very_o circumspect_a in_o the_o well_o order_v of_o reprehension_n the_o discretion_n of_o a_o man_n say_v king_n solomon_n differ_v his_o anger_n and_o it_o be_v his_o glory_n to_o pass_v by_o a_o offence_n prou._n 19.11_o moreover_o he_o that_o will_v reprove_v as_o he_o ought_v must_v most_o diligent_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o reform_v himself_o first_o matth._n 7.3.4.5_o and_o then_o that_o he_o presume_v not_o above_o his_o gift_n or_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n by_o meddle_v with_o matter_n above_o his_o reach_n or_o with_o person_n of_o who_o he_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o they_o will_v scorn_v his_o admonition_n read_v prou._n 9.8_o nevertheless_o it_o must_v there_o withal_o be_v consider_v also_o that_o the_o wise_a of_o god_n servant_n can_v always_o observe_v the_o time_n so_o fit_o nor_o carry_v the_o reproof_n in_o so_o convenient_a and_o due_a manner_n but_o they_o must_v make_v reckon_v that_o some_o of_o the_o wicked_a who_o of_o love_n and_o duty_n they_o shall_v admonish_v and_o rebuke_v will_v harden_v their_o heart_n against_o the_o same_o yea_o and_o render_v hard_a measure_n against_o those_o that_o shall_v most_o love_o reprove_v they_o as_o herod_n deal_v against_o john_n baptist_n cast_v he_o into_o prison_n read_v prou._n 27.22_o though_o thou_o shall_v bray_v a_o fool_n in_o a_o mortar_n etc._n etc._n yet_o will_v not_o his_o foolishness_n depart_v from_o he_o it_o be_v true_a that_o a_o wise_a reprover_n be_v as_o a_o golden_a earring_n and_o a_o ornament_n of_o fine_a gold_n but_o he_o be_v so_o only_o to_o a_o wise_a and_o obedient_a ear_n prou._n 25.12_o for_o compassion_n over_o the_o offender_n beside_o that_o jude_n verse_n 22._o read_v also_o psal_n 119._o verse_n 136._o jer._n 9.1_o etc._n etc._n 2._o cor._n chap._n 12.12_o phil._n chap._n 3.18_o josh_n 7.19_o thus_o much_o therefore_o for_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o tender_v our_o neighbour_n good_a name_n and_o welfare_n may_v suffice_v for_o this_o time_n remember_v always_o that_o in_o so_o much_o as_o god_n command_v truth_n to_o be_v witness_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o neighbour_n special_o of_o our_o good_a and_o godly_a neighbour_n that_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n wherein_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o some_o truth_n our_o neighbour_n shall_v be_v unjust_o prejudice_v &_o hurt_v we_o be_v at_o no_o hand_n to_o disclose_v it_o as_o for_o example_n we_o must_v not_o betray_v our_o good_a neighbour_n and_o christian_a brother_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o cruel_a persecutor_n much_o less_o the_o whole_a congregation_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v examine_v of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o their_o secret_a meeting_n for_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n and_o for_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n and_o salvation_n and_o thus_o now_o we_o have_v see_v at_o the_o last_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n in_o mercy_n have_v vouchsafe_v upon_o we_o what_o our_o whole_a duty_n be_v towards_o our_o neighbour_n according_a to_o this_o nine_o commandment_n but_o be_v there_o nothing_o command_v or_o at_o the_o least_o necessary_o imply_v in_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o the_o tender_v of_o our_o own_o good_a name_n and_o safety_n yes_o for_o by_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n command_v we_o towards_o other_o he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v what_o regard_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o good_a name_n what_o regard_n be_v that_o which_o you_o speak_v of_o as_o we_o must_v true_o repent_v of_o all_o our_o sin_n pass_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o make_v outward_a profession_n of_o our_o repentance_n before_o man_n touch_v those_o sin_n especial_o whereby_o we_o have_v give_v offence_n to_o any_o either_o public_o or_o private_o so_o for_o all_o time_n to_o come_v it_o be_v our_o part_n so_o to_o order_v our_o life_n in_o unfeigned_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o holy_a law_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v not_o only_o have_v praise_n with_o god_n &_o the_o testimony_n of_o every_o good_a neighbour_n for_o our_o credit_n and_o welfare_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o yet_o so_o as_o we_o must_v always_o for_o our_o own_o part_n both_o think_v humble_o &_o speak_v modest_o of_o ourselves_o &_o our_o own_o action_n or_o virtue_n according_a to_o that_o admonition_n of_o the_o holy_a prou._n cha_n 27.2_o let_v another_o man_n praise_v thou_o and_o not_o thy_o own_o mouth_n a_o stranger_n and_o not_o thy_o own_o lip_n and_o gal._n 5.26_o let_v we_o not_o be_v desirous_a of_o vainglory_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a for_o first_o the_o only_a way_n to_o win_v or_o recover_v a_o good_a name_n be_v by_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n wherein_o we_o have_v transgress_v &_o so_o procure_v our_o own_o reproach_n &_o if_o we_o shall_v harken_v to_o the_o admonition_n &_o rebuke_n of_o other_o as_o well_o we_o as_o will_v have_v any_o in_o the_o like_a case_n harken_v unto_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o second_o that_o every_o man_n stand_v bind_v to_o have_v care_n to_o seek_v a_o good_a name_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n by_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o way_n &_o commandment_n of_o god_n we_o may_v consider_v it_o by_o diverse_a reason_n for_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a commendable_a way_n fear_v god_n &_o keep_v his_o commandment_n say_v the_o preacher_n eccl._n cha_n 12._o ver_fw-la 13._o for_o this_o be_v all_o of_o a_o man_n all_o whatsoever_o beside_o be_v vanity_n and_o what_o else_o in_o any_o sound_a reason_n can_v any_o man_n be_v worthy_o commend_v for_o if_o he_o want_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n may_v a_o man_n be_v commend_v for_o profaneness_n or_o for_o idolatry_n or_o for_o wrath_n or_o for_o drunkenness_n or_o for_o fornication_n etc._n etc._n god_n forbid_v the_o lord_n himself_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o seruamt_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o good_a name_n heb._n 11.39_o &_o their_o obedience_n the_o confirmation_n thereof_o read_v phil._n 4.8_o in_o this_o respect_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o obedience_n whereof_o also_o be_v oppose_v the_o general_a vice_n of_o lie_v as_o psa_n 119._o verse_n 29._o take_v away_o from_o i_o the_o way_n of_o lie_v say_v the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o thy_o good_a grace_n grant_v i_o thy_o law_n and_o verse_n 89._o all_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v truth_n and_o psal_n 19.9_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v truth_n whereupon_o also_o say_v the_o apostle_n john_n 1._o epist_n 1.9_o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o walk_n in_o darkness_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o true_o and_o chap._n 2.4_o he_o that_o faith_n i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o thus_o rom._n 1.25_o idolater_n be_v say_v to_o turn_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o james_n chapter_n 3.14_o they_o that_o have_v bitter_a envy_v and_o strife_n in_o their_o heart_n they_o be_v liar_n against_o the_o truth_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n that_o his_o work_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v according_a to_o god_n john_n 3.21_o such_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v in_o the_o truth_n john_n 2._o epist_n verse_n 4._o and_o epistle_n 3._o verse_n 3.4_o even_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n titus_n 1.1_o even_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n 4.12_o and_o for_o the_o which_o we_o must_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o nothing_o against_o it_o 2._o cor._n 13.8_o for_o the_o which_o we_o must_v not_o only_o be_v witness_n but_o even_o martyr_n in_o a_o special_a manner_n if_o need_v so_o require_v and_o a_o particular_a branch_n of_o this_o obedience_n from_o whence_o a_o good_a name_n be_v argue_v be_v the_o speak_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o this_o nine_o commandment_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v a_o man_n of_o his_o word_n as_o they_o say_v and_o when_o as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n speak_v his_o yea_o be_v yea_o and_o his_o nay_o nay_o and_o when_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v â—alkativenesse_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o idle_a gossip_n etc._n etc._n read_v prou._n 10.19_o and_o 1._o tim._n 5.13_o read_v also_o prou._n 17.27.28_o thus_o must_v we_o walk_v that_o we_o may_v have_v praise_n both_o before_o god_n and_o man_n read_v rom._n 2.28.29_o but_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o point_n of_o our_o treatise_n what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v concern_v our_o secret_a sin_n do_v we_o sâ—nd_v bind_v to_o make_v they_o know_v as_o be_v a_o mean_n whereby_o
the_o spirit_n of_o sanctification_n for_o do_v not_o such_o use_n to_o say_v when_o they_o be_v persuade_v withal_o by_o this_o reason_n of_o a_o good_a name_n what_o care_v i_o what_o any_o man_n think_v or_o speak_v of_o i_o let_v they_o say_v what_o they_o will_v i_o care_v not_o a_o pin_n &_o c_o thus_o rude_a and_o brutish_a be_v our_o naughty_a nature_n who_o therefore_o may_v true_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v not_o through_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o because_o of_o the_o evil_a fruit_n thereof_o against_o this_o commandment_n just_o accurse_v &_o damnable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o than_o unless_o as_o be_v answer_v we_o shall_v find_v redemption_n and_o justification_n by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n how_o many_o of_o we_o all_o think_v to_o escape_v the_o eternal_a wrath_n and_o condemnation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o great_a good_a purpose_n that_o we_o consider_v of_o some_o proof_n that_o may_v assure_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o have_v dye_v for_o these_o our_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o any_o other_o have_v also_o perfect_o obey_v this_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o he_o have_v do_v the_o other_o that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v a_o perfect_a saviour_n what_o proof_n have_v you_o for_o this_o we_o have_v evident_a proof_n of_o it_o in_o that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n testify_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o also_o the_o very_a truth_n itself_o to_o all_o that_o shall_v true_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o all_o their_o error_n and_o thenceforth_o endeavour_v to_o mind_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n from_o their_o heart_n us._n our_o saviour_n christ_n perfect_a obedience_n for_o us._n for_o we_o know_v say_v the_o apostle_n john_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o all_o true_a christian_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v and_o have_v give_v we_o a_o mind_n to_o know_v he_o which_o be_v true_a and_o we_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v true_a that_o be_v in_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v very_a god_n and_o eternal_a life_n 1._o john_n 5.20_o this_o only_a one_o place_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n but_o as_o be_v true_o answer_v we_o have_v many_o other_o testimony_n both_o former_a in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v call_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o late_a in_o that_o part_n which_o be_v call_v the_o new_a of_o the_o former_a we_o read_v prou._n chap._n 8._o vers_fw-la 6.7.8_o and_o isa_n chap._n 11.1_o concern_v the_o late_a we_o read_v reu._n 3.7_o and_z vers_n 14_o moreover_o john_n 1.6.14_o and_o chap._n 5.19.24_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n his_o delivery_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o this_o double_a asseveration_n very_o very_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v note_v to_o this_o our_o purpose_n neither_o be_v john_n baptist_n only_o a_o witness_n that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v the_o truth_n verse_n 32.33_o of_o the_o same_o chap._n but_o also_o god_n the_o father_n himself_o and_o the_o divine_a work_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n wrought_v in_o his_o father_n name_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o chap._n vers_fw-la 36.37_o &_o vers_fw-la 39_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v the_o same_o witness_n of_o he_o and_o more_o particular_o the_o writing_n of_o moses_n verse_n 46._o read_v also_o concern_v the_o testimony_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o himself_o joh._n chap._n 14.6_o and_o chap._n 8.14.15.16.17.18_o &_o vers_fw-la 45.46_o thus_o then_o see_v our_o saviour_n christ_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o most_o general_a signification_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v most_o true_a yea_o in_o himself_o even_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a truth_n itself_o yea_o and_o unto_o we_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o see_v the_o father_n from_o whence_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v come_v who_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o who_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n give_v witness_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v very_a truth_n what_o let_v why_o we_o shall_v not_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o he_o be_v true_a in_o the_o particular_a obedience_n of_o this_o commandment_n yea_o what_o let_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v perfect_o obey_v this_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o he_o be_v perfect_o just_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o 8._o commandment_n and_o chaste_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o 7._o and_o meek_a in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o 6._o and_o dutiful_a to_o parent_n and_o to_o all_o superior_n in_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o 5._o and_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o saviour_n christ_n profess_v that_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v give_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o so_o many_o as_o shall_v receive_v his_o testimony_n thereof_o joh._n 18.37_o in_o this_o christ_n therefore_o must_v we_o believe_v to_o the_o end_n that_o we_o be_v liar_n in_o ourselves_o may_v be_v true_a in_o he_o and_o clothe_v with_o his_o righteousness_n touch_v this_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o with_o his_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o this_o christ_n of_o who_o it_o be_v testify_v that_o he_o be_v every_o way_n perfect_o true_a we_o can_v be_v save_v as_o christ_n himself_o affirm_v joh._n chap._n 8.24_o except_o you_o believe_v say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n that_o i_o be_o he_o you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n and_o final_o this_o also_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o christ_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n or_o rather_o we_o shall_v by_o his_o grace_n true_o repent_v of_o all_o the_o lie_v and_o slander_n that_o we_o have_v make_v and_o of_o all_o other_o our_o transgression_n against_o this_o commandment_n yea_o put_v away_o all_o lie_a etc._n etc._n we_o must_v have_v unfeigned_a care_n both_o to_o speak_v and_o to_o do_v the_o truth_n in_o some_o measure_n of_o true_a and_o perfect_a love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n labour_v also_o to_o increase_v more_o &_o more_o therein_o read_v philip._n chap._n 4.8_o let_v this_o suffice_v therefore_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o this_o nine_o commandment_n and_o so_o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o last_o which_o be_v a_o most_o worthy_a conclusion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v thy_o neighbour_n house_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v thy_o neighbour_n wife_n nor_o his_o manseruant_n nor_o his_o maid_n nor_o his_o ox_n nor_o his_o ass_n neither_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v thy_o neighbour_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o last_o commandment_n beside_o that_o we_o must_v keep_v in_o mind_n that_o which_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o former_a commandment_n who_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o our_o neighbour_n we_o have_v furthermore_o to_o inquire_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_n what_o the_o lord_n mean_v by_o this_o word_n covet_v that_o be_v what_o be_v the_o evil_a corruption_n and_o sin_n of_o our_o nature_n comprehend_v under_o it_o and_o second_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o our_o neighbour_n which_o he_o forbid_v we_o to_o covet_v show_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o the_o word_n covet_v mean_v to_o covet_v be_v to_o have_v any_o the_o least_o lust_n desire_v or_o motion_n in_o the_o mind_n after_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o neighbour_n the_o lord_n have_v forbid_v covet_v or_o long_v with_o all_o unlawful_a desire_n after_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o commandment_n go_v before_o commandment_n how_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o former_a commandment_n for_o in_o the_o 8._o commandment_n he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o covet_v our_o neighbour_n house_n or_o any_o part_n of_o his_o worldly_a riches_n in_o the_o 7._o commandment_n he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o covet_v or_o lust_n after_o our_o neighbour_n wife_n etc._n etc._n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n expound_v that_o commandment_n in_o the_o 5._o chap._n of_o matthew_n yea_o this_o corrupt_a covet_v or_o just_z this_o long_a after_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o all_o these_o be_v one_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o short_a and_o summarie_a abridgement_n of_o all_o sin_n the_o covet_v or_o desire_v after_o divine_a honour_n and_o glory_n that_o be_v after_o any_o honour_n and_o glory_n above_o that_o be_v meet_v for_o a_o creature_n as_o eve_n be_v tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v like_o god_n it_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o first_o table_n all_o covet_v or_o lust_a which_o tend_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v a_o general_a transgression_n of_o the_o second_o table_n
or_o for_o his_o due_a reproof_n and_o correction_n wherein_o he_o hoth_v evil_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o contention_n and_o controversy_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n whether_o we_o be_v lawful_o call_v forth_o to_o do_v it_o upon_o our_o oath_n before_o a_o magistrate_n or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o just_a occasion_n more_o private_o so_o to_o do_v it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o concern_v but_o that_o the_o lord_n forbid_v false_a witnesse-bearing_a against_o our_o neighbour_n to_o his_o discredit_n or_o hurt_v do_v on_o the_o contrary_a command_n the_o speak_n and_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n for_o his_o benefit_n or_o credit_n and_o because_o it_o often_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o man_n good_a neighbour_n can_v be_v benefit_v and_o relieve_v but_o the_o wicked_a and_o false_a accusation_n or_o lie_n of_o another_o must_v therewithal_o be_v detect_v therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o a_o true_a witness_n must_v be_v give_v against_o every_o evil_a neighbour_n to_o his_o just_a rebuke_n and_o punishment_n and_o general_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o all_o discovery_n and_o reproof_n of_o lie_n and_o slander_n to_o the_o discredit_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o every_o good_a neighbour_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n itself_o yea_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o neighbour_n who_o have_v sin_v any_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v discover_v that_o we_o do_v therein_o witness_v against_o he_o that_o by_o the_o just_a rebuke_n and_o correction_n of_o his_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o true_a repentance_n moreover_o because_o even_o good_a neighbour_n may_v be_v at_o variance_n for_o want_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n therefore_o it_o be_v further_o add_v that_o this_o be_v the_o use_n of_o bear_v a_o true_a witness_n to_o end_v controversy_n and_o contention_n according_a to_o that_o we_o read_v heb._n 6.16_o but_o not_o only_o in_o judicial_a course_n of_o judgement_n before_o the_o magistrate_n or_o judge_n of_o the_o court_n but_o also_o in_o all_o private_a speech_n and_o testimony_n god_n require_v that_o we_o always_o speak_v and_o affirm_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n etc._n etc._n read_v ephes_n 4.25_o and_o colos_n 3.8_o thus_o then_o to_o speak_v in_o a_o word_n the_o brief_a sum_n of_o this_o commandment_n be_v truth_n of_o speech_n command_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o neighbour_n yea_o even_o for_o the_o mutual_a benefit_n of_o one_o neighbour_n by_o another_o according_a as_o it_o be_v write_v a_o faithful_a witness_n deliver_v soul_n but_o a_o deceiver_n speak_v lie_n prou._n chapter_n 14.25_o but_o hereunto_o as_o unto_o a_o very_a great_a and_o weighty_a duty_n there_o be_v diverse_a excellent_a virtue_n and_o grace_n necessary_o require_v as_o you_o have_v be_v teach_v which_o be_v they_o the_o first_o be_v a_o hearty_a love_n and_o zealous_a affection_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a with_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a chearfulnesse_n of_o mind_n to_o give_v witness_n unto_o it_o the_o second_o be_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o matter_n whereunto_o we_o do_v give_v witness_v the_o three_o be_v incorrupt_a affection_n â—oid_v of_o all_o ill_a will_n and_o hatred_n or_o of_o partiality_n and_o flattery_n touch_v the_o person_n who_o our_o testimony_n concern_v whether_o he_o be_v friend_n or_o foe_n howsoever_o we_o shall_v esteem_v of_o he_o the_o four_o be_v simplicity_n and_o plainness_n in_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o last_o be_v constancy_n in_o stand_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v once_o upright_o and_o faithful_o affirm_v concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o virtue_n which_o i_o call_v a_o hearty_a love_n and_o zealous_a affection_n to_o the_o truth_n in_o general_a i_o do_v not_o only_o extend_v it_o in_o this_o place_n to_o the_o witness_v of_o that_o truth_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o outward_a safety_n and_o credit_n of_o every_o neighbour_n but_o also_o to_o the_o witness_v of_o the_o whole_a truth_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n tit._n cha_n 1.1_o and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o true_a servant_n of_o god_n that_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n psa_n 15.2_o concern_v the_o second_o read_v pro._n 15.28_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o righteous_a study_v to_o answer_v and_o chap._n 16.23_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wise_a guide_v his_o mouth_n wise_o and_o chap._n 14.5_o a_o faithful_a witness_n will_v not_o lie_v and_o verse_n 15._o the_o foolish_a will_v believe_v every_o thing_n but_o the_o prudent_a will_v consider_v his_o step_n herein_o consider_v the_o wise_a discretion_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n 1._o cor._n 1.11_o and_o chap._n 11.18_o concern_v the_o three_o virtue_n note_v that_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o person_n and_o before_o every_o reward_n and_o before_o all_o displeasure_n whatsoever_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o testify_a of_o it_o and_o herein_o let_v we_o take_v special_a heed_n against_o our_o own_o hatred_n and_o wrath_n against_o any_o man_n for_o that_o blind_v the_o eye_n and_o all_o such_o be_v by_o and_o by_o all_o to_o naught_o with_o we_o etc._n etc._n so_o the_o uprightness_n of_o truth_n shall_v be_v neglect_v because_o of_o our_o crooked_a affection_n concern_v the_o four_o read_v isaiah_n chap._n 32_o 4.5_o answer_n veritas_fw-la non_fw-la quaerit_fw-la anguâ—los_fw-la in_o testimony_n veritatis_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ludendum_fw-la vel_fw-la occultationibus_fw-la vel_fw-la ambiguitatibus_fw-la truth_n seek_v no_o corner_n it_o dally_v not_o by_o ambiguous_a and_o doubtful_a answer_n read_v also_o 2._o cor._n 2.17_o and_o chap._n 4.2_o read_v also_o joh._n 1.20_o and_o 1._o sam._n 3.17.18_o and_o josh_n 7.19_o concern_v the_o last_o read_v tit._n 1.9_o for_o that_o which_o the_o minister_n must_v do_v for_o his_o part_n in_o the_o great_a truth_n of_o god_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v perform_v of_o all_o in_o every_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n in_o every_o such_o one_o as_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o shrink_v back_o from_o any_o true_a testimony_n when_o they_o perceive_v their_o landlord_n or_o some_o other_o great_a man_n to_o be_v offend_v therewithal_o all_o these_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o like_a to_o these_o they_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o bear_v witness_n as_o every_o man_n will_v answer_v before_o god_n with_o who_o truth_n in_o every_o matter_n be_v very_o precious_a but_o that_o we_o may_v go_v forward_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o command_v in_o this_o law_n of_o god_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v already_o rehearse_v yes_o god_n do_v moreover_o command_v we_o in_o this_o his_o holy_a commandment_n to_o perform_v every_o other_o good_a duty_n whereby_o both_o the_o good_a name_n and_o also_o the_o good_a and_o comfortable_a estate_n of_o our_o neighbour_n may_v not_o only_o be_v continue_v so_o much_o as_o we_o may_v procure_v but_o likewise_o whereby_o the_o same_o may_v be_v recover_v again_o if_o by_o any_o occasion_n they_o be_v lose_v and_o impair_v all_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v require_v according_a to_o the_o general_a law_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n who_o good_a name_n and_o comfortable_a estate_n shall_v be_v as_o dear_a unto_o we_o as_o our_o own_o aught_o to_o be_v show_v therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n which_o those_o duty_n be_v that_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v for_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o our_o neighbour_n good_a name_n and_o of_o his_o good_a estate_n first_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v his_o neighbour_n in_o every_o good_a way_n of_o god_n wherein_o he_o shall_v perceive_v he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o want_v counsel_n yea_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o exhort_v and_o stir_v up_o his_o neighbour_n to_o all_o care_n and_o conscience_n to_o walk_v in_o obedience_n to_o every_o commandment_n of_o god_n second_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n to_o yield_v every_o neighbour_n his_o due_a praise_n for_o all_o his_o godly_a wisdom_n and_o care_n and_o for_o every_o good_a grace_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o well_o order_v of_o his_o life_n and_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v therein_o three_o god_n require_v that_o in_o all_o action_n or_o speech_n though_o something_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a we_o hope_v and_o speak_v the_o best_a of_o every_o good_a neighbour_n until_o the_o contrary_n shall_v break_v forth_o and_o be_v know_v yet_o so_o as_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n we_o admonish_v they_o to_o use_v better_a advisement_n and_o speedy_o to_o remove_v all_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n four_o that_o each_o neighbour_n be_v faithful_a and_o trusty_a in_o keep_v the_o
abraham_n as_o the_o holy_a story_n plentiful_o report_v see_v he_o be_v a_o true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o etc._n etc._n read_v 2._o chron._n 20.7_o &_o isa_n ch_n 4.18_o but_o in_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o commandment_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o curse_n against_o idolater_n they_o be_v these_o for_o i_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n mighty_a and_o jealous_a do_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n upon_o the_o three_o generation_n and_o upon_o the_o four_o on_o such_o as_o hate_v i_o what_o mean_v the_o lord_n when_o he_o say_v he_o will_v visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n on_o the_o child_n his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o will_v severe_o punish_v this_o grievous_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n god_n indeed_o do_v not_o visit_v and_o make_v inquisition_n for_o sin_n in_o vain_a but_o find_v it_o he_o take_v vengeance_n of_o it_o as_o we_o may_v observe_v his_o proceed_n against_o sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n and_o the_o city_n adjoin_v gen._n 18.20.21_o and_o chapter_n 19.23_o read_v the_o 1._o chapter_n of_o zephaniah_n where_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o punishment_n be_v join_v with_o the_o visitation_n and_o search_n for_o sin_n diverse_a time_n in_o that_o chapter_n and_o the_o lord_n profess_v himself_o special_o wroth_a as_o we_o see_v in_o this_o place_n against_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o he_o account_v a_o spiritual_a and_o most_o filthy_a fornication_n remember_v again_o ezechiel_n chapter_n 16._o &_o chap._n 8.15_o and_o josh_n 24.19.20_o curse_n the_o curse_n yea_o let_v we_o mark_v in_o read_v of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n &_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o more_o often_o nor_o more_o earnest_a against_o any_o sin_n then_o against_o this_o of_o idolatry_n 8.9.10.11.12_o read_v deut._n 27_o 15._o ezek._n 14.34.5_o &_o ch_z 8._o vers_fw-la 8.9.10.11.12_o both_o secret_a and_o open_a which_o be_v the_o pervert_v of_o his_o whole_a true_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v answer_v in_o our_o entrance_n upon_o the_o interpretation_n of_o this_o commandment_n what_o be_v the_o punishment_n and_o curse_n which_o god_n threaten_v unquietness_n and_o turmoil_v of_o conscience_n with_o many_o bodily_a calamity_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o after_o this_o life_n everlasting_a and_o most_o woeful_a destruction_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o true_a repentance_n read_v psal_n 16.4_o isa_n 2.19.20.21_o and_o chap._n 8_o 21.22_o &_o ch_z 16.12_o and_o chap._n 47.11.12_o etc._n etc._n against_o the_o babylonian_n and_o chap._n 57.10_o etc._n etc._n 20.21_o against_o the_o israelite_n and_o hosh_n 8.7.8_o &_o chap._n 10.15_o &_o 1_o corinthian_n 6.9_o &_o 1_o peter_n 4.3.4.5_o and_o revel_v 22.15_o but_o why_o do_v god_n call_v idolater_n hater_n of_o he_o see_v they_o say_v they_o do_v that_o which_o they_o do_v of_o singular_a love_n devotion_n and_o zeal_n which_o they_o bear_v unto_o he_o because_o idolater_n can_v no_o more_o love_n god_n in_o truth_n than_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n can_v love_v her_o husband_n howsoever_o she_o speak_v he_o fair_a and_o flatter_v with_o her_o lip_n this_o indeed_o do_v the_o lord_n give_v all_o idolater_n plain_o to_o understand_v if_o they_o have_v grace_n to_o see_v but_o that_o we_o may_v haste_v forward_o the_o threaten_a as_o we_o see_v be_v not_o make_v against_o idolater_n themselves_o only_o but_o also_o against_o their_o child_n and_o posterity_n to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n be_v not_o this_o unequal_a think_v you_o that_o god_n shall_v punish_v the_o child_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o for_o the_o father_n offence_n it_o be_v rather_o of_o wonderful_a mercy_n that_o he_o do_v so_o gracious_o limit_v and_o restrain_v the_o curse_n see_v he_o may_v just_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o the_o whole_a posterity_n of_o the_o idolater_n as_o from_o a_o illegitimate_a and_o bastardly_a seed_n see_v he_o have_v asmuch_o as_o in_o he_o lie_v make_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o this_o spiritual_a marriage_n utter_o void_a and_o frustrate_a yea_o and_o herein_o also_o do_v the_o wonderful_a mercy_n of_o god_n more_o clear_o utter_v itself_o because_o he_o do_v not_o so_o cast_v off_o the_o next_o generation_n of_o the_o idolater_n but_o whosoever_o of_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n and_o be_v true_a worshipper_n of_o he_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v accept_v themselves_o but_o the_o covenant_n also_o shall_v in_o they_o be_v renew_v to_o their_o child_n and_o posterity_n for_o ever_o whosoever_o among_o they_o shall_v abide_v faithful_a therein_o read_v ezek._n chap._n 18.1_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n and_o chap._n 20.18.19.20_o read_v also_o psal_n 78.4_o etc._n etc._n 7.8_o and_o jer._n 3.1_o &_o hosh_n 3._o here_o therefore_o be_v wonderful_a mercy_n indeed_o and_o further_a also_o the_o very_a curse_n itself_o serve_v to_o exceed_v gracious_a purpose_n that_o be_v both_o to_o fear_v parent_n from_o idolatry_n even_o for_o that_o love_n they_o ought_v to_o bear_v to_o their_o posterity_n &_o welfare_n of_o their_o child_n both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o also_o to_o withdraw_v child_n from_o the_o example_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a parent_n which_o be_v for_o they_o a_o very_a dangerous_a inducement_n to_o idolatry_n and_o so_o to_o the_o utter_a undo_n of_o all_o that_o shall_v come_v of_o they_o to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n by_o a_o pitiful_a interruption_n of_o the_o course_n of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o they_o but_o all_o this_o concern_v those_o child_n that_o live_v to_o come_v to_o knowledge_n what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o those_o child_n of_o idolater_n which_o die_v before_o they_o can_v discern_v of_o the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o forefather_n shall_v all_o such_o be_v condemn_v they_o be_v doubtless_o in_o a_o fearful_a estate_n nevertheless_o we_o must_v in_o fear_n and_o reverence_n leave_v the_o secret_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o himself_o who_o will_v in_o due_a time_n show_v himself_o most_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n so_o say_v moses_n deut._n 29.29_o secret_n thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n etc._n etc._n yet_o thus_o far_o may_v we_o be_v in_o good_a hope_n that_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v not_o make_v to_o thousand_o but_o upon_o condition_n of_o the_o child_n faithfulness_n in_o their_o generation_n after_o the_o example_n of_o their_o godly_a parent_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v save_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v to_o abraham_n according_a to_o the_o free_a election_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o this_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v and_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n heb._n 8.6_o hitherto_o of_o the_o curse_n against_o the_o transgressor_n of_o this_o commandment_n which_o as_o be_v say_v be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o reason_n blessing_n the_o blessing_n the_o second_o part_n follow_v in_o what_o word_n be_v that_o contain_v in_o these_o for_o i_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n do_v show_v mercy_n unto_o thousand_o to_o such_o as_o love_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n what_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o the_o lord_n will_v show_v they_o he_o will_v bless_v they_o with_o all_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n so_o far_o as_o shall_v be_v good_a for_o they_o but_o more_o special_o he_o will_v give_v they_o abundance_n of_o true_a spiritual_a comfort_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yea_o he_o will_v bestow_v these_o mercy_n not_o only_o upon_o themselves_o but_o also_o upon_o their_o posterity_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n that_o be_v even_o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 105.8_o read_v deut._n â—_o 9_o and_o psal_n 105.8_o so_o great_a be_v the_o largeness_n of_o god_n most_o gracious_a covenant_n to_o all_o that_o true_o love_v god_n in_o dutiful_a and_o thankful_a regard_n of_o his_o most_o tender_a as_o it_o be_v marriage_n love_n towards_o they_o and_o in_o love_n as_o a_o fruit_n thereof_o do_v pure_o and_o chaste_o worship_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o be_v the_o immediate_a root_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o obedience_n even_o as_o his_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o the_o sweetness_n thereof_o apprehend_v and_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n be_v the_o original_n &_o first_o cause_n of_o our_o love_n to_o he_o but_o shall_v all_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o bless_v and_o save_v without_o exception_n no_o but_o they_o only_a which_o keep_v covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n follow_v the_o
also_o john_n 19.12_o all_o these_o false_a witness_n in_o either_o respect_n follow_v therein_o the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o father_n of_o lie_n john_n chap._n 8._o and_o the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n reve._n 12.10_o which_o wickedness_n the_o lord_n express_o forbid_v leu._n 19.16_o thou_o shall_v not_o walk_v about_o with_o tale_n where_o note_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d racil_n come_v of_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d racal_a which_o be_v by_o make_v merchandise_n to_o seek_v gain_n see_v tremel_n by_o this_o therefore_o which_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v sufficient_o perceive_v that_o all_o kind_n of_o lie_v slander_a and_o backbiting_a be_v forbid_v in_o this_o commandment_n whether_o against_o our_o foe_n or_o for_o our_o friend_n or_o for_o our_o own_o advantage_n read_v levit._n 19.11_o we_o may_v not_o lie_v of_o the_o devil_n according_a as_o it_o be_v true_o say_v it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o lie_v of_o the_o devil_n as_o we_o must_v not_o use_v curse_a speech_n jude_n verse_n 9_o so_o neither_o may_v we_o use_v lie_v speech_n against_o he_o and_o therefore_o much_o less_o against_o our_o neighbour_n yea_o our_o good_a neighbour_n we_o may_v not_o lie_v on_o god_n behalf_n job_n 13.4.7.8.9.10_o rom._n 3.7.8_o much_o less_o for_o man_n cause_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n we_o must_v not_o lie_v against_o ourselves_o by_o flatter_v and_o bless_v ourselves_o while_o we_o walk_v in_o wicked_a way_n for_o this_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o lie_v word_n as_o the_o lord_n say_v by_o his_o prophet_n jeremiah_n chapter_n 7.4_o etc._n etc._n trust_v not_o in_o lie_v word_n etc._n etc._n not_o that_o those_o word_n be_v lie_v in_o themselves_o but_o because_o hypocrite_n under_o that_o pretence_n soothe_v themselves_o in_o a_o outward_a profession_n of_o god_n religion_n without_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n but_o have_v we_o now_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o sin_n which_o the_o lord_n forbid_v in_o this_o holy_a commandment_n no_o we_o have_v not_o it_o be_v also_o against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o this_o commandment_n that_o any_o shall_v conceal_v that_o truth_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v utter_v either_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o good_a neighbour_n or_o for_o the_o rebuke_n and_o chastisement_n of_o he_o that_o be_v evil_a as_o also_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n any_o shall_v unreasonable_o utter_v and_o disclose_v that_o truth_n which_o for_o the_o present_a aught_o to_o be_v keep_v secret_a moreover_o it_o be_v against_o this_o commandment_n that_o any_o shall_v praise_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v discommend_v or_o commend_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v dispraise_v yea_o to_o praise_n and_o encourage_v or_o to_o dispraise_v and_o discomfort_v rash_o and_o without_o good_a and_o discreet_a moderation_n final_o all_o vainglorious_a boast_n and_o hunt_v after_o our_o own_o praise_n together_o with_o all_o dissemble_a and_o double_a deal_n yea_o all_o want_n of_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o will_v not_o stand_v with_o good_a duty_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o commandment_n these_o no_o doubt_n be_v transgression_n of_o this_o commandment_n for_o they_o hinder_v the_o truth_n that_o it_o can_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o advance_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o likewise_o they_o hinder_v the_o discern_a of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n that_o it_o can_v be_v so_o reprove_v and_o condemn_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v now_o this_o we_o know_v that_o he_o who_o justifi_v the_o wicked_a and_o he_o that_o condemn_v the_o righteous_a they_o be_v even_o both_o of_o they_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n pro._n 17.15_o and_o again_o chap._n 28.4_o they_o that_o forsake_v the_o law_n praise_v the_o wicked_a but_o they_o that_o keep_v the_o law_n set_v themselves_o against_o they_o to_o praise_v above_o measure_n be_v flattery_n of_o the_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o which_o flatter_v his_o neighbour_n spread_v a_o net_n for_o his_o step_n prou._n 29.5_o detract_n be_v a_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n against_o the_o which_o read_v psalm_n 15._o against_o vain_a boast_n read_v prou._n 27.1_o and_o against_o dissemble_v and_o double_a deal_n read_v again_o psal_n 12.2_o they_o speak_v deceitful_o and_o psal_n 41.6_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v see_v what_o be_v the_o external_a sin_n and_o transgression_n forbid_v in_o this_o commandment_n but_o not_o only_o be_v these_o outward_a evil_n forbid_v but_o also_o all_o those_o inward_a vice_n and_o hide_a corruption_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v as_o the_o root_n and_o cause_n of_o these_o show_v therefore_o now_o which_o those_o inward_a evil_n &_o vice_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n be_v all_o uncharitable_a and_o groundless_a suspicion_n all_o rash_a judge_a and_o take_v of_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o worst_a part_n which_o may_v be_v well_o construe_v and_o chief_o all_o hatred_n and_o malignant_a envy_n against_o our_o neighbour_n good_a name_n credit_n and_o welfare_n these_o be_v indeed_o the_o inward_a evil_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o the_o which_o all_o false_a witness_n lie_v and_o slander_v do_v spring_n according_a to_o that_o we_o read_v matth._n 15.19_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n christ_n come_v evil_a thought_n etc._n etc._n false_a testimony_n and_o slander_n read_v also_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o same_o evil_n note_v prou._n 21.10_o against_o evil_a suspicion_n read_v 1_o tim._n 6.4_o a_o fruit_n of_o corrupt_a doctrine_n against_o rash_a judge_v read_v matth._n 7.1.2_o consider_v also_o the_o sin_n of_o job_n friend_n read_v also_o luke_n 13.1_o and_o john_n 9.2_o against_o the_o take_n of_o thing_n in_o evil_a part_n and_o whisper_n read_v rom._n 1.29_o and_o of_o envy_n it_o be_v say_v who_o can_v stand_v before_o it_o prou._n chapter_n 27.4_o but_o yet_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o negative_a part_n of_o this_o nine_o commandment_n be_v this_o law_n of_o god_n fulfil_v if_o we_o for_o our_o own_o part_n avoid_v the_o evil_n both_o inward_a and_o outward_a which_o have_v be_v mention_v though_o we_o shall_v allow_v or_o wink_v at_o the_o same_o sin_n in_o other_o no_o in_o no_o case_n but_o contrariwise_o god_n require_v that_o we_o hate_v they_o in_o other_o as_o well_o as_o in_o ourselves_o and_o that_o as_o much_o as_o lie_v in_o we_o we_o reprove_v repress_v and_o sharp_o correct_v and_o punish_v they_o it_o be_v true_a for_o see_v god_n abhor_v all_o false_a witness_n lie_v and_o slander_v etc._n etc._n prou._n 6.19_o and_o chap._n 12.22_o it_o can_v in_o any_o reason_n be_v think_v but_o that_o he_o require_v also_o that_o all_o his_o servant_n shall_v likewise_o do_v so_o and_o so_o it_o be_v express_o testify_v prou._n 13.5_o a_o righteous_a man_n hate_v the_o lie_a word_n or_o false_a matter_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v on_o the_o contrary_a he_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v that_o give_v heed_n to_o false_a lip_n prou._n 17.4_o and_o again_o chap._n 29.12_o wherefore_o worthy_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v to_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n to_o show_v a_o angry_a countenance_n against_o the_o slander_v tongue_n chap._n 25.23_o and_o psalm_n 101.5_o king_n david_n speak_v in_o the_o holy_a zeal_n of_o god_n spirit_n say_v he_o that_o privy_o slander_v his_o neighbour_n will_v i_o destroy_v read_v also_o psalm_n 140.10_o and_o psal_n 31.18_o a_o fearful_a imprecation_n against_o this_o sin_n gal._n 2.11_o etc._n etc._n see_v the_o zeal_n of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n against_o peter_n dissemble_v and_o luke_n 23.50.51_o the_o praise_n of_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n for_o not_o consent_v with_o the_o rest_n to_o give_v sentence_n against_o our_o saviour_n christ_n upon_o the_o false_a accusation_n bring_v against_o he_o and_o john_n 9.50.51_o the_o like_a practice_n of_o nicodemus_n be_v record_v thus_o have_v we_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v for_o the_o present_a the_o whole_a negative_a part_n of_o this_o commandment_n and_o from_o thence_o also_o a_o fit_a passage_n to_o the_o affirmative_a part_n which_o now_o follow_v show_v therefore_o henceforth_o by_o the_o renew_n as_o it_o be_v of_o our_o treatise_n for_o our_o further_a and_o more_o full_a instruction_n what_o on_o the_o contrary_a command_v duty_n command_v be_v the_o good_a duty_n which_o our_o righteous_a god_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n command_v we_o in_o this_o his_o holy_a commandment_n the_o lord_n god_n straight_o command_v every_o man_n in_o all_o cause_n to_o speak_v and_o witness_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o testify_v against_o all_o falsehood_n lie_v and_o slander_n to_o the_o due_a credit_n commendation_n and_o safety_n of_o every_o neighbour_n wherein_o he_o do_v well_o
god_n will_v have_v we_o seek_v a_o good_a name_n as_o god_n require_v it_o for_o a_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n that_o we_o discover_v not_o his_o secret_a sin_n either_o before_o the_o magistrate_n or_o otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o say_v those_o his_o sin_n by_o the_o conceal_n whereof_o no_o peril_n or_o hurt_n grow_v to_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o to_o any_o particular_a and_o private_a neighbour_n so_o he_o permit_v it_o as_o a_o fruit_n of_o love_n belong_v to_o a_o man_n self_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o to_o his_o own_o diffamation_n disclose_v his_o like_a secret_a offence_n unless_o happy_o he_o shall_v find_v it_o necessary_a for_o the_o relief_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o make_v they_o know_v to_o some_o choice_n &_o faithful_a neighbour_n according_a to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o apostle_n jam._n cha_n 5.16_o say_v acknowledge_v your_o fault_n one_o to_o another_o &_o pray_v one_o for_o another_o that_o you_o may_v be_v heal_v for_o the_o prayer_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o if_o it_o be_v fervent_a this_o stand_v with_o good_a reason_n for_o as_o no_o man_n will_v make_v know_v his_o bodily_a disease_n equity_n the_o equity_n to_o that_o physician_n which_o will_v have_v no_o care_n to_o do_v he_o good_a so_o what_o shall_v induce_v a_o man_n to_o acknowledge_v his_o fault_n to_o any_o that_o will_v not_o tender_v the_o spiritual_a health_n of_o their_o soul_n &_o c_o hereupon_o also_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o popish_a auricular_a confession_n of_o all_o sin_n both_o secret_a and_o open_a to_o the_o full_a number_n in_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o priest_n to_o receive_v his_o injunction_n of_o penance_n in_o way_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o god_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o tyrannous_a cruelty_n against_o man_n soul_n and_o conscience_n likewise_o their_o oath_n ex_fw-la officio_fw-la drive_v man_n to_o accuse_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o man_n captious_a inquisition_n and_o demand_n it_o be_v against_o that_o gracious_a liberty_n which_o god_n have_v grant_v to_o his_o servant_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o for_o any_o to_o discover_v his_o own_o secret_a corruption_n without_o just_a cause_n and_o not_o to_o singular_a good_a end_n and_o purpose_n will_v it_o not_o be_v judge_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v either_o of_o hypocrisy_n or_o of_o a_o profane_a and_o unaduised_a folly_n nevertheless_o if_o any_o keep_v close_o his_o sin_n do_v harden_v his_o hart_n therein_o he_o may_v just_o fear_v lest_o god_n in_o his_o displeasure_n do_v make_v he_o in_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o hellish_a conscience_n to_o cry_v out_o against_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v a_o trumpet_n of_o his_o own_o shame_n as_o oftentimes_o it_o fall_v out_o against_o such_o close_a &_o hard_o heart_a sinner_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o point_n for_o the_o present_a we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o general_a equity_n of_o this_o commandment_n what_o be_v that_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o commandment_n may_v be_v consider_v diverse_a way_n like_a as_o we_o have_v see_v in_o the_o former_a show_v here_o again_o how_o that_o may_v be_v first_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n second_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o three_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o more_o private_a and_o usual_a course_n of_o deal_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n four_o in_o respect_n of_o public_a society_n and_o government_n final_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n &_o religion_n of_o god_n let_v we_o examine_v these_o thing_n particular_o and_o first_o how_o can_v you_o declare_v the_o equity_n of_o this_o commandment_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n most_o entire_a faithful_a &_o constant_a in_o all_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o quall_a that_o he_o shall_v forbid_v his_o people_n all_o untruth_n as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o also_o to_o all_o his_o counsel_n word_n and_o work_n your_o answer_n be_v most_o true_a whether_o we_o consider_v of_o god_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n jeremie_n 10.10_o or_o whether_o we_o consider_v of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o in_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n the_o father_n be_v the_o father_n of_o truth_n john_n 5.30.31_o and_o chapter_n 8.26.27_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v true_a yea_o truth_n itself_o proverb_n 8.6.7.8_o john_n chapter_n 1.9_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n john_n 14.15.16.17_o and_o chapter_n 16.13_o and_o 1._o john_n chapter_n 5._o verse_n 6._o and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n verses_z 7.8.9.10_o the_o joint_a witness_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n be_v true_a from_o heaven_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v in_o a_o singular_a and_o incomparable_a excellency_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2._o cor._n 6._o verse_n 7._o and_o tit._n 1.9_o the_o faithful_a word_n and_o james_n 1.18_o the_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n be_v all_o faithful_a and_o true_a hosh_n chapter_n 13_o verse_n 14._o rom._n 11.29_o 1._o cor._n 1.9_o 1._o thes_n 5.24_o james_n 1.17_o psal_n 105_o verse_n 8._o and_o psal_n 14.6_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n also_o be_v perfect_a and_o true_a they_o be_v not_o counterfeit_v of_o thing_n but_o true_a substance_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o several_a kind_n deut._n 32.4_o and_o psal_n 112.7.8_o and_o psalm_n 119.90.91.7_o god_n therefore_o be_v every_o way_n most_o true_a must_v needs_o in_o all_o equity_n command_v both_o true_a speak_n and_o true_a deal_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n proceed_v now_o to_o declare_v likewise_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o commandment_n in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o how_o may_v we_o perceive_v this_o to_o be_v so_o insomuch_o as_o god_n have_v show_v so_o great_a love_n on_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v call_v his_o child_n it_o be_v very_o equal_a and_o meet_v that_o we_o shall_v resemble_v the_o image_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o all_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o truth_n so_o indeed_o do_v the_o apostle_n of_o the_o lord_n reason_n 1._o john_n 3.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o paul_n ephes_n 4.24_o yea_o such_o be_v their_o very_a word_n read_v also_o col._n 3.9.10_o now_o very_o such_o must_v we_o be_v unless_o we_o will_v show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n &_o not_o the_o child_n of_o god_n joh._n 8.44_o but_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o point_n how_o can_v you_o show_v the_o equity_n of_o this_o commandment_n in_o respect_n of_o our_o more_o private_a and_o usual_a course_n of_o deal_n with_o our_o neighbour_n and_o brethren_n cast_v off_o lie_v say_v the_o apostle_n and_o speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n unto_o his_o neighbour_n for_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o ephes_n 4._o vers_fw-la 25._o a_o notable_a and_o lively_a similitude_n take_v from_o the_o natural_a body_n to_o the_o which_o god_n have_v give_v diverse_a member_n and_o sundry_a faculty_n and_o power_n unto_o they_o and_o all_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o whole_a body_n now_o therefore_o be_v it_o not_o a_o unequal_a and_o a_o very_a absurd_a course_n that_o any_o one_o member_n shall_v deal_v unfaithful_o with_o another_o as_o if_o the_o eye_n shall_v take_v chalk_n for_o cheese_n as_o we_o say_v or_o the_o hand_n to_o put_v a_o stone_n to_o the_o mouth_n in_o stead_n of_o bread_n or_o rank_n poison_n in_o stead_n of_o wholesome_a nourishment_n no_o less_o absurd_a be_v lie_v in_o the_o new_a work_n of_o god_n grace_n then_o that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n whether_o one_o christian_a shall_v lie_v to_o another_o or_o that_o they_o shall_v tell_v lie_v the_o one_o of_o the_o other_o now_o four_o how_o can_v you_o declare_v the_o equity_n of_o this_o commandment_n in_o respect_n of_o public_a society_n and_o government_n the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n can_v proceed_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o innocent_a and_o punishment_n of_o the_o offender_n neither_o yet_o for_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o good_a neighbour_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o witness_n and_o that_o also_o even_o upon_o their_o oath_n for_o the_o more_o certainty_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a for_o as_o the_o lord_n say_v deut._n 19.15_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o witness_n or_o at_o the_o mouth_n of_o three_o witness_n shall_v the_o matter_n be_v establish_v read_v also_o matth._n 18.16_o and_o 2._o cor._n 13._o which_o place_n also_o be_v mention_v a_o little_a before_o and_o again_o hebr._n 6.16_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v with_o man_n a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n it_o stand_v therefore_o with_o all_o equity_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v
other_o principal_a member_n of_o the_o public_a body_n now_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v go_v forward_o what_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o he_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o false_a witness_n bear_v lie_v &_o slander_v flattery_n and_o evil_a suspicion_n without_o just_a cause_n that_o contrariwise_o he_o be_v of_o a_o charitable_a judgement_n love_v and_o tender_v the_o good_a name_n &_o estimation_n of_o every_o good_a neighbour_n desire_v that_o it_o may_v continue_v and_o prosper_v without_o all_o prejudice_n either_o in_o his_o own_o heart_n or_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o other_o what_o i_o say_v be_v the_o blessing_n of_o every_o such_o man_n bless_a say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n be_v he_o that_o judge_v wise_o of_o the_o poor_a say_v the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v he_o in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o so_o forth_o as_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 41._o psalm_n this_o charitable_a judgement_n which_o the_o holy_a prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o much_o truth_n in_o speech_n and_o as_o a_o strong_a fortress_n against_o all_o lie_a and_o slander_v and_o therefore_o also_o do_v our_o saviour_n christ_n assure_v all_o such_o of_o like_a recompense_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o other_o good_a and_o well_o advise_v and_o charitable_a mind_a man_n judge_v not_o say_v he_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v condemn_v not_o and_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v forgive_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v forgive_v luke_n chap._n 6.37_o we_o will_v haste_v forward_o what_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o they_o that_o will_v hearken_v to_o the_o instruction_n and_o counsel_n of_o such_o as_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v a_o good_a name_n which_o sure_o ought_v of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o be_v great_o desire_v and_o labour_v after_o what_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o such_o let_v not_o mercy_n and_o truth_n forsake_v thou_o say_v king_n solomon_n bound_v they_o upon_o thy_o neck_n and_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o table_n of_o thy_o heart_n so_o shall_v thou_o find_v favour_n and_o good_a understanding_n or_o as_o some_o translate_v prosperous_a success_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man_n proverbe_n chapter_n 3._o verse_n 3._o and_o 4._o and_o chapter_n 10.17_o he_o that_o regard_v instruction_n be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n and_o in_o the_o same_o chap._n vers_fw-la 7._o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o just_a shall_v be_v bless_v that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o remembrance_n of_o such_o as_o walk_v in_o the_o righteous_a way_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v gracious_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n both_o while_o they_o live_v and_o also_o after_o their_o death_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o continual_a occasion_n of_o praise_v god_n and_o a_o spur_n to_o stir_v up_o other_o to_o imitation_n wherefore_o earnest_n be_v that_o often_o repeat_v exhortation_n wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n move_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o holy_a doctrine_n prou._n 1.8.9_o and_o again_o chap._n 4_o 13._o likewise_o chap._n 6.20_o and_o verse_n 23._o and_o yet_o again_o chap._n 7.2_o and_o chap._n 8.10_o and_o verse_n 33._o and_o also_o chap._n 13._o verse_n 14._o and_o verse_n 18._o he_o that_o regard_v correction_n shall_v be_v honour_v and_o be_v there_o not_o a_o blessing_n also_o for_o those_o that_o have_v care_n to_o teach_v &_o instruct_v other_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o gracious_a and_o commendable_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v favour_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n yes_o very_a great_a according_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o blessing_n which_o hereby_o they_o procure_v unto_o their_o brethren_n as_o we_o may_v read_v dan._n 12._o verse_n 3._o and_o in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n james._n whereof_o also_o we_o have_v abigail_n for_o a_o lively_a example_n 1._o sam._n chap._n 25._o vers_fw-la 32.33_o let_v we_o for_o example_n sake_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o a_o particular_a instance_n the_o matter_n may_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a let_v we_o i_o say_v hear_v the_o blessing_n which_o david_n in_o this_o respect_n put_v upon_o abigail_n bless_a say_v the_o prophet_n david_n be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o have_v send_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o meet_v i_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o counsel_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o who_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o come_v to_o shed_v blood_n and_o that_o my_o hand_n have_v not_o save_v i_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n and_o may_v well_o serve_v for_o our_o issue_n and_o conclusion_n of_o this_o point_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v through_o the_o gracious_a blessing_n of_o god_n the_o whole_a interpretation_n of_o this_o commandment_n touch_v the_o evil_n forbid_v and_o the_o virtue_n command_v touch_v the_o curse_n against_o the_o one_o and_o the_o blessing_n upon_o the_o other_o let_v we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o use_n have_v you_o pefect_o obey_v this_o 9_o commandment_n that_o so_o you_o may_v think_v yourself_o worthy_a to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o curse_n and_o to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o it_o no_o i_o have_v no_o more_o perfect_o obey_v this_o commandment_n than_o any_o of_o the_o former_a but_o i_o have_v every_o way_n sin_v against_o it_o partly_o through_o ignorance_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o many_o matter_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v know_v and_o remember_v and_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o love_n both_o unto_o the_o truth_n and_o also_o to_o my_o neighbour_n but_o much_o more_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o hatred_n and_o envy_n which_o abound_v in_o my_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o i_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v the_o truth_n always_o &_o give_v a_o faithful_a witness_n in_o all_o thing_n concern_v my_o neighbour_n that_o upon_o every_o occasion_n of_o unkindness_n &_o displeasure_n i_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o deny_v he_o his_o due_a praise_n yea_o to_o speak_v all_o evil_a of_o he_o and_o to_o invent_v all_o manner_n of_o lie_n and_o slander_n against_o he_o moreover_o as_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o accuse_v and_o blame_v those_o who_o i_o account_v my_o foe_n false_o and_o above_o that_o there_o be_v just_a cause_n so_o be_o i_o apt_a to_o flatter_v such_o as_o i_o take_v to_o be_v my_o friend_n and_o again_o to_o make_v untrue_a excuse_n and_o partial_a defence_n for_o myself_o to_o all_o those_o of_o who_o i_o stand_v in_o any_o fear_n final_o i_o be_o by_o my_o natural_a disposition_n so_o far_o from_o amend_v my_o fault_n when_o i_o be_o reprove_v that_o of_o wilful_a stubburnnesse_n i_o will_v rather_o do_v the_o worse_o because_o i_o be_o reprove_v for_o they_o wherefore_o i_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o worthiness_n to_o enjoy_v the_o blessing_n of_o this_o commandment_n that_o i_o have_v just_o deserve_v all_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o unless_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n &_o bounteous_a mercy_n for_o christ_n jesus_n sake_n to_o forgive_v these_o my_o grievous_a sin_n &_o to_o give_v i_o grace_v unfeigned_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a which_o you_o answer_v concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o yea_o concern_v all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n through_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n for_o thus_o the_o holy_a prophet_n of_o god_n affirm_v psalm_n 58.3_o and_o psalm_n 62.9_o read_v also_o psalm_n 116.11_o and_o rom._n 3.4_o experience_n also_o show_v transgressor_n eueryone_n of_o we_o be_v a_o damnable_a transgressor_n that_o all_o man_n natural_o be_v liar_n and_o that_o natural_o we_o be_v more_o delight_v with_o lie_n then_o with_o the_o truth_n the_o beginning_n of_o this_o vice_n appear_v in_o childhood_n increase_v with_o age_n unless_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n do_v correct_v the_o same_o as_o they_o have_v plentiful_a experience_n to_o who_o the_o examination_n of_o malefactor_n appertain_v and_o as_o we_o be_v altogether_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a in_o lie_v all_o manner_n of_o lie_n both_o earnest_n lie_v merry_a lie_n and_o officious_a lie_n in_o cunning_a excuse_n in_o false_a accusation_n &_o in_o the_o root_n of_o all_o these_o self_fw-fr love_n hatred_n and_o evil_a suspicion_n so_o be_v we_o as_o apt_a to_o flatter_v and_o soothe_v up_o such_o as_o we_o fear_v or_o such_o from_o who_o we_o look_v for_o benefit_n or_o preferment_n etc._n etc._n and_o touch_v our_o obstinacy_n against_o rebuke_n be_v not_o every_o one_o ready_a to_o bewray_v the_o deep_a corruption_n which_o lie_v lurk_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o speak_v of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v not_o yet_o receive_v