truth_n that_o seek_v to_o diminish_v and_o obscure_v those_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o so_o evident_o appear_v throughout_o all_o the_o tract_n of_o immense_a space_n thus_o then_o when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o but_o into_o the_o fabric_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v with_o what_o wonderful_a art_n and_o contrivance_n thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o each_o part_n be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o conspire_v to_o one_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o very_a consideration_n that_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o frame_v for_o end_n and_o design_n will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o conscious_a and_o intelligent_a nature_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o powerful_a god_n therefore_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o either_o the_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n or_o the_o admirable_a structure_n of_o humane_a body_n in_o which_o be_v lodge_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o blind_a chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a coalition_n of_o atom_n we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o at_o first_o sight_n as_o a_o error_n and_o delusion_n because_o it_o derogate_v and_o take_v away_o from_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o make_n even_o of_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n again_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o damn_v they_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n it_o be_v impossible_a keep_v ourselves_o to_o this_o rule_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v believe_v such_o a_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n which_o as_o it_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a so_o it_o will_v never_o destroy_v or_o turn_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n without_o its_o own_o demerit_n and_o default_n to_o instance_n once_o more_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o that_o though_o he_o invite_v all_o man_n yet_o he_o deny_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o be_v extricate_v out_o of_o their_o miserable_a condition_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o a_o downright_a falsehood_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n can_v command_v and_o enjoin_v impossibility_n nor_o exact_v and_o require_v man_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n without_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n whereby_o to_o do_v they_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o will_v so_o little_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o tyranny_n and_o unaccountable_a self-will_a hence_o now_o it_o follow_v not_o only_o in_o these_o instance_n but_o in_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatever_o if_o they_o any_o way_n lessen_v the_o goodness_n wisdom_n or_o power_n of_o god_n if_o they_o disparage_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o attribute_n such_o doctrine_n can_v never_o be_v true_a for_o truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o alike_o and_o be_v ever_o find_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n 2._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v teach_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o find_a reason_n or_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a because_o reason_n be_v that_o lamp_n or_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v light_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o our_o sense_n be_v another_o infallible_a mean_n of_o communicate_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o when_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o not_o vitiate_a and_o their_o object_n due_o and_o convenient_o circumstantiate_v now_o as_o our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v give_v we_o to_o discern_v object_n of_o sight_n and_o hear_v so_o be_v our_o reason_n to_o discern_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o as_o no_o man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v craze_v in_o his_o intellectual_n will_v distrust_v his_o eye_n or_o ear_n when_o their_o object_n be_v due_o place_v so_o neither_o will_v he_o distrust_v his_o reason_n when_o it_o act_v according_a to_o those_o common_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n upon_o which_o all_o reason_n be_v found_v and_o that_o this_o may_v yet_o be_v more_o manifest_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o please_v whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ungratefulness_n and_o disagreeableness_n between_o falsehood_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o believe_v a_o falsehood_n be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n wherefore_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v at_o his_o pleasure_n his_o understanding_n be_v limit_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o right_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o consequent_o that_o doctrine_n must_v be_v false_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o give_v some_o light_n to_o this_o in_o a_o particular_a instance_n our_o adversary_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n say_v that_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o the_o consecrate_a wafer_n and_o every_o crum_n of_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a and_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v utter_o false_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o christ_n natural_a body_n can_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o continuation_n of_o itself_o be_v in_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n upon_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n because_o three_o of_o our_o sense_n viz._n our_o taste_v touch_v and_o see_v inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v still_o bread_n and_o if_o our_o faculty_n may_v deceive_v we_o in_o their_o proper_a object_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o arrive_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o must_v be_v condemn_v to_o a_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a judge_n when_o they_o be_v right_o circumstantiate_v appear_v from_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v which_o be_v only_o so_o many_o appeal_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n 3._o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o drive_v at_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o design_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a for_o all_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o some_o way_n or_o other_o serve_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o true_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v we_o better_o their_o design_n be_v to_o communicate_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n to_o we_o as_o may_v affect_v our_o heart_n and_o render_v we_o more_o godlike_a holiness_n be_v the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o whatever_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n promote_v and_o advance_v a_o pious_a and_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v believe_v to_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v imagine_v that_o a_o bare_a naked_a faith_n without_o a_o inward_a change_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enough_o to_o save_v he_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v frame_v to_o himself_o any_o opinion_n that_o give_v any_o liberty_n indulgence_n or_o allowance_n to_o any_o sin_n these_o and_o such_o like_a fancy_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v because_o they_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a holiness_n purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n by_o these_o rule_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o we_o in_o
order_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o understanding_n 2._o truth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o practice_n be_v proper_o veracity_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o lie_v and_o deceit_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o true_a heart_a in_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o mind_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o his_o exhortation_n ephes_n 4.25_o wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o deceive_a man_n either_o in_o his_o word_n or_o promise_n he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o this_o duty_n be_v necessary_a upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n it_o have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n that_o can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o new_a the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v or_o to_o deceive_v for_o to_o lie_n be_v a_o weakness_n sickness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o god_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o power_n or_o force_n can_v constrain_v he_o to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o nature_n will_v and_o his_o counsel_n and_o will_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n there_o can_v be_v in_o he_o any_o variableness_n inconstancy_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o he_o be_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o stand_v confident_o and_o immutable_o to_o what_o be_v true_a and_o right_a for_o truth_n derive_v from_o a_o infinite_a and_o almighty_a be_v be_v bold_a and_o take_v place_n when_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n be_v put_v to_o its_o shift_n and_o run_v into_o hole_n hate_v the_o light_n therefore_o the_o wise_a heathen_n use_v to_o say_v that_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v thing_n that_o make_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n swerve_v and_o decline_v from_o truth_n the_o further_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n hence_o when_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n who_o testify_v that_o truth_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o john_n 8.44_o they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o lie_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o say_v christ_n when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n creation_n but_o a_o effect_n which_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a cause_n and_o author_n and_o original_a of_o when_o that_o foul_a spirit_n have_v once_o disjoin_v and_o separate_v himself_o from_o god_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o lie_v and_o to_o deceive_v and_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v so_o too_o which_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n when_o once_o it_o become_v uncentre_v and_o unhinged_a from_o that_o stable_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v who_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o truth_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n between_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o liar_n be_v banish_v and_o exclude_v from_o all_o sober_a society_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o destroy_v that_o which_o god_n and_o nature_n ordain_v shall_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v a_o correspondence_n one_o with_o another_o therefore_o the_o very_a formality_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o lie_n include_v in_o it_o a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n and_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o another_o for_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_a of_o judge_v and_o understand_v by_o these_o what_o be_v signify_v to_o he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n tell_v a_o lie_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o right_n by_o make_v he_o to_o believe_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o man_n shall_v speak_v they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a mat._n 12.36_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o every_o impertinent_a or_o useless_a but_o every_o vain_a or_o false_a word_n i._n e._n for_o every_o lie_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n for_o this_o because_o he_o that_o lie_v to_o another_o not_o only_o betray_v the_o effeminateness_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v real_o injurious_a to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v that_o which_o be_v the_o common_a cement_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o society_n be_v incorporate_v together_o wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v every_o man_n care_n to_o avoid_v all_o fraud_n and_o dissimulation_n in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o man_n much_o more_o undecent_a and_o odious_a be_v it_o in_o a_o christian_a who_o profess_v a_o religion_n that_o own_v the_o great_a simplicity_n and_o openness_n and_o freedom_n and_o plain-heartedness_n in_o the_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n though_o he_o many_o time_n prudent_o avoid_v captious_a and_o enshare_a question_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i._n e._n whether_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o true_a messiah_n he_o own_v it_o though_o he_o know_v this_o very_a truth_n will_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n lie_v at_o stake_n than_o truth_n must_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n show_v itself_o for_o to_o dissemble_v and_o to_o be_v false_a to_o this_o be_v to_o betray_v the_o religion_n that_o we_o profess_v therefore_o we_o find_v among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o such_o as_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n revel_v 22.15_o not_o only_o such_o as_o make_v deceit_n and_o dissimulation_n to_o betray_v the_o truth_n but_o such_o as_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o such_o treacherous_a action_n and_o in_o express_a term_n god_n almighty_n threaten_v all_o liar_n revel_v 21.8_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n because_o falsehood_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o sink_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n the_o further_a remove_v from_o he_o but_o destroy_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n which_o require_v in_o all_o its_o professor_n the_o great_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n christ_n come_v to_o promote_v a_o fair_a and_o innocent_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o those_o blemish_n and_o spot_n that_o attend_v lie_v and_o deceit_n truth_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a but_o a_o lie_n be_v crooked_a and_o perverse_a and_o make_v up_o of_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n so_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a truth_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n will_v not_o think_v such_o a_o exhortation_n as_o this_o to_o be_v unseasonable_a but_o will_v with_o all_o diligence_n pursue_v and_o follow_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a beside_o what_o we_o have_v here_o discourse_v of_o virtue_n in_o general_n we_o may_v further_o note_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o moral_a furniture_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o be_v the_o transcript_n and_o derivation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o however_o by_o a_o long_a degeneracy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v wear_v out_o and_o the_o trace_n of_o they_o in_o many_o to_o be_v scarce_o visible_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o cognation_n and_o congruity_n between_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v whenever_o due_o offer_v to_o they_o after_o have_v advise_v to_o thing_n true_a the_o apostle_n come_v next_o to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a signification_n as_o honesty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o justice_n for_o that_o st._n paul_n mention_n afterward_o but_o the_o word_n honest_a hear_v must_v be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a signification_n for_o whatever_o be_v become_v so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a import_v
here_o now_o be_v that_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o be_v call_v to_o partake_v of_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfect_a image_n and_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divinity_n that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v no_o other_o than_o moral_a virtue_n and_o our_o partake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o conformity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o these_o and_o such_o like_a rule_n of_o eternal_a reason_n 3._o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o without_o it_o we_o can_v never_o perform_v any_o christian_a and_o acceptable_a service_n unto_o god_n the_o ten_o commandment_n must_v first_o be_v keep_v before_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o that_o high_a measure_n of_o perfection_n require_v of_o we_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o must_v first_o be_v good_a man_n before_o we_o can_v be_v good_a christian_n and_o none_o can_v be_v good_a except_o he_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o just_a and_o honest_a for_o what_o sign_n can_v that_o man_n give_v that_o he_o desire_v to_o be_v like_a to_o god_n in_o justice_n and_o equity_n who_o never_o omit_v any_o occasion_n of_o injure_v and_o defraud_v his_o neighbour_n how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o follower_n of_o jesus_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a that_o will_v neither_o afford_v relief_n to_o the_o body_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n god_n be_v love_n but_o when_o man_n live_v in_o envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o malice_n it_o be_v strange_a they_o shall_v be_v like_a to_o god_n suppose_v any_o person_n shall_v say_v that_o he_o desire_v and_o hope_n to_o inherit_v the_o pure_a state_n of_o angel_n hereafter_o can_v we_o believe_v this_o when_o we_o see_v he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pursue_v all_o beastly_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v put_v into_o our_o power_n and_o he_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v faithful_a to_o it_o because_o from_o hence_o spring_v that_o new_a nature_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o overshadow_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v such_o a_o near_a connection_n between_o these_o moral_a virtue_n and_o that_o divine_a life_n which_o jesus_n come_v to_o plant_v in_o our_o soul_n that_o one_o can_v be_v without_o the_o other_o nor_o can_v we_o perform_v any_o service_n acceptable_a to_o god_n while_o we_o either_o neglect_n or_o be_v false_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o enforce_v the_o serious_a practice_n of_o virtue_n in_o general_n upon_o we_o and_o to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o the_o esteem_n which_o god_n have_v of_o we_o be_v according_a to_o our_o growth_n and_o progress_n in_o it_o all_o other_o qualification_n be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o worth_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o and_o if_o we_o be_v defective_a here_o though_o we_o be_v otherwise_o never_o so_o glorious_o accomplish_v it_o will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a we_o may_v now_o brief_o consider_v the_o encouragement_n the_o apostle_n give_v to_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o these_o virtue_n in_o general_n they_o be_v these_o two_o express_v v._o 9_o 1._o that_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o new_a nor_o strange_a the_o apostle_n desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v and_o hear_v and_o see_v in_o he_o if_o they_o fear_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o and_o see_v if_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v not_o conformable_a to_o his_o doctrine_n example_n be_v very_o great_a encouragement_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o walk_v every_o man_n by_o himself_o but_o imitate_v and_o stir_v up_o and_o follow_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o course_n of_o holiness_n that_o as_o they_o offer_v up_o the_o same_o common_a petition_n and_o prayer_n for_o themselves_o and_o all_o mankind_n so_o they_o shall_v all_o strive_v together_o and_o encourage_v one_o another_o in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o virtue_n that_o so_o at_o last_o they_o may_v all_o come_v to_o the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v go_v before_o they_o 2._o he_o tell_v they_o the_o god_n of_o peace_n shall_v be_v with_o they_o in_o so_o do_v the_o high_a motive_n and_o incentive_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n that_o can_v be_v think_v of_o though_o all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o storm_n and_o confusion_n about_o we_o yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a that_o god_n who_o create_v a_o everlasting_a peace_n for_o righteous_a man_n shall_v be_v always_o with_o we_o and_o where_o he_o be_v present_a there_o be_v a_o eternal_a quietness_n and_o calm_a god_n will_v never_o forsake_v his_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n he_o can_v but_o love_v and_o regard_v it_o wherever_o he_o find_v it_o in_o any_o person_n though_o earthly_a parent_n may_v forget_v their_o child_n yet_o god_n can_v be_v unmindful_a of_o those_o that_o be_v good_a virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o can_v never_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o but_o will_v continual_o visit_v they_o with_o his_o powerful_a love_n he_o give_v they_o that_o peace_n of_o conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o the_o world_n can_v give_v and_o bring_v they_o at_o last_o to_o that_o land_n of_o peace_n and_o blessedness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o disturbance_n or_o alteration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a the_o gospel_n be_v give_v to_o amend_v the_o manner_n and_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o use_v those_o virtue_n which_o begin_v to_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n through_o the_o general_a wickedness_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n begin_v with_o truth_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a now_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o as_o it_o refer_v pure_o to_o the_o understanding_n 2._o as_o it_o relate_v to_o practice_n first_o in_o opinion_n and_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o belief_n of_o any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o error_n or_o falsehood_n and_o heresy_n so_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n injoin_v we_o to_o follow_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v we_o entertain_v no_o other_o doctrine_n but_o such_o as_o be_v pure_o christian_n now_o although_o a_o good_a christian_n that_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o understand_v they_o aright_o and_o to_o lead_v his_o life_n according_a to_o they_o may_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n will_v keep_v he_o from_o all_o error_n that_o be_v destructive_a of_o his_o salvation_n yet_o because_o error_n be_v so_o various_a and_o that_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o act_n the_o devil_n part_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o delude_v harmless_a and_o innocent_a person_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o few_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v discern_v true_a doctrine_n from_o false_a and_o secure_v ourselves_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n from_o be_v impose_v upon_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o book_n that_o be_v not_o all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n nor_o write_v by_o one_o man_n in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o style_n but_o be_v fill_v in_o some_o place_n with_o advice_n and_o counsel_n to_o that_o which_o be_v best_a sometime_o with_o precept_n and_o command_n and_o in_o other_o place_n with_o dark_a and_o obscure_a prophecy_n and_o last_o with_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o knowledge_n though_o often_o deliver_v in_o somewhat_o a_o mysterious_a way_n these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o same_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n and_o conceive_v of_o all_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o man_n through_o weakness_n and_o carelessness_n and_o other_o out_o of_o design_n broach_v many_o error_n and_o falsehood_n and_o spread_v they_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n therefore_o if_o there_o may_v be_v some_o plain_a rule_n set_v down_o which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o mark_n to_o guide_v we_o in_o a_o doubtful_a and_o dangerous_a way_n it_o can_v but_o be_v grateful_o receive_v by_o every_o one_o that_o love_v ingenuity_n and_o truth_n 1._o therefore_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v repugnant_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o error_n for_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v so_o manifest_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o all_o place_n that_o as_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o his_o creator_n so_o it_o can_v be_v a_o
image_n of_o god_n communicate_v unto_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o thing_n be_v only_o so_o far_o of_o good_a report_n as_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o true_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v virtuous_a and_o what_o be_v not_o must_v be_v the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n himself_o for_o he_o be_v plentiful_o endue_v with_o and_o perfect_o awaken_v into_o this_o high_a and_o exalt_a principle_n of_o life_n he_o present_o feel_v and_o know_v and_o have_v a_o quick_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a life_n which_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o thorough_o possess_v of_o and_o be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o all_o sensual_a affection_n which_o may_v cloud_n or_o distrust_v his_o judgement_n he_o instant_o discern_v the_o least_o blemish_n and_o corruption_n of_o life_n and_o so_o become_v perfect_o enable_v to_o determine_v what_o be_v laudable_a and_o praise_v worthy_a and_o of_o good_a report_n this_o internal_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v as_o fit_o qualify_v to_o discern_v its_o proper_a object_n as_o the_o clear_a eye_n be_v to_o discern_v light_n and_o colour_n but_o as_o for_o man_n of_o deprave_a soul_n and_o wicked_a life_n they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o determine_v and_o define_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n than_o swine_n be_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o symmetry_n of_o a_o beautiful_a picture_n so_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n we_o must_v take_v our_o measure_n from_o what_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n have_v account_v so_o and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o undervalue_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o who_o have_v joint_o and_o unanimous_o conclude_v from_o that_o inward_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o virtue_n that_o such_o and_o such_o action_n be_v laudable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o the_o contrary_a dishonest_a and_o base_a be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n 3._o he_o that_o purchase_v a_o good_a name_n by_o virtue_n he_o purchase_v the_o great_a treasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 22.1_o that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o great_a riches_n because_o riches_n be_v something_o without_o we_o and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v the_o true_a be_v of_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o moreover_o the_o virtuous_a man_n can_v fail_v by_o such_o action_n of_o make_v many_o friend_n which_o be_v as_o boethius_n speak_v pretiosissimum_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la genus_fw-la the_o most_o precious_a kind_n of_o riches_n and_o further_o our_o good_a or_o ill_a fame_n be_v not_o peremptory_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n but_o pass_v before_o we_o into_o the_o next_o and_o every_o man_n by_o his_o good_a or_o bad_a behaviour_n bring_v a_o good_a or_o ill_a report_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o region_n of_o spirit_n before_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o if_o we_o be_v wicked_a we_o be_v as_o much_o scorn_v there_o and_o our_o name_n as_o hateful_a as_o the_o name_n of_o judas_n or_o herod_n the_o angel_n and_o separate_a spirit_n quick_o know_v what_o we_o be_v for_o those_o discern_a spirit_n be_v not_o easy_o deceive_v and_o the_o fame_n of_o our_o do_n arrive_v to_o they_o before_o we_o leave_v the_o world_n those_o bless_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 15.10_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n that_o our_o good_a or_o evil_a behaviour_n ready_o come_v to_o their_o notice_n and_o cognizance_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a damage_n to_o have_v a_o ill_a report_n among_o those_o who_o shall_v assist_v we_o and_o minister_n to_o we_o in_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n 4._o by_o do_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n we_o consult_v not_o only_o our_o own_o esteem_n but_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n we_o profess_v it_o be_v say_v 1_o sam._n 2.17_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o elie_n son_n make_v man_n abhor_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a manner_n of_o live_v bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o themselves_o and_o it_o redound_v likewise_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o cause_v man_n to_o 'slight_o and_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o when_o we_o deserve_o by_o some_o evil_a action_n bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o dishonour_n light_v not_o only_o upon_o we_o that_o reflect_v on_o god_n and_o that_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o profess_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v likewise_o of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o that_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v give_v cause_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n when_o they_o see_v so_o holy_a a_o man_n as_o david_n fall_v so_o foul_o into_o sin_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o despise_v religion_n itself_o and_o cry_v out_o be_v this_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o those_o that_o be_v christian_n shall_v commit_v dishonest_a and_o abominable_a action_n when_o they_o shall_v allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o traduce_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o religion_n itself_o thus_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o his_o religion_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v through_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o consult_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v lovely_a as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o man_n eye_n by_o our_o practise_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v favour_v and_o well_o esteem_v by_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o virtue_n when_o we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o tread_v his_o sacred_a court_n we_o shall_v use_v no_o light_n and_o trifle_a behaviour_n but_o compose_v both_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n with_o that_o awful_a reverence_n as_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n our_o devotion_n shall_v be_v grave_a serious_a and_o fervent_a without_o any_o affectedness_n or_o vain_a desire_n of_o ostentation_n and_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v inward_o touch_v and_o inflame_v with_o that_o unimitable_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o the_o world_n by_o our_o frequent_a communicate_v of_o his_o bless_a body_n and_o blood_n for_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o good_a report_n and_o will_v certain_o procure_v favour_n and_o esteem_v so_o they_o show_v that_o religion_n have_v something_o that_o be_v real_o valuable_a in_o it_o and_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o choice_a wisdom_n that_o ever_o be_v communicate_v to_o mankind_n if_o we_o will_v therefore_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v of_o good_a report_n we_o ought_v 1._o to_o put_v in_o practice_n all_o these_o forementioned_a virtue_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o better_o secure_v than_o by_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o its_o sacred_a law_n and_o institution_n though_o we_o profess_v to_o own_o truth_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v always_o waver_v and_o unsettled_a and_o toss_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n if_o we_o be_v not_o true_a to_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n but_o falsify_v and_o dissemble_v and_o lie_v one_o to_o another_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v over-jealous_a of_o her_o honour_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o consult_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n while_o by_o the_o lightness_n vanity_n and_o unbecomingness_n of_o our_o action_n we_o express_v no_o veneration_n for_o it_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o justice_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o frame_v our_o conversation_n by_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o angel_n will_v little_o affect_v other_o while_o we_o ourselves_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n and_o sink_v of_o all_o carnal_a lust_n and_o pollution_n shall_v we_o tell_v man_n of_o a_o internal_a beauty_n and_o loveliness_n in_o thing_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v but_o word_n spend_v to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o we_o demonstrate_v our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o do_v lovely_a and_o oblige_a action_n it_o be_v the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_n to_o religion_n and_o promote_v a_o fair_a reputation_n to_o ourselves_o when_o man_n shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n by_o our_o
unblamable_a conversation_n which_o be_v according_a to_o that_o sound_a admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v against_o you_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v by_o your_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v behold_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malicious_a cavil_n and_o atheistical_a objection_n make_v against_o religion_n yet_o a_o true_a christian_n that_o walk_v answerable_o to_o his_o profession_n must_v gain_v at_o the_o last_o a_o repute_n and_o esteem_v from_o all_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n 2._o if_o we_o will_v do_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o which_o may_v purchase_v we_o a_o good_a name_n among_o man_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v not_o only_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o vice_n but_o whatever_o may_v have_v any_o suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n a_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thess_n 5.22_o whether_o that_o signify_v from_o every_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o evil_a or_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o bear_v the_o likeness_n appearance_n or_o show_v of_o a_o sin_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v as_o near_o to_o the_o confine_n and_o border_n of_o sin_n as_o he_o can_v seem_v to_o declare_v a_o tacit_fw-la like_n and_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o be_v betray_v and_o surprise_v and_o so_o of_o lose_v his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n therefore_o a_o wary_a and_o cautious_a christian_a and_o such_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v will_v studious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_v the_o least_o jealousy_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a yet_o to_o another_o who_o have_v not_o that_o maturity_n and_o ripeness_n of_o understanding_n may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a be_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o ground_n command_v by_o law_n and_o another_o through_o weakness_n be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n can_v help_v and_o there_o be_v a_o offence_n take_v but_o not_o give_v though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v as_o few_o of_o these_o stumble_v block_n lay_v before_o weak_a person_n as_o may_v fair_o consist_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n itself_o 3._o he_o that_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n must_v take_v care_n that_o in_o all_o his_o act_n with_o other_o he_o be_v sincere_a i._n e._n upon_o all_o emergence_n he_o must_v practice_v virtue_n for_o virtue_n sake_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o best_a and_o most_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o in_o our_o conversation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o sinister_a end_n and_o that_o self-advantage_n and_o interest_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n beside_o that_o it_o redound_v to_o the_o discredit_n of_o religion_n it_o cast_v a_o disgrace_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o so_o far_o deviate_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n as_o selfishness_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o action_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o some_o virtuous_a action_n mere_o to_o compass_v self-advantage_n do_v hereby_o manifest_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o private_a and_o self_n love_n he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n must_v needs_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o gross_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o our_o true_a credit_n and_o reputation_n thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a virtue_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n so_o serious_o exhort_v we_o and_o he_o that_o have_v any_o care_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o this_o life_n and_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o will_v careful_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o do_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n grant_v to_o we_o to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n of_o sincerity_n john_n 1.47_o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n these_o word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o nathanael_n who_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n though_o call_v by_o another_o name_n for_o we_o find_v he_o express_o mention_v with_o they_o john_n 21.2_o this_o person_n be_v bring_v by_o philip_n to_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v come_v within_o distance_n or_o hear_n christ_n say_v behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v see_v here_o a_o man_n of_o that_o integrity_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o be_v high_o value_v and_o prize_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o though_o this_o be_v speak_v particular_o of_o that_o apostle_n yet_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o god_n sight_n for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o israelite_n for_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o so_o in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n in_o plain_a term_n rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n i._n e._n though_o they_o may_v lineal_o descend_v from_o israel_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v the_o proper_a israelite_n or_o true_a christian_n so_o again_o rom._n 2.28_o now_o to_o be_v without_o guile_n here_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o without_o hypocrisy_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v value_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o sincerity_n and_o this_o sometime_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n i_o have_v no_o great_a joy_n say_v st._n john_n ep._n 3.4_o then_o to_o hear_v that_o my_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a christian_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v st._n paul_n great_a comfort_n when_o he_o suppose_v himself_o near_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o godly_a simplicity_n he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n he_o neither_o flatter_v himself_o nor_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o but_o tell_v they_o the_o plain_a truth_n show_v they_o both_o by_o what_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o must_v hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o downright_a sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o have_v no_o doubling_n wind_n or_o turn_n with_o god_n but_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o do_v his_o will._n this_o alone_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o upon_o this_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o righteousness_n the_o pleasant_a mansion_n of_o immortality_n be_v entail_v this_o be_v the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n without_o which_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a shadow_n &_o pageantry_n for_o then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n say_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o it_o be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o best_a and_o all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n must_v own_v that_o god_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v absolute_o and_o above_o all_o comparison_n the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o since_o this_o be_v not_o only_o simple_o the_o best_a but_o the_o utmost_a and_o complete_a felicity_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o follow_v that_o sincerity_n be_v then_o most_o perfect_a when_o our_o will_n with_o all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o full_o and_o whole_o i_o say_v that_o be_v without_o any_o by-end_n or_o self-design_n or_o sinister_a respect_n of_o particular_a fame_n or_o gain_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o mere_o upon_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o he_o who_o intention_n be_v not_o direct_v aright_o can_v hardly_o attain_v that_o excellent_a qualification_n our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o his_o
virtue_n can_v be_v make_v visible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n it_o must_v be_v by_o this_o excellent_a frame_n and_o temper_v of_o mind_n which_o we_o term_v sincerity_n it_o have_v all_o that_o excellency_n and_o worth_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n which_o indeed_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o sincerity_n it_o be_v better_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o it_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o be_v better_a than_o gold_n and_o the_o revenue_n than_o choice_a silver_n whoso_o find_v sincerity_n find_v life_n and_o shall_v obtain_v favour_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v enough_o one_o will_v think_v to_o render_v so_o charm_v a_o qualification_n high_o valuable_a in_o our_o eye_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v noble_a and_o good_a but_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o contain_v in_o it_o but_o if_o this_o be_v too_o general_a a_o representation_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o take_v it_o more_o particular_o 1._o sincerity_n alleviate_v all_o cross_n and_o affliction_n trouble_n vexation_n misery_n and_o disappointment_n make_v up_o a_o very_a great_a part_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o humane_a misery_n but_o make_v his_o way_n unto_o glory_n through_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a and_o it_o be_v our_o lot_n and_o portion_n to_o arrive_v at_o our_o blessedness_n through_o many_o tribulation_n neither_o must_v we_o forget_v that_o the_o passage_n to_o the_o celestial_a paradise_n lie_v through_o a_o valley_n of_o tear_n therefore_o since_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o be_v perfect_o free_v from_o calamity_n and_o vexatious_a circumstance_n in_o this_o life_n our_o next_o enquiry_n must_v be_v how_o to_o alleviate_v and_o make_v they_o tolerable_a and_o the_o most_o certain_a way_n for_o this_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a i._n e._n to_o have_v our_o mind_n full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o god_n and_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n fall_v into_o calamity_n through_o his_o own_o folly_n or_o that_o a_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n have_v be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o his_o affliction_n he_o lose_v his_o peace_n and_o quiet_n because_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o those_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v avoid_v but_o when_o tribulation_n arise_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o a_o man_n trouble_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o send_v as_o fit_a opportunity_n to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o patience_n resignation_n and_o humility_n then_o the_o mind_n be_v quiet_a submissive_a and_o compose_v because_o when_o it_o look_v back_o it_o have_v no_o ugly_a and_o stare_a sin_n to_o affright_v it_o from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o be_v immutable_o fix_v and_o ground_v in_o the_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n we_o can_v be_v hurt_v by_o any_o affliction_n nay_o the_o great_a misery_n and_o calamity_n will_v be_v ease_v and_o the_o smart_n of_o it_o take_v off_o because_o while_o we_o be_v sincere_a our_o heart_n assure_v we_o of_o better_a usage_n and_o a_o more_o comfortable_a state_n in_o another_o world_n so_o that_o let_v it_o be_v loss_n of_o friend_n loss_n of_o liberty_n and_o estate_n or_o whatever_o else_o be_v account_v a_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n yet_o a_o sincere_a person_n know_v that_o he_o be_v befriend_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o kind_a being_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n that_o a_o tender_a providence_n shroud_n he_o under_o its_o wing_n and_o will_v hereafter_o recompense_v this_o short_a and_o light_a affliction_n with_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2._o sincerity_n contain_v whatever_o be_v true_o desirable_a by_o the_o heart_n of_o man._n be_v we_o please_v and_o delight_v with_o a_o beautiful_a object_n can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a than_o a_o calm_a and_o serene_a soul_n who_o glory_n and_o lustre_n be_v not_o so_o conceal_v and_o obscure_v within_o but_o it_o diffuse_v and_o communicate_v such_o ray_n and_o beam_n of_o mild_a and_o unfeigned_a simplicity_n even_o in_o the_o eye_n and_o outward_a visage_n as_o must_v needs_o affect_v every_o rational_a be_v with_o admiration_n and_o love_n do_v riches_n appear_v splendid_a and_o glorious_a what_o riches_n can_v be_v comparable_a to_o this_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n and_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v adorn_v and_o clothe_v with_o this_o it_o be_v much_o more_o bright_a and_o dazzle_v than_o solomon_n glorious_a apparel_n and_o robe_n of_o royalty_n beside_o riches_n be_v fugitive_a and_o uncertain_a whereas_o sincerity_n be_v such_o a_o treasure_n as_o can_v neither_o be_v take_v from_o we_o nor_o ever_o exhaust_v or_o draw_v dry_a do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n affect_v our_o heart_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v then_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o wise_a man_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v much_o more_o noble_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o sincerity_n in_o this_o exceed_v all_o earthly_a and_o corporeal_a pleasure_n in_o that_o it_o never_o burden_v we_o with_o satiety_n nor_o torment_v we_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o its_o decay_n can_v we_o be_v delight_v with_o honour_n then_o know_v that_o the_o high_a honour_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v like_a to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a unity_n and_o simplicity_n sincerity_n be_v a_o uniform_a thing_n always_o steady_a and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n be_v changeable_a and_o various_a and_o go_v always_o under_o a_o disguise_n in_o a_o word_n search_v all_o that_o any_o way_n appear_v grateful_a and_o desirable_a by_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o this_o excellent_a qualification_n of_o sincerity_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v much_o more_o eligible_a this_o unite_v our_o mind_n with_o god_n and_o fit_v we_o to_o converse_v with_o angelical_a spirit_n who_o nature_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o excellent_a and_o exalt_v as_o they_o partake_v more_o of_o uniformity_n and_o simplicity_n 3._o the_o very_a perfection_n of_o holiness_n consist_v in_o sincerity_n for_o certain_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o region_n of_o glory_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o love_v and_o serve_v god_n true_o according_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n and_o this_o be_v what_o every_o man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o life_n our_o affection_n can_v be_v so_o vigorous_a and_o enlarge_v nor_o our_o desire_n so_o comprehensive_a as_o those_o of_o a_o angel_n but_o they_o may_v be_v as_o sincere_a and_o without_o dissimulation_n there_o be_v a_o great_a abatement_n and_o allowance_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o variety_n of_o humane_a imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n all_o man_n be_v not_o bear_v philosopher_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v make_v not_o the_o same_o lively_a and_o impression_n upon_o all_o but_o he_o that_o retain_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o keep_v he_o steady_a and_o firm_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n shall_v never_o be_v forget_v by_o divine_a goodness_n though_o all_o our_o service_n be_v mean_a and_o poor_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v hearty_a and_o unmixed_a and_o we_o may_v express_v a_o cordial_a sense_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n though_o that_o holy_a fire_n do_v not_o flame_n and_o sparkle_v with_o the_o brightness_n of_o a_o seraphim_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o high_a degree_n but_o by_o the_o truth_n plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o 4._o sincerity_n bring_v the_o true_a pleasure_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o all_o corporeal_a pleasure_n consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o it_o affect_v they_o so_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v sincere_a there_o arise_v in_o it_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o taste_v of_o righteousness_n which_o bring_v a_o ineffable_a pleasure_n along_o with_o it_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v indeed_o that_o this_o lively_a and_o pleasant_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o gratefulness_n that_o spring_v from_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v know_v by_o word_n but_o be_v only_o perceive_v by_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o and_o hence_o a_o carnal_a and_o animal_n man_n may_v enjoy_v himself_o in_o sensual_a delight_n while_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o that_o noble_a pleasure_n that_o result_v from_o virtue_n because_o that_o principle_n which_o shall_v taste_v the_o relish_n and_o sweetness_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o asleep_a in_o he_o moreover_o all_o earthly_a pleasure_n be_v muddy_a and_o defile_v and_o have_v a_o taste_n of_o the_o cask_n that_o be_v the_o body_n wherein_o they_o lodge_v but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n be_v refine_v and_o run_v pure_a and_o clear_a for_o ever_o because_o the_o spring_n whence_o virtuous_a pleasure_n derive_v be_v sincerity_n which_o be_v a_o state_n and_o condition_n pure_a and_o unmixed_a without_o any_o art_n or_o adulterate_v composition_n 5._o sincerity_n beget_v a_o generous_a boldness_n and_o magnanimity_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o confident_a of_o the_o well-being_n of_o his_o soul_n than_o the_o sincere_a person_n and_o this_o confidence_n make_v he_o look_v affliction_n and_o danger_n undaunted_o in_o the_o face_n the_o sincere_a person_n who_o conscience_n can_v testify_v to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v fathful_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v and_o obey_v god_n be_v full_o assure_v however_o it_o may_v fare_v with_o he_o here_o yet_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o he_o in_o the_o other_o world_n he_o know_v that_o god_n will_v never_o be_v unkind_a to_o a_o innocent_a or_o penitent_a person_n and_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o can_v never_o forsake_v what_o be_v his_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n which_o sure_o a_o unself-interesssed_n and_o universalized_a love_n be_v wherefore_o such_o a_o one_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n itself_o can_v cheerful_o commit_v himself_o into_o the_o gracious_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n trust_v himself_o with_o the_o invisible_a guard_n of_o those_o high_a and_o better_a region_n for_o what_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n say_v st._n paul_n nothing_o sure_o if_o our_o own_o heart_n do_v not_o condemn_v we_o of_o hypocrisy_n for_o than_o we_o may_v rest_v secure_a of_o god_n love_n who_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o his_o love_n be_v immutable_a and_o never_o change_v till_o we_o change_v by_o inadvertencey_n and_o folly_n 6._o last_o sincerity_n fill_v the_o soul_n with_o a_o eternal_a peace_n and_o secure_v it_o from_o all_o intestine_a broil_n distraction_n and_o tumult_n it_o be_v this_o low_a and_o trouble_a air_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o thunder_n and_o storm_n while_o those_o upper_a region_n above_o the_o cloud_n enjoy_v a_o perpetual_a sunshine_n and_o calm_a and_o it_o be_v hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o a_o guiltiness_n and_o consciousness_n that_o we_o have_v be_v false_a to_o god_n and_o virtue_n that_o raise_v storm_n and_o trouble_n within_o our_o own_o breast_n but_o sincerity_n set_v we_o above_o all_o these_o and_o we_o breath_n in_o a_o free_a and_o pure_a air_n and_o our_o soul_n be_v calm_a and_o compose_v fair_a and_o lovely_a as_o the_o clear_a face_n of_o heaven_n in_o this_o soil_n grow_v the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o here_o be_v those_o river_n of_o live_v water_n which_o overflow_n and_o enrich_v the_o paradise_n of_o god_n in_o a_o word_n this_o state_n of_o sincerity_n be_v a_o more_o valuable_a treasure_n than_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n can_v desire_v because_o it_o make_v he_o belove_v of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o all_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n after_o this_o state_n we_o ought_v earnest_o to_o contend_v and_o never_o leave_v off_o our_o pursuit_n till_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o it_o this_o delight_v the_o heart_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o be_v so_o enravish_v a_o temper_n that_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o but_o commend_v it_o in_o his_o holy_a apostle_n now_o that_o we_o may_v all_o press_v forward_o to_o this_o mark_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n finis_fw-la