Selected quad for the lemma: virtue_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
virtue_n add_v brotherly_a temperance_n 1,678 5 11.2424 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52773 Six Sermons preached (most of them) at S. Maries in Cambridge / by Robert Needham. Needham, Robert, d. 1678.; Calamy, Benjamin, 1642-1686. 1679 (1679) Wing N410; ESTC R26166 88,797 240

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more_o fit_a and_o expedite_v for_o the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o careful_a to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o those_o temptation_n to_o lay_v aside_o those_o lust_n to_o which_o we_o perceive_v ourselves_o by_o nature_n or_o custom_n most_o incline_v this_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v here_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o every_o man_n who_o give_v himself_o the_o leisure_n to_o examine_v his_o own_o heart_n impartial_o will_v find_v that_o some_o temptation_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o easy_a access_n to_o he_o than_o other_o and_o our_o great_a adversary_n the_o devil_n be_v very_o diligent_a and_o watchful_a to_o set_v before_o we_o such_o object_n and_o lay_v such_o snare_n in_o our_o way_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o ofttimes_o creep_v upon_o we_o insensible_o and_o get_v possession_n of_o our_o heart_n before_o we_o be_v well_o aware_a of_o they_o sometime_o they_o disguise_v themselves_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o piety_n and_o seem_a holiness_n and_o a_o great_a zeal_n against_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a sometime_o they_o plead_v nature_n and_o custom_n for_o their_o continuance_n that_o these_o can_v be_v overcome_v sometime_o we_o have_v way_n to_o extenuate_v they_o and_o make_v they_o seem_v small_a and_o venial_a and_o if_o man_n take_v time_n to_o deliberate_v about_o part_v with_o they_o there_o be_v great_a hazard_n but_o they_o will_v keep_v possession_n so_o apt_a be_v we_o to_o be_v vanquish_v when_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o our_o adversary_n from_o without_o have_v their_o correspondent_o in_o our_o own_o bosom_n when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o treacherous_a guest_n so_o many_o deceitful_a lust_n within_o we_o which_o be_v ready_a to_o betray_v we_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o subtle_a and_o powerful_a enemy_n here_o then_o be_v our_o great_a danger_n here_o we_o must_v exert_v our_o great_a care_n and_o vigilance_n here_o we_o must_v show_v our_o courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o throw_v off_o these_o darling_n and_o belove_a lust_n the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n elsewhere_o require_v of_o we_o when_o he_o bid_v we_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n when_o they_o make_v we_o to_o offend_v and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n have_v according_o to_o our_o power_n lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n have_v free_v ourselves_o from_o our_o evil_a habit_n and_o custom_n and_o from_o our_o most_o secret_a and_o belove_a lust_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rest_v here_o thus_o much_o be_v require_v as_o a_o preparation_n to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n but_o when_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o number_n we_o must_v then_o set_v ourselves_o upon_o a_o active_a obedience_n to_o his_o law_n a_o negative_a holiness_n will_v not_o serve_v our_o turn_n we_o must_v not_o only_o eschew_v evil_a but_o we_o must_v do_v what_o good_a we_o can_v in_o the_o several_a place_n and_o station_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v we_o they_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n when_o they_o have_v strip_v themselves_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o unnecessary_a weight_n and_o encumbrance_n have_v yet_o the_o whole_a race_n before_o they_o which_o they_o must_v run_v through_o if_o they_o expect_v their_o crown_n and_o prize_n and_o therefore_o in_o proportion_n to_o what_o be_v require_v of_o they_o we_o also_o be_v exhort_v in_o the_o 2._o second_o place_n to_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o now_o the_o positive_a duty_n require_v of_o all_o christian_n answer_v to_o that_o part_n of_o the_o similitude_n and_o to_o discharge_v they_o faithful_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o this_o be_v elsewhere_o express_v in_o plain_a exhortation_n work_v out_o your_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a give_v all_o diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n think_v on_o and_o do_v these_o thing_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n and_o precept_n often_o repeat_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v all_o in_o general_a term_n the_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n require_v by_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o each_o man_n private_a consideration_n and_o they_o be_v various_a according_a to_o man_n several_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n according_a to_o their_o several_a relation_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v they_o god_n the_o supreme_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v by_o his_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n allot_v every_o man_n his_o course_n it_o be_v not_o of_o our_o choose_n but_o it_o be_v a_o race_n set_v before_o we_o he_o have_v likewise_o distribute_v among_o man_n various_a gift_n and_o ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v several_o fit_v to_o do_v good_a and_o according_a to_o these_o every_o man_n must_v judge_v of_o his_o duty_n in_o particular_a what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o he_o and_o no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o want_n will_v and_o resolution_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v ordinary_o be_v ignorant_a what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o any_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n only_o from_o the_o similitude_n here_o use_v i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o suggest_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o obedience_n to_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v vigorous_a and_o cheerful_a 2._o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a 1._o the_o similitude_n of_o run_v import_v great_a vigour_n and_o alacrity_n in_o the_o discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n they_o who_o run_v with_o hope_n of_o victory_n must_v not_o be_v fainthearted_a and_o languish_v but_o must_v be_v cheerful_a and_o courageous_a full_a of_o hope_n and_o eager_a expectation_n of_o the_o desire_a triumph_n thus_o must_v a_o christian_a behave_v himself_o in_o the_o race_n set_v before_o he_o he_o must_v go_v about_o his_o duty_n with_o cheerfulness_n and_o freedom_n as_o one_o that_o do_v it_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n and_o hope_n for_o success_n by_o so_o do_v he_o must_v always_o have_v in_o his_o eye_n the_o great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n the_o joy_n set_v before_o he_o the_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o he_o and_o in_o prospect_n of_o that_o he_o must_v cheerful_o undertake_v whatever_o difficulty_n he_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o way_n and_o indeed_o if_o we_o have_v once_o obey_v the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o exhortation_n if_o we_o have_v once_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o low_a and_o sordid_a care_n and_o encumbrance_n of_o this_o life_n present_a there_o can_v then_o remain_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v or_o retard_v our_o motion_n or_o to_o abate_v our_o courage_n in_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o and_o this_o holy_a david_n seem_v to_o express_v say_v i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o have_v set_v my_o heart_n at_o liberty_n when_o we_o be_v once_o at_o liberty_n from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v wean_v our_o affection_n from_o thing_n below_o and_o place_v they_o on_o a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n then_o though_o we_o meet_v with_o danger_n and_o inconvenience_n we_o shall_v joyful_o go_v on_o and_o every_o day_n progress_n in_o our_o course_n of_o piety_n will_v render_v our_o task_n more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a we_o shall_v apprehend_v ourselves_o every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o approach_v to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o to_o the_o crown_n of_o our_o labour_n and_o out_o of_o prospect_n of_o so_o sure_a a_o reward_n so_o nigh_o at_o hand_n and_o out_o of_o a_o fore-taste_a of_o that_o happiness_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o say_v of_o religion_n from_o our_o own_o experience_n that_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n peace_n 2._o another_o thing_n represent_v by_o this_o similitude_n of_o run_v be_v that_o our_o course_n of_o piety_n our_o religious_a conversation_n ought_v to_o be_v constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a he_o that_o run_v in_o a_o race_n can_v find_v leisure_n to_o stop_v and_o divert_v himself_o or_o salute_v his_o friend_n by_o the_o way_n a_o little_a needless_a ceremony_n at_o such_o a_o time_n may_v hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o the_o whole_a
diligence_n add_v to_o your_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n for_o so_o a_o entrance_n shall_v be_v minister_v unto_o you_o effectual_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n now_o these_o and_o the_o like_a exhortation_n will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o persuade_v we_o if_o these_o promise_n can_v be_v attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n in_o all_o the_o description_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v there_o be_v nothing_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o i_o now_o plead_v for_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v mention_v but_o two_o place_n more_o rom._n ij_o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n the_o other_o place_n be_v mat._n twenty-five_o where_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o those_o good_a work_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v reward_v and_o have_v there_o represent_v the_o vanity_n of_o those_o man_n excuse_n who_o have_v not_o wrought_v they_o he_o conclude_v with_o this_o sentence_n these_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a there_o remain_v only_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v wherein_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v easy_a then_o to_o understand_v how_o much_o those_o man_n deceive_v themselves_o who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o any_o absolute_a and_o inconditionate_n decree_n for_o if_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n fore-ordained_n such_o and_o such_o particular_a person_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o other_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a then_o certain_o god_fw-we can_v proceed_v in_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o method_n before_o describe_v nor_o can_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v any_o force_n of_o persuasion_n to_o engage_v man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n or_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o vain_a will_v the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_n of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o persuade_v man_n if_o god_n have_v before_o determine_v that_o such_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n to_o come_v whatsoever_o diligence_n they_o use_v on_o their_o part_n on_o the_o contrary_a the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a force_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o obedience_n if_o once_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o their_o future_a state_n be_v from_o everlasting_a unalterable_o fix_v so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o it_o by_o any_o neglect_n nay_o upon_o this_o supposition_n all_o the_o various_a method_n of_o persuasion_n which_o god_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o better_a life_n prove_v nothing_o else_o but_o illusion_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v so_o often_o by_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n invite_v and_o exhort_v and_o beseech_v all_o man_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o live_v when_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o have_v exclude_v many_o miriads_o of_o man_n from_o any_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n by_o a_o absolute_a and_o irresistible_a decree_n which_o no_o endeavour_n of_o they_o can_v revoke_v or_o cancel_v this_o way_n of_o proceed_v can_v by_v any_o mean_n consist_v with_o that_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v when_o all_o man_n shall_v receive_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v do_v then_o certain_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o be_v exclude_v from_o those_o reward_n but_o by_o his_o own_o fault_n nor_o yet_o any_o man_n obtain_v the_o same_o but_o by_o a_o due_a diligence_n in_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n and_o perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v promise_v 2._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o god_n proceed_v at_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n we_o may_v also_o observe_v that_o those_o man_n do_v extreme_o mistake_v the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n who_o talk_v of_o be_v save_v by_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n who_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o cry_v down_o the_o value_n of_o our_o good_a work_n as_o though_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o influence_n in_o the_o justification_n or_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o sure_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v faith_n alone_o can_v be_v the_o whole_a condition_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o glorious_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n in_o holy_a scripture_n but_o these_o thing_n must_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o bare_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a importance_n of_o that_o word_n faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o have_v influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o our_o practice_n and_o conversation_n a_o faith_n that_o work_v by_o love_n and_o be_v fruitful_a of_o good_a work_n and_o obedience_n thus_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o single_a virtue_n and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o other_o christian_a virtue_n and_o include_v they_o in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v faith_n in_o a_o more_o strict_a sense_n as_o distinct_a from_o a_o holy_a conversation_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v pretend_v to_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o relief_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o misery_n to_o know_v and_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o glorious_a thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o know_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v final_o exclude_v from_o the_o benefit_n of_o they_o this_o doubtless_o be_v a_o mighty_a aggravation_n of_o their_o horror_n and_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v as_o s._n james_n do_v that_o they_o believe_v and_o tremble_v nay_o that_o this_o belief_n do_v make_v they_o tremble_v 3._o if_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o the_o body_n it_o than_o follow_v that_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o in_o the_o great_a work_n of_o our_o salvation_n must_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o life_n time_n while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o body_n now_o must_v we_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a and_o not_o leave_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v after_o our_o death_n either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o this_o i_o observe_v in_o 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have_v not_o fear_v his_o name_n do_v they_o often_o think_v upon_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n which_o will_v then_o be_v pronounce_v against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n this_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v put_v a_o check_n to_o the_o bold_a impiety_n of_o this_o age._n man_n will_v not_o then_o dare_v so_o open_o to_o defy_v heaven_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o majesty_n of_o the_o great_a god_n who_o will_v at_o that_o day_n appear_v so_o terrible_a nor_o will_v they_o continue_v by_o their_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n to_o treasure_n up_o to_o themselves_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n ought_v to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o our_o danger_n if_o we_o continue_v in_o disobedience_n so_o the_o glorious_a reward_n which_o shall_v at_o that_o day_n be_v give_v to_o those_o that_o have_v live_v obedient_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aught_o to_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o what_o great_a encouragement_n to_o our_o duty_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o who_o will_v not_o willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o flatter_a joy_n and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n that_o he_o may_v secure_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a that_o fade_v not_o away_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v he_o at_o that_o day_n or_o who_o will_v not_o despise_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n which_o may_v possible_o attend_v he_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n when_o he_o remember_v that_o these_o light_a affliction_n which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v out_o for_o he_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n now_o the_o great_a god_n grant_v we_o all_o his_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n always_o present_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o may_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o that_o great_a tribunal_n we_o may_v be_v present_v pure_a and_o unblamable_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o our_o own_o but_o through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n be_v ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o power_n praise_n thanksgiving_n and_o obedience_n for_o evermore_o finis_fw-la
our_o security_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o assist_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a against_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o oppressor_n but_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o censorious_a wound_v in_o secret_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v from_o whence_o our_o harm_n arise_v a_o slanderous_a report_n spread_v wide_o and_o insensible_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o trace_v out_o the_o beginning_n or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o nay_o many_o time_n the_o slander_n be_v improve_v beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o devise_v it_o if_o but_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n be_v put_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giddy_a and_o credulous_a multitude_n how_o easy_o do_v it_o gain_v credit_n as_o true_a and_o then_o sudden_o a_o thousand_o circumstance_n be_v add_v to_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n or_o virtue_n to_o resist_v whole_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o a_o false_a accusation_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o injury_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o manifest_o in_o that_o we_o can_v make_v sufficient_a reparation_n for_o it_o he_o that_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o false_a report_n though_o he_o shall_v afterward_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v ask_v forgiveness_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o take_v all_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a to_o wipe_v off_o all_o suspicion_n which_o himself_o have_v raise_v yet_o after_o all_o be_v do_v much_o of_o the_o report_n will_v be_v believe_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v spread_v through_o many_o place_n wherein_o after-confession_n can_v reach_v and_o even_o then_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v the_o bad_a report_n than_o the_o good_a man_n will_v not_o lay_v aside_o a_o prejudice_n once_o entertain_v without_o great_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a than_o what_o cause_v it_o at_o first_o and_o such_o evidence_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v to_o all_o person_n who_o have_v believe_v a_o slander_n a_o malicious_a censure_n may_v meet_v with_o many_o person_n who_o may_v think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o though_o the_o first_o inventor_n shall_v repent_v so_o that_o when_o once_o a_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v make_v and_o divulge_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o to_o stop_v the_o belief_n or_o spread_v of_o it_o or_o to_o make_v reparation_n 3._o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o injury_n do_v more_o afflict_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n than_o a_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o he_o every_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o good_a name_n and_o agreeable_o to_o his_o value_n of_o it_o can_v but_o high_o resent_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o by_o a_o false_a and_o unjust_a accusation_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n compare_v the_o word_n of_o a_o slanderer_n and_o backbiter_n to_o the_o pierce_a of_o a_o sword_n prov._n xi_o 18._o and_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o that_o sword_n be_v in_o their_o lip_n psal_n lix_o 7._o neither_o be_v it_o without_o good_a reason_n that_o man_n be_v thus_o tender_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v disable_v from_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o just_a occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n a_o man_n who_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n make_v it_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o station_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v he_o can_v but_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o injury_n as_o make_v his_o endeavour_n ineffectual_a for_o that_o end_n and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o forgive_v yet_o it_o can_v but_o cause_v a_o great_a unquietness_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o good_a man_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v atone_v for_o but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o private_a injury_n only_o but_o have_v very_o great_a and_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o society_n in_o which_o we_o live_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o consideration_n propose_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o uncharitable_a judge_n of_o one_o another_o namely_o the_o bad_a effect_n which_o redound_v from_o this_o practice_n to_o the_o public_a 1._o the_o first_o of_o those_o bad_a effect_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v that_o which_o i_o just_o now_o mention_v that_o it_o render_v particular_a person_n less_o able_a to_o do_v good_a in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n than_o otherwise_o they_o may_v be_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o public_a proportiotionable_o to_o the_o several_a ability_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o person_n so_o deal_v with_o now_o that_o slanderous_a report_n and_o false_a judgement_n spread_v concern_v the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n do_v tend_v much_o to_o hinder_v the_o good_a they_o may_v do_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o instance_v in_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n which_o must_v consequent_o be_v much_o lessen_v by_o malicious_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o they_o and_o even_o by_o the_o undue_a mention_n of_o fault_n that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a but_o yet_o be_v no_o man_n business_n to_o inquire_v into_o or_o accuse_v they_o for_o the_o person_n i_o mean_v be_v public_a minister_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o state_n for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o common_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o security_n of_o any_o nation_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o when_o those_o that_o govern_v apply_v themselves_o zealous_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o when_o subject_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o obedience_n to_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o they_o now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o nothing_o more_o effectual_o engage_v the_o obedience_n and_o affection_n of_o subject_n to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o minister_n employ_v by_o he_o than_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o respective_a employment_n whoever_o therefore_o make_v it_o their_o design_n as_o many_o busybody_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v to_o misrepresent_v all_o the_o proceed_n of_o their_o governor_n that_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o present_a humour_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o aggravate_v those_o private_a fault_n of_o such_o person_n which_o concern_v they_o not_o such_o person_n i_o say_v can_v but_o be_v think_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o public_a by_o abate_v the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v which_o be_v just_o due_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o superior_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n what_o do_v man_n of_o this_o temper_n propose_v to_o themselves_o do_v they_o think_v their_o governor_n be_v not_o man_n of_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o other_o do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o the_o employment_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o be_v of_o more_o variety_n and_o difficulty_n than_o can_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o exact_a evenness_n but_o there_o will_v be_v still_o some_o inconvenience_n unavoidable_a how_o be_v it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o even_o then_o when_o they_o complain_v of_o and_o censure_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n contribute_v to_o and_o increase_v the_o inconvenience_n they_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o government_n arise_v whole_o or_o chief_o from_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n but_o in_o great_a part_n from_o the_o perverse_a and_o ungovernable_a temper_n of_o some_o man_n who_o study_n to_o be_v unquiet_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n stick_v not_o to_o declaim_v zealous_o against_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o they_o think_v capable_a of_o blame_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a depend_v much_o upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o business_n of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n whoever_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o
clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a