Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n church_n good_a true_a 1,044 5 4.3446 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62628 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions. By John Lord Archbishop of Canterbury. The fourth volume Tillotson, John, 1630-1694. 1694 (1694) Wing T1260B; ESTC R217595 184,892 481

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n shall_v then_o flee_v from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o who_o they_o have_v so_o often_o blaspheme_v and_o deny_v and_o shall_v so_o far_o despair_v of_o find_v mercy_n with_o he_o in_o that_o day_n who_o will_v sue_v to_o he_o for_o it_o no_o soon_o that_o they_o shall_v address_v themselves_o to_o the_o mountain_n and_o rock_n as_o be_v more_o pitiful_a and_o exorable_a than_o he_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o terrible_a than_o meekness_n and_o patience_n when_o they_o be_v thorough_o provoke_v and_o turn_v into_o fury_n in_o such_o dreadful_a confusion_n shall_v all_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v surprise_v by_o that_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o case_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n who_o will_v take_v no_o care_n in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o life_n and_o health_n to_o make_v preparation_n for_o another_o world_n be_v not_o much_o more_o hopeful_a and_o comfortable_a for_o alas_o how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o a_o sick_a and_o die_a man_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o strait_a of_o time_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o weakness_n of_o body_n and_o of_o such_o confusion_n and_o amazement_n of_o mind_n with_o what_o heart_n can_v he_o set_v about_o so_o great_a a_o work_n for_o which_o there_o be_v so_o little_a time_n with_o what_o face_n can_v he_o apply_v himself_o to_o god_n in_o this_o extremity_n who_o he_o have_v so_o disdainful_o neglect_v all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v hear_v his_o cry_n and_o regard_v his_o tear_n that_o be_v force_v from_o he_o in_o this_o day_n of_o his_o necessity_n when_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o in_o that_o long_a day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n he_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o all_o his_o merciful_a invitation_n and_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o in_o a_o word_n how_o can_v he_o who_o will_v not_o know_v in_o that_o his_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o peace_n expect_v any_o other_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v now_o be_v for_o ever_o hide_v from_o his_o eye_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v close_v in_o utter_a darkness_n i_o will_v not_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o deathbed_n repentance_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o i_o believe_v very_o rare_a we_o have_v but_o one_o example_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n of_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o die_a sinner_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o case_n be_v so_o peculiar_a and_o extraordinary_a that_o i_o can_v see_v that_o it_o afford_v any_o ground_n of_o hope_n and_o encouragement_n to_o man_n in_o ordinary_a case_n we_o be_v not_o like_a to_o suffer_v in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o so_o well_o as_o the_o penitent_a thief_n do_v and_o make_v so_o very_o good_a a_o end_n of_o so_o very_o bad_a a_o life_n and_o the_o parable_n in_o the_o text_n be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o encouragement_n to_o a_o death_n bed_n repentance_n and_o preparation_n that_o it_o rather_o represent_v their_o case_n as_o desperate_a who_o put_v off_o their_o preparation_n to_o that_o time_n how_o ineffectual_a all_o that_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n can_v do_v at_o that_o time_n do_v in_o the_o conclusion_n prove_v be_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o at_o large_a in_o the_o parable_n 12._o they_o want_v oil_n but_o can_v neither_o borrow_v nor_o buy_v it_o they_o will_v then_o fain_o have_v have_v it_o and_o run_v about_o to_o get_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v neither_o by_o entreaty_n nor_o for_o money_n first_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o wise_a virgin_n for_o a_o share_n in_o the_o overplus_n of_o their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n 8._o the_o foolish_a say_v unto_o the_o wise_a give_v we_o of_o your_o oil_n for_o our_o lamp_n be_v go_v out_o but_o the_o wise_a answer_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o the_o wise_a virgin_n it_o seem_v know_v of_o none_o they_o have_v to_o spare_v and_o then_o they_o be_v represent_v as_o ironical_o send_v the_o foolish_a virgin_n to_o some_o famous_a market_n where_o this_o oil_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v sell_v 9_o go_v you_o rather_o to_o they_o that_o sell_v and_o buy_v for_o yourselves_o and_o as_o die_v and_o desperate_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o catch_v at_o every_o twig_n and_o when_o they_o can_v see_v no_o hope_n of_o be_v save_v be_v apt_a to_o believe_v every_o one_o that_o will_v give_v they_o any_o so_o these_o foolish_a virgin_n follow_v the_o advice_n 10._o and_o whilst_o they_o go_v to_o buy_v the_o bridegroom_n come_v and_o they_o that_o be_v ready_a go_v in_o with_o he_o to_o the_o marriage_n and_o the_o door_n be_v shut_v and_o afterward_o come_v also_o the_o other_o virgin_n say_v lord_n lord_n open_a to_o we_o but_o he_o answer_v and_o say_v very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o you_o see_v how_o little_a or_o rather_o no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o there_o be_v from_o any_o the_o least_o circumstance_n in_o this_o parable_n for_o those_o who_o have_v delay_v their_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n till_o they_o be_v overtake_v by_o death_n or_o judgement_n to_o hope_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v then_o do_v by_o any_o importunity_n which_o they_o can_v then_o use_v to_o gain_v admission_n into_o heaven_n let_v those_o consider_v this_o with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a who_o forget_v god_n and_o neglect_n religion_n all_o their_o life-time_n and_o yet_o feed_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n by_o some_o device_n or_o other_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o heaven_n at_o last_o five_o i_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o work_n of_o super-erogation_a that_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v more_o than_o needs_o and_o than_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o do_v by_o way_n of_o preparation_n for_o another_o world_n 8._o for_o when_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n will_v have_v beg_v of_o the_o wise_a some_o oil_n for_o their_o lamp_n 9_o the_o wise_a answer_v not_o so_o lest_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o and_o you_o it_o be_v only_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o extremity_n and_o when_o they_o be_v conscious_a that_o they_o want_v that_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o admission_n into_o heaven_n who_o have_v entertain_v this_o idle_a conceit_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o overplus_n of_o grace_n and_o merit_n in_o other_o sufficient_a to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o the_o wise_a know_v not_o of_o any_o they_o have_v to_o spare_v but_o suppose_v all_o that_o they_o have_v do_v or_o can_v possible_o do_v to_o be_v little_a enough_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n not_o so_o say_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lest_o at_o any_o time_n that_o be_v lest_o when_o there_o shall_v be_v need_n and_o occasion_n all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v or_o can_v do_v shall_v be_v little_a enough_o for_o ourselves_o and_o in_o this_o point_n they_o have_v be_v plain_o instruct_v by_o the_o bridegroom_n himself_o but_o you_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o have_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v and_o yet_o this_o conceit_n of_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o good_a earnest_n by_o a_o grave_a matron_n who_o give_v out_o herself_o to_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o mistress_n of_o all_o church_n and_o the_o only_a infallible_a oracle_n of_o truth_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o avow_a doctrine_n it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v some_o person_n so_o excellent_o good_a that_o they_o may_v do_v more_o than_o need_v for_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o have_v do_v as_o much_o for_o themselves_o as_o in_o strict_a duty_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v and_o thereby_o have_v pay_v down_o a_o full_a and_o valuable_a consideration_n for_o heaven_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o equal_a justice_n between_o god_n and_o man_n it_o be_v worth_a that_o then_o they_o may_v go_v to_o work_v again_o
a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o innocence_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n consider_v this_o the_o true_a he_o will_v find_v it_o and_o whenever_o we_o be_v serious_a we_o ourselves_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o when_o a_o man_n examine_v himself_o impartial_o before_o the_o sacrament_n or_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n upon_o a_o deathbed_n to_o make_v reparation_n for_o injury_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n he_o will_v then_o certain_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o wish_v he_o have_v not_o do_v they_o for_o this_o certain_o be_v one_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n that_o we_o be_v in_o love_n and_o charity_n with_o our_o neighbour_n with_o which_o temper_n of_o mind_n this_o quality_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a three_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o more_o specious_a plea_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a that_o man_n will_v be_v encourage_v to_o do_v ill_o if_o they_o can_v escape_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n as_o they_o will_v do_v if_o this_o doctrine_n do_v effectual_o take_v place_n because_o by_o this_o mean_v one_o great_a restraint_n from_o do_v evil_a will_v be_v take_v away_o which_o these_o good_a man_n who_o be_v so_o bend_v upon_o reform_v the_o world_n think_v will_v be_v great_a pity_n for_o many_o who_o will_v venture_v upon_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n will_v yet_o abstain_v from_o do_v bad_a thing_n for_o fear_n of_o reproach_n from_o man_n beside_o that_o this_o seem_v the_o most_o proper_a punishment_n of_o many_o fault_n which_o the_o law_n of_o man_n can_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o admit_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v so_o good_a and_o laudable_a a_o way_n to_o punish_v one_o fault_n by_o another_o but_o let_v no_o man_n encourage_v himself_o in_o a_o evil_a way_n with_o this_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v escape_v the_o censure_n of_o man_n when_o i_o have_v say_v all_o i_o can_v there_o will_v i_o fear_v be_v evil-speaking_a enough_o in_o the_o world_n to_o chastise_v they_o that_o do_v ill_a and_o though_o we_o shall_v hold_v our_o peace_n there_o will_v be_v bad_a tongue_n enough_o to_o reproach_v man_n with_o their_o evil-doing_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v but_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v the_o experiment_n for_o a_o little_a while_n whether_o man_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_o lash_v for_o their_o fault_n though_o we_o sit_v by_o and_o say_v nothing_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n at_o all_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o this_o odious_a work_n there_o will_v always_o be_v offender_n and_o malefactor_n enough_o to_o be_v the_o executioner_n to_o inflict_v this_o punishment_n upon_o one_o another_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n presume_v upon_o impunity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o on_o the_o other_o let_v no_o man_n despair_v but_o that_o this_o business_n will_v be_v sufficient_o do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o we_o may_v not_o safe_o trust_v a_o ill-natured_a world_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o failure_n of_o justice_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o here_o if_o i_o dare_v i_o will_v fain_o have_v say_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v that_o more_o public_a sort_n of_o obloquy_n by_o lampoon_n and_o libel_n so_o much_o in_o fashion_n in_o this_o witty_a age._n but_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o provoke_v a_o very_a terrible_a sort_n of_o man_n yet_o thus_o much_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v say_v without_o offence_n that_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n be_v please_v to_o see_v other_o abuse_v in_o this_o kind_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o grievous_a when_o it_o come_v to_o their_o own_o turn_n however_o i_o can_v but_o hope_v that_o every_o man_n that_o impartial_o consider_v must_v own_o it_o to_o be_v a_o fault_n of_o a_o very_a high_a nature_n to_o revile_v those_o who_o god_n have_v place_v in_o authority_n over_o we_o and_o to_o slander_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v especial_o since_o it_o be_v so_o express_o write_v thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n have_v represent_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o this_o vice_n it_o may_v not_o now_o be_v improper_a to_o say_v something_o to_o those_o who_o suffer_v by_o it_o be_v we_o guilty_a of_o the_o evil_n say_v of_o we_o let_v we_o reform_v and_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a and_o so_o turn_v the_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n to_o our_o own_o advantage_n and_o defeat_v their_o ill_a intention_n by_o make_v so_o good_a a_o use_n of_o it_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o we_o to_o have_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o be_v we_o innocent_a we_o may_v so_o much_o the_o better_o bear_v it_o patient_o imitate_v herein_o the_o pattern_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o we_o may_v consider_v likewise_o that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o misfortune_n to_o be_v evil-spoken_a of_o it_o be_v their_o fault_n that_o do_v it_o and_o not_o we_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o put_v we_o into_o passion_n because_o another_o man_n be_v injurious_a to_o i_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o i_o shall_v be_v uneasy_a to_o myself_o we_o shall_v not_o revenge_v the_o injury_n do_v to_o we_o no_o not_o upon_o they_o that_o do_v they_o much_o less_o upon_o ourselves_o let_v no_o man_n provocation_n make_v thou_o to_o lose_v thy_o patience_n be_v not_o such_o a_o fool_n as_o to_o part_v with_o any_o one_o virtue_n because_o some_o man_n be_v so_o malicious_a as_o to_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v thou_o of_o the_o reputation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n when_o man_n speak_v ill_a of_o thou_o do_v as_o plato_n say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o that_o case_n live_v so_o as_o that_o no_o body_n may_v believe_v they_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o reflect_v upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o to_o urge_v you_o and_o myself_o to_o do_v according_o for_o all_o be_v nothing_o if_o we_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o we_o so_o plain_o see_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n many_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o deep_a point_n and_o mystery_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o never_o think_v of_o the_o common_a duty_n and_o office_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o faith_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o clash_v with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v make_v they_o inseparable_a true_a faith_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o good_a life_n and_o a_o good_a life_n be_v the_o genuine_a product_n of_o a_o right_a belief_n and_o therefore_o the_o one_o never_o ought_v to_o be_v press_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o other_o i_o foresee_v what_o will_v be_v say_v because_o i_o have_v hear_v it_o so_o often_o say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o word_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o all_o this_o no_o more_o be_v there_o in_o the_o text._n and_o yet_o i_o hope_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v true_o preach_v whenever_o his_o will_n and_o law_n and_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v inculcate_v upon_o we_o but_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v mere_a morality_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v scripture-morality_n and_o christian-morality_n and_o who_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o that_o nay_o i_o will_v go_v yet_o further_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n who_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o sin_n so_o clear_o condemn_v by_o it_o as_o this_o of_o evil-speaking_a be_v but_o because_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n yea_o sharp_a than_o calumny_n itself_o and_o pierce_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n lay_v we_o open_a to_o ourselves_o and_o convince_a we_o of_o our_o more_o secret_a as_o well_o as_o our_o more_o visible_a fault_n i_o shall_v therefore_o at_o one_o view_v represent_v to_o you_o what_o be_v dispersedly_z say_z concern_v this_o sin_n in_o the_o holy_a word_n of_o god_n and_o i_o have_v purposely_o reserve_v this_o to_o the_o last_o because_o it_o be_v more_o persuasive_a and_o penetrate_a than_o any_o humane_a discourse_n and_o to_o this_o end_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v in_o what_o company_n the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v usual_o mention_v this_o sin_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o black_a catalogue_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o we_o find_v this_o among_o they_o 15.19_o in_o the_o company_n of_o the_o very_o worst_a action_n and_o most_o irregular_a passion_n of_o man_n out_o of_o the_o heart_n say_v our_o saviour_n proceed_v evil_a thought_n murder_n adultery_n fornication_n false-witness_n
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_o 16_o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o
place_n to_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o our_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n by_o which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v a_o resolution_n to_o follow_v the_o dictate_v and_o direction_n of_o his_o conscience_n but_o likewise_o a_o due_a care_n to_o inform_v his_o conscience_n aright_o that_o he_o may_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n transgress_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o his_o duty_n conscience_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o moral_a action_n and_o our_o guide_n in_o matter_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n only_o be_v but_o it_o be_v our_o immediate_a guide_n and_o director_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o because_o conscience_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a large_a and_o various_a signification_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v very_o brief_o to_o give_v you_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o it_o now_o in_o common_a speech_n concern_v conscience_n every_o man_n be_v represent_v as_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o court_n and_o tribunal_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n where_o he_o try_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o action_n and_o conscience_n under_o one_o notion_n or_o other_o sustain_v all_o part_n in_o this_o trial_n the_o court_n be_v call_v the_o court_n of_o a_o man_n conscience_n and_o the_o bar_n at_o which_o the_o sinner_n stand_v implead_v be_v call_v the_o bar_n of_o conscience_n conscience_n also_o be_v the_o accuser_n and_o it_o be_v the_o record_n and_o register_n of_o our_o crime_n in_o which_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o be_v preserve_v and_o it_o be_v the_o witness_n which_o give_v testimony_n for_o or_o against_o we_o hence_o be_v those_o expression_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n and_o that_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n be_v to_o he_o instead_o of_o a_o thousand_o witness_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o the_o judge_n which_o declare_v the_o law_n and_o what_o we_o ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n and_o according_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o by_o acquit_v or_o condemn_v we_o thus_o according_a to_o common_a use_n of_o speech_n conscience_n sustain_v all_o imaginable_a part_n in_o this_o spiritual_a court_n it_o be_v the_o court_n and_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o bar_n the_o accuser_n and_o witness_v and_o register_n and_o all_o but_o i_o shall_v only_o at_o present_a consider_v conscience_n in_o the_o most_o common_a and_o famous_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n or_o faculty_n whereby_o we_o judge_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v according_o direct_a and_o govern_v our_o action_n so_o that_o in_o short_a conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n that_o be_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a or_o indifferency_n of_o they_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v our_o duty_n what_o thing_n be_v forbid_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v sinful_a what_o thing_n be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o consequent_o be_v indifferent_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o five_o the_o place_n to_o give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o follow_v first_o never_o in_o any_o case_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n for_o that_o certain_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o which_o proper_o offend_v the_o conscience_n and_o render_v we_o guilty_a guilt_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o trouble_n arise_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o a_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v contrary_a to_o what_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o though_o perhaps_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o always_o well_o ground_v yet_o the_o guilt_n be_v the_o same_o so_o long_o as_o this_o persuasion_n continue_v because_o every_o man_n conscience_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o god_n to_o he_o and_o accuse_v or_o absolve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n second_o we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a to_o inform_v our_o conscience_n aright_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v concern_v our_o duty_n or_o if_o we_o do_v that_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v not_o be_v gross_o wilful_a and_o faulty_a and_o this_o rule_n be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v and_o regard_v by_o we_o because_o general_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v it_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n and_o of_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n 2_o lie_v and_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o 1_o sy_n that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n man_n may_v neglect_v and_o abuse_v themselves_o so_o far_o as_o to_o do_v some_o of_o the_o worst_a and_o wicked_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o they_o do_v well_o 16.2_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v when_o the_o jew_n shall_v put_v they_o to_o death_n think_v they_o do_v god_n good_a service_n nay_o the_o jew_n murder_v the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o through_o ignorance_n and_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n father_n forgive_v they_o 23.34_o say_v our_o bless_a lord_n when_o he_o be_v breathe_v out_o his_o soul_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v charge_v the_o jew_n with_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n 3.17_o he_o present_o add_v i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o mitigation_n of_o that_o great_a crime_n say_v have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o concern_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o very_o think_v with_o himself_o 26.9_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o he_o act_v herein_o according_a to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o blasphemer_n and_o a_o persecutor_n and_o injurious_a and_o a_o murderer_n and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o great_a of_o sinner_n so_o that_o man_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a sin_n in_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n and_o 2_o these_o sin_n may_v prove_v damnable_a without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o where_o the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n be_v not_o gross_o wilful_a there_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o a_o general_a repentance_n but_o where_o it_o be_v gross_o wilful_a great_a sin_n commit_v upon_o it_o be_v not_o pardon_v without_o a_o particular_a repentance_n for_o they_o and_o a_o error_n which_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o ordinary_a human_a care_n and_o due_a government_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n wilful_a as_o when_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a prejudice_n from_o great_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n and_o contempt_n of_o counsel_n and_o instruction_n or_o from_o a_o visible_a bias_n of_o self-interest_n or_o when_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o furious_a passion_n and_o zeal_n prompt_v man_n to_o cruel_a and_o horrible_a thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o humanity_n a_o error_n proceed_v from_o such_o cause_n and_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v wilful_a in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n that_o whatever_o evil_n be_v do_v in_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v almost_o equal_o faulty_a with_o a_o direct_a and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_n do_v indeed_o make_v the_o person_n so_o mistake_v more_o capable_a of_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o saviour_n prayer_n for_o his_o murderer_n father_n forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v st._n paul_n likewise_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o find_v mercy_n upon_o this_o account_n 1.13_o nevertheless_o say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o i_o do_v it_o ignorant_o and_o in_o
for_o their_o friend_n and_o begin_v a_o new_a score_n and_o from_o that_o time_n forward_o may_v put_v the_o surplusage_n of_o their_o good_a work_n as_o a_o debt_n upon_o god_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o public_a treasury_n of_o the_o church_n as_o so_o many_o bill_n of_o credit_n which_o the_o pope_n by_o his_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n may_v dispense_v and_o place_n to_o who_o account_n he_o please_v and_o out_o of_o this_o bank_n which_o be_v keep_v at_o rome_n those_o who_o never_o take_v care_n to_o have_v any_o righteousness_n of_o their_o own_o may_v be_v supply_v at_o reasonable_a rate_n to_o which_o they_o have_v add_v a_o further_a supply_n of_o grace_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o need_n of_o it_o by_o the_o sacrament_n of_o extreme_a unction_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n but_o devise_v as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o furnish_v such_o foolish_a virgin_n with_o oil_n as_o be_v here_o describe_v in_o the_o parable_n and_o thus_o by_o one_o device_n or_o other_o they_o have_v enervate_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o have_v almost_o quite_o lose_v its_o true_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n and_o instead_o of_o the_o real_a fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n it_o produce_v little_a else_o but_o superstition_n and_o folly_n or_o if_o it_o produce_v any_o real_a virtue_n yet_o even_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o virtue_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n spoil_v by_o their_o arrogant_a pretence_n of_o merit_n and_o super-erogation_a and_o be_v render_v insignificant_a to_o themselves_o by_o their_o insolent_a carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n six_o and_o last_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o person_n to_o be_v so_o overgrow_v with_o goodness_n as_o to_o have_v more_o than_o needs_o to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assign_v and_o transfer_v of_o this_o overplus_n of_o grace_n and_o virtue_n from_o one_o man_n to_o another_o for_o we_o see_v that_o all_o the_o way_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n of_o other_o do_v all_o prove_v ineffectual_a because_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n impracticable_a that_o one_o sinner_n who_o owe_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o much_o more_o to_o god_n shall_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o spare_v wherewithal_o to_o merit_v for_o another_o indeed_o our_o b._n saviour_n have_v merit_v for_o we_o all_o the_o reward_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n but_o the_o infinite_a merit_n of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o we_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o real_o and_o inherent_o righteous_a so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o and_o warn_v we_o to_o beware_v of_o the_o contrary_a conceit_n little_a child_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a even_o as_o he_o be_v righteous_a if_o we_o do_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n the_o merit_n of_o christ_n perfect_a obedience_n and_o suffering_n will_v be_v available_a with_o god_n for_o the_o acceptance_n of_o our_o sincere_a though_o but_o imperfect_a obedience_n but_o if_o we_o take_v no_o care_n to_o be_v righteous_a and_o good_a ourselves_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n of_o christ_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a much_o less_o the_o imperfect_a righteousness_n of_o any_o other_o man_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n himself_o and_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v upon_o earth_n can_v no_o more_o assign_v and_o make_v over_o his_o righteousness_n or_o repentance_n or_o any_o part_n of_o either_o to_o another_o that_o want_v it_o than_o a_o man_n can_v bequeath_v his_o wisdom_n or_o learn_v to_o his_o heir_n or_o his_o friend_n no_o more_o than_o a_o sick_a man_n can_v be_v restore_v to_o health_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o physic_n which_o another_o man_n have_v take_v let_v no_o man_n therefore_o think_v of_o be_v good_a by_o a_o deputy_n that_o can_v be_v content_v to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v save_v the_o same_o way_n that_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n and_o to_o be_v torment_v there_o in_o person_n and_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o be_v admit_v into_o that_o place_n of_o bliss_n only_o by_o proxy_n so_o that_o these_o good_a work_n with_o a_o hard_a name_n and_o the_o make_n over_o the_o merit_n of_o they_o to_o other_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n but_o be_v all_o mere_a fancy_n and_o fiction_n in_o divinity_n the_o inference_n from_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o application_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o parable_n watch_v therefore_o 13._o for_o you_o know_v neither_o the_o day_n nor_o the_o hour_n wherein_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v the_o design_n of_o this_o parable_n be_v to_o instruct_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v continual_o vigilant_a and_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n and_o in_o a_o constant_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n nor_o yet_o which_o will_v be_v of_o the_o same_o consequence_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o do_v any_o of_o we_o know_v the_o precise_a time_n of_o our_o own_o death_n either_o of_o these_o may_v happen_v at_o any_o time_n and_o come_v when_o we_o least_o expect_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v make_v the_o best_a and_o speedy_a provision_n that_o we_o can_v for_o another_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v continual_o upon_o our_o watch_n and_o trim_v our_o lamp_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v surprise_v by_o either_o of_o these_o neither_o by_o our_o own_o particular_a death_n nor_o by_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n because_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o we_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a more_o particular_o we_o shall_v take_v up_o a_o present_a and_o effectual_a resolution_n not_o to_o delay_v our_o repentance_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n that_o we_o may_v not_o have_v that_o great_a work_n to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n no_o not_o to_o dispose_v of_o our_o temporal_a concernment_n much_o less_o to_o prepare_v for_o eternity_n and_o to_o do_v that_o in_o a_o few_o moment_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v force_v to_o huddle_n up_o a_o imperfect_a and_o i_o fear_v a_o insignificant_a repentance_n and_o to_o do_v that_o in_o great_a haste_n and_o confusion_n which_o certain_o do_v require_v our_o wise_a and_o most_o deliberate_a thought_n and_o all_o the_o consideration_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o shall_v provide_v store_n of_o oil_n in_o our_o vessel_n wherewith_o to_o supply_v our_o lamp_n that_o they_o may_v burn_v bright_a to_o the_o last_o i_o mean_v we_o shall_v improve_v the_o grace_n which_o we_o receive_v in_o baptism_n by_o abound_v in_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o all_o the_o substantial_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o so_o a_o entrance_n may_v be_v minister_v to_o we_o abundant_o into_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n by_o this_o mean_n when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o meet_v the_o bridegroom_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v put_v to_o those_o miserable_a and_o shark_a shift_n which_o the_o foolish_a virgin_n be_v drive_v to_o of_o beg_v or_o borrow_v or_o buy_v oil_n which_o will_v all_o fail_v we_o when_o we_o come_v to_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o though_o the_o die_a man_n may_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n to_o support_v himself_o with_o these_o false_a comfort_n for_o a_o little_a while_n yet_o when_o the_o short_a delusion_n be_v over_o which_o will_v be_v assoon_o as_o ever_o he_o be_v step_v into_o the_o other_o world_n he_o will_v to_o his_o everlasting_a confusion_n and_o trouble_n find_v the_o door_n of_o heaven_n shut_v against_o he_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o vast_a treasure_n of_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n which_o have_v cost_v he_o so_o much_o and_o be_v worth_a so_o little_a he_o shall_v never_o see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n that_o we_o do_v not_o extinguish_v our_o lamp_n by_o quit_v the_o profession_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n upon_o any_o temptation_n of_o advantage_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o loss_n or_o suffering_n whatsoever_o this_o occasion_n will_v
sake_n of_o that_o to_o deny_v themselves_o almost_o all_o sort_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n to_o deny_v themselves_o do_v i_o say_v no_o they_o have_v wise_o and_o judicious_o choose_v the_o true_a and_o high_a pleasure_n that_o this_o world_n know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o do_v good_a and_o be_v benefactor_n to_o mankind_n may_v they_o have_v a_o long_a and_o happy_a reign_n over_o we_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o to_o lay_v up_o in_o store_n for_o themselves_o a_o happiness_n without_o measure_n and_o without_o end_n in_o god_n glorious_a and_o everlasting_a kingdom_n for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n a_o sermon_n against_o evil-speaking_a preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n febr._n the_o 25_o the_o 1693_o 4._o a_o sermon_n against_o evil-speaking_a tit._n iij._o 2_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n general_n persuasive_n to_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n and_o invective_n against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n at_o large_a be_v certain_o of_o good_a use_n to_o recommend_v religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o deformity_n and_o danger_n of_o a_o vicious_a course_n but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o these_o general_a discourse_n do_v not_o so_o immediate_o tend_v to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n because_o they_o fall_v among_o the_o crowd_n but_o do_v not_o touch_v the_o conscience_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o so_o sensible_a and_o awaken_n a_o manner_n as_o when_o we_o treat_v of_o particular_a duty_n and_o sin_n and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o one_o and_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o other_o by_o proper_a argument_n take_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o general_a way_n be_v as_o if_o a_o physician_n instead_o of_o apply_v particular_a remedy_n to_o the_o distemper_n of_o his_o patient_n shall_v entertain_v he_o with_o a_o long_a discourse_n of_o disease_n in_o general_a and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o health_n and_o earnest_o persuade_v he_o to_o be_v well_o without_o take_v his_o particular_a disease_n into_o consideration_n and_o prescribe_v remedy_n for_o it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v effectual_o reform_v man_n we_o must_v take_v to_o task_n the_o great_a and_o common_a disorder_n of_o their_o life_n and_o represent_v their_o fault_n to_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v convince_v they_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o they_o and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o endeavour_n of_o a_o cure_n and_o to_o this_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o one_o of_o the_o common_a and_o reign_a vice_n of_o the_o age_n calumny_n and_o evil-speaking_a by_o which_o man_n contract_v so_o much_o guilt_n to_o themselves_o and_o create_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o other_o and_o from_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v few_o or_o none_o be_v whole_o free_a for_o who_o be_v he_o 19.16_o say_v the_o son_n of_o sirach_n that_o have_v not_o offend_v with_o his_o tongue_n in_o many_o thing_n 3.2_o say_v st._n james_n we_o offend_v all_o and_o if_o any_o man_n offend_v not_o in_o word_n the_o same_o be_v a_o perfect_a man_n but_o how_o few_o have_v attain_v to_o this_o perfection_n and_o yet_o unless_o we_o do_v endeavour_v after_o it_o and_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n attain_v it_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v vain_a so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1.26_o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a for_o the_o more_o distinct_a handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v reduce_v my_o discourse_n to_o these_o five_o head_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v second_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o due_a extent_n of_o this_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n three_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o evil_a of_o this_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o four_o i_o shall_v add_v some_o further_a consideration_n to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o it_o five_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o prevention_n and_o cure_n of_o it_o i._o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o sin_n or_o vice_n of_o evil_a speak_n here_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o defame_v and_o slander_v any_o man_n not_o to_o hurt_v his_o reputation_n as_o the_o etymology_n of_o the_o word_n do_v import_v so_o that_o this_o vice_n consist_v in_o say_v thing_n of_o other_o which_o tend_v to_o their_o disparagement_n and_o reproach_n to_o the_o take_v away_o or_o lessen_v of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n and_o this_o whether_o the_o thing_n say_v be_v true_a or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v false_a and_o we_o know_v it_o than_o it_o be_v downright_a calumny_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o it_o be_v however_o a_o slander_n and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o injurious_a because_o real_o groundless_a and_o undeserved_a if_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o defamation_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o neighbour_n reputation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o say_v the_o evil_a of_o other_o which_o be_v true_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o beside_o because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o charity_n and_o goodness_n which_o christianity_n require_v to_o divulge_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o though_o they_o be_v real_o guilty_a of_o they_o without_o necessity_n or_o some_o other_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o again_o it_o be_v evil-speaking_a and_o the_o vice_n condemn_v in_o the_o text_n whether_o we_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o a_o ill_a report_n or_o relate_v it_o from_o other_o because_o the_o man_n that_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o be_v equal_o defame_v either_o way_n again_o whether_o we_o speak_v evil_a of_o a_o man_n to_o his_o face_n or_o behind_o his_o back_n the_o former_a way_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o more_o generous_a but_o yet_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v revile_v the_o latter_a be_v more_o mean_a and_o base_a and_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o call_v slander_n or_o backbiting_a and_o last_o whether_o it_o be_v do_v direct_o and_o in_o express_a term_n or_o more_o obscure_o and_o by_o way_n of_o oblique_a insinuation_n whether_o by_o way_n of_o downright_a reproach_n or_o with_o some_o crafty_a preface_n of_o commendation_n for_o so_o it_o have_v the_o effect_n to_o defame_v the_o manner_n of_o address_n do_v not_o much_o alter_v the_o case_n the_o one_o may_v be_v more_o dextrous_a but_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n less_o faulty_a for_o many_o time_n the_o deep_a wound_n be_v give_v by_o these_o smooth_a and_o more_o artificial_a way_n of_o slander_n as_o by_o ask_v question_n have_v you_o not_o hear_v so_o and_o so_o of_o such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v no_o more_o i_o only_o ask_v the_o question_n or_o by_o general_a intimation_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o a_o one_o be_v very_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o believe_v it_o if_o you_o will_v believe_v they_o and_o this_o many_o time_n without_o tell_v the_o thing_n but_o leave_v you_o in_o the_o dark_a to_o suspect_v the_o worst_a these_o and_o such_o like_a art_n though_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v tender_a and_o gentle_a way_n of_o use_v man_n reputation_n yet_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v the_o most_o malicious_a and_o effectual_a method_n of_o slander_n because_o they_o insinuate_v something_o that_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o be_v say_v and_o yet_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o create_v in_o unwary_a man_n a_o strong_a belief_n of_o something_o that_o be_v very_o bad_a though_o they_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v so_o that_o it_o matter_n not_o in_o what_o fashion_n a_o slander_n be_v dress_v up_o if_o it_o tend_v to_o defame_v a_o man_n and_o to_o diminish_v his_o reputation_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o text._n ii_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o prohibition_n to_o speak_v evil_a of_o no_o man_n and_o the_o due_a bound_n and_o limitation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o to_o forbid_v we_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v other_o that_o be_v bad_a this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v necessary_a and_o our_o duty_n and_o in_o several_a case_n
very_o fit_a and_o reasonable_a the_o question_n be_v in_o what_o case_n by_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n we_o be_v warrant_v to_o say_v the_o evil_a of_o other_o that_o be_v true_a in_o general_n we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v this_o without_o great_a reason_n and_o necessity_n as_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n or_o the_o procure_n of_o some_o considerable_a good_a to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o advice_n of_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o foe_n talk_v not_o of_o other_o man_n life_n 19.8_o and_o if_o thou_o can_v without_o offence_n reveal_v they_o not_o that_o be_v if_o without_o hurt_n to_o any_o body_n thou_o can_v conceal_v they_o divulge_v they_o not_o but_o because_o this_o may_v not_o be_v direction_n sufficient_a i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a case_n wherein_o man_n be_v warrant_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o and_o yet_o in_o so_o do_v do_v not_o offend_v against_o this_o prohibition_n in_o the_o text._n first_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o very_o commendable_a and_o many_o time_n our_o duty_n to_o do_v this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o probable_a amendment_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o evil_o be_v speak_v in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o may_v tell_v a_o man_n of_o his_o fault_n private_o or_o where_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o use_v that_o boldness_n and_o freedom_n we_o may_v reveal_v his_o fault_n to_o one_o who_o be_v more_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o reprove_v he_o and_o will_v probable_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o this_o discovery_n but_o in_o order_n to_o his_o amendment_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o charity_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a testimony_n of_o it_o for_o perhaps_o the_o party_n may_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o what_o have_v be_v report_v of_o he_o and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o kindness_n to_o give_v he_o the_o opportunity_n of_o vindicate_v himself_o or_o if_o he_o be_v guilty_a perhaps_o be_v private_o and_o prudent_o tell_v of_o it_o he_o may_v reform_v in_o this_o case_n the_o son_n of_o sirach_n advise_v to_o reveal_v man_n fault_n 15._o admonish_v a_o friend_n say_v he_o it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o and_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o that_o he_o do_v it_o no_o more_o admonish_v a_o friend_n it_o may_v be_v he_o have_v not_o say_v it_o and_o if_o he_o have_v that_o he_o speak_v it_o not_o again_o admonish_v a_o friend_n for_o many_o time_n it_o be_v a_o slander_n and_o believe_v not_o every_o tale_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o kindness_n and_o that_o nothing_o of_o our_o own_o passion_n be_v mingle_v with_o it_o and_o that_o under_o pretence_n of_o reprove_v and_o reform_v man_n we_o do_v not_o reproach_n and_o revile_v they_o and_o tell_v they_o of_o their_o fault_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o we_o do_v it_o to_o show_v our_o authority_n rather_o than_o our_o charity_n it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o address_n and_o gentle_a application_n so_o to_o manage_v the_o business_n of_o reproof_n as_o not_o to_o irritate_fw-la and_o exasperate_v the_o person_n who_o we_o reprove_v instead_o of_o cure_v he_o second_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o our_o duty_n when_o we_o be_v legal_o call_v to_o bear_v witness_n concern_v the_o fault_n and_o crime_n of_o another_o a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v a_o accuser_n unless_o the_o public_a good_a or_o the_o prevention_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n shall_v require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o plain_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o voluntary_a accusation_n otherwise_o it_o have_v always_o among_o well-mannered_a people_n be_v esteem_v very_o odious_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v officious_a in_o this_o kind_n and_o a_o forward_a informer_n concern_v the_o misdemeanour_n of_o other_o magistrate_n may_v sometime_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o give_v encouragement_n to_o such_o person_n and_o to_o set_v one_o bad_a man_n to_o catch_v another_o because_o such_o man_n be_v fit_a for_o such_o dirty_a work_n but_o they_o can_v never_o inward_o approve_v they_o nor_o will_v they_o ever_o make_v they_o their_o friend_n and_o confident_n but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v call_v to_o give_v testimony_n in_o this_o kind_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o oath_n take_v in_o such_o case_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_a blame_n for_o so_o do_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a fault_n in_o he_o to_o conceal_v the_o truth_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o three_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o publish_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o in_o our_o own_o necessary_a defence_n and_o vindication_n when_o a_o man_n can_v conceal_v another_o fault_n without_o betray_v his_o own_o innocency_n no_o charity_n require_v a_o man_n to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v defame_v to_o save_v the_o reputation_n of_o another_o man_n charity_n begin_v at_o home_n and_o though_o a_o man_n have_v never_o so_o much_o goodness_n he_o will_v first_o secure_v his_o own_o good_a name_n and_o then_o be_v concern_v for_o other_o man_n we_o be_v to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o so_o that_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o therefore_o first_o otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o well_o for_o the_o world_n if_o our_o charity_n will_v rise_v thus_o high_a and_o no_o man_n will_v hurt_v another_o man_n reputation_n but_o where_o his_o own_o be_v in_o real_a danger_n four_o this_o also_o be_v lawful_a for_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o a_o three_o person_n that_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v infect_v by_o the_o company_n or_o ill_a example_n of_o another_o or_o may_v be_v great_o prejudice_v by_o repose_v too_o much_o confidence_n in_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o suspicion_n of_o his_o bad_a quality_n but_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v great_a care_n that_o the_o ill_a character_n we_o give_v of_o any_o man_n be_v spread_v no_o further_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a end_n we_o design_v in_o it_o beside_o these_o more_o obvious_a and_o remarkable_a case_n this_o prohibition_n do_v not_o i_o think_v hinder_v but_o that_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n man_n may_v mention_v that_o ill_a of_o other_o which_o be_v already_o make_v as_o public_a as_o it_o well_o can_v be_v or_o that_o one_o friend_n may_v not_o in_o freedom_n speak_v to_o another_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o a_o three_o person_n where_o he_o be_v secure_v no_o ill_a use_n will_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v go_v no_o further_o to_o his_o prejudice_n provide_v always_o that_o we_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o hear_v or_o speak_v ill_o of_o other_o and_o the_o less_o we_o do_v it_o though_o without_o any_o malice_n or_o design_n of_o harm_n still_o the_o better_a because_o this_o show_n that_o we_o do_v not_o feed_v upon_o ill_a report_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o these_o be_v the_o usual_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o man_n and_o these_o be_v so_o evident_o reasonable_a that_o the_o prohibition_n in_o the_o text_n can_v with_o reason_n be_v extend_v to_o they_o and_o if_o no_o man_n will_v allow_v himself_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o another_o man_n good_a name_n but_o in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n the_o tongue_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o innocent_a and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v very_o quiet_a i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iii_o d_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o evil_n of_o this_o practice_n both_o in_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o first_o we_o will_v consider_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o it_o common_o spring_v from_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o evil_a root_n first_o one_o of_o the_o deep_a and_o most_o common_a cause_n of_o evil-speaking_a be_v ill-nature_n and_o cruelty_n of_o disposition_n and_o by_o a_o general_a mistake_n ill-nature_n pass_v for_o wit_n as_o cunning_a do_v for_o wisdom_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v nothing_o akin_a to_o one_o another_o but_o as_o far_o distant_a as_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o bad_a temper_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o general_a proneness_n of_o man_n to_o this_o vice_n for_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n speak_v and_o therefore_o man_n do_v common_o incline_v to_o the_o censorious_a and_o