and_o adultery_n for_o if_o we_o allow_v 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assistance_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v you_o may_v live_v more_o upright_o and_o unblamable_o be_v you_o perplex_v and_o trouble_v with_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thought_n fall_v present_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o the_o curious_a operation_n of_o his_o hand_n consider_v this_o stupendous_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n the_o infinite_a variety_n and_o yet_o exact_a order_n and_o due_a subordination_n of_o being_n contain_v in_o it_o ask_v thyself_o what_o power_n it_o be_v which_o first_o create_v it_o and_o still_o continue_v to_o preserve_v it_o which_o have_v furnish_v irrational_a creature_n with_o unerring_a instinct_n that_o teach_v the_o bird_n to_o build_v its_o nest_n the_o spider_n to_o weave_v its_o web_n look_v into_o the_o curious_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o that_o lesser_a world_n thy_o own_o body_n 139.14_o psal_n 139.14_o and_o behold_v there_o how_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o thou_o be_v make_v and_o by_o such_o contemplation_n as_o these_o affect_v thy_o mind_n with_o a_o humble_a awe_n and_o devout_a reverence_n of_o god_n power_n and_o majesty_n be_v you_o tempt_v to_o envy_n the_o prosperity_n of_o your_o neighbour_n consider_v how_o many_o gift_n of_o god_n bounty_n you_o have_v receive_v how_o much_o you_o enjoy_v more_o than_o you_o deserve_v and_o how_o unthankful_a and_o ungrateful_a you_o have_v be_v for_o those_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v already_o give_v into_o your_o hand_n be_v you_o give_v to_o lustful_a thought_n turn_v this_o strange_a fire_n into_o a_o holy_a zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n do_v presumptuous_a thought_n rise_v up_o in_o your_o heart_n consider_v your_o former_a sin_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n against_o god_n and_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o exercise_v your_o humility_n be_v you_o overwhelm_v with_o despair_n call_v to_o mind_n god_n gracious_a promise_n and_o admire_v his_o infinite_a goodness_n who_o have_v give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n and_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o atone_v for_o your_o sin_n and_o to_o accomplish_v the_o great_a work_n of_o your_o salvation_n and_o still_o make_v you_o the_o proffer_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n by_o such_o meditation_n as_o these_o you_o will_v imitate_v your_o heavenly_a father_n in_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o occasion_n of_o promote_a your_o eternal_a welfare_n nay_o if_o you_o thus_o resist_v the_o devil_n he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o 4.7_o james_n 4.7_o his_o assault_n will_v be_v neither_o so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o furious_a when_o he_o find_v they_o serve_v only_o to_o exercise_v your_o grace_n and_o make_v you_o more_o watchful_a 5._o season_n thy_o heart_n every_o morning_n with_o some_o holy_a meditation_n dedicate_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o thy_o thought_n unto_o god_n how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o o_o god_n say_v the_o psalmist_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o 18._o psal_n 139.17_o 18._o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n when_o i_o wake_v i_o be_o still_o with_o thou_o the_o constant_a and_o serious_a meditation_n on_o those_o great_a motive_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o certainty_n of_o death_n the_o terror_n of_o judgement_n if_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o morning_n meditation_n will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o source_n of_o good_a thought_n all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o produce_v in_o our_o mind_n suitable_a desire_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o constant_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n this_o will_v be_v a_o lamp_n to_o our_o foot_n 119.115_o psal_n 119.115_o and_o a_o light_n to_o our_o path_n it_o will_v both_o inform_v our_o judgement_n what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o incline_v 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of_o receive_v of_o it_o 6.38_o luk._n 6.38_o to_o he_o that_o ask_v it_o shall_v be_v give_v not_o only_o what_o he_o pray_v for_o but_o also_o the_o large_a effusion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o often_o prevent_v our_o prayer_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v than_o we_o be_v either_o to_o desire_v or_o receive_v and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o help_n and_o assure_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n immediate_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o endeavour_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n imaginable_a to_o keep_v a_o strict_a watch_n over_o the_o thought_n and_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o be_v true_a this_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o much_o pain_n and_o industry_n but_o what_o design_n which_o be_v either_o great_a and_o glorious_a useful_a and_o honourable_a can_v be_v compass_v
they_o be_v inflict_v when_o we_o read_v that_o haman_n be_v hang_v on_o the_o very_a same_o gallow_n that_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v erect_v for_o poor_a mordecai_n that_o adonibezek_n who_o cut_v off_o the_o thumb_n and_o great_a toe_n of_o threescore_o and_o ten_o king_n and_o force_v they_o to_o gather_v up_o the_o crumb_n under_o his_o table_n have_v the_o same_o calamity_n inflict_v on_o he_o 1.7_o judg._n 1.7_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o reflection_n he_o make_v be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v do_v so_o have_v the_o lord_n requite_v i_o we_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o god_n justice_n bear_v pace_n with_o these_o man_n sin_n and_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o just_a demerit_n of_o their_o offence_n but_o where_o justice_n be_v slow-paced_a and_o do_v not_o seize_v the_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n it_o will_v certain_o overtake_v he_o at_o the_o last_o and_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o account_n when_o we_o shall_v all_o stand_v before_o god_n tribunal_n the_o chief_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v make_v how_o well_o we_o have_v observe_v this_o rule_n whether_o we_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o work_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n in_o feed_v the_o hungry_a clothing_n the_o naked_a 25.36_o matt._n 25.36_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a etc._n etc._n and_o such_o as_o our_o behaviour_n have_v be_v such_o will_v our_o sentence_n be_v thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o recommend_v this_o excellent_a rule_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n to_o your_o practice_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a rule_n high_o just_a and_o reasonable_a of_o universal_a use_n and_o suit_v to_o all_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o rule_n we_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o i_o come_v iu._n and_o last_o to_o conclude_v with_o some_o few_o reflection_n on_o the_o precede_a discourse_n and_o 1._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o way_n to_o do_v good_a to_o ourselves_o be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o for_o since_o we_o be_v all_o the_o member_n of_o one_o body_n of_o which_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n whatsoever_o one_o member_n enjoy_v the_o other_o member_n partake_v of_o the_o benefit_n every_o good_a deed_n which_o we_o perform_v be_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o common_a treasury_n in_o which_o every_o one_o have_v a_o share_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o more_o good_a any_o man_n do_v the_o strong_a claim_n he_o have_v to_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n love_n and_o friendship_n of_o other_o men._n a_o true_o good_a and_o beneficent_a man_n be_v a_o benefactor_n to_o all_o mankind_n because_o his_o love_n extend_v to_o all_o though_o he_o have_v not_o always_o a_o opportunity_n or_o ability_n of_o exert_v it_o and_o this_o divine_a quality_n have_v such_o endear_n charm_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o attract_v the_o love_n and_o friendship_n of_o other_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o bestow_v enrich_v he_o and_o return_v into_o his_o own_o bosom_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n will_v be_v find_v true_a even_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o the_o way_n to_o make_v ourselves_o master_n of_o the_o affection_n of_o other_o man_n and_o to_o secure_v to_o ourselves_o their_o help_n and_o assistance_n in_o a_o time_n of_o need_n or_o to_o obtain_v from_o they_o those_o thing_n we_o desire_v be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o as_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o as_o our_o circumstance_n will_v permit_v whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o so_o unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o we_o may_v infer_v 2._o that_o no_o pretence_n of_o any_o injury_n receive_v can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a cause_n for_o our_o return_v it_o or_o for_o our_o do_v evil_a to_o other_o men._n their_o unjust_a deal_n with_o we_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o standard_n nor_o will_v they_o be_v any_o reasonable_a excuse_n for_o our_o deal_v with_o they_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o it_o be_v not_o whatsoever_o man_n have_v do_v to_o you_o but_o whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o now_o there_o be_v no_o man_n will_v willing_o receive_v any_o injury_n either_o in_o his_o body_n good_n or_o reputation_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v careful_a that_o he_o do_v none_o to_o other_o man_n and_o if_o he_o do_v receive_v any_o prejudice_n from_o they_o to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v not_o provoke_v to_o resent_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o more_o heinous_a crime_n by_o return_v of_o it_o for_o to_o return_v a_o injury_n render_v a_o man_n more_o unblamable_a than_o at_o first_o to_o inflict_v one_o for_o he_o that_o do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v of_o what_o pernicious_a consequence_n his_o injurious_a action_n be_v he_o do_v it_o rash_o and_o unadvised_o he_o be_v blind_v with_o passion_n and_o though_o he_o will_v the_o action_n yet_o probable_o he_o may_v disow_v the_o ill_a effect_n which_o it_o produce_v but_o he_o that_o return_v a_o injury_n do_v not_o only_a sin_n know_o and_o deliberate_o but_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o in_o opposition_n to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o feel_v he_o plain_o perceive_v all_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o the_o action_n he_o be_v sensible_a of_o they_o and_o have_v smart_v under_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o go_v on_o malicious_o to_o execute_v his_o revenge_n it_o be_v therefore_o our_o unquestionable_a duty_n either_o to_o pass_v by_o injury_n and_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o if_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a or_o generous_o to_o forgive_v they_o and_o by_o heap_v coal_n of_o kindness_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o our_o enemy_n endeavour_v to_o melt_v they_o down_o into_o love_n and_o friendship_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n where_o some_o circumstance_n render_v it_o more_o advisable_a to_o remit_v they_o to_o the_o umpiridge_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v of_o what_o vast_a importance_n it_o be_v that_o this_o rule_n shall_v be_v serious_o consider_v and_o conscientious_o practise_v for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o mischief_n which_o happen_v either_o to_o community_n or_o to_o private_a person_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v from_o our_o neglect_n of_o this_o rule_n so_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o a_o careful_a observation_n of_o it_o will_v wonderful_o conduce_v to_o their_o weal_n and_o flourish_a condition_n with_o respect_n to_o community_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v man_n once_o let_v loose_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o world_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o bloodshed_n rapine_n and_o oppression_n every_o one_o will_v seize_v on_o what_o best_o please_v he_o and_o the_o strong_a arm_n will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n but_o since_o every_o one_o be_v desirous_a to_o retain_v and_o enjoy_v those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v possess_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o join_v with_o other_o for_o their_o mutual_a defence_n not_o but_o that_o man_n be_v natural_o a_o political_a creature_n and_o take_v delight_n in_o the_o mutual_a society_n and_o converse_v of_o reasonable_a being_n like_a himself_n and_o therefore_o mankind_n will_v have_v form_v themselves_o into_o society_n though_o the_o world_n have_v continue_v in_o its_o original_a innocency_n and_o violence_n and_o oppression_n have_v never_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o yet_o since_o the_o fall_n our_o nature_n be_v so_o deprave_v and_o we_o have_v degenerate_v so_o far_o from_o that_o noble_a rank_n of_o being_n in_o which_o we_o be_v place_v that_o have_v not_o man_n some_o awe_n of_o this_o rule_n upon_o their_o mind_n there_o will_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o live_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o government_n much_o more_o to_o its_o wellbeing_a for_o do_v not_o all_o our_o mutual_a correspondence_n and_o friendly_a converse_n depend_v on_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o natural_o result_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o this_o rule_n such_o as_o be_v veracity_n in_o our_o word_n faithfulness_n to_o our_o trust_n justice_n in_o our_o deal_n and_o the_o like_a and_o thus_o as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o particular_a person_n be_v it_o not_o obvious_a that_o this_o rule_n when_o due_o observe_v direct_o tend_v to_o root_v out_o all_o envy_n passion_n and_o malice_n from_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n of_o difference_n and_o animosity_n and_o to_o promote_v peace_n and_o quietness_n and_o a_o good_a understanding_n between_o neighbour_n and_o acquaintance_n will_v it_o not_o be_v effectual_a to_o secure_v we_o against_o fraud_n oppression_n and_o injustice_n will_v it_o not_o