Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
virtue_n action_n good_a reason_n 1,040 5 4.7325 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A69591 The spirit of Christianity Blount, Walter Kirkham, Sir, d. 1717. 1686 (1686) Wing B3352; ESTC R19098 56,878 144

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to_o his_o sovereign_a good_a if_o other_o possess_v they_o he_o unjust_o seize_v they_o he_o covet_v they_o criminal_o if_o he_o can_v get_v they_o and_o violate_v what_o be_v most_o sacred_a in_o society_n to_o enrich_v himself_o maugre_o his_o conscience_n against_o which_o he_o shut_v his_o ear_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o riches_n inspire_v this_o spirit_n of_o hardness_n and_o injustice_n as_o the_o fix_v too_o great_a a_o love_n on_o they_o for_o job_n be_v charitable_a in_o his_o abundance_n his_o wealth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o obstacle_n to_o his_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n for_o his_o better_a practise_v it_o he_o be_v as_o himself_o say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o protector_n of_o the_o afflict_a his_o door_n be_v always_o open_a to_o those_o in_o necessity_n and_o with_o the_o wool_n of_o his_o sheep_n he_o clad_v the_o naked_a he_o be_v the_o support_n of_o the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a the_o traveller_n be_v welcome_a to_o his_o house_n and_o he_o refuse_v nothing_o to_o any_o in_o want_n that_o crave_v his_o help_n beside_o this_o good_a use_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v of_o riches_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o job_n who_o life_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o pattern_n to_o a_o christian_a to_o dispose_v his_o heart_n to_o charity_n he_o must_v likewise_o to_o attain_v this_o virtue_n have_v frequent_a communication_n with_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n it_o be_v chief_o from_o prayer_n these_o light_n take_v birth_n in_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a spring_n of_o christian_a charity_n and_o love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o the_o same_o sigh_n that_o form_n in_o our_o soul_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n form_n there_o also_o the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n the_o inward_a voice_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o voice_n say_v st._n augustine_n which_o express_v itself_o by_o the_o sigh_n of_o prayer_n be_v that_o which_o enkindle_v in_o we_o the_o fervour_n of_o this_o virtue_n for_o charity_n become_v cold_a when_o the_o heart_n become_v silent_a say_v this_o great_a saint_n thus_o one_o can_v be_v charitable_a without_o be_v devout_a because_o devotion_n be_v the_o most_o common_a nourishment_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n this_o love_n grow_v cold_a by_o the_o distraction_n of_o business_n and_o be_v even_o extinguish_v by_o the_o disquiet_v of_o a_o too_o busy_a life_n in_o effect_n the_o true_a source_n of_o charity_n as_o tertullian_n assure_v we_o be_v renounce_v the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o indifference_n for_o temporal_a good_n for_o transitory_a good_n weaken_v the_o heart_n by_o the_o confidence_n they_o give_v it_o in_o so_o frail_a a_o support_n as_o be_v that_o of_o riches_n likewise_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o capable_a to_o inflame_v charity_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o christian_a than_o a_o fervent_a and_o lively_a faith_n animate_v with_o a_o perfect_a confidence_n in_o god_n for_o the_o fire_n of_o charity_n kindle_v itself_o at_o the_o ardour_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v a_o christian_a act_n like_o a_o child_n of_o god_n and_o love_v the_o poor_a as_o his_o brother_n in_o fine_a the_o sure_a and_o infallible_a way_n to_o acquire_v this_o virtue_n be_v by_o little_a and_o little_a to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o practice_v work_n of_o it_o for_o by_o visit_v the_o prisoner_n comfort_v the_o afflict_a help_v the_o necessitous_a instruct_v the_o ignorant_a which_o be_v action_n may_v be_v do_v daily_o and_o even_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v if_o one_o pretend_v to_o christianity_n he_o become_v insensible_o charitable_a and_o attain_v that_o heavenly_a wisdom_n which_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o which_o without_o study_n or_o reason_v pour_v into_o the_o heart_n that_o interior_a unction_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o teach_v a_o christian_a the_o mean_n to_o become_v charitable_a he_o must_v also_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o become_v so_o be_v show_v his_o obligation_n to_o it_o by_o the_o most_o press_a motive_n chap._n vii_o three_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o excite_v a_o christian_n to_o acquire_v the_o virtue_n of_o charity_n the_o first_o motive_n be_v that_o without_o be_v charitable_a one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n for_o it_o be_v in_o charity_n alone_o consist_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n nature_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v with_o man_n but_o grace_n oblige_v to_o love_v he_o this_o be_v say_v s._n paul_n the_o plenitude_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o morality_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o all_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o gospel_n point_v only_o at_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n which_o alone_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o christian_a perfection_n without_o charity_n say_v the_o apostle_n neither_o faith_n nor_o hope_n nor_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n nor_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n nor_o martyrdom_n nor_o any_o other_o virtue_n can_v be_v considerable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n it_o be_v charity_n perfect_v man_n rectify_v his_o reason_n and_o sanctify_v all_o his_o action_n this_o make_v humble_a and_o unmake_n proud_a because_o it_o nourish_v humility_n and_o choke_v pride_n all_o virtue_n become_v unprofitable_a and_o all_o good_a work_v fruitless_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o charitable_a it_o be_v charity_n that_o warm_v the_o faithful_a that_o animate_v his_o hope_n and_o that_o justify_v a_o sinner_n one_o may_v enter_v into_o the_o marriage-chamber_n of_o the_o lamb_n without_o virginity_n but_o not_o without_o charity_n the_o ordinary_a life_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o faithful_a and_o perseverant_a charity_n may_v sometime_o be_v as_o meritorious_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n as_o the_o most_o heroic_a conflict_n of_o the_o martyr_n because_o every_o action_n of_o charity_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o motive_n be_v a_o secret_a sacrifice_n of_o his_o interest_n or_o of_o his_o pleasure_n and_o even_o of_o his_o honour_n for_o one_o can_v in_o effect_n love_v his_o neighbour_n like_o a_o christian_a without_o deprive_v himself_o of_o something_o either_o incommodious_o or_o against_o his_o inclination_n and_o all_o the_o best_a we_o do_v be_v ordinary_o good_a for_o nothing_o but_o by_o the_o influence_n of_o this_o virtue_n it_o be_v only_o through_o charity_n that_o the_o work_n of_o piety_n be_v christian_a this_o ennoble_v the_o mean_a action_n and_o the_o weak_a reason_v become_v strong_a when_o a_o little_a sustain_v by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v for_o god_n that_o render_v they_o considerable_a but_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o charity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v do_v in_o brief_a this_o heavenly_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o pure_a food_n of_o the_o soul_n sanctify_v even_o natural_a defect_n and_o the_o gross_a imperfection_n and_o cover_v that_o multitude_n of_o sin_n whereunto_o man_n be_v subject_a through_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o condition_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v let_v we_o then_o seek_v after_o no_o other_o practice_n of_o devotion_n since_o this_o alone_a contain_v all_o other_o practice_n as_o st._n john_n instruct_v we_o let_v we_o not_o strain_v our_o wit_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o age_n with_o vain_a reason_n in_o quest_n of_o new_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o perfection_n let_v we_o content_v ourselves_o with_o this_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n have_v mark_v out_o to_o we_o let_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n on_o this_o virtue_n he_o most_o recommend_v to_o we_o let_v we_o not_o stifle_v in_o ourselves_o this_o divine_a fire_n whereof_o faith_n kindle_v the_o first_o flame_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o love_v our_o brethren_n sincere_o since_o we_o live_v on_o the_o same_o bread_n and_o have_v all_o the_o same_o hope_n if_o we_o can_v contribute_v our_o good_n towards_o succour_v the_o poor_a at_o least_o let_v we_o sigh_v to_o god_n for_o he_o and_o thereby_o in_o some_o manner_n comfort_v he_o what_o we_o can_v for_o the_o shame_n he_o undergo_v to_o sigh_v so_o often_o to_o man_n implore_v their_o assistance_n in_o fine_a let_v we_o not_o by_o our_o hardheartedness_n dishonour_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o christian_a a_o name_n of_o sweetness_n and_o bounty_n and_o since_o without_o be_v charitable_a one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n let_v we_o be_v charitable_a in_o effect_n not_o to_o be_v only_a christian_n in_o idea_n the_o reciprocal_a need_n man_n have_v of_o one_o another_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o society_n and_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o their_o union_n and_o shall_v not_o charity_n be_v a_o bond_n strong_a enough_o to_o unite_v christian_n by_o the_o
fail_v in_o the_o one_o without_o fail_v in_o the_o other_o since_o the_o same_o ray_n of_o faith_n which_o enlighten_v his_o spirit_n to_o know_v god_n aught_o to_o inflame_v his_o heart_n to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n for_o with_o what_o sincerity_n can_v he_o boast_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n who_o he_o see_v and_o who_o represent_v to_o he_o that_o same_o god_n he_o boast_v that_o he_o love_v as_o the_o apostle_n say_v behold_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o in_o effect_n can_v love_v her_o neighbour_n but_o with_o the_o same_o love_n wherewith_o she_o love_v god_n which_o make_v st._n john_n say_v that_o he_o who_o have_v charity_n be_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o let_v we_o then_o examine_v the_o quality_n of_o this_o charity_n the_o first_o quality_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v that_o it_o be_v universal_a and_o can_v suffer_v to_o be_v bound_v in_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o love_n for_o it_o love_v the_o little_a and_o the_o great_a the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a the_o wretched_a and_o the_o happy_a the_o peevish_a and_o the_o complaisant_a the_o stranger_n and_o the_o domestic_a he_o that_o merit_v to_o be_v belove_v and_o he_o that_o deserve_v not_o wherein_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n like_o god_n who_o share_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o worthy_a and_o unworthy_a and_o pour_v forth_o his_o light_n on_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a in_o fine_a this_o virtue_n embrace_v equal_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o be_v a_o universal_a spirit_n that_o know_v none_o of_o those_o carnal_a and_o heathenish_a distinction_n of_o engagement_n interest_n party_n cabal_n of_o paul_n and_o cephas_n which_o divide_v at_o present_a so_o many_o petty_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n for_o according_a to_o st._n augustin_n to_o love_v all_o man_n and_o to_o pretend_v to_o except_v but_o one_o with_o who_o he_o be_v not_o entire_o satisfy_v and_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v with_o for_o some_o particular_a reason_n be_v not_o to_o love_v like_o a_o christian_n a_o christian_a have_v a_o universal_a love_n because_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v general_a the_o change_n of_o time_n place_n and_o circumstance_n can_v make_v no_o alteration_n in_o his_o love_n he_o love_v in_o sickness_n and_o health_n in_o adversity_n and_o prosperity_n in_o affliction_n and_o joy_n in_o humiliation_n and_o greatness_n in_o dejection_n and_o advancement_n in_o poverty_n and_o plenty_n to_o be_v short_a he_o love_v in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n because_o he_o be_v that_o sincere_a friend_n of_o who_o the_o scripture_n speak_v who_o love_v at_o all_o time_n he_o fix_v his_o heart_n on_o the_o person_n without_o regard_v the_o circumstance_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o love_v after_o a_o more_o disinterest_v manner_n and_o when_o necessity_n more_o require_v it_o behold_v the_o first_o quality_n of_o christian_a charity_n the_o second_o be_v sincerity_n let_v we_o love_n say_v st._n john_n but_o let_v we_o testify_v our_o love_n by_o effect_n and_o not_o by_o word_n the_o character_n of_o humane_a love_n consist_v only_o in_o compliment_n civility_n tender_a of_o service_n protestation_n of_o amity_n strain_a complacency_n false_a friendship_n vain_a word_n deceitful_a promise_n and_o in_o all_o other_o dissimulation_n which_o be_v common_o practise_v by_o those_o that_o lead_v a_o worldly_a life_n but_o christian_a charity_n never_o counterfeit_v she_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o think_v she_o think_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o feel_v she_o feel_v nothing_o but_o what_o she_o will_v execute_v her_o word_n never_o belie_v her_o action_n and_o her_o action_n be_v always_o conformable_a to_o her_o sentiment_n for_o she_o be_v essectial_o sincere_a and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o explain_v herself_o but_o by_o her_o deed_n the_o three_o quality_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v purity_n of_o spirit_n and_o a_o perfect_a disinteressedness_n for_o true_a charity_n respect_v god_n alone_o and_o study_n pure_o to_o please_v he_o so_o as_o she_o never_o act_v upon_o those_o mean_a and_o worldly_a consideration_n of_o interest_n and_o vanity_n which_o set_v man_n a-work_o for_o man_n do_v seldom_o good_a to_o one_o another_o but_o out_o of_o hope_n of_o interest_n it_o be_v on_o these_o maxim_n they_o will_v have_v all_o the_o world_n know_v when_o they_o do_v their_o friend_n any_o service_n they_o be_v only_o officious_a to_o gain_v repute_n and_o oblige_v only_a to_o publish_v it_o if_o they_o be_v silent_a it_o be_v for_o some_o private_a reason_n that_o they_o see_v it_o fit_a to_o hold_v their_o tongue_n christian_n charity_n have_v a_o contrary_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o this_o worldly_a charity_n she_o have_v no_o other_o design_n or_o pretention_n because_o her_o motive_n be_v pure_a all_o her_o study_n in_o do_v good_a be_v how_o to_o conceal_v she_o do_v it_o if_o she_o give_v alm_n she_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o lap_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o the_o scripture_n say_v she_o draw_v a_o veil_n over_o all_o her_o good_a deed_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v know_v and_o she_o will_v hide_v they_o even_o from_o she_o own_o self_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o entrust_v they_o only_o to_o her_o modesty_n and_o silence_n the_o pleasure_n she_o take_v in_o do_v good_a be_v to_o her_o a_o great_a recompense_n than_o all_o the_o applause_n of_o men._n as_o she_o do_v nothing_o but_o for_o god_n so_o she_o will_v have_v no_o other_o witness_n of_o her_o action_n he_o be_v the_o sole_a motive_n of_o the_o good_a work_n she_o do_v and_o it_o suffice_v he_o know_v they_o to_o be_v himself_o their_o recompense_n the_o other_o quality_n of_o charity_n st._n paul_n explicate_v in_o the_o admirable_a elegy_n he_o make_v of_o this_o virtue_n to_o the_o corinthian_n charity_n say_v this_o apostle_n be_v patient_a be_v benign_a charity_n envy_v not_o deal_v not_o perverse_o be_v not_o puff_v up_o be_v not_o ambitious_a seek_v not_o her_o own_o be_v not_o provoke_v to_o anger_n think_v not_o evil_a rejoice_v not_o upon_o iniquity_n but_o rejoice_v with_o the_o truth_n suffer_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_n all_o thing_n bear_v all_o thing_n these_o quality_n become_v yet_o more_o lustrous_a in_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a which_o be_v a_o continual_a practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o virtue_n it_o be_v good_a to_o make_v hereof_o some_o idea_n only_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n the_o lineament_n of_o so_o admirable_a a_o picture_n which_o length_n of_o time_n have_v almost_o decay_v can_v be_v well_o trace_v over_o again_o without_o gather_v thence_o some_o profit_n a_o christian_a be_v altogether_o a_o interior_a man_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o corruptible_a man_n in_o we_o but_o the_o outward_a shape_n but_o there_o appear_v so_o much_o of_o moderation_n and_o wisdom_n even_o in_o his_o exterior_a and_o god_n grace_n have_v so_o powerful_o destroy_v his_o natural_a inclination_n to_o sanctify_v all_o his_o interior_a that_o he_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o other_o man_n because_o he_o be_v more_o reasonable_a and_o better_o govern_v then_o other_o man_n his_o chief_a character_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o equity_n and_o of_o all_o virtue_n justice_n be_v that_o which_o he_o most_o accustom_n himself_o to_o because_o she_o always_o serve_v he_o to_o hold_v the_o balance_n even_o betwixt_o himself_o and_o his_o neighbour_n his_o business_n be_v not_o to_o raise_v his_o fortune_n but_o his_o perfection_n and_o to_o help_v other_o to_o make_v themselves_o perfect_a and_o his_o ordinary_a employment_n be_v to_o instruct_v help_v protect_v and_o serve_v his_o brethren_n but_o he_o do_v it_o with_o so_o much_o love_n so_o much_o zeal_n and_o so_o much_o disinteressedness_n that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n love_v himself_o so_o well_o as_o a_o christian_a love_n his_o neighbour_n his_o neighbour_n interest_n be_v more_o dear_a to_o he_o then_o his_o own_o and_o he_o be_v less_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o honour_n then_o his_o brethren_n for_o he_o count_v their_o advantage_n among_o his_o own_o he_o draw_v his_o satisfaction_n from_o their_o pleasure_n and_o by_o a_o unparalleled_a complacency_n he_o transform_v himself_o into_o their_o humour_n and_o assume_v sometime_o even_o their_o spirit_n he_o be_v that_o universal_a man_n who_o as_o st._n paul_n be_v every_o thing_n to_o every_o one_o he_o be_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o afflict_a the_o support_n of_o the_o feeble_a the_o succour_n of_o the_o needy_a the_o refuge_n of_o the_o persecute_a and_o the_o counsel_n of_o all_o those_o that_o want_v it_o in_o fine_a there_o be_v no_o weakness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o compassionate_a and_o no_o misery_n at_o which_o his_o bowel_n be_v not_o move_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o desire_v what_o he_o have_v
blood_n and_o life_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a devotion_n of_o all_o good_a people_n to_o sigh_v before_o god_n and_o to_o offer_v he_o vow_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n that_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v not_o be_v fruitless_a to_o they_o for_o the_o true_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o confine_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o his_o zeal_n within_o the_o narrow_a circle_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n he_o ought_v to_o labour_v for_o the_o perfection_n and_o salvation_n of_o other_o if_o his_o faith_n be_v so_o fervent_a and_o his_o prayer_n so_o humble_a and_o perseverant_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o so_o important_a a_o subject_n what_o fruit_n may_v he_o not_o hope_v this_o every_o one_o may_v practice_v and_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o in_o those_o country_n where_o he_o be_v not_o know_v lose_v its_o value_n well_o deserve_v that_o a_o christian_a zealous_a for_o his_o glory_n shall_v affect_v so_o holy_a and_o charitable_a a_o devotion_n behold_v throughout_o the_o whole_a discourse_n i_o have_v make_v there_o be_v a_o large_a way_n lie_v open_a for_o christian_a charity_n to_o exercise_v so_o many_o different_a good_a work_n as_o concern_v it_o but_o there_o remain_v one_o work_n of_o charity_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o practice_v so_o much_o the_o worthy_a to_o be_v recommend_v to_o he_o as_o no_o body_n be_v aware_a to_o think_v of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v often_o to_o god_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o great_a one_o and_o for_o all_o those_o who_o providence_n abandon_v to_o the_o vanity_n of_o worldly_a honour_n and_o the_o covetousness_n of_o riches_n man_n be_v always_o weak_a in_o elevation_n and_o prosperity_n then_o in_o depression_n and_o adversity_n the_o great_a he_o be_v the_o more_o worthy_a of_o compassion_n for_o greatness_n be_v a_o shelf_n so_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a as_o its_o appearance_n be_v more_o deceitful_a it_o be_v not_o the_o vocation_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v always_o happy_a and_o successful_a and_o it_o often_o happen_v that_o god_n through_o a_o terrible_a order_n of_o his_o providence_n give_v up_o these_o worldly_a happy_a one_o to_o the_o wander_a of_o their_o heart_n and_o by_o a_o secret_a judgement_n suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o blindness_n and_o obstinacy_n which_o render_v they_o insensible_a of_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o grace_n and_o all_o the_o inspiration_n of_o heaven_n if_o we_o have_v charity_n let_v we_o tremble_v for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o so_o sad_a a_o condition_n let_v we_o implore_v god_n mercy_n upon_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o falsl_o happy_a one_o let_v we_o give_v the_o potentate_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o same_o counsel_n as_o daniel_n heretofore_o give_v unto_o one_o of_o the_o great_a prince_n of_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v their_o injustice_n by_o deed_n of_o mercy_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o their_o sin_n by_o alm_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v great_a man_n understand_v that_o god_n bestow_v neither_o greatness_n nor_o power_n on_o they_o to_o live_v in_o pleasure_n and_o delicacy_n that_o their_o be_v raise_v to_o office_n oblige_v they_o more_o strict_o to_o be_v watchful_a and_o laborious_a that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n and_o authority_n but_o to_o assist_v more_o powerful_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o strong_a let_v we_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o great_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v beneficial_a and_o helpful_a to_o their_o neighbour_n that_o the_o lustre_n of_o temporal_a honour_n and_o all_o these_o external_a greatness_n be_v but_o mark_n of_o their_o servitude_n and_o continual_a remembrance_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o dignity_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o christianity_n but_o more_o to_o set_v off_o the_o christian_a that_o the_o great_a one_o can_v pretend_v to_o heaven_n only_o by_o their_o alm_n for_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o any_o other_o good_a that_o god_n who_o have_v no_o exception_n of_o person_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v will_v have_v no_o respect_n to_o their_o quality_n but_o only_o to_o their_o good_a work_n and_o their_o charity_n when_o they_o shall_v appear_v before_o his_o throne_n this_o be_v what_o may_v in_o short_a be_v say_v of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n who_o extent_n be_v beyond_o measure_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o know_v how_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v unless_o we_o also_o know_v what_o method_n to_o observe_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o chap._n iu._n in_o what_o order_n christian_a charity_n ought_v to_o be_v practise_v as_o the_o whole_a perfection_n of_o christianity_n may_v be_v say_v to_o consist_v in_o charity_n so_o this_o virtue_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o regulate_v of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n because_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o essential_a to_o charity_n as_o order_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a then_o precise_o to_o establish_v that_o order_n wherein_o charity_n ought_v to_o be_v practise_v for_o beside_o that_o every_o one_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o christian_a virtue_n frame_v several_a principle_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o thence_o come_v the_o great_a diversity_n of_o way_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o spiritual_a life_n charity_n beside_o of_o herself_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divers_a necessity_n of_o our_o neighbour_n oblige_v a_o christian_n to_o so_o many_o different_a duty_n that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v any_o exact_a rule_n for_o distinguish_v they_o just_o this_o virtue_n become_v rash_a and_o indiscreet_a if_o not_o govern_v by_o prudence_n and_o charity_n without_o this_o prudence_n which_o be_v her_o principal_a guide_n be_v not_o a_o true_a charity_n the_o more_o fervent_a the_o zeal_n be_v and_o the_o more_o active_a the_o charity_n the_o more_o she_o need_v this_o science_n which_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n how_o to_o husband_n its_o heat_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o the_o spouse_n in_o the_o canticle_n give_v thanks_o to_o her_o bridegroom_n because_o he_o have_v regulate_v in_o she_o the_o duty_n of_o charity_n let_v we_o then_o seek_v out_o this_o rule_n so_o necessary_a to_o this_o virtue_n to_o distinguish_v its_o obligation_n and_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o order_n wherein_o it_o must_v be_v practise_v that_o so_o the_o essential_a duty_n may_v not_o be_v confound_v with_o those_o that_o be_v not_o the_o first_o draught_n of_o this_o order_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v lay_v the_o model_n by_o his_o own_o example_n when_o he_o forbid_v his_o disciple_n to_o go_v preach_v to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o gentile_n till_o they_o have_v preach_v first_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o refuse_v that_o help_n the_o cananean_a woman_n s._n matthew_n speak_v of_o beg_v of_o he_o because_o she_o be_v a_o stranger_n and_o he_o will_v reserve_v his_o favour_n for_o his_o own_o people_n like_o a_o pastor_n who_o mind_n only_o his_o own_o flock_n the_o apostle_n do_v the_o same_o there_o appear_v a_o distinction_n in_o their_o carriage_n they_o preach_v not_o to_o the_o gentile_n till_o the_o jew_n have_v refuse_v to_o hear_v they_o according_a as_o their_o master_n have_v order_v they_o and_o notwithstanding_o the_o greatness_n of_o st._n paul_n zeal_n to_o announce_v jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o that_o zeal_n be_v regulate_v he_o go_v not_o indifferent_o to_o all_o the_o world_n his_o first_o care_n be_v of_o the_o jew_n wherever_o he_o find_v any_o of_o they_o in_o all_o his_o voyage_n and_o he_o mind_v not_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o heathen_n till_o he_o have_v try_v in_o vain_a all_o way_n to_o gain_v those_o people_n whence_o he_o spring_v this_o conduct_v remark_n to_o we_o in_o general_a that_o there_o be_v distinction_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n where_o three_o difficulty_n may_v be_v find_v the_o first_o be_v to_o know_v what_o side_n to_o take_v when_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n come_v together_o the_o second_o be_v to_o separate_v our_o own_o interest_n from_o our_o neighbour_n the_o three_o be_v in_o the_o different_a interest_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o know_v which_o to_o prefer_v before_o the_o other_o behold_v methinks_v the_o order_n that_o charity_n prescribe_v in_o these_o encounter_n and_o the_o rule_n that_o may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o the_o first_o rule_n which_o regard_v the_o order_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o affair_n that_o concern_v the_o interest_n of_o god_n and_o our_o
thorough_o understand_v christianity_n that_o instruct_v other_o to_o practise_v it_o and_o distribute_v in_o their_o manor_n well-ordered_a alm_n to_o the_o poor_a of_o the_o county_n but_o they_o will_v not_o quit_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o interest_n it_o be_v they_o advance_v they_o sometime_o even_o beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o equity_n fain_o they_o will_v be_v well_o at_o court_n with_o every_o one_o but_o the_o chimaera_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o quality_n be_v so_o strong_a in_o their_o head_n that_o they_o become_v insupportable_a to_o all_o the_o nobility_n of_o their_o own_o county_n and_o be_v so_o jealous_a of_o their_o lordship_n and_o right_n that_o they_o forget_v all_o the_o care_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o charity_n and_o edification_n this_o prelate_n so_o set_v upon_o his_o duty_n be_v inflexible_a when_o the_o function_n of_o his_o ministry_n be_v in_o question_n he_o talk_v of_o nothing_o now_o but_o his_o power_n his_o great_a zeal_n be_v to_o exercise_v his_o power_n in_o ecclesiastical_a judgement_n according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o canon_n and_o to_o hold_v up_o even_o unto_o the_o prejudice_n of_o edification_n the_o interest_n of_o his_o dignity_n but_o after_o all_o the_o matter_n well_o consider_v way_n there_o be_v more_o mild_a and_o christian-like_a to_o defend_v his_o right_n than_o those_o of_o haughtiness_n and_o authority_n and_o ordinary_o he_o make_v use_v of_o his_o authority_n too_o much_o only_o to_o supply_v his_o want_n of_o merit_n and_o conceal_v his_o weakness_n this_o lady_n have_v a_o admirable_a indifference_n for_o all_o thing_n but_o be_v so_o wed_v to_o her_o own_o fancy_n that_o she_o passionate_o defend_v all_o her_o sentiment_n she_o be_v the_o most_o moderate_a person_n in_o the_o world_n but_o her_o moderation_n leave_v she_o as_o soon_o as_o she_o find_v her_o interest_n in_o any_o affair_n mix_v with_o those_o of_o other_o she_o receive_v kind_o every_o one_o except_o her_o creditor_n she_o be_v humble_a and_o modest_a but_o have_v ridiculous_a nicety_n in_o point_n of_o reputation_n it_o be_v this_o self-love_n which_o be_v so_o exact_a to_o observe_v civility_n in_o work_n of_o charity_n it_o will_v shock_v she_o shall_v she_o not_o pay_v she_o devoirs_fw-fr to_o a_o sick_a relation_n though_o little_o esteem_v or_o not_o to_o be_v one_o at_o a_o good_a work_n with_o her_o best_a friend_n lest_o she_o shall_v appear_v singular_a nor_o to_o give_v to_o a_o box-carrier_n she_o esteem_v and_o value_v in_o fine_a these_o be_v but_o low_a and_o selfended_n regard_v man_n act_v out_o of_o mere_a humane_a and_o worldly_a consideration_n and_o christian_a charity_n be_v rare_o practise_v in_o its_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o infinity_n of_o other_o illusion_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v which_o a_o little_a attention_n to_o ourselves_o will_v make_v we_o reflection_n as_o to_o dissemble_v the_o truth_n where_o charity_n oblige_v to_o declare_v it_o out_o of_o a_o too_o humane_a fear_n of_o scandal_n or_o some_o other_o inconvenience_n to_o forbear_v give_v alm_n to_o avoid_v the_o vanity_n one_o be_v subject_a to_o in_o give_v they_o to_o scandalize_v one_o neighbour_n out_o of_o too_o great_a desire_n to_o edify_v he_o to_o wound_v charity_n under_o pretext_n to_o practice_v it_o to_o give_v poison_a praise_n to_o what_o one_o will_v discommend_v to_o invent_v subtle_a detraction_n introduce_v with_o great_a commendation_n to_o destroy_v more_o methodical_o those_o one_o will_v ruin_v to_o mend_v with_o artificial_a fetch_n what_o one_o will_v mar_v to_o comfort_v a_o miserable_a person_n and_o blast_v the_o credit_n of_o one_o that_o be_v happy_a to_o impose_v a_o yoke_n on_o our_o neighbour_n which_o he_o can_v bear_v to_o be_v rule_v other_o and_o to_o be_v one_o self_n irregular_a to_o seek_v after_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o and_o not_o to_o love_v our_o brethren_n to_o see_v evil_a and_o not_o to_o examine_v it_o to_o condemn_v without_o be_v inform_v to_o use_v for_o one_o peculiar_a interest_n the_o talent_n one_o have_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o his_o neighbour_n to_o draw_v to_o one_o self_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o esteem_n of_o those_o one_o ought_v to_o draw_v to_o god_n himself_o only_o to_o dissipate_v one_o self_n by_o instruct_v they_o to_o impoverish_v one_o self_n by_o enrich_v they_o with_o one_o light_n to_o be_v too_o fond_a of_o the_o success_n and_o pursue_v it_o with_o more_o inquietude_n than_o one_o ought_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n in_o fine_a the_o very_o perfect_a act_n of_o charity_n be_v but_o mere_a illusion_n when_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o state_n whereunto_o god_n have_v call_v one_o as_o for_o example_n if_o a_o carthusian_n who_o ought_v to_o lead_v a_o solitary_a life_n will_v become_v a_o missioner_n or_o if_o a_o carmelite_n will_v from_o his_o grate_n convert_v the_o world_n by_o the_o intrigue_n of_o his_o direction_n for_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o will_v act_v therein_o contrary_a to_o their_o vocation_n but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o if_o charity_n be_v subject_a to_o all_o these_o illusion_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o principle_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o any_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n for_o when_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v pure_a it_o be_v always_o jesus_n christ_n one_o assist_v in_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o afflict_a although_o it_o be_v a_o imposture_n that_o be_v assist_v because_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n alone_a one_o have_v in_o view_n when_o he_o act_n like_o a_o christian_n after_o all_o examine_v thorough_o these_o divers_a sort_n of_o illusion_n one_o will_v find_v they_o be_v all_o but_o the_o real_a disguise_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a enemy_n of_o charity_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v lest_o endeavour_v to_o refine_v charity_n overmuch_o by_o a_o too_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o illusion_n the_o great_a part_n whereof_o seldom_o happen_v the_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v render_v so_o difficult_a that_o its_o practice_n be_v whole_o ruin_v for_o it_o be_v easy_o say_v man_n be_v expose_v to_o so_o many_o occasion_n of_o vanity_n and_o to_o so_o many_o imperfection_n through_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o condition_n that_o it_o be_v to_o render_v the_o use_n of_o charity_n impossible_a to_o pretend_v he_o must_v practice_v it_o so_o pure_o it_o seem_v even_o that_o god_n serve_v himself_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o man_n that_o the_o poor_a may_v be_v relieve_v yet_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o if_o it_o depend_v on_o so_o pure_a a_o practice_n of_o this_o virtue_n i_o affirm_v the_o poor_a be_v frequent_o assist_v through_o the_o vanity_n and_o other_o imperfection_n of_o those_o that_o succour_v they_o for_o man_n common_o act_n as_o man_n that_o be_v to_o say_v very_o imperfect_o but_o be_v that_o a_o reason_n his_o eye_n shall_v not_o be_v open_a to_o oblige_v he_o to_o reflect_v on_o it_o if_o god_n make_v use_v of_o our_o passion_n as_o the_o most_o ordinary_a instrument_n of_o his_o design_n if_o the_o most_o secret_a spring_n of_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o great_a event_n be_v most_o common_o set_v on_o work_n by_o the_o intrigue_n of_o interest_n or_o ambition_n of_o man_n and_o if_o his_o wisdom_n be_v so_o wonderful_a as_o to_o draw_v from_o those_o corrupt_a and_o envenom_a source_n the_o pure_a draught_n of_o his_o glory_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o speak_v against_o passion_n and_o advertise_v man_n of_o his_o weakness_n because_o god_n make_v use_v thereof_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o great_a man_n to_o supply_v the_o want_v of_o the_o mean_v for_o the_o rest_n i_o shall_v esteem_v myself_o abundant_o recompense_v for_o the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v to_o clear_v so_o home_o by_o piecemeal_o these_o illusion_n to_o which_o charity_n be_v subject_a if_o it_o may_v serve_v any_o one_o to_o reflect_v thereon_o and_o to_o practice_v sometime_o this_o virtue_n with_o more_o purity_n and_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v bless_v the_o intention_n i_o have_v have_v to_o endeavour_v rectify_v the_o use_n of_o it_o by_o the_o simple_a and_o disintere_v face_n thereof_o himself_o have_v show_v i_o but_o when_o charity_n shall_v be_v full_o clear_v from_o these_o cloud_n that_o obscure_v it_o and_o from_o all_o those_o impure_a fog_n that_o corrupt_v it_o we_o must_v think_v of_o the_o mean_n to_o acquire_v this_o virtue_n in_o root_a out_n whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o spirit_n chap._n vi_o the_o mean_n to_o acquire_v christian_a charity_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n methodical_o to_o acquire_v christian_a charity_n which_o be_v a_o supernatural_a habit_n and_o a_o gift_n