order_n to_o god_n and_o to_o religion_n and_o this_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o explication_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o understanding_n 2._o truth_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o practice_n be_v proper_o veracity_n and_o be_v oppose_v to_o lie_v and_o deceit_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o true_a heart_a in_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o when_o the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o mind_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a it_o be_v all_o one_o with_o his_o exhortation_n ephes_n 4.25_o wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o capable_a of_o deceive_a man_n either_o in_o his_o word_n or_o promise_n he_o will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o and_o this_o duty_n be_v necessary_a upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o conformity_n and_o likeness_n it_o have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n that_o can_v lie_v and_o in_o the_o new_a the_o apostle_n argue_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o lie_v or_o to_o deceive_v for_o to_o lie_n be_v a_o weakness_n sickness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o god_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o power_n or_o force_n can_v constrain_v he_o to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o nature_n will_v and_o his_o counsel_n and_o will_n be_v direct_v by_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n there_o can_v be_v in_o he_o any_o variableness_n inconstancy_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o he_o be_v most_o like_a unto_o god_n who_o stand_v confident_o and_o immutable_o to_o what_o be_v true_a and_o right_a for_o truth_n derive_v from_o a_o infinite_a and_o almighty_a be_v be_v bold_a and_o take_v place_n when_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n be_v put_v to_o its_o shift_n and_o run_v into_o hole_n hate_v the_o light_n therefore_o the_o wise_a heathen_n use_v to_o say_v that_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v thing_n that_o make_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o more_o a_o man_n swerve_v and_o decline_v from_o truth_n the_o further_o he_o be_v remove_v from_o a_o participation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n hence_o when_o the_o jew_n will_v not_o believe_v our_o saviour_n who_o testify_v that_o truth_n he_o have_v receive_v of_o god_n he_o tell_v they_o john_n 8.44_o they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o lie_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o say_v christ_n when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n he_o speak_v of_o his_o own_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n creation_n but_o a_o effect_n which_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a cause_n and_o author_n and_o original_a of_o when_o that_o foul_a spirit_n have_v once_o disjoin_v and_o separate_v himself_o from_o god_n than_o he_o begin_v to_o lie_v and_o to_o deceive_v and_o teach_v man_n to_o do_v so_o too_o which_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n when_o once_o it_o become_v uncentre_v and_o unhinged_a from_o that_o stable_a and_o unchangeable_a be_v who_o be_v truth_n itself_o 2._o truth_n be_v the_o bond_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v no_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n between_o man_n in_o the_o world_n without_o this_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o a_o liar_n be_v banish_v and_o exclude_v from_o all_o sober_a society_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o destroy_v that_o which_o god_n and_o nature_n ordain_v shall_v preserve_v and_o maintain_v a_o correspondence_n one_o with_o another_o therefore_o the_o very_a formality_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o lie_n include_v in_o it_o a_o piece_n of_o injustice_n and_o be_v a_o real_a injury_n do_v to_o another_o for_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v only_o the_o signification_n of_o our_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_a of_o judge_v and_o understand_v by_o these_o what_o be_v signify_v to_o he_o now_o when_o a_o man_n tell_v a_o lie_n he_o impose_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n and_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o right_n by_o make_v he_o to_o believe_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o thing_n be_v therefore_o our_o bless_a saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o man_n shall_v speak_v they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a mat._n 12.36_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o every_o impertinent_a or_o useless_a but_o every_o vain_a or_o false_a word_n i._n e._n for_o every_o lie_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n for_o this_o because_o he_o that_o lie_v to_o another_o not_o only_o betray_v the_o effeminateness_n and_o weakness_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o be_v real_o injurious_a to_o his_o neighbour_n and_o destroy_v and_o undermine_v that_o which_o be_v the_o common_a cement_n and_o bond_n by_o which_o society_n be_v incorporate_v together_o wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v every_o man_n care_n to_o avoid_v all_o fraud_n and_o dissimulation_n in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o unbecoming_a a_o man_n much_o more_o undecent_a and_o odious_a be_v it_o in_o a_o christian_a who_o profess_v a_o religion_n that_o own_v the_o great_a simplicity_n and_o openness_n and_o freedom_n and_o plain-heartedness_n in_o the_o world_n our_o bless_a saviour_n though_o he_o many_o time_n prudent_o avoid_v captious_a and_o enshare_a question_n yet_o when_o he_o be_v demand_v a_o account_n of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n i._n e._n whether_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n or_o the_o true_a messiah_n he_o own_v it_o though_o he_o know_v this_o very_a truth_n will_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n when_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n lie_v at_o stake_n than_o truth_n must_v in_o a_o particular_a manner_n show_v itself_o for_o to_o dissemble_v and_o to_o be_v false_a to_o this_o be_v to_o betray_v the_o religion_n that_o we_o profess_v therefore_o we_o find_v among_o the_o catalogue_n of_o those_o that_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v all_o such_o as_o love_v and_o make_v a_o lie_n revel_v 22.15_o not_o only_o such_o as_o make_v deceit_n and_o dissimulation_n to_o betray_v the_o truth_n but_o such_o as_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o such_o treacherous_a action_n and_o in_o express_a term_n god_n almighty_n threaten_v all_o liar_n revel_v 21.8_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n because_o falsehood_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o sink_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n the_o further_a remove_v from_o he_o but_o destroy_v the_o interest_n of_o christianity_n which_o require_v in_o all_o its_o professor_n the_o great_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o their_o word_n and_o action_n christ_n come_v to_o promote_v a_o fair_a and_o innocent_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o those_o blemish_n and_o spot_n that_o attend_v lie_v and_o deceit_n truth_n be_v plain_a and_o easy_a but_o a_o lie_n be_v crooked_a and_o perverse_a and_o make_v up_o of_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n so_o that_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_a truth_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n will_v not_o think_v such_o a_o exhortation_n as_o this_o to_o be_v unseasonable_a but_o will_v with_o all_o diligence_n pursue_v and_o follow_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a beside_o what_o we_o have_v here_o discourse_v of_o virtue_n in_o general_n we_o may_v further_o note_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o moral_a furniture_n of_o our_o soul_n they_o be_v the_o transcript_n and_o derivation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o however_o by_o a_o long_a degeneracy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v wear_v out_o and_o the_o trace_n of_o they_o in_o many_o to_o be_v scarce_o visible_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o a_o cognation_n and_o congruity_n between_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o embrace_v whenever_o due_o offer_v to_o they_o after_o have_v advise_v to_o thing_n true_a the_o apostle_n come_v next_o to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a signification_n as_o honesty_n be_v a_o part_n of_o justice_n for_o that_o st._n paul_n mention_n afterward_o but_o the_o word_n honest_a hear_v must_v be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a signification_n for_o whatever_o be_v become_v so_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a import_v
imprimatur_fw-la geo._n royse_n r._n r._n in_o christo_fw-la patri_fw-la ac_fw-la domino_fw-la domino_fw-la johanni_n archiep._n cantuar._n a_o sacris_fw-la dome_v april_n 23d_o 1692._o the_o excellency_n of_o moral_a virtue_n from_z the_o serious_a exhortation_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o several_a discourse_n upon_o phil._n 4.8_o to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o discourse_n of_o sincerity_n from_z john_n i_o 47._o by_o henry_n hallywell_n vicar_n of_o cowfold_n in_o sussex_n london_n print_v for_o james_n adamson_n at_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1692._o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n john_n by_o the_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n of_o all_o england_n and_o metropolitan_a and_o one_o of_o their_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy-council_n etc._n etc._n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n to_o accept_v of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n as_o a_o testimony_n of_o my_o humble_a thankfulness_n for_o your_o grace_n favour_n towards_o i_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o be_v late_o deliver_v to_o a_o small_a country_n auditory_a into_o who_o mind_n i_o endeavour_v to_o instill_v a_o generous_a sense_n of_o virtue_n be_v convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o great_a vsefulness_n of_o such_o monitory_a exhortation_n in_o a_o degenerate_a age_n but_o full_o persuade_v that_o if_o man_n neglect_v the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n the_o renovation_n of_o their_o mind_n into_o the_o faultless_a image_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o effectual_o be_v carry_v on_o i_o most_o humble_o beg_v your_o grace_n pardon_n for_o their_o imperfection_n hope_v your_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o offer_v which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o desire_n of_o do_v good_n and_o to_o assure_v your_o grace_n of_o the_o uprightness_n of_o my_o intention_n herein_o i_o have_v add_v as_o a_o appendix_n i_o judge_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o forego_n discourse_n one_o likewise_o of_o sincerity_n in_o which_o your_o grace_n will_v see_v the_o high_a esteem_n and_o value_v i_o have_v of_o that_o lovely_a qualification_n now_o that_o god_n will_v preserve_v your_o grace_n in_o health_n and_o prosperity_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n and_o after_o you_o have_v finish_v your_o course_n that_o your_o grace_n may_v receive_v a_o never_o fade_a crown_n of_o glory_n when_o the_o chief_a shepherd_n shall_v appear_v be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o grace_n most_o humble_a and_o most_o affectionate_a servant_n henry_n hallywell_n phil._n 4.8_o final_o brethren_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o dry_a and_o barren_a speculation_n but_o in_o practice_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o know_v what_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o practice_n the_o apostle_n here_o instance_n in_o divers_a moral_a duty_n which_o frequent_o occur_v in_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o indeed_o seem_v to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o serious_a and_o hearty_a regulation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o virtue_n and_o because_o morality_n by_o some_o have_v be_v too_o much_o slight_v and_o undervalue_v and_o a_o moral_a man_n look_v upon_o but_o as_o a_o more_o refine_a reprobate_a or_o castaway_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v the_o ground_n work_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o life_n by_o which_o we_o must_v be_v save_v or_o that_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n for_o to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v all_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n mention_n to_o be_v true_a in_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n to_o be_v honest_a in_o walk_v answerable_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v just_a in_o our_o deal_n one_o with_o another_o to_o be_v pure_a in_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n and_o to_o practice_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n among_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a men._n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o pagan_n that_o ever_o attain_v to_o this_o high_a and_o excellent_a pitch_n they_o must_v be_v reckon_v among_o those_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fit_o dispose_v for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 13.48_o luke_n 9.62_o act_n 13.48_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rank_v and_o set_v in_o order_n for_o eternal_a life_n and_o whoever_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o christian_a without_o the_o due_a observance_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a duty_n which_o flow_v from_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n he_o have_v the_o name_n indeed_o but_o want_v the_o thing_n itself_o and_o do_v but_o cheat_n and_o deceive_v himself_o and_o will_v hereafter_o feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o his_o delusion_n when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n by_o morality_n than_o i_o understand_v all_o these_o virtue_n the_o apostle_n mention_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v consonant_n to_o true_a and_o right_a reason_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o improve_n and_o better_v the_o life_n of_o man._n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n alone_o will_v save_v a_o man_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v at_o something_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o require_v such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v be_v attain_v bare_o by_o these_o but_o this_o i_o say_v that_o all_o these_o virtue_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o without_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o these_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v they_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o cast_n of_o corn_n into_o the_o ground_n be_v to_o the_o future_a harvest_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o right_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o let_v he_o otherwise_o never_o so_o much_o applaud_v himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o true_a christian_a that_o he_o be_v but_o a_o dissemble_a hypocrite_n both_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o man._n now_o that_o the_o main_a of_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o moral-virtue_n will_v appear_v 1._o in_o that_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o set_v this_o as_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o perfection_n of_o religion_n micah_n 6.8_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o be_v god_n require_v nothing_o more_o or_o great_a in_o comparison_n of_o these_o for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v as_o immediate_a part_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o a_o prevarication_n in_o which_o have_v doubtless_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n but_o he_o require_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o virtue_n chief_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o and_o declare_v that_o the_o do_v these_o thing_n be_v more_o grateful_a to_o he_o than_o a_o thousand_o sacrifice_n and_o christ_n himself_o approve_v of_o what_o the_o scribe_n say_v mark_v 12.33_o that_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o understanding_n and_o with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v more_o than_o all_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n for_o though_o god_n have_v command_v the_o daily_a sacrifice_n to_o be_v offer_v yet_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a virtue_n be_v more_o please_v to_o he_o this_o have_v a_o inward_a goodness_n and_o loveliness_n in_o it_o which_o the_o other_o have_v not_o nay_o god_n disdain_v and_o reproach_n even_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n when_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n of_o unholy_a life_n and_o conversation_n as_o we_o read_v isa_n 1.11_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n here_o be_v a_o manifest_a slight_v even_o of_o those_o very_a act_n of_o worship_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v enjoin_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v abhor_v his_o own_o offer_n and_o not_o be_v please_v with_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v command_v we_o find_v it_o express_v verse_n 15._o your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o open_a violation_n
and_o transgression_n of_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o follow_v verse_n 16._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a and_o plead_v for_o the_o widow_n from_o hence_o you_o see_v that_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o god_n put_v a_o high_a estimate_n and_o value_n upon_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o these_o moral_a duty_n of_o religion_n than_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o service_n be_v perform_v to_o he_o it_o be_v no_o further_o acceptable_a than_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o conjunction_n with_o act_n of_o kindness_n beneficence_n justice_n and_o equity_n towards_o our_o fellow-creature_n nay_o our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o will_v give_v we_o a_o brief_a summary_n or_o compendium_n of_o religion_n they_o always_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o moral-virtue_n to_o be_v the_o main_a part_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o for_o thus_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o say_v that_o to_o love_n god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 1.27_o that_o true_a religion_n before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n moreover_o the_o value_n that_o god_n put_v upon_o moral-virtue_n be_v so_o great_a that_o when_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o character_n of_o any_o person_n that_o be_v dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n the_o description_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n draw_v from_o instance_n of_o morality_n in_o the_o 31st_o chapter_n of_o job_n we_o find_v that_o holy_a man_n make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o all_o the_o instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o be_v but_o so_o many_o act_n of_o moral-virtue_n yet_o have_v he_o this_o commendation_n give_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o and_o that_o which_o endear_v cornelius_n to_o god_n and_o make_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o visit_n of_o a_o angel_n first_o and_o then_o of_o a_o apostle_n be_v as_o we_o read_v act_v 10.2_o that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n and_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o insomuch_o that_o st._n peter_n make_v this_o general_a deduction_n and_o conclusion_n from_o it_o verse_n 34_o 35._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n whoever_o he_o be_v and_o in_o whatsoever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o sincere_o honour_v he_o and_o live_v up_o as_o near_o as_o he_o can_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o right_a reason_n that_o almighty_a be_v look_n down_o with_o a_o favourable_a eye_n upon_o he_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o christianity_n itself_o who_o ultimate_n end_n be_v the_o salvation_n and_o blessedness_n of_o mankind_n have_v therefore_o appear_v say_v st._n paul_n tit._n 2.12_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o argument_n when_o the_o apostle_n will_v give_v we_o the_o character_n of_o a_o complete_a and_o full_a grow_v christian_a he_o say_v heb._n 5.14_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o use_n have_v his_o sense_n exercise_v to_o discern_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n so_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v make_v to_o consist_v in_o have_v a_o vital_a relish_n and_o discrimination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 2._o by_o these_o moral_a action_n we_o partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n in_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o make_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o grand_a design_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v our_o partake_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o wisdom_n or_o power_n but_o in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n in_o holiness_n justice_n and_o equity_n in_o love_n commiseration_n and_o pity_n all_o which_o be_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o we_o partake_v more_o or_o less_o of_o they_o so_o do_v we_o more_o or_o less_o resemble_v and_o draw_v down_o god_n into_o our_o soul_n the_o eternity_n omniscience_n and_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n be_v not_o where_o set_v as_o our_o copy_n to_o follow_v for_o these_o be_v incommunicable_a property_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o in_o all_o his_o moral-perfection_n we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o become_v like_a unto_o he_o it_o be_v by_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n by_o his_o love_n and_o goodness_n that_o god_n fall_v down_o into_o our_o soul_n and_o impregnate_v they_o with_o his_o sacred_a life_n and_o form_n there_o his_o own_o image_n and_o likeness_n and_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o which_o so_o near_o resemble_v god_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n copy_v out_o and_o implant_v in_o his_o creature_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o of_o all_o value_a and_o respect_v by_o he_o and_o we_o be_v in_o his_o favour_n as_o we_o increase_v in_o holiness_n and_o purity_n in_o truth_n goodness_n and_o righteousness_n now_o that_o god_n account_v these_o thing_n most_o dear_a to_o he_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o example_n he_o propose_v to_o we_o for_o our_o imitation_n that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o in_o who_o that_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v most_o clear_o and_o conspicuous_o discover_v and_o the_o great_a thing_n which_o have_v make_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n exemplary_a and_o set_v as_o a_o godlike_a pattern_n for_o we_o to_o follow_v be_v 1._o his_o superlative_a love_n and_o charity_n design_v not_o so_o much_o his_o own_o interest_n as_o the_o universal_a and_o common_a good_a of_o all_o the_o world_n his_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n be_v not_o circumscribe_v to_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n but_o extend_v and_o communicate_v to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o he_o make_v no_o distinction_n of_o age_n or_o sex_n or_o party_n but_o scatter_v his_o bounty_n to_o all_o and_o fill_v all_o place_n and_o all_o person_n with_o joy_n and_o gladness_n by_o his_o presence_n and_o whenever_o he_o make_v use_v of_o that_o almighty_a power_n which_o reside_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o harm_n and_o damage_n but_o to_o the_o support_n and_o relief_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v withal_o 2._o again_o he_o make_v his_o life_n a_o exemplary_a pattern_n to_o we_o in_o his_o humility_n and_o the_o resignation_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o pleasure_n for_o we_o never_o find_v our_o saviour_n ever_o arrogate_a any_o praise_n or_o glory_n to_o himself_o but_o refer_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o action_n to_o god_n insomuch_o as_o though_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v innocent_a and_o without_o sin_n yet_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v good_a say_v that_o none_o be_v good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n and_o whatever_o his_o condition_n be_v he_o never_o murmur_v or_o repine_v at_o it_o but_o entire_o commit_v himself_o to_o the_o wise_a providence_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v he_o ever_o desire_v the_o fulfil_a his_o own_o will_n and_o desire_v any_o further_a than_o they_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n 3._o and_o then_o last_o our_o lord_n have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a example_n of_o a_o unspotted_a purity_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n he_o converse_v with_o a_o wicked_a and_o censorious_a world_n with_o man_n that_o lay_v at_o the_o catch_n to_o ensnare_v he_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o read_v they_o can_v ever_o fasten_v any_o sin_n upon_o he_o and_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v ever_o keep_v undefiled_a and_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n so_o his_o body_n be_v never_o pollute_v by_o any_o inordinate_a pleasure_n or_o excess_n but_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n remain_v always_o pure_a as_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o live_n god_n
truth_n that_o seek_v to_o diminish_v and_o obscure_v those_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o so_o evident_o appear_v throughout_o all_o the_o tract_n of_o immense_a space_n thus_o then_o when_o we_o look_v into_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n nay_o but_o into_o the_o fabric_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o see_v with_o what_o wonderful_a art_n and_o contrivance_n thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o each_o part_n be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o conspire_v to_o one_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a this_o very_a consideration_n that_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o frame_v for_o end_n and_o design_n will_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o conscious_a and_o intelligent_a nature_n which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o powerful_a god_n therefore_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o either_o the_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n or_o the_o admirable_a structure_n of_o humane_a body_n in_o which_o be_v lodge_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n have_v no_o other_o original_a but_o blind_a chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o arise_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a coalition_n of_o atom_n we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o at_o first_o sight_n as_o a_o error_n and_o delusion_n because_o it_o derogate_v and_o take_v away_o from_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o make_n even_o of_o the_o least_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n again_o if_o any_o person_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o damn_v they_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n it_o be_v impossible_a keep_v ourselves_o to_o this_o rule_n that_o ever_o we_o shall_v believe_v such_o a_o doctrine_n because_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o love_n which_o as_o it_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a so_o it_o will_v never_o destroy_v or_o turn_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n without_o its_o own_o demerit_n and_o default_n to_o instance_n once_o more_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v teach_v that_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v and_o that_o though_o he_o invite_v all_o man_n yet_o he_o deny_v sufficient_a grace_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o obey_v he_o and_o be_v extricate_v out_o of_o their_o miserable_a condition_n by_o this_o rule_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o a_o downright_a falsehood_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n can_v command_v and_o enjoin_v impossibility_n nor_o exact_v and_o require_v man_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n without_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o sufficient_a power_n whereby_o to_o do_v they_o and_o to_o do_v otherwise_o will_v so_o little_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o better_o than_o tyranny_n and_o unaccountable_a self-will_a hence_o now_o it_o follow_v not_o only_o in_o these_o instance_n but_o in_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatever_o if_o they_o any_o way_n lessen_v the_o goodness_n wisdom_n or_o power_n of_o god_n if_o they_o disparage_v all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o attribute_n such_o doctrine_n can_v never_o be_v true_a for_o truth_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o alike_o and_o be_v ever_o find_v agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n 2._o if_o any_o thing_n be_v teach_v that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o find_a reason_n or_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a because_o reason_n be_v that_o lamp_n or_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o have_v light_v and_o set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o discern_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o our_o sense_n be_v another_o infallible_a mean_n of_o communicate_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o when_o they_o be_v sound_a and_o not_o vitiate_a and_o their_o object_n due_o and_o convenient_o circumstantiate_v now_o as_o our_o eye_n and_o ear_n be_v give_v we_o to_o discern_v object_n of_o sight_n and_o hear_v so_o be_v our_o reason_n to_o discern_v those_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o as_o no_o man_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v craze_v in_o his_o intellectual_n will_v distrust_v his_o eye_n or_o ear_n when_o their_o object_n be_v due_o place_v so_o neither_o will_v he_o distrust_v his_o reason_n when_o it_o act_v according_a to_o those_o common_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n upon_o which_o all_o reason_n be_v found_v and_o that_o this_o may_v yet_o be_v more_o manifest_a it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o indifferent_a to_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o please_v whether_o right_a or_o wrong_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v false_a because_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ungratefulness_n and_o disagreeableness_n between_o falsehood_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o believe_v a_o falsehood_n be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n wherefore_o because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v at_o his_o pleasure_n his_o understanding_n be_v limit_v and_o bind_v up_o by_o those_o eternal_a rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o right_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o consequent_o that_o doctrine_n must_v be_v false_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o give_v some_o light_n to_o this_o in_o a_o particular_a instance_n our_o adversary_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n say_v that_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o the_o consecrate_a wafer_n and_o every_o crum_n of_o it_o be_v the_o whole_a and_o entire_a body_n of_o christ_n that_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n but_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n it_o be_v utter_o false_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o christ_n natural_a body_n can_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n without_o any_o continuation_n of_o itself_o be_v in_o a_o thousand_o distant_a place_n upon_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n because_o three_o of_o our_o sense_n viz._n our_o taste_v touch_v and_o see_v inform_v we_o that_o it_o be_v still_o bread_n and_o if_o our_o faculty_n may_v deceive_v we_o in_o their_o proper_a object_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o arrive_v to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o must_v be_v condemn_v to_o a_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a judge_n when_o they_o be_v right_o circumstantiate_v appear_v from_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v which_o be_v only_o so_o many_o appeal_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n 3._o whatever_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n there_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o do_v not_o drive_v at_o holiness_n of_o life_n nor_o design_v the_o perfection_n of_o man_n soul_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o all_o one_o as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a for_o all_o the_o mystery_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v such_o as_o some_o way_n or_o other_o serve_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o true_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o make_v we_o better_o their_o design_n be_v to_o communicate_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n to_o we_o as_o may_v affect_v our_o heart_n and_o render_v we_o more_o godlike_a holiness_n be_v the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o whatever_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n promote_v and_o advance_v a_o pious_a and_o religious_a life_n can_v be_v believe_v to_o come_v from_o god_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v imagine_v that_o a_o bare_a naked_a faith_n without_o a_o inward_a change_n and_o renovation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v enough_o to_o save_v he_o or_o if_o he_o shall_v frame_v to_o himself_o any_o opinion_n that_o give_v any_o liberty_n indulgence_n or_o allowance_n to_o any_o sin_n these_o and_o such_o like_a fancy_n be_v utter_o false_a and_o to_o be_v abhor_v because_o they_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o inward_a holiness_n purity_n and_o sanctity_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n by_o these_o rule_n we_o may_v examine_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o we_o in_o
apostle_n now_o to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v judge_n of_o our_o own_o sincerity_n we_o may_v resolve_v ourselves_o by_o these_o two_o plain_a note_n or_o character_n 1._o if_o our_o religion_n be_v as_o well_o in_o private_a as_o in_o public_a for_o he_o that_o confine_v his_o religion_n only_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o a_o festival-day_n be_v like_o those_o heathen_n that_o chain_v up_o their_o god_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v run_v away_o and_o they_o shall_v never_o find_v they_o again_o but_o when_o we_o be_v hearty_a in_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v deep_o seal_v and_o impress_v upon_o our_o soul_n it_o will_v exert_v and_o show_v itself_o as_o well_o when_o none_o but_o god_n be_v present_a as_o if_o ten_o thousand_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v upon_o it_o for_o since_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o that_o the_o bright_a eye_n of_o eternity_n be_v ever_o broad_a awake_a and_o look_v upon_o we_o it_o argue_v little_a fear_n and_o veneration_n of_o that_o holy_a be_v if_o we_o can_v dare_v commit_v a_o sin_n in_o his_o presence_n though_o no_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v privy_a to_o it_o therefore_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v fair_a and_o invite_a and_o concur_v to_o the_o act_v a_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a vice_n with_o the_o great_a secrecy_n and_o impunity_n then_o to_o abstain_v and_o hate_v the_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o religious_a fear_n of_o offend_a god_n and_o debase_v our_o own_o soul_n it_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v right_o and_o sincere_a 2._o if_o we_o adhere_v to_o god_n and_o keep_v firm_a in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n as_o well_o in_o adversity_n as_o prosperity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v religious_a when_o god_n incircle_n we_o with_o his_o blessing_n and_o rains_n down_o pearl_n as_o it_o be_v into_o our_o mouth_n but_o when_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o write_v bitter_a thing_n against_o we_o and_o a_o storm_n of_o misery_n and_o affliction_n from_o without_o blow_n hard_a upon_o we_o then_o to_o be_v virtuous_a be_v true_o honourable_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o as_o it_o si_fw-mi no_o great_a credit_n to_o practice_v a_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o fashion_n or_o to_o adorn_v ourselves_o with_o a_o modish_a piety_n but_o to_o follow_v virtue_n through_o rough_a and_o uneven_a path_n and_o to_o be_v religious_a when_o holiness_n be_v contemn_v and_o disgrace_v that_o show_v a_o steady_a resolution_n and_o that_o a_o man_n love_v god_n because_o he_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a be_v these_o note_n and_o character_n of_o sincerity_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a and_o by_o they_o we_o may_v examine_v our_o own_o heart_n and_o discern_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrisy_n in_o they_o or_o not_o and_o by_o these_o we_o may_v discover_v the_o state_n of_o our_o soul_n without_o perplex_v ourselves_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o evidence_n and_o sign_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o exact_a search_n may_v prove_v either_o impertinent_a or_o unreasonable_a nay_o certain_o he_o that_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n incessant_o to_o breath_n after_o though_o with_o the_o loss_n and_o hazard_n of_o all_o these_o worldly_a enjoyment_n yea_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o last_a comfort_n and_o a_o strong_a security_n for_o heaven_n flow_v from_o his_o own_o soul_n than_o if_o a_o angel_n shall_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v ordain_v to_o a_o celestial_a happiness_n and_o we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o endeavour_v after_o this_o integrity_n and_o uprightness_n of_o heart_n from_o its_o great_a necessity_n and_o apparent_a usefulness_n there_o be_v two_o main_a season_n or_o time_n of_o trial_n of_o a_o christian_a wherein_o a_o sincere_a and_o candid_a breast_n will_v be_v his_o great_a strength_n and_o support_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o the_o day_n of_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n prosperity_n be_v a_o very_a false_a glass_n and_o most_o common_o represent_v we_o to_o ourselves_o in_o other_o colour_n and_o feature_n than_o real_o we_o be_v but_o adversity_n and_o affliction_n wipe_v off_o all_o this_o paint_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n and_o show_v we_o the_o true_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o case_n a_o formal_a and_o hypocritical_a dress_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a while_o we_o can_v draw_v water_n at_o our_o own_o cistern_n we_o speak_v well_o of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o cheerful_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o a_o severe_a providence_n dry_v up_o the_o well-spring_n of_o our_o comfort_n and_o lead_v we_o through_o a_o scorch_a wilderness_n wherein_o we_o combat_v with_o fierce_a and_o fiery-flying_a serpent_n then_o be_v the_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o indeed_o the_o true_a and_o native_a glory_n of_o virtue_n be_v never_o make_v so_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a as_o when_o it_o be_v surround_v and_o begird_v with_o the_o great_a danger_n adversity_n be_v a_o proper_a mean_a to_o discover_v whether_o our_o love_n to_o god_n and_o virtue_n be_v sincere_a and_o unfeigned_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v counterfeit_n and_o adulterate_a which_o our_o saviour_n intimate_v in_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o gospel_n where_o the_o scorch_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n i._n e._n the_o time_n of_o misery_n and_o tribulation_n quick_o show_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o soil_n wherein_o that_o divine_a seed_n be_v cast_v 2._o the_o hour_n of_o death_n be_v another_o of_o those_o time_n which_o will_v discover_v our_o sincerity_n man_n have_v not_o the_o same_o apprehension_n of_o sin_n in_o their_o health_n and_o strength_n as_o when_o they_o be_v draw_v near_o their_o end_n and_o enter_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o another_o world_n for_o as_o the_o body_n in_o sickness_n loathe_v even_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o grateful_a and_o pleasant_a in_o its_o health_n so_o be_v it_o with_o the_o mind_n or_o spirit_n when_o it_o foresee_v that_o it_o be_v hasten_v to_o another_o and_o strange_a world_n it_o distaste_v and_o hate_v the_o thought_n of_o those_o sin_n it_o so_o free_o act_v and_o indulge_v itself_o in_o before_o for_o then_o the_o body_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o occasion_n of_o sin_n be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o order_n the_o soul_n may_v more_o free_o and_o clear_o behold_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o according_o be_v more_o sensible_o affect_v with_o it_o and_o the_o clear_a sight_n we_o have_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n the_o great_a be_v that_o horror_n and_o fear_v the_o conscience_n inflict_v upon_o we_o when_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o own_o gild_n now_o since_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o dissolution_n of_o our_o earthly_a tabernacle_n make_v so_o perfect_a a_o representation_n of_o thing_n to_o we_o strip_v of_o all_o their_o outward_a appearance_n and_o divest_v of_o that_o paint_n and_o flourish_n we_o put_v upon_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o mighty_a support_n and_o comfort_n to_o find_v the_o face_n of_o our_o soul_n calm_a and_o smooth_a and_o ourselves_o not_o burden_v with_o the_o heaviness_n and_o weight_n of_o gild_n but_o when_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o past_a day_n come_v into_o our_o remembrance_n and_o we_o consider_v how_o false_a we_o have_v be_v to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n when_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v betray_v our_o faith_n and_o religion_n to_o support_v a_o frail_a and_o totter_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n there_o will_v then_o be_v little_a else_o but_o a_o dismal_a scene_n of_o horror_n present_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o nearness_n of_o our_o approach_n to_o that_o state_n wherein_o we_o must_v dwell_v for_o ever_o strike_v a_o chillness_n and_o coldness_n to_o our_o very_a heart_n and_o all_o because_o we_o have_v lose_v that_o hope_n and_o confidence_n which_o flow_v from_o sincerity_n when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o if_o now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v into_o view_v this_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o spirit_n which_o we_o call_v sincerity_n clothe_v with_o all_o its_o native_a richness_n and_o glory_n i_o shall_v soon_o want_v word_n to_o express_v it_o than_o be_v able_a full_o to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v beauty_n be_v so_o faultless_a and_o irreprehensible_a and_o the_o sweetness_n of_o its_o nature_n so_o great_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o on_o earth_n so_o lovely_a and_o so_o desirable_a it_o be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o will_v not_o lose_v and_o he_o that_o have_v it_o not_o if_o he_o know_v but_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o will_v give_v all_o the_o world_n if_o he_o have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o purchase_v it_o for_o certain_o if_o ever_o
much_o candour_n and_o passionate_a sweetness_n that_o those_o who_o sin_n be_v reprove_v may_v clear_o see_v it_o be_v their_o good_a and_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o be_v only_o aim_v at_o for_o otherwise_o man_n mind_n may_v rather_o be_v exasperate_v than_o heal_v when_o truth_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v deliver_v with_o too_o great_a a_o sharpness_n and_o harshness_n man_n do_v not_o usual_o care_v to_o hear_v of_o their_o fault_n but_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a and_o discover_v with_o bitterness_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o cast_v a_o heal_a influence_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o it_o provoke_v and_o inflame_v their_o mind_n 3._o he_o that_o will_v exact_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v lovely_a must_v provide_v that_o in_o do_v kindness_n he_o do_v not_o upbraid_v and_o shame_v they_o upon_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o confer_v they_o there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o that_o tender_a and_o modest_a disposition_n who_o blush_n and_o be_v ashamed_a either_o to_o ask_v or_o to_o receive_v those_o kindness_n which_o real_o they_o want_v and_o then_o the_o do_v thing_n lovely_a oblige_v a_o man_n so_o to_o assist_v they_o in_o whatever_o it_o be_v as_o may_v lest_o of_o all_o make_v they_o ashamed_a now_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v from_o general_a observation_n draw_v from_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o these_o few_o particular_n we_o may_v competent_o enough_o understand_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o exhort_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n the_o last_o instance_n of_o virtue_n the_o apostle_n make_v use_v of_o be_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o good_a report_n by_o which_o we_o be_v teach_v to_o think_v of_o and_o do_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v purchase_v we_o a_o good_a name_n and_o esteem_v and_o reputation_n among_o such_o as_o be_v virtuous_a and_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n now_o from_o hence_o we_o be_v inform_v 1._o that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o indifferent_a and_o alike_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a bravery_n excellency_n and_o becomingness_n in_o some_o action_n and_o there_o be_v a_o baseness_n and_o filthiness_n in_o other_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o not_o for_o the_o difference_n and_o distinction_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o will_n nor_o can_v we_o change_v their_o nature_n as_o we_o please_v indeed_o to_o the_o atheist_n and_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o any_o spiritual_a be_v but_o resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o distinction_n or_o difference_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o what_o man_n be_v please_v to_o make_v and_o then_o as_o oft_o as_o wicked_a man_n get_v into_o power_n they_o may_v make_v thing_n vicious_a in_o themselves_o to_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o since_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o none_o but_o fool_n can_v think_v otherwise_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o virtue_n derive_v from_o he_o and_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o his_o image_n and_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o god_n have_v copy_v out_o and_o engrave_v this_o his_o image_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o all_o man_n that_o have_v a_o due_a use_n of_o their_o faculty_n have_v likewise_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a deep_o seal_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o they_o can_v change_v they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o action_n as_o be_v conformable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o those_o intellectual_a law_n and_o principle_n which_o god_n have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o praiseworthy_a and_o such_o as_o be_v otherwise_o they_o be_v detestable_a and_o vile_a and_o have_v a_o inward_a turpitude_n stick_v fast_o to_o they_o and_o since_o all_o man_n have_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n write_v on_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o ought_v to_o walk_v according_a to_o these_o there_o will_v natural_o arise_v a_o esteem_n for_o those_o person_n who_o walk_v the_o near_a according_a to_o these_o rule_n and_o this_o which_o we_o call_v esteem_n or_o fame_n and_o a_o good_a name_n or_o report_n be_v indeed_o a_o part_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n when_o man_n be_v applaud_v and_o praise_v when_o they_o fulfil_v the_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n and_o act_n like_o rational_a creature_n according_a to_o those_o law_n and_o prescription_n the_o eternal_a mind_n have_v interweave_v in_o the_o essential_a frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o their_o soul_n true_a it_o be_v fame_n and_o reputation_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v mighty_o seek_v after_o even_o by_o those_o that_o be_v no_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o strictness_n of_o virtue_n and_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n a_o secret_a desire_n and_o tendency_n towards_o the_o embalm_v and_o consecrate_v their_o name_n to_o after_o age_n of_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a conviction_n and_o natural_a presage_n of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n in_o all_o man_n mind_n there_o be_v something_o that_o whisper_v to_o they_o and_o mix_v itself_o with_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o action_n that_o they_o have_v something_o in_o they_o that_o shall_v survive_v their_o ash_n and_o live_v and_o act_n when_o their_o body_n be_v dead_a and_o rot_a in_o the_o grave_a and_o from_o hence_o they_o natural_o affect_v and_o desire_v a_o continuation_n of_o themselves_o and_o a_o kind_n of_o immortality_n in_o this_o life_n and_o this_o set_v they_o upon_o those_o various_a way_n and_o method_n of_o the_o purchase_n and_o acquisition_n of_o it_o some_o by_o valour_n and_o heroic_a action_n other_o by_o honour_n and_o some_o by_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o posterity_n which_o evident_o show_v the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o all_o man_n to_o continue_v and_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o earth_n at_o least_o in_o their_o fame_n and_o name_n and_o memory_n although_o they_o be_v withdraw_v from_o it_o as_o to_o their_o personal_a being_n thus_o we_o read_v psal_n 49.11_o of_o some_o who_o inward_a thought_n be_v that_o their_o house_n shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o call_v their_o land_n after_o their_o own_o name_n i._n e._n many_o man_n see_v that_o themselves_o be_v mortal_a and_o quick_o die_v yet_o desire_v to_o perpetuate_v their_o name_n and_o that_o their_o memory_n shall_v live_v after_o they_o whereas_o this_o only_a show_n that_o there_o be_v implant_v in_o man_n natural_o a_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n which_o will_v procure_v fame_n and_o esteem_v and_o a_o good_a name_n while_o they_o live_v here_o and_o continue_v it_o when_o they_o be_v go_v from_o hence_o but_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o attain_v it_o but_o now_o true_a religion_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n that_o will_v advance_v a_o good_a name_n and_o purchase_n esteem_v here_o and_o continue_v it_o after_o death_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v have_v in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n it_o be_v true_a many_o a_o wicked_a man_n name_n be_v remember_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o his_o infamy_n and_o disgrace_n therefore_o it_o be_v say_v prov._n 10.7_o the_o name_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v rot_v i._n e._n it_o shall_v be_v as_o offensive_a and_o unpleasant_a as_o a_o dead_a and_o rot_a carcase_n we_o read_v of_o a_o covetous_a and_o treacherous_a judas_n who_o sell_v his_o master_n but_o we_o detest_v and_o abhor_v his_o memory_n and_o of_o a_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a herod_n but_o with_o almost_o as_o keen_a a_o passion_n as_o those_o sorrowful_a mother_n feel_v at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o little_a infant_n thus_o every_o wicked_a man_n if_o he_o be_v at_o all_o remember_v it_o be_v with_o some_o infamous_a character_n and_o note_n of_o disgrace_n as_o that_o he_o be_v a_o profane_a and_o debauch_v or_o a_o lascivious_a covetous_a or_o unjust_a person_n and_o it_o be_v better_a that_o our_o name_n perish_v for_o ever_o and_o we_o descend_v into_o a_o common_a and_o ignoble_a grave_n than_o to_o be_v thus_o remember_v 2._o we_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o proper_a judge_n of_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n be_v virtuous_a and_o wise_a person_n among_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v valuable_a with_o man_n there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o least_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o of_o so_o high_a a_o esteem_n as_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o
image_n of_o god_n communicate_v unto_o man_n it_o follow_v that_o thing_n be_v only_o so_o far_o of_o good_a report_n as_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o true_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v virtuous_a and_o what_o be_v not_o must_v be_v the_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n himself_o for_o he_o be_v plentiful_o endue_v with_o and_o perfect_o awaken_v into_o this_o high_a and_o exalt_a principle_n of_o life_n he_o present_o feel_v and_o know_v and_o have_v a_o quick_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o divine_a life_n which_o his_o soul_n be_v so_o thorough_o possess_v of_o and_o be_v perfect_o dead_a to_o all_o sensual_a affection_n which_o may_v cloud_n or_o distrust_v his_o judgement_n he_o instant_o discern_v the_o least_o blemish_n and_o corruption_n of_o life_n and_o so_o become_v perfect_o enable_v to_o determine_v what_o be_v laudable_a and_o praise_v worthy_a and_o of_o good_a report_n this_o internal_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v as_o fit_o qualify_v to_o discern_v its_o proper_a object_n as_o the_o clear_a eye_n be_v to_o discern_v light_n and_o colour_n but_o as_o for_o man_n of_o deprave_a soul_n and_o wicked_a life_n they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o determine_v and_o define_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n than_o swine_n be_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o symmetry_n of_o a_o beautiful_a picture_n so_o that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n we_o must_v take_v our_o measure_n from_o what_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n have_v account_v so_o and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o undervalue_v the_o judgement_n of_o such_o who_o have_v joint_o and_o unanimous_o conclude_v from_o that_o inward_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o virtue_n that_o such_o and_o such_o action_n be_v laudable_a and_o of_o good_a report_n and_o the_o contrary_a dishonest_a and_o base_a be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n 3._o he_o that_o purchase_v a_o good_a name_n by_o virtue_n he_o purchase_v the_o great_a treasure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o solomon_n say_v prov._n 22.1_o that_o a_o good_a name_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v than_o great_a riches_n because_o riches_n be_v something_o without_o we_o and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o thing_n of_o good_a report_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o that_o life_n which_o be_v the_o true_a be_v of_o the_o soul_n they_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o moreover_o the_o virtuous_a man_n can_v fail_v by_o such_o action_n of_o make_v many_o friend_n which_o be_v as_o boethius_n speak_v pretiosissimum_fw-la divitiarum_fw-la genus_fw-la the_o most_o precious_a kind_n of_o riches_n and_o further_o our_o good_a or_o ill_a fame_n be_v not_o peremptory_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n but_o pass_v before_o we_o into_o the_o next_o and_o every_o man_n by_o his_o good_a or_o bad_a behaviour_n bring_v a_o good_a or_o ill_a report_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o region_n of_o spirit_n before_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v and_o converse_v with_o they_o if_o we_o be_v wicked_a we_o be_v as_o much_o scorn_v there_o and_o our_o name_n as_o hateful_a as_o the_o name_n of_o judas_n or_o herod_n the_o angel_n and_o separate_a spirit_n quick_o know_v what_o we_o be_v for_o those_o discern_a spirit_n be_v not_o easy_o deceive_v and_o the_o fame_n of_o our_o do_n arrive_v to_o they_o before_o we_o leave_v the_o world_n those_o bless_a spirit_n be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n luke_n 15.10_o which_o be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n that_o our_o good_a or_o evil_a behaviour_n ready_o come_v to_o their_o notice_n and_o cognizance_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v no_o small_a damage_n to_o have_v a_o ill_a report_n among_o those_o who_o shall_v assist_v we_o and_o minister_n to_o we_o in_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n 4._o by_o do_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n we_o consult_v not_o only_o our_o own_o esteem_n but_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n we_o profess_v it_o be_v say_v 1_o sam._n 2.17_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o elie_n son_n make_v man_n abhor_v the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n their_o sinful_a and_o vicious_a manner_n of_o live_v bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o themselves_o and_o it_o redound_v likewise_o to_o god_n dishonour_n and_o cause_v man_n to_o 'slight_o and_o despise_v and_o undervalue_v his_o worship_n and_o service_n so_o it_o be_v with_o we_o when_o we_o deserve_o by_o some_o evil_a action_n bring_v a_o ill_a report_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o dishonour_n light_v not_o only_o upon_o we_o that_o reflect_v on_o god_n and_o that_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o profess_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v likewise_o of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 12.14_o that_o by_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v give_v cause_n to_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n when_o they_o see_v so_o holy_a a_o man_n as_o david_n fall_v so_o foul_o into_o sin_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o despise_v religion_n itself_o and_o cry_v out_o be_v this_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n and_o when_o those_o that_o be_v christian_n shall_v commit_v dishonest_a and_o abominable_a action_n when_o they_o shall_v allow_v themselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o open_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n wicked_a and_o profane_a person_n be_v apt_a to_o traduce_v and_o speak_v evil_a of_o religion_n itself_o thus_o our_o holy_a lord_n and_o his_o religion_n which_o he_o seal_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n be_v despise_v and_o contemn_v through_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v our_o care_n to_o consult_v the_o credit_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v lovely_a as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o man_n eye_n by_o our_o practise_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v favour_v and_o well_o esteem_v by_o all_o the_o lover_n of_o virtue_n when_o we_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o tread_v his_o sacred_a court_n we_o shall_v use_v no_o light_n and_o trifle_a behaviour_n but_o compose_v both_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n with_o that_o awful_a reverence_n as_o become_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n our_o devotion_n shall_v be_v grave_a serious_a and_o fervent_a without_o any_o affectedness_n or_o vain_a desire_n of_o ostentation_n and_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v inward_o touch_v and_o inflame_v with_o that_o unimitable_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o the_o world_n by_o our_o frequent_a communicate_v of_o his_o bless_a body_n and_o blood_n for_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o good_a report_n and_o will_v certain_o procure_v favour_n and_o esteem_v so_o they_o show_v that_o religion_n have_v something_o that_o be_v real_o valuable_a in_o it_o and_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o choice_a wisdom_n that_o ever_o be_v communicate_v to_o mankind_n if_o we_o will_v therefore_o do_v thing_n that_o be_v of_o good_a report_n we_o ought_v 1._o to_o put_v in_o practice_n all_o these_o forementioned_a virtue_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v laudable_a and_o praiseworthy_a the_o honour_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n be_v never_o better_o secure_v than_o by_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o its_o sacred_a law_n and_o institution_n though_o we_o profess_v to_o own_o truth_n yet_o if_o we_o be_v always_o waver_v and_o unsettled_a and_o toss_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o doctrine_n if_o we_o be_v not_o true_a to_o our_o word_n and_o promise_n but_o falsify_v and_o dissemble_v and_o lie_v one_o to_o another_o we_o seem_v not_o to_o be_v over-jealous_a of_o her_o honour_n nor_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o consult_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o holy_a profession_n while_o by_o the_o lightness_n vanity_n and_o unbecomingness_n of_o our_o action_n we_o express_v no_o veneration_n for_o it_o who_o can_v believe_v that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n when_o we_o talk_v of_o justice_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o frame_v our_o conversation_n by_o that_o excellent_a rule_n of_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o angel_n will_v little_o affect_v other_o while_o we_o ourselves_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n and_o sink_v of_o all_o carnal_a lust_n and_o pollution_n shall_v we_o tell_v man_n of_o a_o internal_a beauty_n and_o loveliness_n in_o thing_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v but_o word_n spend_v to_o no_o purpose_n unless_o we_o demonstrate_v our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o do_v lovely_a and_o oblige_a action_n it_o be_v the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_n to_o religion_n and_o promote_v a_o fair_a reputation_n to_o ourselves_o when_o man_n shall_v see_v that_o we_o be_v in_o earnest_n by_o our_o
unblamable_a conversation_n which_o be_v according_a to_o that_o sound_a admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o pet._n 2.12_o have_v your_o conversation_n honest_a among_o the_o gentile_n that_o whereas_o they_o speak_v against_o you_o as_o evil_a doer_n they_o may_v by_o your_o good_a work_n which_o they_o shall_v behold_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o visitation_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malicious_a cavil_n and_o atheistical_a objection_n make_v against_o religion_n yet_o a_o true_a christian_n that_o walk_v answerable_o to_o his_o profession_n must_v gain_v at_o the_o last_o a_o repute_n and_o esteem_v from_o all_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n and_o virtue_n 2._o if_o we_o will_v do_v thing_n of_o good_a report_n and_o which_o may_v purchase_v we_o a_o good_a name_n among_o man_n we_o must_v careful_o avoid_v not_o only_o the_o open_a practice_n of_o vice_n but_o whatever_o may_v have_v any_o suspicion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o vice_n and_o this_o be_v call_v by_o the_o apostle_n a_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_a 1_o thess_n 5.22_o whether_o that_o signify_v from_o every_o sort_n or_o kind_n of_o evil_a or_o from_o every_o thing_n that_o bear_v the_o likeness_n appearance_n or_o show_v of_o a_o sin_n for_o he_o that_o will_v venture_v as_o near_o to_o the_o confine_n and_o border_n of_o sin_n as_o he_o can_v seem_v to_o declare_v a_o tacit_fw-la like_n and_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o be_v betray_v and_o surprise_v and_o so_o of_o lose_v his_o credit_n and_o reputation_n therefore_o a_o wary_a and_o cautious_a christian_a and_o such_o it_o behoove_v every_o man_n to_o be_v will_v studious_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_v the_o least_o jealousy_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o of_o his_o sincerity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a yet_o to_o another_o who_o have_v not_o that_o maturity_n and_o ripeness_n of_o understanding_n may_v prove_v a_o occasion_n of_o stumble_v and_o fall_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o who_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n it_o be_v true_a if_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a be_v upon_o weighty_a reason_n and_o ground_n command_v by_o law_n and_o another_o through_o weakness_n be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o use_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o a_o good_a christian_n can_v help_v and_o there_o be_v a_o offence_n take_v but_o not_o give_v though_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o be_v as_o few_o of_o these_o stumble_v block_n lay_v before_o weak_a person_n as_o may_v fair_o consist_v with_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n itself_o 3._o he_o that_o will_v acquire_v a_o good_a name_n and_o reputation_n must_v take_v care_n that_o in_o all_o his_o act_n with_o other_o he_o be_v sincere_a i._n e._n upon_o all_o emergence_n he_o must_v practice_v virtue_n for_o virtue_n sake_n because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o best_a and_o most_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o in_o our_o conversation_n we_o proceed_v upon_o sinister_a end_n and_o that_o self-advantage_n and_o interest_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o action_n beside_o that_o it_o redound_v to_o the_o discredit_n of_o religion_n it_o cast_v a_o disgrace_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o so_o far_o deviate_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o true_a virtue_n as_o selfishness_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o action_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o he_o that_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o some_o virtuous_a action_n mere_o to_o compass_v self-advantage_n do_v hereby_o manifest_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o private_a and_o self_n love_n he_o will_v not_o do_v they_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n must_v needs_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o gross_a piece_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o dissimulation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a enemy_n to_o our_o true_a credit_n and_o reputation_n thus_o you_o have_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a virtue_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n so_o serious_o exhort_v we_o and_o he_o that_o have_v any_o care_n for_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n in_o this_o life_n and_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n hereafter_o will_v careful_o think_v on_o these_o thing_n which_o that_o we_o may_v all_o do_v he_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n grant_v to_o we_o to_o who_o be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n of_o sincerity_n john_n 1.47_o behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n these_o word_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o nathanael_n who_o be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n though_o call_v by_o another_o name_n for_o we_o find_v he_o express_o mention_v with_o they_o john_n 21.2_o this_o person_n be_v bring_v by_o philip_n to_o jesus_n when_o he_o be_v come_v within_o distance_n or_o hear_n christ_n say_v behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o be_v no_o guile_n as_o if_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v see_v here_o a_o man_n of_o that_o integrity_n simplicity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o be_v high_o value_v and_o prize_v in_o god_n sight_n and_o though_o this_o be_v speak_v particular_o of_o that_o apostle_n yet_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a truth_n that_o sincerity_n be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o god_n sight_n for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n for_o true_a christian_n to_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n by_o the_o name_n of_o israelite_n for_o st._n paul_n express_v it_o so_o in_o more_o than_o one_o place_n in_o plain_a term_n rom._n 9.6_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n which_o be_v of_o israel_n i._n e._n though_o they_o may_v lineal_o descend_v from_o israel_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o those_o that_o be_v sincere_a that_o be_v the_o proper_a israelite_n or_o true_a christian_n so_o again_o rom._n 2.28_o now_o to_o be_v without_o guile_n here_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o without_o hypocrisy_n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o man_n be_v value_v and_o esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n according_a to_o his_o sincerity_n and_o this_o sometime_o be_v represent_v by_o the_o name_n of_o truth_n i_o have_v no_o great_a joy_n say_v st._n john_n ep._n 3.4_o then_o to_o hear_v that_o my_o child_n walk_v in_o truth_n that_o be_v that_o they_o be_v sincere_a christian_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v st._n paul_n great_a comfort_n when_o he_o suppose_v himself_o near_o his_o death_n 2_o cor._n 1.12_o that_o in_o sincerity_n and_o godly_a simplicity_n he_o have_v his_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n he_o neither_o flatter_v himself_o nor_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o but_o tell_v they_o the_o plain_a truth_n show_v they_o both_o by_o what_o he_o himself_o and_o they_o must_v hope_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o downright_a sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o he_o have_v no_o doubling_n wind_n or_o turn_n with_o god_n but_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v to_o please_v he_o and_o do_v his_o will._n this_o alone_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n and_o upon_o this_o the_o bless_a land_n of_o righteousness_n the_o pleasant_a mansion_n of_o immortality_n be_v entail_v this_o be_v the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n without_o which_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o mere_a shadow_n &_o pageantry_n for_o then_o only_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n say_v to_o be_v sincere_a when_o it_o be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o best_a and_o all_o man_n that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n must_v own_v that_o god_n and_o the_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v absolute_o and_o above_o all_o comparison_n the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o union_n with_o god_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o since_o this_o be_v not_o only_o simple_o the_o best_a but_o the_o utmost_a and_o complete_a felicity_n of_o our_o nature_n it_o follow_v that_o sincerity_n be_v then_o most_o perfect_a when_o our_o will_n with_o all_o their_o affection_n and_o desire_n be_v full_o and_o whole_o carry_v out_o after_o it_o full_o and_o whole_o i_o say_v that_o be_v without_o any_o by-end_n or_o self-design_n or_o sinister_a respect_n of_o particular_a fame_n or_o gain_n or_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o mere_o upon_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n for_o he_o who_o intention_n be_v not_o direct_v aright_o can_v hardly_o attain_v that_o excellent_a qualification_n our_o saviour_n so_o much_o commend_v in_o his_o