apostle_n advice_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o think_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a 4.8_o phil._n 4.8_o but_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o here_o i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o in_o all_o these_o case_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o action_n still_o remain_v indifferent_a for_o those_o action_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a may_v become_v necessary_a by_o some_o circumstance_n limit_v and_o bound_v they_o and_o if_o my_o indifferent_a action_n be_v annex_v to_o a_o necessary_a duty_n or_o determine_v by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n i_o be_o no_o long_o at_o liberty_n which_o way_n to_o act_n nor_o will_v a_o appearance_n of_o evil_a be_v a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o my_o abstain_v from_o it_o these_o be_v some_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o the_o best_a casuist_n have_v lay_v down_o but_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o reach_v to_o all_o particular_a case_n and_o where_o they_o fall_v short_a our_o christian_a prudence_n will_v be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o director_n hereby_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o do_v not_o live_v themselves_o up_o to_o any_o particular_a rule_n but_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n suit_v their_o action_n to_o the_o exigence_n of_o thing_n and_o comport_v themselves_o so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v best_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o have_v have_v leisure_n and_o part_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v thing_n may_v reasonable_o be_v think_v to_o dissent_v from_o we_o our_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v we_o that_o freedom_n which_o they_o themselves_o enjoy_v my_o advice_n be_v to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n with_o which_o christ_n have_v make_v we_o free_a 5.1_o gal._n 5.1_o least_o by_o any_o mean_a and_o undue_a compliance_n we_o shall_v confirm_v the_o erroneous_a shake_v the_o faithful_a encourage_v the_o adversary_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n which_o be_v settle_v among_o we_o but_o of_o other_o let_v we_o have_v compassion_n 22._o jud._n 22._o make_v a_o difference_n those_o who_o be_v indeed_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a information_n be_v scrupulous_a in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n they_o be_v offend_v at_o let_v we_o be_v careful_a that_o we_o do_v not_o give_v they_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o disgust_v they_o either_o by_o our_o word_n or_o action_n but_o endeavour_v to_o win_v they_o over_o by_o all_o the_o lawful_a art_n and_o endearment_n of_o kindness_n and_o condescension_n and_o if_o we_o must_v still_o differ_v in_o small_a matter_n let_v we_o love_v as_o brethren_n if_o we_o can_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o opinion_n yet_o let_v we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o heart_n and_o of_o one_o soul_n amen_o and_o amen_o sermon_n vii_o eccles_n v._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil._n the_o design_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n in_o these_o word_n be_v to_o persuade_v his_o hearer_n to_o approach_v with_o humble_a reverence_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n into_o god_n immediate_a presence_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o during_o the_o time_n of_o public_a worship_n with_o a_o become_a decency_n and_o devotion_n to_o come_v into_o his_o house_n with_o â—ouls_n affect_v with_o awful_a and_o reverential_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n with_o open_a ear_n and_o obedient_a heart_n dispose_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v they_o keep_v thy_o foot_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n prepare_v and_o fit_v thyself_o to_o partake_v of_o these_o holy_a ordinance_n compose_v thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o body_n to_o a_o behaviour_n suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o duty_n thou_o be_v about_o and_o the_o weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o the_o expression_n be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n of_o pluck_v off_o their_o shoe_n when_o they_o make_v any_o profession_n of_o solemn_a respect_n or_o tread_v on_o consecrate_a ground_n and_o of_o wash_v their_o foot_n before_o they_o enter_v the_o palace_n of_o their_o king_n or_o the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o god_n public_a worship_n of_o these_o custom_n we_o have_v several_a instance_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 3.5_o exod._n 3.5_o when_o god_n appear_v unto_o moses_n in_o the_o bush_n he_o command_v he_o to_o put_v his_o shoe_n from_o off_o his_o foot_n because_o the_o place_n whereon_o he_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n and_o the_o captain_n of_o the_o host_n say_v unto_o joshua_n 5.15_o josh_n 5.15_o lose_v the_o shoe_n from_o off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a loose_v or_o pluck_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o ceremony_n of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o uncover_v the_o head_n among_o we_o a_o token_n of_o respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o therefore_o they_o wash_v and_o make_v clean_o their_o foot_n when_o they_o go_v into_o public_a assembly_n so_o that_o keep_v the_o foot_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a expression_n to_o denote_v that_o respect_n and_o veneration_n that_o humility_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v a_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o every_o devout_a worshipper_n who_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o that_o reverent_a demeanour_n of_o himself_o whilst_o he_o be_v there_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n or_o as_o the_o original_a may_v be_v render_v when_o thou_o come_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o denote_v to_o we_o both_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o place_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n and_o how_o we_o must_v comport_v and_o demean_v ourselves_o when_o we_o be_v there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v present_o add_v and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n i.e._n be_v sure_a to_o bring_v a_o attentive_a ear_n and_o a_o obedient_a heart_n along_o with_o thou_o with_o which_o god_n will_v be_v better_o please_v than_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n think_v though_o very_o foolish_o to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n and_o to_o render_v he_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o they_o though_o they_o lead_v their_o life_n and_o conversation_n never_o so_o contrary_a to_o his_o law_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o he_o hate_v and_o abhor_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o such_o man_n who_o offer_v they_o up_o with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o impure_a heart_n such_o as_o those_o who_o think_v that_o their_o attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n will_v atone_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o wickedness_n and_o immorality_n of_o their_o life_n this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o enlargement_n upon_o they_o under_o these_o follow_a head_n i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n ii_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o whilst_o we_o be_v worship_v he_o iii_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n 1._o how_o we_o ought_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o our_o edify_v and_o receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o a_o due_a preparation_n for_o they_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o sow_v the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n unless_o our_o heart_n be_v manure_v and_o cultivate_v prepare_a and_o dispose_v to_o receive_v it_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o sin_n 29.13_o isay_n 29.13_o if_o whilst_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n with_o our_o lip_n our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o nor_o will_v our_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o we_o if_o whilst_o we_o be_v partake_v of_o the_o holy_a element_n we_o cherish_v and_o harbour_v sinful_a and_o impure_a thought_n
never_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o perform_v who_o both_o by_o their_o look_n and_o gesture_n declare_v that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o some_o other_o place_n and_o employ_v on_o some_o other_o business_n a_o multitude_n of_o needless_a and_o insignificant_a ceremony_n such_o as_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n tend_v to_o divert_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o business_n we_o be_v about_o and_o make_v so_o much_o employment_n for_o our_o body_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o serve_v he_o with_o our_o soul_n but_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o our_o religious_a worship_n nor_o do_v i_o plead_v for_o they_o it_o be_v only_o a_o devout_a and_o reverential_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o i_o will_v enforce_v a_o behave_v ourselves_o with_o that_o decency_n and_o uniformity_n our_o church_n prescribe_v that_o gravity_n and_o seriousness_n that_o humble_a prostration_n of_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o become_v man_n who_o be_v in_o the_o immediate_a presence_n of_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o this_o be_v our_o duty_n will_v appear_v 2._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o as_o i_o have_v former_o observe_v consist_v in_o that_o awe_n and_o reverence_n which_o man_n have_v for_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o creator_n and_o his_o poor_a creature_n who_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n they_o enjoy_v which_o make_v they_o approach_v his_o presence_n with_o humility_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o profound_a adoration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o will_v discover_v itself_o in_o their_o look_n word_n and_o action_n for_o there_o be_v so_o close_a a_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o when_o the_o one_o be_v serious_o affect_v the_o other_o can_v remain_v unconcern_v when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o glorious_a idea_n of_o god_n wonderful_a perfection_n his_o majesty_n power_n goodness_n and_o lovingkindness_n towards_o we_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v to_o carry_v fire_n in_o our_o bosom_n and_o not_o be_v burn_v 6.27_o prov._n 6.27_o as_o to_o contain_v ourselves_o from_o discover_v the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o visible_a demonstration_n beside_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o public_a worship_n that_o we_o make_v know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o soul_n by_o public_a token_n of_o reverence_n and_o sign_n of_o honour_n this_o be_v one_o chief_a end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n in_o public_a 15.6_o rom._n 15.6_o that_o we_o may_v with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n glorify_v god_n and_o incite_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o another_o to_o praise_v and_o adore_v he_o and_o declare_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o a_o reverence_n we_o retain_v for_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v do_v but_o by_o our_o external_a behaviour_n and_o devout_a deportment_n of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o observation_n that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o man_n deserve_o eminent_a for_o piety_n and_o devotion_n who_o do_v not_o join_v bodily_a worship_n with_o his_o mental_a adoration_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v a_o three_o consideration_n 3._o that_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o congregation_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v more_o careful_a that_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o decent_o and_o carry_v ourselves_o with_o humility_n and_o respect_n uncover_v our_o head_n and_o bend_v our_o body_n and_o give_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o attention_n and_o readiness_n to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o command_n than_o we_o will_v be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o temporal_a prince_n do_v god_n appear_v in_o our_o church_n in_o a_o visible_a manner_n as_o former_o he_o do_v in_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n will_v put_v every_o one_o of_o we_o into_o the_o most_o humble_a and_o devout_a posture_n yet_o god_n be_v here_o present_a of_o a_o truth_n though_o we_o know_v it_o not_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n do_v not_o only_o look_v down_o and_o behold_v we_o but_o be_v as_o certain_o present_a in_o this_o congregation_n as_o if_o we_o behold_v they_o with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n let_v we_o therefore_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o god_n 95.6_o psal_n 95.6_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n let_v we_o give_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o our_o body_n and_o praise_v he_o in_o the_o congregation_n of_o his_o saint_n and_o bow_v down_o ourselves_o before_o he_o 3._o i_o come_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v after_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n and_o here_o that_o the_o good_a seed_n of_o the_o word_n may_v take_v deep_a root_n in_o our_o heart_n let_v we_o not_o give_v up_o our_o mind_n to_o our_o secular_a affair_n and_o worldly_a thought_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o divine_a service_n be_v end_v much_o less_o shall_v we_o let_v loose_v our_o thought_n to_o pastime_n and_o recreation_n though_o never_o so_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a for_o be_v there_o no_o divine_a command_n common_a prudence_n will_v dictate_v to_o we_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o fix_v those_o truth_n we_o have_v hear_v upon_o our_o memory_n be_v to_o take_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v ourselves_o and_o to_o digest_v what_o we_o have_v hear_v by_o serious_a meditation_n and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n the_o divert_v our_o thought_n to_o other_o employment_n will_v deface_v all_o those_o good_a impression_n the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v make_v on_o our_o mind_n blot_v they_o out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o make_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v like_o the_o seed_n sow_o by_o the_o way_n side_n 13.5_o matth._n 13.5_o which_o become_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air._n let_v we_o therefore_o spend_v some_o time_n in_o recollect_v what_o the_o preacher_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o consider_v what_o article_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v explain_v what_o virtue_n have_v be_v recommend_v what_o vice_n reprove_v what_o argument_n and_o motive_n have_v be_v use_v and_o in_o short_a in_o compare_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v with_o the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o find_v it_o agreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o our_o mind_n and_o transcribe_v it_o into_o our_o life_n let_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n that_o we_o may_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n 3.15_o 2_o tim._n 3.15_o and_o grow_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n to_o this_o end_n let_v we_o conclude_v all_o with_o our_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o inlighten_v our_o understanding_n open_v our_o heart_n and_o incline_v our_o will_n and_o to_o render_v his_o good_a word_n effectual_a to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v only_o bare_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o let_v we_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n for_o the_o many_o gracious_a opportunity_n he_o have_v give_v we_o of_o enter_v his_o court_n and_o approach_v his_o sanctuary_n that_o we_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o worship_v he_o in_o public_a and_o enjoy_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o his_o gospel_n whilst_o so_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n 107.10_o psal_n 107.10_o and_o let_v we_o not_o only_o content_v ourselves_o with_o make_v a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o favour_n but_o testify_v our_o thankfulness_n by_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o his_o worship_n and_o word_n and_o make_v it_o the_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n sermon_n viii_o 2_o cor._n xii_o 9_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o i_o my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracicious_a be_v the_o design_n of_o providence_n towards_o mankind_n both_o as_o to_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o god_n dispensation_n in_o this_o life_n be_v so_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n to_o implant_v in_o they_o such_o virtuous_a disposition_n and_o habit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v excellent_a advice_n though_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o heathen_a si_fw-la vis_fw-la consilium_fw-la permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la
twenty_o thousand_o or_o else_o whilst_o the_o other_o be_v yet_o a_o great_a way_n off_o he_o send_v a_o embassage_n and_o desire_v condition_n of_o peace_n so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n the_o meaning_n of_o both_o these_o parable_n be_v this_o that_o every_o one_o who_o intend_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n must_v first_o sit_v down_o and_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o christian_n what_o difficulty_n he_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o in_o his_o christian_a race_n what_o temptation_n he_o must_v encounter_v withal_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o purpose_v to_o forego_v every_o thing_n which_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n if_o he_o do_v not_o resolve_v to_o part_v with_o all_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o than_o deny_v his_o saviour_n he_o can_v never_o be_v christ_n true_a disciple_n and_o as_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v such_o reflection_n as_o these_o before_o we_o enter_v on_o a_o christian_a course_n of_o life_n so_o when_o we_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o examine_v and_o try_v ourselves_o how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o good_a resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v acquit_v ourselves_o like_o christ_n faithful_a soldier_n and_o servant_n or_o else_o cowardly_o leave_v the_o field_n and_o desert_v his_o colour_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v so_o often_o command_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 3.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gal._n 6.4_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v our_o own_o self_n and_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o galatian_n let_v every_o man_n prove_v his_o own_o work_n the_o word_n use_v in_o both_o place_n in_o the_o original_a signify_v so_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o try_v as_o that_o a_o man_n action_n may_v be_v thorough_o know_v and_o approve_v fift_v and_o make_v evident_a and_o that_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o promote_v our_o spiritual_a wellbeing_a be_v evident_a 2._o from_o reason_n common_a sense_n and_o reason_n will_v inform_v we_o that_o if_o we_o design_v to_o direct_v our_o life_n by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o must_v frequent_o compare_v they_o with_o this_o rule_n we_o must_v reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n and_o consider_v when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o act_v as_o become_v we_o and_o when_o we_o have_v transgress_v the_o command_n of_o god_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o sinful_a passion_n and_o though_o they_o make_v never_o so_o strong_a resolution_n though_o they_o can_v set_v the_o faculty_n of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o most_o exact_a order_n yet_o when_o they_o go_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n they_o will_v meet_v with_o something_o or_o other_o which_o will_v ruffle_v and_o discompose_v they_o and_o betray_v they_o into_o disorderly_a affection_n and_o sinful_a practice_n there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o good_a and_o perfect_a but_o he_o have_v his_o fail_n his_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o assault_v he_o on_o that_o side_n where_o he_o lie_v most_o open_a to_o temptation_n and_o will_v sometime_o prevail_v against_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o wise_a course_n a_o good_a man_n can_v take_v be_v frequent_o to_o recollect_v himself_o to_o consider_v when_o and_o where_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o what_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o what_o betray_v he_o into_o that_o sinful_a and_o foolish_a action_n and_o have_v discover_v this_o hearty_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n to_o fence_v and_o guard_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o to_o resolve_v steadfast_o never_o to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o delude_v again_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o next_o place_n there_o be_v many_o action_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v to_o we_o good_a and_o praiseworthy_a which_o when_o more_o narrow_o consider_v and_o try_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v find_v to_o be_v crooked_a and_o deform_v such_o as_o we_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o repent_v of_o we_o place_v they_o at_o first_o in_o a_o wrong_a light_n we_o behold_v they_o through_o a_o false_a medium_fw-la our_o kindness_n and_o affection_n towards_o they_o make_v they_o seem_v of_o a_o different_a complexion_n than_o they_o be_v real_o of_o but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v they_o without_o passion_n or_o prejudice_n to_o weigh_v every_o circumstance_n then_o it_o be_v plain_o evident_a that_o we_o admire_v ourselves_o for_o quality_n which_o be_v not_o in_o we_o and_o applaud_v ourselves_o for_o action_n which_o be_v nothing_o worth_a we_o perform_v they_o either_o out_o of_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n or_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o transact_v they_o so_o necessary_a be_v it_o to_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o to_o bring_v our_o action_n to_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n even_o those_o action_n which_o we_o esteem_v most_o holy_a and_o perfect_a for_o our_o righteousness_n the_o most_o regular_a act_n of_o our_o life_n our_o most_o affectionate_a and_o fervent_a devotion_n be_v stain_v with_o sin_n and_o want_v that_o purity_n and_o integrity_n which_o god_n require_v in_o they_o they_o be_v derive_v either_o from_o self-love_n or_o pride_n or_o desire_v of_o honour_n or_o love_n of_o gain_n from_o fear_n of_o damage_n or_o discredit_v in_o the_o world_n rather_o than_o out_o of_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n charity_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n or_o a_o sober_a regard_n to_o our_o own_o true_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n and_o though_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v those_o sin_n and_o to_o pass_v by_o that_o obliquity_n of_o our_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o he_o expect_v that_o we_o shall_v repent_v of_o they_o i._n e._n that_o we_o shall_v confess_v and_o forsake_v they_o express_v our_o sorrow_n for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o resolve_v to_o act_n better_a for_o the_o future_a which_o can_v never_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o severe_a examination_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o particular_a account_n how_o and_o wherein_o we_o have_v offend_v but_o far_a the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o examine_v ourselves_o will_v appear_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v amid_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o the_o world_n our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o chief_o in_o the_o business_n of_o our_o calling_n in_o provide_v for_o our_o family_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o fault_n that_o it_o be_v high_o commendable_a and_o praiseworthy_a for_o god_n be_v better_a please_v with_o a_o man_n who_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v and_o station_n he_o have_v place_v he_o in_o than_o he_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v continual_o upon_o his_o knee_n perform_v one_o uninterrupted_a act_n of_o devotion_n and_o this_o i_o be_o induce_v to_o believe_v for_o this_o one_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o the_o devotional_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v chief_o intend_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o several_a relation_n but_o yet_o see_v so_o much_o of_o our_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o business_n of_o this_o life_n so_o many_o of_o our_o thought_n take_v up_o with_o our_o worldly_a affair_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v set_v apart_o some_o time_n to_o retire_v into_o the_o closet_n of_o our_o breast_n and_o frequent_o consider_v what_o state_n and_o condition_n our_o better_a and_o more_o spiritual_a part_n be_v in_o what_o sin_n we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o go_v forward_o or_o backward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n every_o prudent_a man_n and_o good_a husband_n do_v this_o in_o his_o secular_a concern_v he_o that_o design_n either_o to_o keep_v or_o increase_v his_o estate_n make_v it_o his_o first_o and_o chief_a care_n to_o be_v exact_a in_o keep_v his_o account_n to_o balance_v they_o often_o and_o to_o inform_v himself_o what_o proportion_n his_o income_n bear_v with_o his_o expense_n and_o thus_o careful_a and_o diligent_a we_o shall_v be_v in_o our_o spiritual_a affair_n if_o we_o have_v but_o the_o same_o value_n for_o our_o immortal_a soul_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o fade_a good_n of_o this_o world_n this_o will_v supersede_n my_o
labour_n of_o prove_v to_o you_o the_o absolute_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o have_v be_v the_o usage_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o of_o those_o who_o example_n be_v recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v be_v eminent_a for_o virtue_n and_o morality_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 77.6_o psal_n 77.6_o that_o he_o use_v constant_o to_o call_v himself_o to_o a_o account_n i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n i_o common_a with_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o my_o spirit_n make_v diligent_a search_n among_o the_o father_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v all_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o practical_a subject_n press_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n the_o time_n will_v fail_v i_o shall_v i_o instance_n in_o the_o precept_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n basil_n gregory_n and_o the_o rest_n neither_o be_v the_o heathen_a moralist_n want_v in_o the_o recommendation_n of_o it_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o their_o own_o example_n that_o precept_n of_o pythagoras_n in_o his_o golden_a verse_n be_v general_o know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ask_v thyself_o say_v he_o every_o night_n what_o sin_n have_v i_o commit_v this_o day_n what_o good_a have_v i_o do_v what_o good_a have_v i_o leave_v undo_v which_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v seneca_n tell_v we_o quotidie_fw-la apud_fw-la i_o causam_fw-la dico_fw-la i_o every_o day_n pass_v judgement_n upon_o my_o own_o action_n when_o i_o be_o in_o bed_n and_o the_o light_n be_v take_v away_o i_o run_v over_o all_o my_o word_n and_o deed_n i_o consider_v how_o i_o have_v spend_v that_o day_n i_o omit_v nothing_o which_o i_o can_v recollect_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v afraid_a to_o reflect_v on_o my_o own_o fail_n when_o i_o can_v say_v to_o myself_o this_o be_v not_o well_o do_v but_o do_v so_o no_o more_o he_o also_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o friend_n sixtus_n the_o philosopher_n who_o due_o thus_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o go_v to_o rest_v what_o disease_n of_o thy_o soul_n or_o what_o vice_n have_v thou_o cure_v this_o day_n what_o sin_n have_v thou_o subdue_v be_v thou_o a_o better_a man_n to_o day_n than_o thou_o be_v yesterday_o if_o so_o thou_o have_v live_v to_o some_o purpose_n but_o if_o not_o thou_o have_v but_o consume_v and_o lose_v thy_o time_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o the_o divine_a plato_n when_o he_o see_v any_o man_n do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unbecoming_a action_n use_v to_o ask_v himself_o this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v i_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o crime_n if_o this_o sin_n look_v so_o ill_a in_o that_o man_n be_v it_o not_o worse_o in_o i_o if_o i_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o let_v i_o be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o may_v easy_o heap_v up_o many_o like_a instance_n for_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n in_o all_o age_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a who_o omit_v or_o neglect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v this_o for_o grant_v and_o proceed_v second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o direction_n how_o we_o may_v perform_v this_o duty_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n and_o 1._o when_o we_o design_v to_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o self-examination_n let_v we_o first_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o life_n from_o every_o thing_n which_o will_v take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o task_n with_o seriousness_n and_o attention_n for_o since_o the_o interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v wide_o different_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o attend_v on_o the_o one_o whilst_o our_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o other_o and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o fix_v our_o eye_n upon_o two_o opposite_a object_n at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o keep_v our_o apprehensive_a faculty_n intent_n both_o on_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n spiritual_a when_o we_o have_v cleanse_v and_o purge_v our_o soul_n from_o all_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a thought_n and_o affection_n let_v we_o beseech_v god_n from_o who_o be_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v we_o impartial_o to_o examine_v and_o search_v into_o our_o own_o soul_n enlighten_v our_o understanding_n assist_v our_o memory_n and_o discover_v to_o we_o those_o sin_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o our_o conscience_n and_o teach_v we_o those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o which_o either_o we_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o which_o we_o have_v forget_v that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v affect_v with_o when_o we_o come_v to_o lie_v upon_o a_o sickbed_n and_o to_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o other_o world_n have_v thus_o fit_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n we_o must_v examine_v ourselves_o and_o i._o the_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v ourselves_o about_o this_o duty_n ii_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v most_o seasonable_o perform_v i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o good_a man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o examine_v themselves_o daily_o and_o this_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o since_o confession_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o before_o he_o will_v seal_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o full_a and_o particular_a confession_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o examine_v ourselves_o daily_o the_o number_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a that_o shall_v we_o defer_v it_o till_o a_o far_a time_n many_o of_o they_o will_v slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n and_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o no_o other_o condition_n of_o pardon_n but_o that_o general_a confession_n of_o they_o 19.12_o psal_n 19.12_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a sin_n and_o how_o can_v we_o call_v those_o sin_n secret_a which_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o only_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o discover_v they_o what_o time_n of_o the_o day_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o employment_n every_o man_n prudence_n must_v determine_v this_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o the_o exigency_n of_o his_o affair_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a even_o in_o this_o case_n 11.6_o eccles_n 11.6_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o morning_n sow_v thy_o seed_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n withhold_v not_o thy_o hand_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o morning_n what_o temptation_n we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o that_o day_n what_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o make_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o we_o will_v resist_v the_o one_o and_o embrace_v the_o other_o and_o to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o account_v in_o the_o evening_n how_o well_o we_o have_v put_v these_o resolution_n into_o execution_n whether_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o vow_n unto_o god_n or_o else_o shameful_o give_v up_o his_o cause_n and_o yield_v to_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o prevail_a temptation_n but_o beside_o this_o daily_a examination_n of_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o time_n when_o we_o ought_v to_o call_v ourselves_o to_o a_o account_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n a_o day_n set_v apart_o on_o purpose_n that_o those_o person_n who_o all_o the_o week_n long_o be_v cumber_v with_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n employ_v in_o the_o business_n of_o their_o calling_n and_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o body_n may_v have_v some_o time_n to_o recollect_v themselves_o and_o to_o secure_v the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o how_o can_v man_n employ_v this_o day_n better_o i_o mean_v that_o part_n of_o it_o when_o they_o be_v not_o call_v upon_o to_o join_v in_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n than_o in_o recollect_v themselves_o how_o they_o have_v spend_v the_o week_n past_a what_o sin_v they_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a action_n they_o have_v perform_v what_o progress_n they_o have_v make_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o in_o consider_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o follow_a week_n and_o in_o take_v up_o resolution_n of_o walk_v more_o strict_o and_o more_o
circumspect_o and_o that_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n they_o will_v yield_v a_o more_o exact_a obedience_n to_o his_o command_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o business_n of_o every_o lord_n day_n and_o every_o day_n hallow_v and_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o more_o particular_o of_o those_o time_n when_o we_o intend_v to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n then_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o make_v a_o more_o diligent_a search_n into_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n that_o we_o retain_v no_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n no_o evil_a thing_n unrepented_a of_o which_o may_v deprive_v we_o of_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n next_o to_o the_o time_n let_v we_o consider_v 2._o the_o subject_a of_o our_o examination_n and_o here_o let_v we_o make_v a_o exact_a scrutiny_n into_o all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n the_o word_n of_o our_o lip_n and_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n concern_v our_o thought_n let_v we_o ask_v ourselves_o such_o question_n as_o these_o what_o be_v it_o that_o i_o most_o think_v upon_o be_v my_o thought_n serious_a seasonable_a and_o pure_a be_v my_o inclination_n compliant_a with_o god_n law_n what_o do_v most_o easy_o stir_v i_o and_o how_o be_v my_o heart_n move_v be_v my_o affection_n calm_a and_o orderly_o and_o well_o place_v what_o plot_n do_v i_o contrive_v what_o project_n be_o i_o drive_v on_o be_v my_o design_n good_a be_v my_o intention_n upright_o and_o sincere_a concern_v our_o word_n let_v we_o demand_v thus_o 39.1_o psal_n 39.1_o have_v i_o learn_v to_o keep_v my_o tongue_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a speech_n and_o to_o employ_v it_o to_o that_o use_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o communicate_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n one_o to_o another_o as_o to_o our_o action_n let_v we_o first_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v good_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n and_o then_o let_v we_o reason_n thus_o with_o ourselves_o this_o action_n be_v indeed_o well_o do_v but_o may_v i_o not_o have_v do_v better_a may_v i_o not_o have_v bring_v more_o glory_n to_o god_n and_o procure_v more_o good_a for_o my_o neighbour_n be_v not_o this_o good_a action_n imperfect_a as_o to_o some_o particular_n be_v i_o not_o too_o blame_v as_o to_o some_o circumstance_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o resolve_v that_o if_o ever_o god_n put_v another_o opportunity_n into_o our_o hand_n of_o perform_v the_o same_o action_n again_o we_o will_v mend_v these_o defect_n and_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a for_o the_o future_a but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o upon_o compare_v our_o action_n with_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n we_o find_v they_o have_v be_v evil_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o it_o then_o let_v we_o say_v thus_o to_o ourselves_o i_o have_v do_v this_o wicked_a act_n and_o hereby_o offend_v my_o good_a god_n but_o what_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n have_v i_o get_v for_o myself_o do_v not_o that_o trouble_n and_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n which_o i_o feel_v for_o the_o commission_n of_o this_o sin_n much_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o very_a foolish_a thing_n to_o purchase_v so_o little_a so_o momentary_a a_o pleasure_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o quiet_a and_o repose_v of_o my_o mind_n a_o good_a conscience_n here_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o last_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a nature_n of_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o several_a aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o attend_v they_o perhaps_o the_o crime_n which_o we_o commit_v be_v do_v with_o deliberation_n perhaps_o in_o despite_n to_o the_o check_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o the_o bless_a motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v frequent_o repeat_v and_o we_o still_o continue_v to_o go_v on_o in_o it_o notwithstanding_o the_o many_o call_v to_o repentance_n and_o the_o many_o vow_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v of_o leave_v and_o forsake_v it_o these_o and_o many_o more_o be_v the_o aggravate_v circumstance_n whereby_o our_o sin_n be_v render_v more_o heinous_a and_o more_o exceed_o sinful_a thus_o the_o treason_n of_o judas_n be_v a_o sin_n of_o the_o deep_o die_v because_o he_o be_v one_o of_o christ_n familiar_a friend_n and_o disciple_n who_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o do_v eat_v of_o his_o bread_n and_o solomon_n idolatry_n do_v offend_v god_n the_o more_o because_o his_o heart_n be_v turn_v from_o the_o lord_n 11.9_o 1_o kin._n 11.9_o who_o appear_v unto_o he_o twice_o and_o have_v command_v he_o concern_v this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o go_v astray_o after_o other_o go_n these_o be_v the_o step_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o which_o when_o we_o have_v perform_v that_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n let_v we_o take_v a_o review_n of_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o compare_v our_o present_a condition_n with_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n and_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o whether_o we_o grow_v in_o grace_n whether_o our_o virtuous_a habit_n and_o resolution_n be_v more_o root_v and_o confirm_v 1.8_o 2_o pet_n 1.8_o or_o else_o whether_o we_o lose_v ground_n and_o become_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n and_o here_o that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v i_o shall_v interpose_v one_o caution_n that_o the_o standard_n of_o our_o improvement_n in_o holy_a live_n and_o growth_n in_o grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o affection_n these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a when_o we_o first_o enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v then_o soon_o warm_v and_o raise_v up_o into_o ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n especial_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o our_o passion_n bear_v the_o great_a sway_n in_o we_o and_o captivate_v our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o grow_v in_o year_n these_o heat_n languish_v and_o decay_n and_o as_o our_o reason_n and_o judgement_n improve_v we_o be_v less_o subject_a to_o these_o transport_v of_o our_o assection_n and_o proceed_v in_o a_o steady_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o live_v up_o more_o exact_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n whether_o we_o yield_v a_o more_o ready_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o we_o have_v former_o do_v whether_o we_o have_v leave_v off_o any_o of_o our_o evil_a practice_n and_o bid_v adieu_o to_o our_o belove_a sin_n whether_o we_o have_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n patient_o to_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n more_o content_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a sign_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o judge_v of_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o do_v indeed_o grow_v better_a and_o better_o then_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o call_v to_o mind_n by_o what_o mean_v we_o have_v make_v these_o improvement_n what_o motive_n and_o inducement_n most_o wrought_v upon_o we_o what_o rule_n and_o direction_n be_v most_o useful_a what_o company_n and_o example_n be_v most_o allure_a 3.16_o phil._n 3.16_o and_o then_o let_v we_o walk_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n let_v we_o mind_n the_o same_o thing_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o find_v that_o we_o decline_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n that_o our_o sin_n those_o son_n of_o anak_n have_v be_v too_o hard_o for_o we_o and_o that_o we_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o many_o heinous_a and_o presumptuous_a crime_n then_o let_v we_o careful_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v which_o betray_v we_o into_o these_o sin_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o do_v such_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a action_n action_n which_o be_v both_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o unbecoming_a the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o rank_a of_o be_v which_o we_o hold_v in_o the_o world_n by_o what_o mean_n and_o method_n do_v the_o devil_n that_o old_a serpent_n wind_v himself_o into_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o bait_n do_v he_o allure_v we_o under_o what_o specious_a show_n do_v he_o represent_v his_o temptation_n which_o be_v our_o weak_a side_n that_o first_o yield_v to_o the_o assault_n what_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n of_o our_o fall_n into_o sin_n and_o when_o we_o have_v find_v out_o
our_o way_n as_o to_o turn_v our_o foot_n unto_o god_n testimony_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n sermon_n iii_o 2_o tim_n iii_o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o this_o know_v say_v st._n paul_n ver._n 1._o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n periolous_a time_n shall_v come_v because_o of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o he_o go_v on_o in_o the_o second_o verse_n for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a proud_a boaster_n blasphemer_n and_o all_o which_o he_o comprehend_v under_o one_o character_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o time_n will_v be_v so_o perilous_a because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o wicked_a person_n shall_v conceal_v their_o crime_n under_o a_o form_n and_o show_v of_o godliness_n be_v they_o profess_o and_o open_o wicked_a there_o be_v some_o ingenuity_n even_o in_o their_o impudence_n because_o they_o can_v not_o be_v tax_v or_o upbraid_v with_o hypocrisy_n be_v they_o covetous_a proud_a blasphemer_n without_o a_o show_n of_o zeal_n and_o pretence_n of_o religion_n than_o all_o man_n may_v plain_o discern_v and_o detect_v they_o 55.12_o psal_n 55.12_o and_o from_o a_o open_a enemy_n i_o will_v have_v hide_v myself_o say_v david_n shelf_n and_o quicksand_n that_o have_v light_n always_o burn_v to_o discover_v they_o by_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o avoid_v and_o we_o be_v forewarn_v against_o the_o dog_n that_o bark_v first_o but_o these_o deceiver_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v have_v a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a outside_n though_o they_o be_v foul_a within_o these_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n cry_v lord_n lord_n and_o be_v great_a professor_n of_o religion_n they_o put_v on_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n though_o they_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v the_o great_a sin_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a company_n and_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o observe_v the_o caution_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o text_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n from_o such_o turn_n away_o from_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v i._n what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o form_n without_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n iii_o how_o we_o may_v discover_v whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o else_o only_a the_o form_n of_o it_o iu._n and_o last_o how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n 1._o what_o be_v here_o mean_v by_o godliness_n what_o by_o a_o form_n and_o what_o by_o the_o power_n of_o it_o godliness_n in_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o devout_a and_o sincere_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n both_o inward_o and_o outward_o according_a to_o his_o word_n or_o to_o describe_v it_o more_o full_o and_o express_o 1.5_o 1_o tim._n 1.5_o it_o be_v a_o earnest_a love_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o faith_n unfeigned_a whereby_o we_o be_v incite_v to_o glorify_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a towards_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o one_o word_n be_v imply_v our_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n this_o be_v express_v by_o st._n 2.2_o 1_o tim._n 2.2_o paul_n by_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o this_o be_v that_o godliness_n which_o be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v by_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n be_v mean_v a_o outward_a resemblance_n a_o colourable_a show_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o godliness_n when_o a_o man_n put_v on_o the_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n act_n and_o mimic_n it_o so_o well_o as_o to_o deceive_v and_o impose_v upon_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o he_o who_o judge_v according_o to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a holy_a and_o religious_a man_n though_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v nothing_o less_o he_o may_v not_o only_o deceive_v other_o but_o delude_v himself_o also_o and_o be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o firebrand_n of_o hell_n and_o in_o truth_n the_o form_n must_v be_v like_o the_o pattern_n or_o else_o it_o be_v no_o form_n at_o all_o for_o we_o do_v not_o say_v a_o picture_n or_o statue_n be_v such_o a_o man_n picture_n or_o statue_n unless_o it_o bear_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o his_o look_n and_o person_n thus_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n must_v be_v such_o a_o show_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o hue_n and_o complexion_n with_o true_a religion_n and_o a_o lively_a portraiture_n of_o it_o though_o in_o many_o respect_v it_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o imply_v that_o force_n and_o efficacy_n that_o internal_a principle_n and_o spring_n of_o action_n which_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o a_o man_n be_v make_v as_o st._n 8.12_o 1_o tiâ—â—_n 41_o 8.12_o paul_n say_v a_o example_n of_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n and_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v he_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o a_o man_n have_v charity_n in_o conversation_n faith_n and_o purity_n in_o spirit_n so_o as_o to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o in_o himself_o and_o righteous_o towards_o other_o and_o godly_a towards_o his_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n then_o be_v his_o soul_n and_o body_n entire_o subject_a to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n then_o his_o form_n of_o godliness_n proceed_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o work_v mighty_o unto_o salvation_n and_o this_o power_n of_o god_n be_v most_o evident_o see_v in_o reduce_v the_o most_o stiffnecked_a and_o hard-hearted_a sinner_n in_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o leave_v their_o belove_a sin_n and_o bosom_n vice_n and_o in_o beat_v down_o and_o subdue_a the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o unruly_a passion_n such_o as_o pride_n envy_n malice_n and_o revenge_n those_o sin_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v most_o subject_a to_o and_o in_o make_v so_o great_a a_o change_n in_o we_o that_o we_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o same_o men._n the_o lion_n become_v a_o lamb_n and_o the_o serpent_n a_o dove_n a_o natural_a man_n a_o man_n whole_o spiritual_a and_o a_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n a_o child_n of_o god_n he_o aim_v at_o new_a end_n act_n by_o new_a principle_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o expose_v his_o life_n by_o give_v his_o testimony_n to_o those_o truth_n which_o before_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v 1.16_o rom._n 1.16_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v that_o power_n of_o godliness_n which_o those_o hypocrite_n mention_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o text_n be_v without_o here_o it_o be_v they_o be_v defective_a which_o bring_v i_o to_o show_v 2._o that_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n may_v be_v without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o many_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v forewarn_v that_o we_o do_v not_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n 11.14_o 2_o cor._n 11.14_o for_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o his_o servant_n can_v put_v on_o the_o guise_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n set_v down_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o truth_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o a_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o yet_o preach_v another_o gospel_n than_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o hereby_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n nay_o he_o may_v preach_v the_o true_a gospel_n with_o such_o force_n of_o reason_n and_o wonderful_a efficacy_n
same_o pitch_n of_o devotion_n but_o when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o low_a ebb_n he_o endeavour_v to_o quicken_v and_o raise_v his_o affection_n he_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o inflame_v his_o heart_n with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n and_o can_v rest_v satisfy_v till_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n shine_v in_o upon_o his_o soul_n and_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n assure_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o goodwill_n towards_o he_o these_o be_v the_o four_o mark_n by_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o discover_v if_o we_o will_v but_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trial_n whether_o we_o have_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n or_o the_o form_n only_o i_o come_v now_o four_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o person_n as_o have_v only_o the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n ii_o detest_v their_o evil_a example_n iii_o avoid_v their_o company_n i._o we_o must_v examine_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o end_n of_o it_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o hint_n of_o both_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n 18._o rom._n 16.17_o 18._o mark_v they_o which_o cause_n division_n and_o offence_n there_o be_v their_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o avoid_v they_o for_o they_o that_o be_v such_o serve_v not_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o be_v their_o end_n and_o design_n but_o their_o own_o belly_n and_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fair_a speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a whatever_o doctrine_n have_v a_o show_n of_o seem_a holiness_n and_o piety_n and_o yet_o by_o probable_a consequence_n tend_v to_o promote_v any_o evil_a and_o wicked_a design_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v till_o try_v by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n and_o be_v find_v exact_o conformable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o we_o must_v detest_v their_o evil_a example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o certain_a rule_n that_o unless_o we_o dislike_v their_o evil_a practice_n and_o alienate_v our_o affection_n from_o they_o we_o shall_v write_v after_o the_o same_o copy_n our_o life_n will_v be_v according_a to_o our_o like_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v hate_v and_o detest_v their_o hypocrisy_n though_o we_o love_v the_o man_n we_o must_v abhor_v the_o uglyness_n of_o their_o vice_n though_o we_o bear_v no_o ill_a will_n to_o their_o person_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v hate_v they_o right_a sore_n and_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n 139.22_o psal_n 139.22_o even_o as_o though_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n iii_o we_o must_v avoid_v their_o company_n and_o this_o be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o the_o text._n from_o such_o turn_n away_o it_o be_v a_o subtle_a though_o a_o wicked_a policy_n of_o jeroboam_n to_o set_v up_o two_o golden_a calf_n the_o one_o at_o dan_n the_o other_o at_o bethâ—el_n that_o he_o may_v detain_v his_o people_n at_o home_n lest_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o subject_n of_o rehoboam_n they_o shall_v contract_v a_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n with_o they_o and_o be_v persuade_v to_o return_v to_o their_o obedience_n he_o know_v how_o much_o company_n and_o conversation_n win_v upon_o man_n affection_n and_o that_o society_n and_o familiarity_n have_v by_o degree_n wrought_v out_o what_o the_o most_o persuasive_a rhetoric_n can_v never_o accomplish_v be_v you_o not_o therefore_o unequal_o yoke_v say_v the_o apostle_n for_o what_o fellowship_n have_v righteousness_n with_o unrighteousness_n etc._n etc._n 16._o 2_o cor._n 6.14_o 16._o wherefore_o come_v you_o out_o from_o among_o they_o and_o be_v you_o separate_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o touch_v not_o the_o unclean_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v receive_v you_o but_o this_o be_v the_o rock_n upon_o which_o too_o many_o split_n they_o first_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o man_n as_o common_a and_o unclean_a who_o in_o truth_n be_v much_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o then_o not_o only_o avoid_v their_o conversation_n but_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v treat_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o common_a honesty_n and_o thus_o by_o strain_v the_o string_n too_o high_a make_v it_o jar_v and_o spoil_v all_o the_o harmony_n and_o consort_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o set_v out_o the_o bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o consider_v how_o far_o we_o must_v turn_v away_o from_o such_o man_n as_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o first_o we_o be_v not_o hereby_o engage_v to_o quit_v our_o particular_a engagement_n or_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o our_o friend_n and_o near_a relation_n for_o the_o servant_n be_v tie_v to_o his_o master_n the_o child_n to_o his_o parent_n the_o husband_n and_o wife_n to_o each_o other_o and_o no_o pretence_n of_o great_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n be_v sufficient_a to_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n nay_o we_o must_v not_o so_o turn_v away_o from_o any_o man_n as_o to_o refuse_v do_v good_a and_o charitable_a office_n either_o to_o his_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o rather_o imitate_v the_o example_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n 5.45_o matth._n 5.45_o who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o descend_v on_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a tâ—â—_n more_o wicked_a any_o man_n be_v and_o the_o more_o infect_v with_o the_o leprosy_n of_o sin_n the_o more_o need_n he_o have_v of_o a_o physician_n if_o therefore_o we_o see_v a_o man_n who_o have_v the_o form_n but_o not_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n let_v we_o omit_v no_o opportunity_n of_o reclaim_v he_o from_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n let_v we_o assist_v he_o with_o seasonable_a counsel_n and_o advice_n and_o do_v he_o all_o the_o good_a turn_v that_o lie_n in_o our_o way_n remember_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o a_o heathen_a homo_fw-la sum_fw-la humani_fw-la nihil_fw-la à _fw-la i_o alienum_fw-la puto_fw-la i_o myself_o be_o but_o a_o man_n and_o therefore_o no_o affliction_n can_v happen_v to_o any_o one_o but_o i_o bear_v my_o part_n in_o it_o but_o let_v we_o not_o contract_v a_o familiarity_n with_o a_o vicious_a or_o heretical_a person_n let_v we_o not_o lay_v such_o a_o one_o in_o our_o bosom_n or_o make_v he_o our_o particular_a friend_n but_o keep_v such_o a_o strict_a guard_n over_o ourselves_o and_o be_v so_o cautious_a in_o our_o deal_n with_o he_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v no_o prejudice_n by_o his_o evil_a example_n we_o must_v treat_v he_o as_o we_o usual_o do_v those_o who_o be_v sick_a of_o a_o infectious_a disease_n furnish_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n he_o want_v administer_v to_o all_o his_o press_a necessity_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o converse_v frequent_o with_o he_o or_o to_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o catch_v that_o distemper_n under_o which_o he_o labour_v such_o a_o familiarity_n as_o this_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o avoid_v 1.1_o psal_n 1.1_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n say_v david_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a and_o in_o another_o place_n i_o have_v not_o dwell_v with_o vain_a person_n 43.4_o psal_n 43.4_o neither_o will_v i_o have_v fellowship_n with_o the_o deceitful_a i_o have_v hate_v the_o congregation_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o will_v not_o sit_v among_o the_o ungodly_a i_o will_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n o_o lord_n and_o so_o will_v i_o compass_v thy_o altar_n and_o when_o ever_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o calling_n oblige_v we_o to_o frequent_v their_o company_n we_o must_v say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n woe_n be_v i_o that_o i_o dwell_v in_o mesech_n 120.5_o psal_n 120.5_o and_o take_v up_o my_o habitation_n in_o the_o tent_n of_o kedar_n in_o short_a let_v we_o observe_v these_o three_o rule_n 1._o let_v we_o imitate_v they_o in_o good_a thing_n the_o form_n of_o godliness_n the_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n be_v high_o necessary_a and_o praiseworthy_a let_v we_o therefore_o imitate_v they_o in_o this_o nay_o let_v we_o go_v beyond_o they_o in_o a_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a duty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o prayer_n the_o solemnity_n of_o our_o fast_n the_o become_a decency_n of_o our_o worship_n and_o in_o avoid_v all_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v not_o only_o heinous_a offence_n against_o god_n but_o scandalous_a among_o man_n and_o uneasy_a to_o modest_a and_o virtuous_a conversation_n let_v that_o face_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o put_v on_o incite_v in_o we_o a_o holy_a emulation_n to_o outdo_v they_o in_o their_o own_o art_n for_o good_a be_v still_o the_o same_o in_o whatsoever_o subject_a it_o be_v find_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n
to_o keep_v at_o home_n and_o find_v that_o a_o right_a management_n of_o his_o own_o action_n be_v a_o full_a employ_v sufficient_a to_o take_v up_o all_o his_o time_n and_o thought_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o intermeddle_v with_o other_o man_n concern_v or_o to_o intrude_v himself_o into_o business_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o he_o or_o he_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o himself_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o miscarriage_n and_o the_o reflection_n on_o his_o own_o infirmity_n withhold_v he_o from_o reprove_v the_o failure_n of_o other_o man_n who_o as_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v be_v better_o than_o himself_o 2._o a_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o err_v on_o the_o charitable_a side_n he_o be_v with_o difficulty_n persuade_v to_o believe_v ill_o of_o his_o neighbour_n though_o the_o crime_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o he_o be_v apparent_o and_o notorious_o true_a charity_n will_v find_v out_o many_o excuse_n turn_v the_o best_a side_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v the_o most_o candid_a representation_n of_o his_o neighbour_n action_n they_o will_v bear_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n at_o least_o 4.8_o 1_o eph._n 4.8_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n 3._o a_o good_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o timorous_a a_o mild_a and_o humble_a temper_n of_o mind_n make_v he_o fearful_a of_o disoblige_v those_o with_o who_o he_o maintain_v a_o fair_a correspondence_n and_o to_o who_o probable_o he_o may_v have_v be_v behold_v for_o many_o good_a office_n and_o for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a reason_n he_o may_v be_v very_o averse_a and_o backward_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v he_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v for_o be_v so_o for_o difficulty_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n for_o the_o non-performance_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a argument_n can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o set_v about_o it_o more_o manful_o and_o courageous_o thou_o know_v that_o i_o be_v a_o austere_a man_n say_v the_o lord_n to_o his_o idle_a and_o unprofitable_a servant_n take_v up_o that_o i_o lay_v not_o down_o 19.22_o luk._n 19.22_o and_o reap_v that_o i_o do_v not_o sow_v wherefore_o then_o give_v thou_o not_o my_o money_n into_o the_o bank_n i._n e._n since_o nothing_o but_o a_o diligent_a and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v god_n will_v enable_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o duty_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o employ_v all_o our_o strength_n and_o industry_n turn_v every_o stone_n use_v all_o just_a and_o likely_a mean_n which_o will_v yield_v we_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o difficulty_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n will_v appear_v still_o great_a by_o consider_v 2._o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v reprove_v for_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o kind_n and_o favourable_a acceptance_n of_o what_o we_o design_v for_o the_o good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n many_o man_n be_v like_o those_o swine_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o throw_v the_o pearl_n of_o good_a advice_n before_o they_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v themselves_o behold_v to_o we_o for_o this_o our_o kind_n and_o charitable_a office_n that_o they_o will_v turn_v again_o and_o rend_v we_o 7.6_o matth._n 7.6_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o lose_v their_o good_a opinion_n and_o friendship_n and_o that_o they_o will_v become_v our_o enemy_n because_o we_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n for_o 1._o we_o shall_v find_v that_o some_o man_n think_v themselves_o too_o great_a to_o be_v reprove_v they_o be_v indeed_o conscious_a of_o their_o own_o fail_n they_o know_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o scandalous_a crime_n and_o gross_a immorality_n but_o yet_o they_o fancy_n that_o they_o may_v live_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o restraint_n because_o they_o be_v above_o the_o common_a rank_n and_o level_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v plenty_n of_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v they_o in_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n without_o a_o servile_a dependence_n on_o any_o one_o and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o entrenchment_n on_o their_o privilege_n to_o be_v call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o word_n or_o action_n or_o to_o be_v reprove_v for_o their_o evil_a deed_n though_o with_o never_o so_o much_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n mildness_n and_o submission_n what_o be_v more_o frequent_a than_o for_o man_n of_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o lavish_a out_o those_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n providence_n of_o which_o they_o be_v only_o the_o steward_n and_o trustee_n in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n chamber_v and_o wantonness_n on_o this_o false_a supposition_n that_o they_o may_v do_v what_o they_o please_v with_o what_o they_o through_o mistake_n call_v their_o own_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o fill_v all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v with_o oath_n and_o execration_n and_o the_o blasphemous_a abuse_n of_o god_n most_o holy_a name_n and_o yet_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o rudeness_n ill-breeding_a and_o a_o intolerable_a affront_n shall_v any_o one_o reprove_v they_o for_o so_o do_v 2._o other_o there_o be_v and_o those_o of_o all_o rank_n and_o degree_n who_o think_v themselves_o too_o good_a to_o be_v reprove_v there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o a_o pharisaical_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n that_o they_o make_v their_o own_o word_n and_o action_n the_o standard_n whereby_o they_o try_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n they_o first_o lie_v it_o down_o for_o a_o rule_n that_o that_o church_n or_o party_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n be_v the_o only_a true_a one_o upon_o earth_n they_o fancy_n themselves_o the_o only_o elect_a of_o god_n and_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o make_v this_o false_a and_o dangerous_a inference_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o think_v nor_o act_n amiss_o for_o since_o they_o be_v the_o elect_n and_o precious_a in_o who_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n therefore_o it_o be_v high_a injustice_n for_o any_o one_o else_o to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n to_o how_o little_a purpose_n will_v it_o be_v to_o reprove_v a_o man_n that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v attain_v unto_o perfection_n and_o be_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o performance_n that_o he_o aspire_v to_o work_n of_o supererogation_n for_o to_o be_v so_o humble_a as_o to_o disclaim_v any_o pretence_n to_o merit_n and_o to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o our_o own_o want_n be_v a_o qualification_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o render_v a_o man_n capable_a of_o receive_v benefit_n by_o good_a advice_n and_o last_o most_o man_n be_v too_o wise_a to_o be_v reprove_v self-conceit_n be_v so_o natural_a and_o graceful_a a_o vice_n that_o all_o man_n be_v more_o or_o less_o give_v to_o it_o 3.5_o prov._n 3.5_o we_o be_v all_o apt_a to_o lean_v too_o much_o to_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o to_o esteem_v those_o opinion_n false_a and_o those_o practice_n ridiculous_a which_o do_v not_o exact_o fall_v in_o with_o our_o preconception_n till_o by_o use_n they_o be_v render_v customary_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o we_o have_v a_o kindness_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o carry_v our_o own_o badge_n upon_o it_o or_o have_v any_o relation_n to_o we_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o offspring_n either_o of_o our_o mind_n or_o body_n though_o never_o so_o much_o deform_v with_o what_o extenuate_a circumstance_n do_v we_o clothe_v our_o darling_n vice_n so_o that_o they_o may_v appear_v if_o not_o like_o virtue_n yet_o more_o venial_a and_o excusable_a reprove_v the_o covetous_a man_n for_o his_o avarice_n and_o he_o will_v tell_v you_o you_o be_v mistake_v that_o he_o be_v only_o lay_v up_o against_o a_o rainy_a day_n and_o wise_o provident_a against_o future_a contingence_n and_o what_o you_o call_v sordidness_n be_v only_a foresight_n and_o frugality_n admonish_v the_o prodigal_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o will_v soon_o squander_v away_o what_o his_o more_o frugal_a ancestor_n take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o rake_v together_o and_o he_o will_v smile_v upon_o you_o and_o make_v you_o this_o answer_n that_o he_o hate_v to_o be_v sneak_v and_o niggardly_a and_o what_o you_o term_v profuseness_n and_o luxury_n he_o mis-calls_a liberality_n you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o persuade_v the_o superstitious_a that_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o splendid_a show_n or_o ritual_a performance_n or_o the_o blind_a zealot_n that_o whilst_o he_o destroy_v his_o brother_n he_o do_v not_o do_v god_n good_a service_n or_o the_o giddy_a enthusiast_n that_o his_o tongue_n be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o coal_n from_o the_o altar_n
we_o reprove_v in_o another_o and_o the_o consideration_n that_o his_o eye_n be_v upon_o we_o will_v make_v we_o more_o wary_a in_o our_o carriage_n towards_o he_o and_o more_o exact_a in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n thou_o that_o teach_v another_o say_v the_o apostle_n teach_v thou_o not_o thyself_o 2.21_o rom._n 2.21_o thou_o that_o preach_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o steal_v do_v thou_o steal_v thou_o that_o say_v a_o man_n shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n do_v thou_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o that_o abhor_v idol_n do_v thou_o commit_v sacrilege_n 3._o we_o shall_v entitle_v ourselves_o to_o a_o bless_a reward_n he_o that_o say_v to_o the_o wicked_a thou_o be_v righteous_a shall_v the_o people_n curse_n 25._o prov._n 24.24_o 25._o nation_n shall_v abhor_v he_o but_o to_o they_o that_o rebuke_v he_o shall_v be_v delight_n and_o a_o good_a blessing_n shall_v come_v upon_o he_o last_o we_o shall_v hereby_o avoid_v those_o mischief_n which_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v certain_o bring_v upon_o we_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o admonish_v our_o neighbour_n when_o we_o see_v he_o commit_v any_o grievous_a and_o presumptuous_a sin_n we_o ourselves_o be_v partaker_n in_o his_o gild_n and_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o it_o before_o god_n have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n 5.11_o eph._n 5.11_o but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o and_o not_o to_o reprove_v they_o will_v be_v account_v to_o have_v fellowship_n with_o they_o these_o be_v such_o weighty_a consideration_n and_o powerful_a motive_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v encourage_v every_o one_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n though_o never_o so_o difficult_a but_o since_o it_o require_v not_o only_a courage_n and_o ability_n but_o also_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o prudence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o perform_v it_o aright_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o iv_o and_o last_o place_n lay_v down_o some_o direction_n for_o a_o due_a and_o prudential_a execution_n of_o it_o 1._o propose_v to_o yourself_o a_o good_a end_n in_o reprove_v other_o 2._o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o offence_n 3._o endeavour_v to_o avoid_v that_o fault_n yourself_o you_o reprove_v in_o other_o 4._o use_v the_o most_o inoffensive_a word_n and_o do_v it_o after_o the_o mild_a manner_n imaginable_a 5._o observe_v such_o due_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n as_o your_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v 1._o be_v sure_a to_o propose_v to_o yourself_o a_o good_a end_n in_o reprove_v other_o which_o must_v be_v the_o benefit_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v reprove_v for_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o reprove_v he_o be_v to_o vent_v your_o own_o passion_n or_o to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o resentment_n of_o your_o own_o mind_n the_o person_n reprove_v will_v reap_v very_o little_a benefit_n by_o it_o he_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o personal_a quarrel_n proceed_v from_o the_o illwill_a of_o his_o adversary_n and_o rather_o seek_v a_o way_n how_o he_o may_v retaliate_v the_o injury_n as_o he_o call_v it_o than_o look_v into_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o amend_v his_o fault_n it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o a_o cure_n to_o have_v a_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o physician_n which_o will_v incline_v we_o to_o follow_v his_o advice_n and_o make_v a_o due_a application_n of_o his_o prescription_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o medicine_n without_o a_o proper_a and_o timely_a application_n of_o it_o can_v make_v it_o effectual_a if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v our_o reproof_n shall_v take_v place_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a so_o to_o manage_v it_o that_o the_o person_n admonish_v may_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o effect_n of_o our_o love_n and_o goodwill_n our_o sincere_a desire_n to_o promote_v his_o interest_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o advantage_n we_o may_v propose_v to_o ourselves_o by_o it_o or_o the_o gratify_v a_o peevish_a and_o querulous_a humour_n 2._o let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o offence_n before_o we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o reprove_v any_o one_o a_o uncertain_a rumour_n or_o common_a fame_n which_o be_v to_o frequent_o a_o common_a liar_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reproof_n much_o less_o a_o groundless_a surmise_n or_o wide_a conjecture_n but_o we_o must_v be_v moral_o certain_a of_o the_o offence_n and_o either_o witness_n of_o it_o ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v have_v such_o plain_a evidence_n for_o it_o though_o not_o ocular_a demonstration_n as_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v call_v in_o question_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o ill_a report_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o yield_v a_o ready_a and_o willing_a ear_n to_o defamation_n and_o tale-bearing_a show_v that_o either_o we_o be_v very_o ill-natured_a ourselves_o or_o else_o very_o credulous_a that_o we_o want_v the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o christianity_n i_o mean_v love_n and_o charity_n to_o our_o neighbour_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v not_o easy_o provoke_v think_v no_o evil_a 6._o 1_o cor._n 13.4_o 5_o 6._o bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v all_o thing_n hope_v all_o thing_n endure_v all_o thing_n i._n e._n believe_v and_o hope_v the_o best_a of_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o man._n and_o this_o be_v a_o grace_n so_o essential_a to_o christianity_n that_o whosoever_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o may_v make_v what_o pretence_n he_o please_v to_o purity_n holiness_n and_o perfection_n but_o he_o be_v in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o christ_n school_n and_o ignorant_a of_o the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o true_a religion_n 3._o be_v sure_a you_o yourself_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o that_o fault_n 141.5_o psal_n 141.5_o which_o you_o reprove_v in_o other_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kindness_n and_o let_v he_o reprove_v i_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o excellent_a oil_n which_o shall_v not_o break_v my_o head_n for_o though_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n and_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o suffer_v the_o word_n of_o exhortation_n and_o reproof_n though_o from_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o his_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n yet_o for_o the_o most_o part_n it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o reproof_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n make_v very_o little_a impression_n upon_o we_o we_o can_v hardly_o believe_v they_o in_o earnest_n who_o blame_v we_o for_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o recommend_v by_o their_o own_o example_n and_o we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o cry_v down_o the_o vice_n be_v that_o they_o may_v engross_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o but_o when_o a_o man_n of_o know_a virtue_n and_o probity_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o reprove_v his_o admonition_n earty_a weight_n and_o authority_n along_o with_o they_o the_o reverence_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o his_o person_n set_v a_o edge_n upon_o his_o reproof_n and_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o request_n as_o command_v a_o reformation_n 4._o in_o reprove_v we_o must_v use_v the_o most_o inoffensive_a word_n and_o do_v it_o after_o the_o mild_a manner_n imaginable_a brethren_n 6.1_o gal._n 6.1_o say_v the_o apostle_n if_o any_o man_n be_v overtake_v in_o a_o fault_n you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a restore_v such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n consider_v thyself_o lest_o thou_o also_o be_v tempt_v if_o his_o offence_n proceed_v either_o from_o weakness_n or_o inadvertency_n from_o mistake_n or_o the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o oil_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n a_o mild_a and_o friendly_a admonition_n will_v sink_v deep_o into_o his_o mind_n and_o soon_o heal_v the_o wound_n than_o a_o more_o rough_a and_o churlish_a medicine_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o time_n when_o we_o must_v use_v the_o caustick_a and_o the_o corrosive_n when_o we_o meet_v with_o a_o dare_a and_o insolent_a offender_n at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o to_o be_v cold_a or_o lukewarm_a be_v to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o to_o encourage_v man_n in_o their_o wicked_a do_n we_o must_v show_v ourselves_o zealous_a for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o god_n and_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o our_o brother_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o this_o zeal_n be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n 10.2_o rom._n 10.2_o that_o it_o be_v moderate_v and_o temper_v with_o true_a christian_a prudence_n 5._o and_o last_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v such_o due_a circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n etc._n etc._n as_o our_o christian_a prudence_n shall_v direct_v and_o right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o man_n conversant_a in_o business_n that_o the_o success_n of_o our_o
divine_a joy_n to_o see_v those_o church_n raise_v to_o a_o great_a height_n and_o adorn_v with_o a_o more_o splendid_a magnificency_n than_o their_o first_o founder_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o any_o one_o who_o consult_v ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n increase_v and_o king_n and_o emperor_n become_v the_o nurse_n father_n of_o the_o church_n more_o stately_a and_o magnificent_a structure_n be_v build_v and_o dedicate_v to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n no_o cost_n be_v spare_v nothing_o be_v think_v too_o good_a for_o this_o sacred_a use_n the_o whole_a christian_a world_n do_v seem_v to_o rejoice_v that_o they_o have_v the_o liberty_n of_o bestow_v their_o good_n to_o this_o holy_a purpose_n and_o their_o profuse_a liberality_n be_v speak_v of_o with_o honour_n and_o approbation_n gaudentium_fw-la st._n jerom._n ad_fw-la nepotian_n de_fw-fr vitâ_fw-la clerici_fw-la ad_fw-la demetr_v epist_n 12._o ad_fw-la gaudentium_fw-la it_o be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o father_n which_o seem_v to_o condemn_v these_o expensive_a building_n but_o than_o it_o be_v only_o comparative_o when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o lay_v out_o upon_o these_o structure_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o bestow_v on_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o they_o have_v such_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o adorn_v church_n that_o they_o starve_v the_o poor_a and_o do_v not_o provide_v a_o competent_a allowance_n for_o those_o who_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n and_o now_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o who_o profess_v ourselves_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n endeavour_v to_o adorn_v our_o profession_n by_o a_o diligent_a and_o constant_a attendance_n on_o the_o public_a office_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o due_a preparation_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o these_o holy_a duty_n and_o a_o devout_a comportment_n of_o ourselves_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o a_o filial_a regard_n to_o all_o those_o devout_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n enjoin_v we_o by_o our_o superior_n that_o so_o we_o who_o be_v now_o member_n of_o the_o church_n militant_a may_v as_o far_o as_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n will_v permit_v resemble_v that_o hide_a dignity_n and_o glory_n wherewith_o the_o church_n triumphant_a in_o heaven_n be_v glorify_v and_o worship_n our_o god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n sermon_n vi._n 1_o thes_n v._o 22._o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o several_a truth_n deliver_v in_o the_o body_n of_o this_o epistle_n between_o which_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a connection_n neither_o have_v they_o any_o exact_a dependence_n one_o upon_o another_o only_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o those_o which_o go_v immediate_o before_o do_v bear_v some_o relation_n for_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n the_o apostle_n give_v direction_n concern_v our_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v good_a we_o must_v careful_o examine_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o god_n word_n whether_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n and_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o those_o which_o seem_v and_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a and_o those_o which_o be_v real_o so_o we_o must_v reject_v the_o one_o and_o hold_v fast_o the_o other_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v take_v quite_o different_a measure_n in_o relation_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v evil_a which_o either_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n or_o which_o we_o have_v any_o probable_a reason_n to_o suspect_v be_v so_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n there_o be_v indeed_o another_o interpretation_n of_o these_o word_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o syriac_a version_n render_v they_o abstain_v from_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_n but_o since_o this_o word_n be_v not_o so_o render_v in_o any_o other_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n from_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n to_o translate_v it_o so_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o interpreter_n to_o follow_v the_o vulgar_a translation_n and_o render_v it_o as_o in_o my_o text_n abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o rather_o â—â—_o phil._n 4._o â—â—_o because_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o other_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n the_o word_n thus_o understand_v may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o the_o direct_v our_o life_n and_o conversation_n the_o latter_a of_o these_o be_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o my_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v be_v what_o those_o action_n and_o practice_n be_v which_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a and_o from_o which_o we_o be_v command_v to_o abstain_v that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o shall_v consider_v these_o word_n 1._o absolute_o and_o 2._o as_o they_o bear_v a_o respect_n and_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n first_o take_v absolute_o they_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o proposition_n that_o we_o must_v not_o do_v any_o action_n which_o either_o real_o be_v or_o have_v the_o blush_n or_o appearance_n of_o evil._n second_o if_o consider_v with_o respect_n to_o our_o neighbour_n they_o import_v that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v a_o occasion_n of_o offence_n or_o scandal_n to_o our_o brother_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o word_n absolute_o and_o then_o they_o import_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n ii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v even_o from_o lawful_a action_n if_o they_o appear_v evil_a to_o we_o iii_o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o such_o action_n which_o have_v any_o tendency_n to_o incite_v ensnare_v and_o tempt_v we_o into_o sin_n 1._o that_o we_o must_v abstain_v from_o every_o action_n word_n or_o thought_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o it_o may_v appear_v of_o never_o so_o little_a concernment_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n though_o in_o the_o small_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n must_v be_v careful_o avoid_v by_o we_o because_o every_o such_o transgression_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o god_n anger_n and_o by_o consequence_n render_v we_o liable_a to_o everlasting_a punishment_n let_v we_o therefore_o careful_o avoid_v even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o take_v care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o offend_v with_o our_o tongue_n remember_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n every_o idle_a word_n must_v be_v account_v for_o and_o that_o in_o god_n book_n all_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v record_v some_o sin_n be_v indeed_o of_o a_o deep_a dye_n than_o other_o and_o do_v admit_v of_o more_o heinous_a aggravation_n sin_n commit_v wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o be_v more_o hateful_a to_o god_n be_v the_o conscience_n more_o and_o by_o consequence_n be_v more_o dangerous_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o soul_n than_o those_o sin_n into_o which_o we_o be_v betray_v by_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o surprise_n of_o a_o temptation_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v small_a or_o little_a or_o as_o the_o papist_n speak_v venial_a for_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o wilful_a transgression_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n 3.4_o 1_o joh._n 3.4_o and_o whoever_o wilful_o offend_v god_n just_o incur_v the_o sentence_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n nay_o even_o the_o light_a breach_n of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n as_o may_v render_v they_o of_o more_o pernicious_a consequence_n unto_o we_o than_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n imply_v a_o great_a gild_n a_o small_a injury_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o vilify_v and_o reproach_v we_o be_v resent_v more_o heinous_o than_o when_o we_o sustain_v a_o great_a damage_n through_o the_o folly_n and_o inadvertency_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o least_o sin_n wilful_o commit_v and_o obstinate_o persevere_v in_o will_v deprive_v we_o utter_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n how_o vain_a and_o dangerous_a then_o be_v that_o know_a distinction_n of_o sin_n among_o the_o papist_n into_o sin_n venial_a and_o sin_n mortal_a i._n e._n as_o they_o explain_v it_o into_o such_o sin_n as_o do_v deserve_v eternal_a
and_o abstain_v from_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n let_v he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o use_v such_o wholesome_a mortification_n as_o may_v bring_v his_o appetite_n into_o subjection_n to_o the_o reasonable_a power_n of_o his_o soul_n if_o drunkenness_n be_v his_o darling_n vice_n let_v he_o not_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n when_o it_o be_v red_a when_o it_o give_v its_o colour_n in_o the_o cup_n when_o it_o move_v itself_o aright_o but_o consider_v that_o at_o last_o it_o bit_v like_o a_o serpent_n 32._o prov._n 23.31_o 32._o and_o sting_v like_o a_o adder_n let_v he_o put_v a_o knife_n to_o his_o throat_n in_o solomon_n phrase_n when_o he_o be_v in_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a company_n i._n e._n consider_v the_o danger_n he_o be_v in_o of_o abuse_v those_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o intemperance_n and_o luxury_n which_o be_v design_v for_o his_o comfort_n and_o support_v and_o let_v he_o as_o much_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v avoid_v all_o such_o place_n and_o company_n as_o be_v likely_a to_o promote_v excess_n and_o riot_n thus_o we_o find_v that_o joseph_n be_v solicit_v by_o his_o lascivious_a mistress_n to_o defile_v his_o master_n bed_n will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hearken_v unto_o she_o 39.10_o gen._n 39.10_o or_o tarry_v with_o she_o in_o the_o house_n the_o nazarenes_n be_v forbid_v the_o use_n of_o wine_n will_v not_o eat_v the_o husk_n and_o kernel_n of_o the_o grape_n nay_o so_o careful_a be_v they_o to_o avoid_v all_o the_o temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pass_v through_o a_o vineyard_n lest_o they_o shall_v covet_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n very_o remarkable_a be_v the_o example_n of_o that_o excellent_a emperor_n theodosius_n who_o be_v betray_v to_o some_o rash_a and_o sinful_a action_n by_o the_o sudden_a transport_n of_o his_o passion_n oblige_v himself_o never_o to_o execute_v any_o matter_n of_o moment_n till_o he_o have_v first_o repeat_v the_o lord_n prayer_n that_o by_o give_v himself_o time_n for_o second_o and_o more_o sober_a thought_n he_o may_v calm_o deliberate_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v add_v be_v it_o needful_a this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o daily_a use_n and_o practise_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o now_o have_v endeavour_v to_o state_n this_o question_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a in_o matter_n practical_a in_o relation_n to_o ourselves_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v second_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a with_o relation_n to_o other_o for_o the_o do_v good_a to_o other_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o the_o be_v good_a ourselves_o and_o our_o great_a business_n in_o this_o world_n next_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n be_v the_o be_v beneficial_a to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o the_o endeavour_v by_o all_o way_n possible_a to_o promote_v his_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a welfare_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o please_v god_n and_o glorify_v he_o but_o pursue_v our_o own_o true_a interest_n also_o for_o since_o every_o man_n have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o good_a of_o that_o society_n in_o which_o he_o live_v whatsoever_o benefit_n accrue_v to_o the_o community_n must_v in_o the_o end_n redound_v upon_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_a to_o ourselves_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o other_o when_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v as_o useful_a and_o helpful_a as_o possible_o we_o can_v be_v to_o those_o who_o be_v embark_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o common_a interest_n 5.9_o rom._n 5.9_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v say_v the_o apostle_n goodness_n or_o a_o charitable_a disposition_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n i._n e._n a_o inclination_n to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a we_o be_v able_a to_o all_o man_n be_v a_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o carry_v such_o endear_n charm_v along_o with_o it_o that_o a_o man_n will_v rather_o venture_v his_o own_o life_n than_o such_o a_o benefactor_n to_o mankind_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o his_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o employ_v all_o those_o talent_n god_n have_v entrust_v we_o with_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n in_o be_v beneficial_a to_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v in_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a reprove_v the_o faulty_a make_v peace_n among_o such_o as_o be_v at_o variance_n and_o administer_a to_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o brother_n and_o expend_v in_o work_n of_o charity_n whatsoever_o we_o have_v more_o than_o will_v make_v a_o comfortable_a provision_n for_o ourselves_o and_o family_n according_a to_o that_o station_n and_o condition_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n lay_v down_o negative_o in_o the_o text._n we_o must_v abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil._n i.e._n we_o must_v set_v so_o strict_a a_o watch_n over_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n that_o we_o neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v to_o the_o prejudice_n or_o offence_n of_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n that_o we_o be_v not_o open_o injurious_a to_o he_o or_o do_v he_o wrong_v in_o his_o person_n estate_n or_o good_a name_n but_o we_o must_v avoid_v speak_v any_o word_n that_o look_v like_o a_o injury_n or_o have_v thou_o but_o a_o oblique_a tendency_n to_o his_o disparagement_n and_o disgrace_n or_o which_o have_v any_o probability_n of_o be_v misinterpret_v for_o a_o affront_n if_o we_o foresee_v it_o may_v draw_v any_o ill_a consequence_n after_o it_o or_o give_v he_o any_o cause_n of_o just_a offence_n we_o ought_v to_o restrain_v ourselves_o and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o utter_v it_o and_o if_o so_o then_o herein_o be_v imply_v that_o we_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n all_o the_o good_a turn_v which_o lie_n in_o our_o power_n that_o we_o love_v he_o as_o ourselves_o and_o make_v our_o own_o self-love_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o word_n and_o action_n towards_o he_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n deal_v with_o he_o as_o we_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n 7.12_o matth._n 7.12_o will_v desire_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o as_o strict_o enjoin_v we_o and_o as_o emphatical_o express_v as_o they_o can_v be_v by_o any_o positive_a command_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n dictate_v to_o we_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v we_o almost_o in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a inducement_n our_o unquestionable_a interest_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n seem_v so_o concern_v for_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v rather_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o immediate_a service_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v omit_v 9.13_o matth._n 9.13_o he_o be_v better_a please_v with_o mercy_n i._n e._n do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n a_o duty_n which_o even_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n those_o who_o seem_v to_o have_v cast_v off_o all_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o perform_v for_o a_o sense_n and_o principle_n of_o honour_n be_v sufficient_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o bear_v a_o sincere_a affection_n to_o their_o country_n and_o their_o friend_n to_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o deal_n and_o punctual_a observer_n of_o their_o word_n we_o may_v find_v example_n enough_o among_o the_o heathen_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v patriot_n to_o their_o country_n and_o have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o generous_a instance_n of_o a_o inviolable_a friendship_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v urge_v no_o more_o argument_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o so_o plain_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n but_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o since_o our_o action_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferent_a i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o general_a rule_n in_o relation_n to_o every_o one_o of_o these_o and_o i._o we_o must_v not_o be_v so_o desirous_a of_o do_v good_a to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o to_o do_v any_o action_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n evil_a though_o we_o be_v assure_v some_o great_a good_a may_v be_v effect_v thereby_o ii_o we_o must_v sometime_o omit_v even_o good_a action_n when_o they_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o some_o evil_n or_o a_o reasonable_a offence_n may_v be_v take_v at_o the_o
and_o here_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o dangerous_a mistake_n which_o many_o of_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o deep_a and_o serious_a sense_n what_o a_o weighty_a and_o solemn_a duty_n the_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o they_o forbear_v it_o because_o they_o think_v they_o be_v not_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n these_o very_a man_n presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o church_n to_o address_v themselves_o unto_o god_n throne_n and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n without_o any_o preparation_n at_o all_o as_o if_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v the_o only_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o require_v care_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o scrupulous_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n whilst_o they_o be_v too_o negligent_a and_o profane_a on_o the_o other_o they_o whole_o omit_v one_o ordinance_n of_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n because_o they_o will_v not_o prepare_v themselves_o at_o all_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o man_n who_o live_v so_o long_o under_o the_o most_o powerful_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n edify_v so_o little_a by_o it_o why_o their_o understanding_n be_v so_o little_o improve_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o little_o better_v thereby_o but_o because_o they_o do_v not_o bring_v prepare_v mind_n and_o good_a disposition_n along_o with_o they_o their_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o worldly_a affair_n their_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o impure_a spirit_n have_v take_v possession_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v up_o his_o abode_n with_o they_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o give_v he_o any_o suitable_a entertainment_n some_o preparation_n therefore_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v make_v before_o we_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o may_v be_v perform_v after_o this_o or_o such_o like_a manner_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n or_o any_o other_o day_n dedicate_v to_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n and_o set_v apart_o from_o our_o private_a employment_n to_o the_o more_o solemn_a worship_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o awake_v let_v our_o soul_n be_v season_v with_o some_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o sun_n salute_v our_o eye_n and_o refresh_v our_o body_n with_o his_o comfortable_a beam_n 4.2_o mal._n 4.2_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n do_v arise_v with_o heal_v in_o his_o wing_n and_o make_v we_o the_o overture_n of_o some_o peculiar_a favour_n that_o this_o day_n be_v set_v apart_o by_o the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o receive_v the_o homage_n of_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o enter_v his_o court_n appear_v before_o his_o throne_n admire_v his_o excellency_n adore_v his_o perfection_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o lay_v open_a their_o want_n before_o he_o and_o beg_a supply_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n to_o improve_v these_o season_n of_o grace_n to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v our_o god_n and_o not_o only_o to_o put_v our_o body_n into_o a_o decent_a and_o become_a dress_n but_o to_o adorn_v our_o soul_n with_o such_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o poor_a sinful_a man_n when_o they_o appear_v before_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o because_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n 16.1_o prov._n 16.1_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prostrate_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o to_o beseech_v god_n 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n that_o he_o will_v inspire_v our_o heart_n with_o holy_a disposition_n and_o afford_v we_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o cast_v out_o of_o our_o mind_n all_o vain_a and_o worldly_a thought_n to_o subdue_v all_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o to_o he_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n a_o pure_a undefiled_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n that_o we_o may_v spend_v this_o day_n especial_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o iâ—â—edicated_v to_o god_n immediate_a service_n â—â—ter_v so_o holy_a and_o devout_a a_o manner_n as_o may_v promote_v our_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o hereby_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n 5.16_o matth._n 5.16_o let_v we_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o his_o good_a spirit_n may_v go_v along_o with_o we_o through_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o day_n and_o incite_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v we_o in_o every_o good_a work_n that_o he_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v with_o fervency_n and_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o request_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v grant_v we_o to_o hear_v his_o word_n with_o attention_n and_o firm_a resolution_n of_o perform_v whatsoever_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o with_o gladness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o soul_n with_o heart_n fill_v with_o the_o grateful_a resentment_n of_o his_o benefit_n and_o love_a kindness_n towards_o we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v we_o read_v some_o portion_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o make_v this_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n till_o the_o hour_n approach_v when_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o our_o devotion_n and_o we_o hear_v the_o summons_n to_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n it_o will_v then_o be_v time_n to_o enter_v upon_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n how_o we_o have_v pass_v the_o last_o week_n how_o well_o we_o have_v perform_v those_o resolution_n which_o we_o have_v former_o take_v up_o what_o sin_v we_o have_v since_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o good_a duty_n we_o have_v omit_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o these_o our_o neglect_v and_o bewail_v our_o mis-carriage_n and_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v amend_v our_o life_n and_o never_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o that_o we_o will_v walk_v more_o upright_o and_o more_o exact_o in_o obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_v of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o preparation_n of_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o make_v before_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n for_o god_n will_v not_o be_v serve_v with_o unclean_a hand_n and_o a_o unsanctify_v heart_n he_o abhor_v even_o the_o most_o solemn_a fast_n of_o those_o man_n who_o smite_v with_o the_o fist_n of_o wickedness_n 58.4_o isa_n 58.4_o he_o expect_v that_o the_o sprinkle_v water_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o we_o 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n when_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o and_o wash_v our_o hand_n in_o innocency_n 26.6_o psal_n 26.6_o before_o we_o compass_n god_n altar_n let_v we_o therefore_o never_o omit_v this_o examination_n of_o ourselves_o before_o we_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n when_o we_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n so_o to_o do_v for_o though_o upon_o some_o sudden_a emergency_n all_o this_o precaution_n be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v this_o exactness_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v omit_v and_o a_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n of_o mind_n will_v suffice_v yet_o this_o will_n in_o no_o wise_a excuse_n the_o constant_a neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o blame_n from_o those_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o constant_a omission_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o self-examination_n be_v a_o duty_n in_o some_o degree_n as_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o we_o attend_v god_n public_a worship_n as_o it_o be_v before_o the_o receive_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o sacrament_n be_v ancient_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o of_o late_a year_n it_o have_v be_v scandalous_o neglect_v and_o therefore_o as_o when_o man_n come_v to_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n without_o due_a preparation_n 11.29_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o they_o trample_v under_o foot_n christ_n holy_a body_n and_o blood_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v condemnation_n to_o themselves_o so_o when_o they_o frequent_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o attend_v upon_o
as_o well_o upon_o the_o bad_a as_o the_o good_a of_o his_o fullness_n all_o receive_v grace_n for_o grace_n 1.9_o joh._n 1.9_o and_o though_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v not_o impart_v to_o all_o alike_o yet_o every_o man_n receive_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n of_o it_o sufficient_a to_o supply_v all_o his_o want_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a for_o as_o if_o you_o dip_v vessel_n of_o different_a size_n into_o the_o sea_n every_o one_o will_v be_v full_a of_o water_n though_o every_o one_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o quantity_n so_o though_o there_o be_v different_a gift_n and_o different_a administration_n and_o different_a measure_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o man_n yet_o god_n withhold_v from_o no_o man_n sufficient_a grace_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o to_o answer_v all_o his_o press_a and_o unavoidable_a necessity_n the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n gather_v manna_n 16.18_o exod._n 16.18_o according_a to_o every_o man_n be_v eat_v when_o they_o do_v measure_v it_o with_o a_o omer_n he_o that_o have_v gather_v much_o have_v nothing_o over_o and_o he_o that_o have_v gather_v little_a have_v no_o lack_n so_o god_n give_v his_o grace_n unto_o man_n according_a to_o every_o man_n necessity_n measure_v it_o with_o a_o omer_n weigh_v all_o the_o circumstance_n and_o you_o will_v find_v that_o neither_o he_o that_o have_v little_a have_v cause_n to_o repine_v nor_o he_o that_o have_v much_o to_o boast_v one_o man_n be_v surround_v with_o temptation_n burden_v and_o load_v even_o to_o the_o ground_n with_o affliction_n oppress_v with_o difficulty_n and_o to_o this_o man_n god_n give_v a_o great_a portion_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n he_o assist_v he_o more_o powerful_o he_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v he_o after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o close_v and_o grapple_v with_o the_o difficulty_n or_o temptation_n which_o assault_v he_o another_o have_v be_v nurture_v in_o vice_n and_o bring_v up_o in_o debauchery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v reclaim_v from_o his_o evil_a do_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o a_o outstretched_a arm._n a_o three_o have_v be_v long_o accustom_a to_o good_a and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o sobriety_n and_o virtue_n and_o require_v only_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o keep_v he_o so_o thus_o god_n like_o a_o wise_a housholder_n proportion_v his_o gift_n to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o his_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o will_v require_v of_o every_o one_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v receive_v and_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o work_n he_o that_o have_v but_o one_o talon_n give_v he_o if_o he_o well_o employ_v that_o one_o may_v obtain_v the_o government_n of_o one_o city_n though_o he_o have_v not_o the_o high_a place_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o will_v find_v admittance_n there_o where_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o happiness_n will_v consist_v of_o joy_n unspeakable_a which_o transcend_v all_o comparison_n but_o if_o god_n call_v out_o any_o one_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o to_o be_v a_o eminent_a example_n of_o patience_n or_o long_o suffer_v or_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n he_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o strength_n so_o that_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v rest_v assure_v that_o though_o at_o present_a he_o find_v himself_o weak_a and_o frail_a and_o unable_a to_o undergo_v the_o affliction_n which_o he_o fear_v will_v sudden_o fall_v upon_o he_o yet_o i_o say_v he_o may_v assure_v himself_o that_o the_o divine_a assistance_n will_v always_o attend_v he_o god_n will_v never_o leave_v he_o nor_o forsake_v he_o but_o as_o his_o trouble_n grow_v upon_o he_o so_o shall_v he_o be_v supply_v with_o more_o power_n more_o courage_n and_o more_o ability_n to_o bear_v up_o under_o they_o god_n be_v faithful_a 10.13_o 1._o cor._n 10.13_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v as_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o and_o that_o god_n have_v be_v faithful_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o his_o other_o promise_n we_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n but_o that_o of_o our_o own_o conscience_n for_o if_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o past_a transaction_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v find_v how_o frequent_o god_n grace_n have_v suggest_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o way_n walk_v in_o it_o when_o we_o be_v in_o suspense_n how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v point_v out_o our_o duty_n to_o we_o how_o often_o we_o have_v be_v prick_v at_o the_o heart_n when_o we_o have_v commit_v any_o sin_n and_o stir_v up_o and_o incite_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o transgress_v god_n command_n have_v general_o be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o improve_v those_o good_a motion_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o impulse_v of_o god_n grace_n within_o we_o for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o other_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n beside_o those_o of_o god_n write_a word_n and_o if_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n suggest_v to_o we_o which_o be_v opposite_a to_o this_o establish_a rule_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o instigation_n of_o a_o evil_a spirit_n yet_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o find_v any_o vigorous_a and_o strong_a inclination_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o that_o place_n then_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o this_o be_v the_o motion_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n work_v in_o we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o to_o encourage_v and_o improve_v it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o then_o it_o will_v certain_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o effect_n for_o which_o god_n at_o the_o first_o design_v and_o intend_v it_o it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o i._n e._n give_v we_o strength_n ability_n and_o mean_n enough_o to_o subdue_v the_o devil_n the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o if_o we_o be_v bring_v under_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o any_o of_o these_o we_o must_v accuse_v our_o own_o sloth_n and_o laziness_n in_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v to_o the_o uttermost_a those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o god_n have_v afford_v we_o this_o will_v be_v make_v more_o evident_a by_o consider_v 3._o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o promise_n be_v make_v my_o grace_n be_v sufficient_a for_o thou_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o person_n here_o speak_v of_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n according_a to_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o his_o life_n such_o variety_n of_o circumstance_n so_o very_o remarkable_a and_o instructive_a that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o condition_n we_o can_v fall_v into_o wherein_o we_o may_v not_o receive_v benefit_n by_o his_o example_n and_o have_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o powerfulness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o god_n grace_n let_v we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o jew_n how_o zealous_a be_v he_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o that_o faith_n how_o furious_a in_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o such_o who_o either_o teach_v or_o live_v in_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 23.6_o act_n 23.6_o he_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o by_o consequence_n a_o rigid_a observer_n not_o only_o of_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o also_o of_o all_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o rabbi_n so_o that_o though_o he_o live_v at_o that_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v on_o earth_n and_o have_v hear_v of_o if_o not_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v yet_o be_v he_o a_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o he_o and_o his_o religion_n and_o this_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n carry_v he_o forth_o to_o a_o furious_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v consent_v to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o martyr_n st._n stephen_n 9.1_o act_n 22.20_o acts._n 8.3_o act_n 9.1_o he_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o church_n and_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o threaten_n and_o slaughter_n against_o the_o disciple_n drag_v man_n and_o woman_n to_o prison_n and_o procure_v letter_n of_o inquisition_n against_o they_o from_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v he_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o only_a righteousness_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o make_v he_o preach_v that_o
the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a and_o desperate_o wicked_a 17.9_o jer._n 17.9_o who_o can_v know_v it_o which_o text_n though_o primary_o intend_v to_o denote_v the_o difficulty_n of_o know_v what_o other_o man_n think_v or_o what_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o thing_n hereafter_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n with_o those_o which_o go_v before_o yet_o they_o may_v well_o serve_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o the_o difficulty_n of_o give_v a_o impartial_a judgement_n of_o the_o present_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o what_o the_o true_a bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n be_v for_o we_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o our_o bosom_n sin_n and_o those_o darling_n delight_v which_o either_o custom_n or_o inclination_n have_v endear_v to_o we_o that_o we_o think_v we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o caress_n they_o and_o though_o our_o affection_n be_v draw_v out_o after_o the_o most_o extravagant_a manner_n after_o they_o yet_o we_o clothe_v they_o with_o such_o plausible_a and_o specious_a pretence_n as_o make_v the_o most_o criminal_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o least_o to_o we_o harmless_a and_o lawful_a who_o be_v there_o that_o will_v not_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o the_o most_o intense_a and_o zealous_a affection_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n in_o a_o low_a and_o subordinate_a degree_n and_o yet_o how_o difficult_a a_o task_n will_v it_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o most_o sordid_a and_o miserable_a worlding_n that_o his_o affection_n be_v not_o place_v on_o thing_n above_o but_o on_o thing_n below_o and_o though_o he_o be_v notorious_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n of_o covetousness_n and_o see_v the_o folly_n of_o it_o in_o other_o man_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o able_a to_o turn_v his_o eye_n inward_a and_o to_o discover_v it_o in_o himself_o so_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n do_v it_o require_v to_o range_v over_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o wind_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o those_o crooked_a path_n which_o sin_n and_o error_n have_v make_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o diligence_n require_v to_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n it_o must_v needs_o call_v for_o our_o utmost_a care_n to_o manage_v they_o aright_o and_o keep_v they_o in_o due_a order_n and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v the_o more_o need_n to_o consider_v iii_o the_o motive_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o text_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o out_o of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n i._n e._n our_o happiness_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o the_o next_o do_v depend_v upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n depend_v upon_o it_o for_o 1._o by_o keep_v our_o heart_n we_o shall_v learn_v to_o manage_v our_o affair_n with_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o extravagant_a action_n which_o man_n commit_v proceed_v either_o from_o the_o want_n of_o a_o due_a deliberation_n before_o they_o enter_v upon_o action_n or_o a_o discreet_a execute_n what_o their_o reason_n tell_v they_o be_v fit_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v either_o they_o be_v hurry_v on_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o headstrong_a passion_n or_o bias_v by_o some_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o these_o betray_v they_o into_o indiscreet_a absurd_a and_o sinful_a word_n and_o action_n now_o he_o that_o be_v accustom_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n consider_v well_o and_o deliberate_o every_o circumstance_n of_o a_o action_n before_o he_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o execution_n he_o weigh_v first_o his_o own_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o then_o inquire_v both_o into_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o avoid_v those_o rock_n upon_o which_o so_o many_o split_n i._n e._n rashness_n in_o set_v upon_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v neither_o power_n nor_o skill_n to_o perform_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o too_o great_a diffidency_n and_o distrust_n of_o his_o own_o ability_n on_o the_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o produce_v shame_n and_o disappointment_n when_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o not_o able_a to_o compass_v the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o and_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o too_o bold_a and_o dare_a design_n the_o second_o deprive_v he_o of_o many_o valuable_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o lie_v in_o his_o way_n and_o require_v only_o the_o pain_n of_o seek_v after_o they_o and_o possess_v himself_o of_o they_o and_o in_o truth_n since_o all_o our_o word_n and_o action_n be_v the_o stream_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o heart_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o govern_v his_o heart_n wise_o and_o prudent_o can_v go_v far_o astray_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n all_o our_o vital_a operation_n will_v savour_v of_o that_o root_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v and_o a_o holy_a life_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o a_o sanctify_a heart_n 2._o a_o due_a government_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v produce_v peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mind_n by_o free_v we_o from_o those_o rage_a passion_n and_o sensual_a affection_n from_o proud_a malicious_a and_o envious_a thought_n which_o disturb_v our_o peace_n and_o quiet_n and_o render_v our_o life_n uneasy_a and_o burdensome_a to_o we_o for_o it_o have_v be_v a_o old_a and_o a_o very_a true_a observation_n that_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o by_o consequence_n happiness_n in_o this_o life_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o indulge_v ourselves_o in_o sensual_a pleasure_n but_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o a_o contentedness_n and_o satisfaction_n with_o that_o condition_n the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n have_v allot_v we_o and_o a_o discreet_a enjoyment_n of_o those_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v make_v our_o portion_n in_o this_o world_n a_o sound_a mind_n in_o a_o sound_a body_n be_v the_o wise_a wish_n of_o a_o heathen_a poet_n for_o that_o man_n who_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o solicitous_a care_n or_o pride_n will_v be_v uneasy_a on_o a_o throne_n and_o miserable_a amid_o the_o most_o plentiful_a affluence_n of_o worldly_a enjoyment_n but_o he_o who_o have_v obtain_v the_o art_n of_o govern_v his_o thought_n by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n will_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o compose_v mind_n amid_o all_o the_o noise_n and_o hurry_v of_o this_o world_n and_o remain_v content_v and_o satisfy_v with_o his_o condition_n without_o cast_v either_o a_o envious_a eye_n on_o the_o possession_n of_o those_o who_o be_v above_o he_o or_o a_o disdainful_a look_v on_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mean_a condition_n than_o himself_o from_o hence_o will_v flow_v 3._o peace_n of_o conscience_n 3.21_o 1_o joh._n 3.21_o for_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o to_o set_v a_o strict_a and_o diligent_a watch_n over_o his_o thought_n will_v be_v from_o thence_o assure_v that_o his_o heart_n be_v upright_o towards_o god_n and_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n and_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o this_o will_v produce_v the_o great_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a advice_n which_o the_o oracle_n give_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o know_v thyself_o for_o a_o through_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n and_o the_o government_n of_o our_o thought_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n word_n be_v a_o chief_a ingredient_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o a_o happy_a life_n in_o this_o world_n these_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o keep_v our_o heart_n as_o to_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o it_o be_v influence_n on_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n we_o must_v needs_o judge_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o 1._o god_n have_v make_v the_o keep_v our_o heart_n one_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v not_o only_o a_o prudential_a council_n contain_v matter_n of_o advice_n but_o a_o positive_a command_n god_n expect_v we_o shall_v comply_v with_o it_o and_o yield_v our_o obedience_n to_o it_o it_o be_v true_a the_o jew_n of_o old_a do_v imagine_v that_o