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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n church_n communion_n particular_a 2,155 5 7.6323 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59549 Fifteen sermons preach'd on several occasions the last of which was never before printed / by ... John, Lord Arch-Bishop of York ... Sharp, John, 1645-1714. 1700 (1700) Wing S2977; ESTC R4705 231,778 520

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opinion_n so_o long_o as_o we_o keep_v they_o to_o ourselves_o can_v possible_o cause_v any_o disturbance_n in_o or_o do_v any_o injury_n to_o society_n but_o a_o power_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o if_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o vent_v and_o publish_v whatever_o fancy_n come_v into_o their_o head_n and_o the_o church_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o impose_v silence_n upon_o they_o it_o can_v be_v avoid_v but_o she_o will_v be_v overrun_v with_o heresy_n and_o embroil_v in_o insinite_a quarrel_n and_o controversy_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o her_o public_a peace_n the_o four_o proposition_n be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o withdraw_a our_o communion_n from_o the_o church_n whereof_o we_o be_v member_n but_o when_o we_o can_v communicate_v with_o it_o without_o the_o commission_n of_o a_o sin_n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n when_o we_o can_v lawful_o do_v so_o as_o have_v be_v before_o 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a_o multitude_n of_o servant_n or_o many_o swell_a title_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n without_o a_o man_n that_o speak_v he_o a_o complete_a man_n or_o make_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n the_o employ_v his_o liberty_n and_o choice_n to_o the_o best_a purpose_n the_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o faculty_n about_o the_o fit_a object_n and_o in_o the_o most_o due_a measure_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o excellent_a now_o none_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o but_o only_o he_o that_o be_v virtuous_a second_o religion_n also_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n most_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o other_o for_o it_o effectual_o secure_v his_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o both_o the_o security_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a and_o also_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v most_o attain_v it_o make_v man_n lover_n of_o their_o country_n loyal_a to_o 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and_o willing_a to_o embrace_v with_o open_a arm_n and_o a_o hearty_a love_n all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o men._n in_o every_o relation_n wherein_o we_o can_v stand_v to_o one_o another_o it_o influence_v upon_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o more_o useful_a it_o make_v parent_n kind_a and_o indulgent_a and_o careful_a of_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o child_n love_v and_o obedient_a to_o their_o parent_n it_o make_v servant_n diligent_a to_o please_v their_o master_n and_o to_o do_v their_o work_n in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o make_v master_n gentle_a and_o forbear_n and_o careful_a to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o family_n as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n or_o capacity_n in_o which_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v signal_o a_o instrument_n of_o make_v we_o more_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o of_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o such_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o it_o must_v needs_o acquire_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o respect_n and_o love_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o obligingness_n and_o do_v good_a in_o one_o generation_n do_v not_o endear_v a_o man_n to_o those_o that_o know_v he_o do_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o their_o love_n and_o affection_n what_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o but_o second_o true_a and_o unaffected_a goodness_n seldom_o miss_v of_o a_o good_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n how_o unjust_a to_o virtue_n soever_o man_n be_v in_o other_o respect_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o general_o give_v it_o its_o due_a wherever_o it_o appear_v it_o general_o meet_v with_o esteem_n and_o approbation_n nay_o it_o have_v the_o good_a word_n of_o many_o that_o otherwise_o be_v not_o overfond_a of_o 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diminish_v that_o it_o will_v become_v much_o more_o considerable_a it_o must_v also_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o even_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o fail_v of_o that_o esteem_n and_o respect_n that_o their_o virtue_n seem_v to_o merit_v nay_o in_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o despise_v and_o to_o have_v many_o odious_a term_n and_o nickname_n put_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n in_o which_o this_o happen_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o for_o the_o disprove_v what_o have_v be_v now_o deliver_v for_o first_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n those_o be_v that_o treat_v virtue_n and_o virtuous_a man_n thus_o contemptuous_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o vile_a of_o mankind_n such_o who_o have_v debauch_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v lose_v all_o the_o notion_n and_o distinction_n 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i_o never_o forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v their_o bread_n last_o to_o conclude_v this_o point_n to_o do_v good_a beside_o all_o these_o advantage_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v most_o to_o consult_v our_o own_o peace_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n possible_a for_o our_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n charity_n as_o dr._n hammond_n use_v to_o say_v be_v real_o a_o piece_n of_o sensuality_n and_o epicurus_n himself_o the_o great_a master_n of_o voluptuousness_n will_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o more_o brave_a but_o more_o pleasant_a to_o do_v kindness_n than_o to_o receive_v they_o and_o certain_o every_o good_a man_n will_v find_v it_o so_o for_o as_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n be_v as_o true_o a_o gratification_n of_o our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o appetite_n as_o any_o other_o action_n or_o thing_n that_o cause_v pleasure_n to_o we_o so_o be_v it_o also_o a_o gratification_n of_o those_o appetite_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o 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will_v pursue_v this_o argument_n no_o far_o but_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o general_a point_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o set_v before_o you_o the_o practicabieness_n of_o this_o great_a duty_n by_o show_v the_o several_a way_n which_o every_o person_n though_o in_o the_o mean_a circumstance_n be_v capable_a of_o do_v good_n a_o great_a many_o there_o be_v that_o be_v as_o strong_o convince_v as_o may_v be_v that_o it_o be_v both_o their_o interest_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v do_v good_a in_o their_o life_n but_o they_o complain_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n they_o have_v not_o any_o mean_n or_o opportunity_n for_o it_o and_o they_o bemoan_v themselves_o sad_o upon_o this_o account_n as_o think_v their_o life_n useless_a because_o they_o have_v not_o those_o visible_a capacity_n of_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n that_o other_o have_v to_o such_o as_o these_o let_v i_o say_v this_o in_o the_o general_a there_o be_v no_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n so_o mean_a and_o despicable_a but_o yield_v we_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_n there_o be_v neither_o old_a nor_o young_a man_z nor_o woman_n rich_a nor_o poor_a high_a nor_o low_a learned_a nor_o unlearned_a but_o in_o their_o sphere_n by_o a_o good_a husbandry_n of_o those_o talent_n that_o god_n have_v entrust_v to_o their_o care_n and_o management_n they_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o other_o and_o prove_v instrument_n of_o much_o good_a in_o their_o generation_n this_o truth_n st._n paul_n most_o elegant_o set_v forth_o in_o 1_o cor._n 12._o where_o he_o compare_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n to_o a_o natural_a body_n there_o he_o show_v that_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v many_o member_n and_o all_o those_o member_n have_v not_o the_o same_o dignity_n and_o honour_n nor_o the_o same_o use_n or_o office_n and_o yet_o every_o member_n even_o the_o mean_a have_v its_o particular_a use_n by_o which_o it_o do_v real_a service_n to_o the_o body_n nay_o so_o useful_a it_o be_v that_o the_o body_n can_v be_v without_o it_o so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n and_o with_o every_o body_n politic_a there_o be_v a_o necessity_n both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o state_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v variety_n of_o function_n and_o calling_n and_o degree_n and_o condition_n there_o must_v be_v some_o to_o govern_v and_o some_o to_o be_v govern_v there_o must_v be_v some_o more_o conspicuous_a some_o more_o obscure_a some_o who_o gift_n and_o endowment_n lie_v this_o way_n and_o some_o who_o talent_n lie_v in_o another_o way_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o these_o but_o in_o his_o degree_n and_o station_n either_o be_v or_o may_v be_v as_o useful_a as_o any_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o society_n so_o that_o the_o eye_n can_v say_v to_o the_o hand_n as_o our_o apostle_n there_o express_v it_o i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o thou_o nor_o again_o the_o head_n to_o the_o foot_n i_o have_v no_o need_n of_o you_o nay_o 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the_o want_n and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n we_o do_v good_a whenever_o we_o contribute_v to_o the_o relieve_n and_o ease_v they_o of_o the_o outward_a pressure_n and_o want_n and_o necessity_n they_o lie_v under_o such_o as_o sickness_n pain_n poverty_n hunger_n nakedness_n debt_n imprisonment_n or_o any_o other_o outward_a affliction_n that_o fall_v upon_o they_o whether_o that_o ease_n and_o relief_n be_v effect_v by_o our_o purse_n or_o by_o our_o counsel_n and_o advice_n or_o by_o our_o labour_n and_o pain_n and_o sure_o some_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n there_o be_v none_o so_o mean_a or_o inconsiderable_a in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o benefit_v his_o poor_a neighbour_n with_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n we_o do_v good_a whenever_o by_o our_o discourse_n or_o other_o endeavour_n we_o make_v man_n better_a or_o wise_a when_o we_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a when_o we_o satisfy_v the_o doubtful_a when_o we_o reduce_v those_o that_o be_v mislead_v by_o error_n when_o we_o establish_v the_o weak_a when_o we_o reprove_v those_o that_o do_v amiss_o in_o a_o word_n all_o our_o attempt_n and_o endeavour_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o to_o reclaim_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o wisdom_n and_o sobriety_n be_v a_o charity_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o whether_o our_o design_n succeed_v or_o not_o we_o shall_v be_v reward_v as_o those_o that_o have_v do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n second_o all_o the_o act_n of_o beneficence_n and_o kindness_n nay_o even_o of_o civility_n and_o good_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v account_v among_o the_o instance_n of_o do_v good_a a_o man_n do_v good_a not_o only_o by_o act_n of_o charity_n proper_o so_o call_v
but_o by_o every_o courtesy_n that_o he_o do_v to_o another_o he_o do_v good_a by_o show_v his_o respect_n and_o goodwill_n to_o all_o about_o he_o by_o reconcile_a difference_n among_o neighbour_n and_o promote_a peace_n friendship_n and_o society_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v by_o be_v generous_a and_o liberal_a and_o hospitable_a according_a to_o his_o ability_n by_o forgive_a injury_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a make_v friend_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o by_o be_v easy_a of_o access_n and_o sweet_a and_o oblige_v in_o his_o carriage_n by_o comply_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o and_o in_o a_o word_n by_o contribute_v any_o way_n to_o make_v the_o life_n of_o other_o more_o easy_a and_o comfortable_a to_o they_o three_o a_o man_n also_o do_v good_a when_o he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o acquaintance_n or_o friendship_n or_o interest_n that_o he_o have_v with_o other_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o do_v of_o that_o good_a which_o he_o by_o the_o narrowness_n of_o his_o condition_n or_o for_o want_n of_o opportunity_n can_v do_v himself_o this_o be_v a_o very_a considerable_a instance_n of_o do_v good_a how_o slight_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v the_o man_n that_o exercise_v himself_o this_o way_n be_v double_o a_o benefactor_n for_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o instrument_n of_o good_a to_o the_o person_n or_o person_n for_o who_o he_o beg_v the_o kindness_n or_o the_o charity_n but_o he_o do_v also_o a_o real_a kindness_n to_o the_o man_n himself_o who_o he_o put_v upon_o the_o benefaction_n for_o god_n will_v not_o less_o reward_v his_o goodwill_n for_o be_v excite_v by_o another_o four_o another_o way_n to_o do_v good_a be_v to_o be_v careful_a and_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o all_o those_o public_a office_n which_o we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o excecute_v in_o the_o place_n where_o we_o live_v how_o burdensome_a soever_o these_o be_v and_o how_o much_o soever_o of_o our_o time_n they_o rob_v we_o of_o yet_o god_n by_o call_v we_o to_o they_o have_v put_v a_o prize_n into_o our_o hand_n as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v to_o do_v much_o good_a if_o we_o have_v heart_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o five_o we_o do_v good_a when_o be_v in_o a_o private_a capacity_n we_o so_o carry_v ourselves_o in_o all_o the_o relation_n in_o which_o we_o stand_v as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o relation_n require_v as_o for_o instance_n when_o be_v subject_n we_o conscientious_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o submit_v to_o our_o governor_n and_o promote_v what_o we_o can_v the_o public_a peace_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n when_o be_v master_n of_o family_n we_o take_v care_n of_o those_o under_o our_o charge_n make_v sufficient_a provision_n both_o for_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n when_o be_v husband_n or_o wife_n we_o discharge_v faithful_o all_o the_o conjugal_a duty_n when_o be_v parent_n we_o love_v our_o child_n and_o bring_v they_o up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o nurture_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o be_v child_n we_o obey_v our_o parent_n in_o all_o thing_n when_o be_v servant_n we_o do_v our_o work_n in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n not_o as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o those_o that_o account_v they_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n when_o have_v contract_v friendship_n we_o be_v secret_a and_o faithful_a and_o prudent_a in_o the_o maintain_n and_o preserve_v of_o they_o and_o so_o proportionable_o in_o all_o the_o other_o relation_n that_o we_o stand_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n though_o they_o appear_v little_a yet_o be_v they_o in_o their_o degree_n a_o real_a good_a and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n and_o so_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o live_n tolerable_o without_o they_o six_o we_o also_o do_v good_a by_o a_o honest_a and_o a_o diligent_a pursuit_n of_o our_o call_n and_o employment_n there_o be_v no_o art_n or_o trade_n that_o we_o be_v breed_v to_o but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lawful_a one_o it_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o the_o public_a and_o by_o well_o mind_v it_o and_o fair_o manage_v it_o we_o may_v render_v ourselves_o very_o profitable_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n seven_o and_o last_o we_o may_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a by_o our_o good_a example_n by_o be_v to_o other_o pattern_n of_o piety_n and_o prudence_n of_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o peaceableness_n and_o loyalty_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o temperance_n in_o a_o word_n every_o man_n that_o will_v make_v himself_o eminent_a in_o any_o virtue_n will_v be_v a_o light_n to_o the_o world_n his_o life_n will_v be_v a_o constant_a sermon_n and_o he_o will_v often_o prove_v as_o effectual_a a_o benefactor_n to_o those_o about_o he_o by_o his_o example_n as_o other_o be_v by_o their_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n and_o now_o all_o these_o thing_n consider_v who_o be_v there_o among_o we_o in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n that_o he_o can_v reasonable_o pretend_v to_o want_v ability_n or_o opportunity_n to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n sure_o i_o be_o he_o must_v live_v in_o a_o desert_n and_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o mankind_n that_o can_v some_o or_o other_o of_o these_o way_n be_v useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o our_o second_o head_n of_o discourse_n i_o now_o come_v in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n to_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v speak_v and_o first_o since_o every_o man_n be_v so_o high_o concern_v as_o we_o have_v see_v to_o do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n let_v we_o all_o be_v persuade_v serious_o and_o hearty_o to_o apply_v our_o mind_n hereunto_o let_v we_o look_v upon_o it_o not_o as_o a_o by-work_n a_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v now_o and_o then_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n after_o our_o own_o turn_n be_v serve_v but_o let_v we_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o upon_o it_o let_v we_o propose_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o the_o great_a business_n of_o our_o life_n let_v we_o take_v all_o opportunity_n for_o it_o let_v we_o contrive_v and_o manage_v all_o our_o affair_n so_o that_o they_o may_v some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o carry_v on_o this_o great_a work_n let_v this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o gather_a riches_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o expend_v they_o to_o heap_v up_o riches_n that_o we_o may_v be_v rich_a or_o to_o throw_v they_o away_o upon_o our_o lust_n be_v both_o equal_o intolerable_a it_o be_v the_o do_v good_a with_o they_o that_o sanctify_v both_o the_o get_n and_o the_o spend_v they_o let_v this_o be_v the_o compass_n to_o steer_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o pursuit_n after_o knowledge_n in_o our_o learning_n art_n and_o science_n in_o the_o managery_n of_o our_o trade_n and_o employment_n in_o a_o word_n in_o the_o choice_n and_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o every_o design_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o great_a enquiry_n be_v to_o be_v what_o good_a will_v they_o tend_v to_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v render_v more_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n if_o our_o design_n and_o endavour_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n do_v take_v effect_n let_v this_o be_v the_o great_a rule_n by_o which_o we_o proceed_v in_o the_o education_n of_o our_o child_n and_o relation_n and_o the_o provision_n we_o make_v for_o they_o in_o the_o world_n let_v it_o be_v our_o first_o care_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o the_o public_a and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o quality_n as_o will_v render_v they_o profitable_a member_n of_o it_o and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o such_o profession_n and_o employment_n as_o may_v afford_v they_o fair_a scope_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o quality_n if_o we_o thus_o provide_v for_o they_o though_o we_o otherwise_o leave_v they_o never_o so_o small_a a_o estate_n yet_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o have_v a_o good_a portion_n last_o let_v this_o design_n of_o do_v good_a influence_n our_o very_a office_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o make_v our_o application_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n let_v we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v the_o public_a always_o in_o mind_n and_o even_o when_o we_o pray_v for_o ourselves_o let_v it_o be_v with_o this_o design_n and_o resolution_n that_o as_o god_n in_o mercy_n bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o blessing_n and_o the_o grace_n we_o pray_v for_o we_o will_v employ_v they_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o o_o that_o we_o will_v thus_o serious_o concern_v ourselves_o in_o do_v good_a o_o that_o we_o will_v once_o lay_v aside_o all_o our_o little_a selfish_a design_n and_o that_o narrowness_n and_o penuriousness_n of_o spirit_n with_o which_o most_o of_o we_o be_v bind_v up_o and_o with_o
which_o be_v more_o accommodate_v to_o city_n and_o public_a society_n than_o to_o cloister_n and_o desert_n and_o last_o 5.16_o mat._n 5.16_o this_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o a_o conformity_n to_o his_o command_n who_o have_v bid_v we_o make_v our_o light_n so_o to_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v our_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n but_o four_o and_o last_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v good_a in_o his_o life_n as_o have_v be_v represent_v then_o how_o much_o to_o be_v reprove_v be_v they_o that_o do_v no_o good_a till_o their_o death_n that_o live_v scrape_v and_o uncharitable_o and_o useless_o to_o the_o world_n all_o their_o life_n long_o and_o then_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v think_v to_o atone_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o neglect_v of_o this_o kind_n by_o show_v some_o extraordinary_a bounty_n to_o the_o poor_a or_o devote_v some_o part_n of_o their_o estate_n to_o public_a or_o pious_a use_n i_o must_v confess_v this_o kind_n of_o proceed_v do_v to_o i_o seem_v just_a like_o the_o business_n of_o put_v off_o a_o man_n repentance_n to_o his_o deathbed_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v repent_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o late_o and_o so_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v good_a if_o he_o have_v do_v little_a good_a in_o his_o life_n he_o be_v bind_v as_o he_o love_v his_o soul_n to_o show_v some_o extraordinary_a uncommon_a instance_n of_o charity_n and_o a_o public_a spirit_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v but_o than_o it_o be_v here_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o long_a delay_n of_o repentance_n the_o defer_v it_o so_o long_o have_v rob_v the_o man_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o praise_n and_o the_o comfort_n he_o may_v have_v expect_v from_o it_o his_o reward_n in_o heaven_n will_v be_v much_o less_o though_o his_o good_a deed_n shall_v be_v accept_v but_o he_o be_v infinite_o uncertain_a whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a great_a act_n of_o generosity_n and_o charity_n that_o can_v obtain_v a_o pardon_n for_o a_o whole_a life_n of_o uncharitableness_n let_v we_o all_o therefore_o labour_n and_o study_v to_o do_v good_a in_o our_o life_n let_v we_o be_v daily_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o world_n of_o our_o kind_n and_o charitable_a disposition_n and_o let_v not_o that_o be_v the_o first_o which_o be_v discover_v in_o our_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n if_o god_n have_v bless_v we_o with_o worldly_a good_n let_v we_o distribute_v they_o as_o we_o see_v occasion_n in_o our_o life_n time_n when_o every_o one_o may_v see_v we_o do_v it_o voluntary_o and_o not_o stay_v till_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o part_v with_o they_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o for_o that_o will_v blast_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o good_a deed_n both_o with_o god_n and_o man_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o concern_v the_o first_o point_n recommend_v in_o the_o text_n viz._n do_v good_n i_o now_o come_v brief_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v rejoice_v which_o be_v equal_o a_o part_n of_o the_o business_n of_o this_o day_n there_o be_v no_o good_a say_v solomon_n in_o any_o earthly_a thing_n or_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a for_o any_o man_n than_o to_o rejoice_v and_o to_o do_v good_n the_o rejoice_v she_o recommend_v be_v capable_a of_o two_o sense_n the_o first_o more_o general_a and_o more_o concern_v we_o as_o christian_n the_o other_o more_o particular_a and_o which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v we_o as_o we_o be_v here_o meet_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o rejoice_v we_o may_v take_v to_o be_v mean_v a_o constant_a habit_n of_o joy_n and_o cheerfulness_n so_o that_o we_o be_v always_o content_v and_o well_o please_v always_o free_a from_o those_o anxiety_n and_o disquiet_n and_o uncomfortable_a reflection_n that_o make_v the_o life_n of_o mankind_n miserable_a this_o now_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o rejoice_v and_o it_o be_v the_o utmost_a degree_n of_o happiness_n that_o we_o be_v here_o capable_a of_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v indeed_o that_o not_o many_o do_v arrive_v to_o this_o state_n but_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o state_n that_o may_v be_v attain_v at_o least_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n in_o this_o world_n otherwise_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n and_o particular_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n will_v never_o have_v recommend_v it_o to_o we_o so_o often_o as_o they_o have_v do_v rejoice_v evermore_o 4.4_o 1_o thess_n 9_o 16._o phil._n 4.4_o say_v s._n paul_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o and_o to_o the_o philipian_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n always_o and_o again_o i_o say_v rejoice_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o this_o happy_a condition_n do_v consist_v chief_o in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o a_o great_a innocence_n and_o virtue_n a_o behave_v ourselves_o so_o in_o the_o world_n that_o our_o conscience_n shall_v not_o reproach_v we_o this_o st._n paul_n lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o rejoice_v this_o say_v he_o be_v our_o rejoice_v 1.12_o 2_o cor._n 1.12_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n i_o have_v have_v my_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o think_v of_o any_o true_a solid_a joy_n or_o peace_n or_o contentment_n without_o a_o hearty_a practice_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o can_v satisfy_v ourselves_o of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n before_o god_n and_o then_o second_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o this_o constant_a rejoice_v beside_o the_o innocence_n of_o our_o life_n there_o must_v go_v a_o firm_a and_o hearty_a persuasion_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n a_o belief_n that_o he_o not_o only_o dispense_v all_o event_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n even_o the_o most_o inconsiderable_a but_o that_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o nothing_o else_o so_o that_o nothing_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v happen_v to_o we_o in_o particular_a or_o to_o the_o world_n in_o general_n but_o what_o be_v for_o the_o best_a now_o when_o we_o firm_o believe_v this_o and_o frequent_o attend_v to_o it_o how_o can_v we_o be_v either_o solicitous_a for_o the_o future_a or_o discontent_a at_o the_o present_a event_n of_o thing_n let_v they_o fall_v out_o never_o so_o cross_a to_o our_o desire_n and_o expectation_n this_o be_v the_o best_a antidote_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o effectual_a one_o it_o be_v against_o all_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n and_o uneasiness_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o we_o upon_o any_o occasion_n whatsoever_o to_o wit_n the_o consideration_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v manage_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n and_o will_v at_o last_o prove_v for_o the_o best_a how_o unaccountable_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o present_a and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n insinuate_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o his_o season_n three_o another_o requisite_a both_o for_o the_o procure_n and_o preserve_v this_o continual_a cheerfulness_n and_o rejoice_v be_v a_o frequent_a and_o fix_a attention_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o that_o true_o love_v he_o and_o endeavour_n to_o please_v he_o this_o consideration_n will_v extreme_o add_v to_o our_o comfort_n and_o contribute_v to_o our_o rejoice_v under_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n that_o we_o can_v possible_o fall_v into_o namely_o that_o whatsoever_o condition_n we_o be_v in_o here_o we_o shall_v certain_o in_o a_o little_a time_n be_v in_o a_o most_o happy_a and_o glorious_a one_o and_o the_o worse_a our_o circumstance_n be_v in_o this_o life_n the_o great_a if_o we_o be_v good_a shall_v be_v our_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o 4.17_o 2._o cor._n 4.17_o for_o these_o light_a affliction_n as_o s._n pual_a tell_v we_o which_o endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n do_v work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n this_o then_o be_v the_o joy_n that_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v constant_o well_o please_v and_o content_v with_o our_o present_a condition_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o these_o be_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o but_o second_o there_o be_v another_o more_o particular_a notion_n of_o rejoice_v and_o which_o i_o conceive_v solomon_n do_v chief_o intend_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o that_o be_v the_o free_a and_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n that_o god_n have_v
gratification_n of_o such_o a_o appetite_n or_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o such_o a_o pleasure_n or_o the_o like_a but_o if_o i_o proceed_v a_o step_n far_o i_o become_v a_o transgressor_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o man_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o liberty_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o any_o well-disposed_a person_n to_o take_v all_o that_o liberty_n that_o be_v moderate_a and_o lawful_a and_o to_o forbear_v all_o that_o which_o be_v excessive_a and_o unlawful_a but_o now_o this_o be_v not_o always_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o be_v do_v for_o many_o case_n happen_v in_o which_o a_o man_n can_v precise_o determine_v where_o it_o be_v that_o his_o lawful_a liberty_n end_n and_o where_o it_o be_v that_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v extravagant_a and_o excessive_a so_o that_o while_o a_o man_n be_v only_o design_v to_o gratify_v his_o desire_n in_o lawful_a instance_n he_o be_v often_o carry_v beyond_o his_o bound_n and_o proceed_v to_o excess_n this_o now_o 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principal_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o be_v charitable_a and_o to_o give_v alm_n out_o of_o our_o substance_n but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n for_o any_o man_n to_o define_v and_o set_v cut_v the_o quantum_fw-la or_o the_o precise_a proportion_n of_o alm_n which_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o give_v so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o pronounce_v that_o if_o a_o man_n give_v so_o much_o he_o perform_v his_o duty_n and_o be_v a_o charitable_a man_n for_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n but_o if_o he_o give_v less_o than_o that_o he_o be_v covetous_a and_o uncharitable_a now_o i_o say_v because_o this_o duty_n of_o charity_n be_v thus_o indefinite_o leave_v and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o affinity_n and_o undistinguishableness_n between_o the_o least_o measure_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o be_v uncharitable_a man_n do_v from_o hence_o often_o take_v occasion_n to_o fall_v short_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o in_o the_o former_a instance_n i_o give_v about_o drink_v they_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v more_o liberty_n than_o be_v allow_v they_o so_o in_o this_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v less_o than_o be_v command_v they_o for_o if_o they_o do_v but_o give_v something_o to_o the_o poor_a out_o of_o their_o yearly_a income_n they_o think_v they_o give_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v the_o command_n of_o charity_n and_o so_o they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o save_v and_o hoard_v without_o end_n or_o without_o measure_n there_o be_v a_o hundred_o more_o instance_n beside_o these_o two_o that_o i_o have_v name_v wherein_o there_o be_v such_o a_o latitude_n leave_v to_o our_o practice_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o lawful_a and_o unlawful_a duty_n and_o sin_n lie_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v they_o unless_o a_o man_n be_v both_o very_a wise_a and_o very_a honest_a we_o have_v not_o any_o law_n of_o god_n which_o define_v how_o often_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v or_o when_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o fast_o or_o to_o what_o degree_n we_o may_v be_v angry_a or_o how_o we_o be_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o as_o to_o the_o quantity_n or_o kind_n of_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n or_o how_o far_o we_o may_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n or_o how_o splendid_a we_o may_v be_v in_o our_o apparel_n and_o equipage_n or_o what_o game_n and_o recreation_n may_v be_v use_v and_o how_o often_o or_o what_o rule_v we_o be_v to_o go_v by_o in_o buy_v and_o sell_v and_o our_o other_o deal_n with_o man_n or_o how_o far_o we_o may_v seek_v our_o own_o when_o our_o right_a can_v be_v obtain_v without_o prejudice_n to_o our_o neighbour_n in_o these_o i_o say_v and_o abundance_n of_o other_o case_n we_o have_v not_o express_v particular_a law_n of_o god_n to_o steer_v and_o measure_v our_o action_n by_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v have_v because_o what_o be_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v in_o these_o case_n admit_v of_o so_o great_a a_o difference_n from_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n what_o now_o must_v we_o do_v in_o these_o case_n how_o must_v we_o order_v ourselves_o that_o we_o may_v perform_v our_o duty_n and_o keep_v out_o of_o sin_n why_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o say_v we_o have_v only_o general_a rule_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o these_o matter_n and_o those_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o apply_v to_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n in_o this_o latitude_n that_o thing_n be_v leave_v in_o we_o be_v to_o use_v our_o liberty_n as_o careful_o and_o as_o prudent_o as_o be_v possible_a take_v our_o measure_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o what_o those_o general_a rule_n and_o measure_n be_v it_o be_v my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n to_o treat_v of_o and_o three_o thing_n i_o have_v here_o to_o propose_v for_o the_o use_n of_o our_o liberty_n which_o will_v i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a direction_n to_o we_o in_o all_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o which_o if_o we_o do_v careful_o observe_v we_o shall_v never_o use_v our_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n but_o we_o shall_v both_o come_v up_o to_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o shall_v likewise_o avoid_v all_o those_o sin_n which_o mankind_n be_v so_o frequent_o betray_v into_o through_o the_o too_o great_a affinity_n that_o there_o be_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o the_o indiscreet_a exercise_n of_o their_o liberty_n upon_o occasion_n thereof_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o will_v possess_v you_o all_o with_o and_o which_o indeed_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o general_a so_o it_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v this_o that_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v hearty_o honest_a and_o serious_a in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v sincere_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n that_o we_o will_v purify_v 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reward_v and_o wicked_a man_n punish_v to_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v we_o do_v by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o we_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v every_o day_n meet_v with_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n nay_o and_o that_o laugh_v at_o all_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n but_o then_o as_o for_o the_o business_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n what_o a_o very_a little_a do_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o make_v of_o that_o to_o talk_v of_o christ_n be_v send_v for_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o die_v to_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v all_o the_o scripture-doctrine_n concern_v he_o and_o worship_v he_o as_o a_o god_n why_o what_o stuff_n be_v this_o to_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o resin_a spirit_n of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o 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expect_v from_o mahomet_n if_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o turkey_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o even_o among_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o own_o his_o religion_n yet_o what_o little_a regard_n have_v they_o general_o speak_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o now_o and_o then_o afford_v their_o presence_n on_o sunday_n at_o the_o public_a religious_a assembly_n i_o will_v not_o examine_v with_o what_o design_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o come_v thither_o nor_o how_o devout_o and_o religious_o their_o heart_n be_v affect_v during_o the_o time_n they_o be_v there_o i_o say_v it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v there_o at_o all_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o do_v come_v thither_o and_o do_v once_o a_o week_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o public_a religion_n i_o say_v how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o they_o that_o take_v any_o care_n of_o worship_v god_n either_o in_o their_o family_n or_o in_o their_o closet_n why_o if_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o can_v not_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o solemn_a address_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o to_o his_o redeemer_n he_o will_v pray_v in_o his_o closet_n constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o family_n he_o will_v pray_v with_o they_o constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o family_n he_o will_v constant_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o he_o may_v pay_v his_o tribute_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n unless_o he_o have_v urgent_a business_n to_o hinder_v he_o but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o to_o be_v see_v among_o we_o except_o in_o some_o few_o person_n here_o and_o there_o be_v there_o not_o twenty_o family_n for_o one_o that_o live_v without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o show_n of_o any_o devotion_n without_o any_o sort_n of_o prayer_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o house_n nay_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v twenty_o for_o one_o even_o of_o private_a person_n that_o live_v without_o devotion_n in_o their_o closet_n that_o never_o call_v upon_o god_n never_o renew_v their_o vow_n to_o their_o saviour_n never_o pay_v he_o any_o homage_n except_o perhaps_o once_o a_o week_n in_o a_o formal_a way_n when_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v they_o to_o resort_v to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o little_a sense_n have_v most_o of_o we_o of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n so_o little_a regard_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o depenance_n upon_o he_o and_o express_v that_o dependence_n either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o our_o family_n that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o happy_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v hardly_o see_v any_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n shall_v scarce_o be_v distinguish_v from_o heathen_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o 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any_o of_o our_o better_n without_o salute_v they_o or_o some_o way_n or_o other_o testify_v our_o respect_n to_o they_o though_o they_o have_v no_o way_n particular_o oblige_v we_o but_o if_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n to_o come_v into_o their_o presence_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o or_o their_o bounty_n to_o we_o will_v be_v intolerable_a how_o much_o more_o intolerable_a therefore_o must_v it_o be_v to_o pass_v by_o god_n almighty_a day_n after_o day_n nay_o to_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n continual_o as_o indeed_o we_o always_o be_v and_o yet_o neither_o to_o pay_v any_o homage_n or_o reverence_n to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v our_o supreme_a lord_n nor_o to_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n as_o he_o be_v our_o daily_a preserver_n and_o benefactor_n if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o ingenuity_n we_o shall_v blush_v to_o think_v of_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o several_a time_n lift_v up_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v our_o respect_n to_o almighty_a 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and_o family_n now_o to_o a_o man_n that_o love_v god_n and_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v enough_o in_o all_o conscience_n to_o deter_v he_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o game_n though_o it_o be_v not_o make_v to_o appear_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v express_o and_o explicit_o forbid_v by_o any_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o you_o see_v that_o in_o those_o point_n where_o there_o be_v dispute_n on_o both_o side_n when_o the_o consideration_n be_v concern_v the_o obligation_n or_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n no_o dispute_n at_o all_o when_o the_o consideration_n be_v only_o concern_v what_o be_v best_a and_o most_o fit_v to_o be_v do_v concern_v what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o our_o duty_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o to_o that_o action_n that_o be_v evident_a enough_o in_o all_o case_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n at_o a_o loss_n for_o find_v it_o 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virtue_n and_o their_o opposite_a vice_n signify_v very_o little_a the_o law_n of_o our_o great_a master_n be_v not_o like_o the_o civil_a municipal_a law_n of_o kingdom_n which_o be_v therefore_o wonderful_o nice_a and_o critical_a and_o particular_a in_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n because_o they_o only_o look_v at_o overt_a action_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n do_v but_o keep_v his_o action_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n he_o may_v be_v account_v a_o good_a subject_n and_o be_v no_o way_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o penalty_n which_o the_o law_n threaten_v if_o our_o religion_n have_v be_v of_o this_o strain_n we_o shall_v without_o doubt_n have_v have_v a_o world_n of_o particular_a law_n and_o precept_n and_o direction_n about_o our_o action_n in_o all_o emergent_a case_n more_o than_o we_o now_o have_v and_o we_o may_v as_o easy_o have_v know_v from_o the_o bible_n what_o be_v forbid_v unlawful_a anger_n what_o be_v excessive_a drink_n what_o be_v pride_n and_o luxury_n in_o apparel_n and_o the_o like_a as_o we_o now_o know_v by_o the_o statute-book_n what_o be_v burglary_n or_o murder_n or_o treason_n but_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o these_o particularity_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o chaste_a or_o temperate_a or_o humble_a or_o charitable_a in_o such_o a_o degree_n but_o to_o make_v we_o as_o chaste_a and_o temperate_a as_o humble_a and_o charitable_a as_o pure_a and_o holy_a in_o all_o our_o conversation_n as_o we_o possible_o can_v be_v this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n religion_n it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o high_a philosophy_n that_o be_v ever_o teach_v to_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o make_v we_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a creature_n as_o to_o purity_n of_o mind_n and_o heart_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o accurate_a and_o particular_a in_o prescribe_v bound_n to_o our_o outward_a action_n because_o it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o for_o the_o secure_v they_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o this_o it_o have_v do_v above_o all_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a or_o impure_a in_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o tendency_n towards_o it_o and_o to_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v honest_a that_o be_v lovely_a that_o be_v praiseworthy_a and_o of_o good_a report_n among_o men._n if_o this_o now_o be_v the_o design_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o law_n of_o it_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o you_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o high_o concern_v all_o of_o we_o that_o profess_v this_o holy_a religion_n to_o endeavour_v in_o all_o our_o conversation_n to_o be_v as_o holy_a and_o as_o virtuous_a as_o we_o can_v and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o honesty_n and_o virtue_n as_o be_v just_a sufficient_a to_o the_o render_v we_o not_o vicious_a and_o then_o second_o whether_o if_o we_o do_v thus_o endeavour_v we_o can_v easy_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a duty_n and_o sin_n in_o any_o instance_n and_o consequent_o whether_o we_o can_v be_v much_o in_o danger_n of_o ill_o use_v our_o liberty_n and_o so_o transgress_v upon_o that_o account_n i_o have_v be_v long_o upon_o this_o first_o head_n than_o i_o intend_v but_o i_o shall_v make_v amends_o for_o it_o by_o dispatch_v the_o two_o follow_v in_o so_o much_o the_o few_o word_n and_o indeed_o after_o so_o large_a a_o account_n as_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o general_a rule_n there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o dwell_v upon_o particular_a one_o ii_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o right_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n and_o so_o secure_v our_o serve_v from_o fall_v into_o sin_n through_o mistake_v the_o measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a this_o will_v be_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o namely_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o duty_n we_o shall_v rather_o do_v too_o much_o than_o too_o little_a but_o in_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n we_o shall_v rather_o take_v too_o little_a of_o our_o liberty_n than_o too_o much_o first_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o duty_n my_o meaning_n be_v this_o that_o where_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v general_o and_o indefinite_o command_v a_o thing_n but_o
have_v not_o set_v down_o rule_n about_o the_o particular_a measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v advisable_v rather_o to_o do_v more_o than_o we_o be_v perhaps_o precise_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o we_o have_v perform_v our_o duty_n than_o by_o be_v scanty_a in_o our_o obedience_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o fall_v short_a of_o our_o duty_n thus_o for_o instance_n our_o lord_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v often_o and_o solemn_o command_v we_o to_o pray_v but_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o apostle_n have_v any_o where_o tell_v we_o how_o often_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v only_o they_o have_v bid_v we_o pray_v frequent_o in_o this_o case_n now_o a_o man_n that_o make_v a_o conscience_n of_o perform_v his_o duty_n will_v take_v all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n of_o list_v up_o holy_a hand_n and_o devout_a affection_n to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n however_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v at_o least_o once_o every_o time_n he_o rise_v and_o once_o every_o time_n he_o go_v to_o rest_v to_o offer_v up_o a_o solemn_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n and_o praise_n less_o than_o this_o i_o say_v he_o must_v not_o do_v for_o fear_v he_o break_v the_o commandment_n of_o pray_v frequent_o pray_v continual_o but_o more_o than_o this_o it_o will_v become_v he_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v himself_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o have_v full_o perform_v it_o thus_o again_o to_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o what_o proportion_n of_o our_o substance_n we_o be_v to_o give_v away_o in_o alm_n and_o charity_n be_v not_o where_o set_v down_o but_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o our_o discretion_n now_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v certain_o much_o more_o advisable_a to_o give_v liberal_o and_o large_o and_o plentiful_o even_o as_o much_o as_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o family_n can_v allow_v though_o by_o so_o do_v we_o shall_v prove_v to_o have_v give_v in_o great_a abundance_n than_o we_o be_v strict_o oblige_v to_o than_o by_o give_v stingy_o and_o pinch_o now_o and_o then_o a_o little_a pocket_n money_n or_o so_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v trangressor_n of_o the_o commandment_n and_o have_v our_o portion_n among_o the_o covetous_a and_o unmerciful_a there_o be_v no_o damage_n come_v to_o a_o man_n by_o do_v the_o former_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a for_o god_n never_o fail_v bounteous_o to_o reward_v the_o bountiful_a hand_n but_o there_o be_v both_o damage_n and_o infinite_a danger_n in_o the_o latter_a and_o thus_o we_o be_v to_o practice_v in_o all_o other_o duty_n only_o this_o caution_n we_o must_v take_v along_o with_o we_o that_o we_o be_v always_o so_o to_o proportion_v the_o measure_n of_o every_o single_a duty_n as_o to_o render_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o other_o duty_n of_o our_o life_n as_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v not_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o prayer_n as_o to_o hinder_v the_o pursuit_n of_o our_o calling_n and_o necessary_a business_n we_o must_v so_o give_v alm_n as_o yet_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o enough_o to_o pay_v every_o one_o their_o own_o and_o to_o make_v a_o competent_a provision_n for_o our_o family_n but_o let_v we_o but_o take_v care_n to_o secure_v this_o and_o then_o we_o can_v easy_o exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o any_o duty_n the_o more_o we_o pray_v and_o the_o more_o we_o give_v alm_n still_o the_o better_a and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o duty_n but_o now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o be_v we_o to_o practice_v in_o matter_n of_o liberty_n there_o the_o rule_n be_v rather_o to_o take_v less_o than_o be_v allow_v we_o than_o to_o take_v all_o rather_o to_o abridge_v ourselves_o of_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n than_o by_o do_v all_o that_o we_o may_v lawful_o do_v endanger_z our_o fall_n into_o sin_n there_o be_v no_o harm_n at_o all_o in_o depart_v from_o our_o right_n and_o privilege_n which_o god_n have_v indulge_v we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a harm_n in_o extend_v they_o beyond_o their_o bound_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o not_o gratify_v our_o desire_n and_o appetite_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o crave_v which_o be_v allowable_a and_o which_o we_o be_v permit_v to_o gratify_v they_o in_o but_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a evil_n in_o gratify_v they_o in_o unlawful_a forbid_a instance_n and_o therefore_o every_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o keep_v on_o the_o safe_a side_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o do_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v do_v he_o will_v not_o always_o do_v all_o that_o he_o may_v do_v the_o truth_n be_v that_o man_n that_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o use_v his_o liberty_n to_o the_o utmost_a stretch_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o regard_v nothing_o more_o in_o his_o action_n than_o just_a that_o he_o do_v not_o fall_v into_o some_o direct_a sin_n that_o man_n can_v always_o be_v innocent_a but_o will_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o hundred_o irregularity_n and_o miscarriage_n thus_o for_o example_n he_o that_o use_v himself_o to_o eat_v or_o to_o drink_v to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o temperance_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o such_o a_o one_o will_v now_o and_o then_o be_v unavoidable_o overtake_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o gluttony_n or_o drunkenness_n he_o that_o will_v use_v all_o the_o liberty_n that_o the_o law_n allow_v he_o for_o the_o make_v advantage_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o trade_n or_o his_o deal_n with_o other_o man_n such_o a_o one_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o avoid_v the_o just_a imputation_n of_o be_v in_o many_o instance_n a_o oppressor_n or_o a_o hard_a conscienced_a man._n the_o safe_a way_n therefore_o if_o we_o mean_v to_o preserve_v our_o virtue_n amid_o the_o multitude_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o set_v bound_n even_o to_o our_o lawful_a liberty_n to_o keep_v our_o action_n within_o such_o a_o compass_n as_o not_o to_o come_v even_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o point_n and_o that_o often_o a_o undiscernible_a one_o that_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o what_o be_v unlawful_a yet_o there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o what_o be_v lawful_a that_o be_v if_o i_o gratify_v my_o appetite_n but_o a_o little_a i_o do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o i_o gratify_v they_o more_o i_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o but_o he_o show_v the_o most_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n that_o in_o his_o action_n take_v but_o a_o little_a of_o this_o latitude_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n keep_v himself_o at_o a_o good_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v vicious_a and_o criminal_a iii_o but_o three_o and_o last_o to_o what_o degree_n soever_o we_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o liberty_n yet_o at_o all_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o begin_v to_o doubt_v or_o fear_v we_o have_v go_v as_o far_o as_o we_o lawful_o can_v go_v it_o be_v then_o high_a time_n to_o break_v off_o and_o to_o proceed_v no_o far_o this_o be_v the_o last_o rule_n i_o have_v to_o offer_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o thus_o also_o wherever_o we_o have_v a_o just_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n or_o doubt_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o this_o doubt_n or_o suspicion_n be_v of_o itself_o reason_n enough_o to_o make_v we_o forbear_v that_o thing_n unless_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n or_o a_o great_a charity_n to_o be_v serve_v by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o which_o may_v in_o reason_n overbalance_n the_o suspicion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o recreation_n if_o we_o have_v the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o pleasure_n or_o divertisement_n be_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a why_o that_o be_v argument_n enough_o without_o more_o ado_n to_o make_v we_o forbear_v it_o though_o perhaps_o we_o see_v other_o use_v it_o without_o scruple_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o temperance_n when_o we_o first_o begin_v to_o suspect_v that_o we_o have_v drink_v as_o much_o as_o be_v convenient_a for_o we_o let_v we_o by_o all_o mean_n leave_v off_o and_o break_v from_o the_o company_n thus_o in_o matter_n of_o sobriety_n when_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o we_o be_v come_v up_o to_o the_o full_a bound_n of_o the_o christian_a gravity_n and_o modesty_n and_o that_o any_o degree_n more_o of_o pomp_n or_o bravery_n in_o our_o garb_n or_o in_o our_o attendance_n or_o in_o our_o equipage_n will_v