spirit_n to_o continue_v with_o his_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v it_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o to_o assist_v and_o govern_v every_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o that_o be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o he_o god_n himself_o have_v a_o singular_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o good_a man_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n tell_v we_o psal_n cxlvij_o ii_o the_o lord_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v condescend_v to_o dwell_v and_o inhabit_v with_o such_o person_n which_o i_o conceive_v can_v be_v understand_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o very_a near_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n that_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v and_o succour_v they_o in_o whatsoever_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o john_n fourteen_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n love_v i_o he_o will_v keep_v my_o word_n and_o my_o father_n will_v love_v he_o and_o we_o will_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v our_o abode_n with_o he_o and_o then_o sure_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o a_o guest_n they_o can_v want_v any_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o conclude_v then_o what_o remain_v now_o but_o if_o we_o desire_v knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v that_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o seek_v it_o in_o this_o way_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v viz._n with_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n whereby_o true_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v obtain_v he_o that_o seek_v in_o this_o way_n shall_v not_o miscarry_v for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o serm._n iu._n heb._n xij_o 1._o wherefore_o see_v we_o also_o be_v compass_v with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o those_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n who_o live_v before_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o word_n i_o have_v now_o read_v be_v a_o inference_n from_o their_o example_n that_o we_o also_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glorious_a thing_n which_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o mighty_a power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o faith_n in_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o endure_a affliction_n may_v from_o thence_o be_v excite_v to_o a_o like_a vigour_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o christian_a profession_n so_o that_o the_o word_n contain_v these_o two_o thing_n worthy_a our_o consideration_n a_o exhortation_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n let_v we_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o and_o let_v we_o run_v with_o patience_n the_o race_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o exhortation_n in_o these_o word_n see_v we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o great_a a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o exhortation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a in_o holy_a scripture_n than_o to_o represent_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a under_o the_o similitude_n of_o such_o other_o employment_n as_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o require_v the_o most_o exact_a care_n and_o vigilance_n in_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o sometime_o we_o be_v compare_v to_o soldier_n who_o must_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o guard_n sometime_o to_o traveller_n and_o pilgrim_n who_o have_v a_o long_a and_o hazardous_a journey_n to_o make_v sometime_o to_o those_o who_o strive_v for_o mastery_n in_o public_a game_n now_o these_o several_a sort_n of_o employment_n do_v all_o presuppose_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o those_o who_o undertake_v they_o do_v propose_v to_o themselves_o some_o great_a and_o considerable_a end_n some_o reward_n of_o their_o labour_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o be_v pass_v through_o great_a industry_n and_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n to_o be_v use_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o the_o case_n be_v not_o unlike_a in_o our_o christian_a profession_n we_o have_v a_o glorious_a prize_n of_o our_o high_a call_v set_v before_o we_o we_o have_v a_o exceed_o great_a reward_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n and_o just_a rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o bestow_v on_o such_o as_o overcome_v but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v this_o reward_n and_o crown_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o as_o man_n who_o have_v fight_v the_o good_a fight_n of_o faith_n manful_o and_o courageous_o who_o have_v strive_v lawful_o and_o endure_v to_o the_o end_n the_o similitude_n use_v in_o the_o text_n be_v take_v from_o those_o trial_n of_o skill_n those_o public_a exercise_n which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o olympic_a game_n now_o for_o those_o who_o run_v in_o a_o race_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o hope_v to_o gain_v the_o victory_n in_o proportion_n to_o which_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v express_v in_o this_o exhortation_n 1._o they_o must_v free_v themselves_o from_o all_o unnecessary_a burden_n from_o all_o their_o loose_a garment_n which_o may_v clog_v or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o way_n they_o must_v lay_v away_o every_o weight_n 2._o they_o must_v be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a in_o the_o course_n they_o must_v run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o they_o 3._o they_o must_v continue_v their_o vigour_n and_o courage_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n this_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o run_v with_o patience_n that_o be_v with_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n in_o well-doing_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apply_v these_o several_a circumstance_n to_o our_o christian_a duty_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v each_o of_o they_o 1._o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o what_o be_v here_o metaphorical_o express_v by_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o s._n paul_n elsewhere_o teach_v we_o in_o plain_a term_n and_o call_v the_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o deny_v ourselves_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o which_o s._n john_n call_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o unfit_o compare_v to_o so_o many_o clog_n and_o weight_n that_o press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o dull_a and_o unactive_a and_o divert_v it_o from_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o lay_v aside_o these_o encumbrance_n the_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o these_o affection_n and_o desire_n and_o from_o the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o nay_o of_o our_o life_n itself_o when_o it_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o preparation_n for_o our_o run_v the_o race_n set_v before_o we_o that_o without_o so_o do_v we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v christ_n disciple_n mat._n xuj_o 24._o jesus_n say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o s._n mat._n x._o 38._o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o now_o that_o the_o renounce_n and_o forsake_v our_o carnal_a lust_n and_o desire_n be_v most_o general_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o deny_v ourselves_o i_o conceive_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o be_v make_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christ_n disciple_n not_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v persecution_n but_o all_o that_o will_v be_v christian_n must_v in_o their_o proportion_n deny_v themselves_o and_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n be_v universal_a not_o limit_v to_o any_o time_n or_o place_n or_o other_o circumstance_n but_o equal_o belong_v to_o all_o christian_n luke_n fourteen_o 26._o if_o any_o man_n come_v to_o i_o
clear_a right_n on_o his_o side_n than_o any_o man_n can_v now_o pretend_v to_o but_o be_v entertain_v with_o the_o great_a contradiction_n of_o sinner_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o if_o any_o injury_n may_v just_o provoke_v our_o rage_n and_o passion_n those_o offer_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v of_o the_o most_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a nature_n but_o yet_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o when_o he_o suffer_v he_o threaten_v not_o he_o render_v not_o evil_a for_o evil_n nor_o rail_v for_o rail_v but_o commit_v himself_o to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o and_o now_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v to_o own_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o saviour_n precept_n and_o example_n and_o yet_o contend_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o so_o much_o bitterness_n and_o virulency_n of_o speech_n towards_o their_o dissent_v brethren_n as_o some_o of_o our_o zealous_a disputant_n do_v in_o these_o day_n s._n judas_n tell_v we_o that_o michael_n the_o archangel_n when_o he_o contend_v with_o the_o devil_n he_o dare_v not_o bring_v against_o he_o a_o rail_a accusation_n and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o presume_v to_o do_v it_o in_o our_o religious_a debate_n with_o our_o christian_a brethren_n who_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v notwithstanding_o our_o misconception_n of_o they_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n the_o child_n of_o god_n though_o fall_v into_o error_n in_o a_o word_n to_o conclude_v this_o particular_a he_o that_o will_v learn_v must_v be_v willing_a to_o be_v contradict_v and_o hear_v with_o patience_n what_o may_v be_v say_v be_v it_o never_o so_o opposite_a to_o his_o former_a notion_n or_o to_o his_o present_a wish_n otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v hardly_o capable_a to_o judge_v aright_o again_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v and_o convince_v other_o must_v do_v it_o also_o with_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n confute_v error_n with_o all_o the_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n he_o be_v able_a but_o spare_v the_o person_n he_o endeavour_v to_o reform_v for_o if_o by_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n he_o provoke_v their_o passion_n who_o he_o shall_v instruct_v he_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o his_o reason_n by_o discompose_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v judge_v of_o it_o 5._o the_o five_o point_n of_o duty_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o speak_v of_o as_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o receive_v the_o gospel_n be_v prayer_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a obligation_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o many_o precept_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v it_o pythagoras_n in_o particular_a advice_n to_o undertake_v no_o work_n to_o endeavour_v nothing_o without_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o he_o subjoin_v to_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o virtue_n as_o the_o compliment_n and_o perfection_n of_o they_o and_o sure_o if_o the_o implore_v the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a in_o all_o our_o concern_v it_o be_v principal_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o our_o search_n of_o divine_a truth_n for_o to_o who_o shall_v we_o seek_v for_o knowledge_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n immediate_o after_o his_o precept_n of_o virtue_n and_o his_o direction_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o bless_v and_o perfect_a our_o endeavour_n he_o add_v this_o as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a benefit_n that_o will_v redound_v to_o we_o thereby_o that_o we_o shall_v by_o so_o do_v gain_n the_o knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o much_o different_a from_o what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n have_v in_o itself_o a_o natural_a efficacy_n to_o clear_v the_o understanding_n and_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o divine_a knowledge_n and_o sure_o if_o philosopher_n by_o the_o force_n of_o natural_a principle_n understand_v the_o necessity_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a assistance_n in_o all_o our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o prayer_n be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v we_o who_o have_v receive_v better_a mean_n of_o instruction_n than_o they_o have_v can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o point_n of_o duty_n especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o full_a of_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n require_v we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o exigency_n and_o assure_v we_o of_o success_n by_o so_o do_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o thus_o particular_o luke_n xi_o 9_o our_o saviour_n advise_v we_o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o and_o then_o follow_v v._o 13._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o heavenly_a father_n give_v the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o and_o s._n james_n yet_o more_o near_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n direct_v we_o to_o make_v our_o humble_a address_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n james_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n plenteous_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o i_o have_v thus_o far_o insist_v on_o some_o particular_a duty_n each_o of_o which_o single_o consider_v have_v a_o very_a great_a efficacy_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o understand_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o from_o whence_o the_o inference_n will_v be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a that_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o each_o of_o these_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o knowledge_n then_o sure_o where_o these_o be_v all_o unite_a they_o can_v ordinary_o fail_v of_o their_o desire_a effect_n but_o yet_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v be_v not_o complete_v in_o our_o observance_n of_o those_o particular_a duty_n abovementioned_a but_o in_o a_o universal_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v already_o know_v to_o we_o and_o in_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o further_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o upon_o perusal_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o man_n thus_o qualify_v beside_o the_o natural_a efficacy_n of_o virtue_n to_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o receive_v the_o gospel_n have_v moreover_o a_o peculiar_a promise_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n and_o assistance_n to_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n and_o to_o guide_v he_o into_o all_o necessary_a truth_n and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o account_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n proposition_n if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o i_o speak_v of_o myself_o god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o who_o seek_v for_o truth_n with_o a_o sincere_a resolution_n to_o submit_v to_o it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o have_v already_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o do_v his_o will_n according_a to_o their_o knowledge_n he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o afford_v such_o further_a mean_n of_o instruction_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o talent_n mat._n twenty-five_o 29._o unto_o every_o man_n that_o have_v that_o be_v who_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o what_o he_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o he_o shall_v have_v abundance_n every_o one_o who_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n he_o have_v god_n will_v give_v to_o he_o such_o further_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n as_o shall_v be_v suitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o he_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o great_a signal_n example_n in_o cornelius_n the_o good_a centurion_n act_v 10._o who_o prayer_n and_o alm_n while_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o christ_n religion_n be_v so_o far_o accept_v by_o god_n that_o he_o be_v please_v miraculous_o to_o direct_v he_o to_o peter_n for_o further_a instruction_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v now_o although_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o sincere_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n shall_v be_v thus_o miraculous_o instruct_v as_o cornelius_n be_v yet_o god_n have_v give_v we_o abundant_a assurance_n that_o no_o such_o person_n shall_v miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a knowledge_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n have_v give_v his_o holy_a
may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n the_o judgement_n therefore_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o so_o frequent_o forbid_v can_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o authority_n in_o matter_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a 2._o neither_o be_v we_o forbid_v all_o kind_n of_o judgement_n of_o the_o person_n of_o man_n from_o their_o outward_a and_o visible_a practice_n though_o we_o have_v no_o superiority_n over_o they_o we_o be_v still_o allow_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o distinguish_v between_o man_n and_o man_n to_o know_v who_o to_o avoid_v and_o who_o to_o associate_v ourselves_o with_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_a prudence_n so_o to_o do_v the_o action_n of_o many_o man_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o notorious_a that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o mild_a and_o easy_a interpretation_n and_o shall_v we_o stay_v till_o public_a authority_n have_v set_v a_o mark_n upon_o such_o person_n before_o we_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o innocence_n and_o security_n by_o forsake_v their_o acquaintance_n and_o conversation_n we_o may_v in_o time_n grow_v partaker_n in_o their_o iniquity_n and_o be_v defile_v by_o they_o bad_a company_n and_o example_n do_v insensible_o prevail_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o betray_v we_o into_o evil_n and_o unless_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o some_o person_n from_o the_o action_n we_o see_v we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n or_o beware_v of_o they_o nay_o further_o christian_a charity_n itself_o which_o oblige_v we_o against_o all_o rash_a and_o malicious_a censure_n of_o other_o man_n do_v in_o many_o case_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o exact_a of_o we_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o and_o be_v jealous_a over_o they_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o afford_v to_o they_o seasonable_a reproof_n and_o admonition_n before_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o this_o kind_n of_o judgement_n if_o it_o be_v exercise_v with_o true_a charity_n and_o moderation_n out_o of_o a_o zealous_a concern_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o offend_a brother_n there_o be_v a_o reward_n annex_v s._n james_n v._n 19_o brethren_n if_o any_o of_o you_o do_v err_v from_o the_o truth_n and_o one_o convert_v he_o let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o that_o convert_v a_o sinner_n from_o the_o evil_n of_o his_o way_n shall_v save_v a_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o hide_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n now_o we_o shall_v be_v exclude_v both_o from_o this_o duty_n and_o blessing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o jawful_a to_o judge_v of_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n by_o what_o we_o hear_v and_o see_v 3._o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o judge_v and_o pass_v censure_n upon_o ourselves_o for_o this_o be_v elsewhere_o make_v our_o duty_n and_o prescribe_v to_o we_o as_o a_o great_a mean_n to_o escape_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o this_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 31._o if_o we_o will_v judge_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a for_o will_v man_n find_v leisure_n serious_o to_o examine_v their_o own_o life_n and_o action_n and_o to_o judge_v impartial_o of_o they_o they_o will_v not_o then_o so_o free_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o those_o practice_n to_o which_o they_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v due_a they_o will_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n to_o a_o more_o strict_a and_o circumspect_a walk_v with_o god_n and_o when_o they_o have_v through_o inadvertency_n and_o neglect_n yield_v to_o temptation_n by_o a_o due_a examination_n and_o judge_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a repentance_n before_o they_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o see_v the_o power_n of_o conscience_n be_v give_v we_o by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n that_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o our_o action_n and_o be_v thereby_o more_o vigorous_o engage_v to_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n and_o eschew_v evil_a upon_o a_o prospect_n of_o a_o future_a and_o more_o dreadful_a judgement_n that_o will_v otherwise_o ensue_v when_o therefore_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o verse_n 3._o that_o he_o judge_v not_o his_o own_o self_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o though_o he_o make_v no_o judgement_n at_o all_o of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o action_n and_o particular_o of_o his_o discharge_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a verse_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o final_o to_o rely_v upon_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o that_o although_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o himself_o as_o he_o declare_v verse_n 4._o yet_o he_o be_v not_o thereby_o justify_v in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v afterward_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o know_v better_o how_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o and_o will_v judge_v more_o impartial_o than_o he_o himself_o can_v and_o then_o immediate_o subjoin_v the_o prohibition_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v except_v from_o the_o general_a prohibition_n the_o sin_n which_o be_v here_o forbid_a be_v the_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o censure_v and_o condemn_v other_o man_n without_o any_o probable_a or_o just_a ground_n when_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o little_a circumstance_n and_o appearance_n to_o judge_v the_o person_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o inward_a thought_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o heart_n when_o they_o take_v up_o a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o every_o idle_a report_n and_o stick_v not_o to_o spread_v and_o divulge_v the_o same_o to_o his_o prejudice_n when_o they_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o lessen_v and_o detract_v from_o the_o good_a he_o do_v and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n this_o unchristian_a practice_n be_v capable_a of_o many_o degree_n and_o aggravation_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v on_o particular_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n in_o general_n that_o whoever_o will_v consider_v calm_o with_o himself_o how_o he_o will_v have_v his_o neighbour_n deal_v with_o he_o in_o the_o like_a matter_n with_o what_o candour_n and_o simplicity_n he_o will_v have_v he_o judge_v of_o the_o outward_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n how_o loath_a he_o will_v be_v to_o have_v the_o worst_a interpretation_n make_v of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o how_o willing_a he_o will_v have_v other_o be_v to_o admit_v his_o excuse_n if_o not_o to_o take_v away_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o lessen_v and_o alleviate_v the_o guilt_n of_o any_o miscarriage_n such_o a_o one_o can_v but_o understand_v what_o those_o degree_n of_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v which_o be_v here_o forbid_v i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o this_o practice_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o from_o the_o baseness_n of_o its_o original_n 2._o from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o the_o person_n we_o censure_v unjust_o 3._o from_o the_o mischief_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o one_o another_o 1._o for_o the_o original_n of_o this_o practice_n of_o censure_v and_o revile_v one_o another_o i_o think_v it_o may_v ordinary_o be_v resolve_v into_o one_o of_o these_o three_o principle_n 1._o secret_a pride_n and_o overvalue_a ourselves_o man_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o real_a worth_n and_o yet_o have_v a_o mighty_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o buoy_v up_o themselves_o in_o that_o conceit_n but_o to_o pick_v fault_n in_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o other_o man_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_n be_v the_o humour_n of_o too_o many_o pretender_n to_o the_o strictness_n of_o religion_n who_o if_o they_o declare_v a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o some_o particular_a fault_n of_o their_o neighbour_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o own_o natural_a inclination_n or_o present_a interest_n be_v apt_a vain_o to_o please_v themselves_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o vaunt_v it_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi luke_n xviii_o 10._o god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v extortioner_n unjust_a adulterer_n or_o even_o as_o this_o publican_n now_o the_o unreasonable_a folly_n of_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o abstinence_n from_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o i_o may_v apprehend_v other_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o in_o a_o universal_a obedience_n to_o all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o what_o
against_o we_o be_v very_o many_o yet_o we_o against_o god_n be_v vast_o more_o numerous_a if_o not_o rather_o without_o number_n who_o can_v tell_v how_o oft_o he_o offend_v be_v holy_a david_n question_n and_o it_o plain_o imply_v that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v for_o his_o own_o part_n though_o he_o be_v the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n yet_o he_o fair_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o head_n and_o what_o then_o must_v we_o think_v of_o ourselves_o who_o come_v far_o short_a of_o his_o piety_n and_o integrity_n again_o be_v our_o neighbour_n sin_n against_o we_o very_o heinous_a and_o provoke_a we_o against_o god_n be_v infinite_o more_o so_o and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o we_o the_o mighty_a obligation_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n and_o these_o be_v such_o aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o god_n as_o our_o neighbour_n offence_n against_o ourselves_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o for_o as_o for_o man_n they_o be_v all_o but_o fellow-creature_n and_o though_o there_o be_v order_n and_o superiority_n among_o they_o yet_o the_o distance_n bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n whereby_o god_n be_v exalt_v above_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o we_o also_o compare_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n with_o what_o we_o confer_v upon_o one_o another_o even_o those_o also_o bear_v no_o resemblance_n and_o therefore_o can_v aggravate_v our_o neighbour_n trespass_n against_o we_o in_o any_o proportion_n with_o our_o offence_n against_o god_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o if_o our_o sin_n against_o god_n both_o for_o the_o number_n and_o aggravation_n of_o they_o be_v infinite_o great_a than_o the_o great_a of_o our_o neighbour_n injury_n can_v be_v how_o unreasonable_o we_o demean_v ourselves_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n while_o we_o deny_v forgiveness_n to_o our_o brother_n for_o the_o lesser_a offence_n we_o have_v suffer_v at_o his_o hand_n do_v you_o as_o you_o will_v be_v do_v by_o be_v the_o common_a rule_n of_o equity_n will_v you_o therefore_o that_o god_n shall_v show_v mercy_n to_o you_o be_v you_o also_o merciful_a to_o your_o fellow-creature_n this_o be_v the_o great_a equity_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n and_o god_n will_v certain_o deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o that_o rule_n so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o s._n matt._n vi_fw-la 14_o 15._o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n and_o elsewhere_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n who_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n and_o now_o i_o will_v beseech_v 13._o james_n 11._o 13._o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a man_n if_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v calm_a to_o consider_v with_o himself_o whether_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v those_o everlasting_a pain_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o those_o to_o who_o god_n refuse_v to_o show_v mercy_n if_o he_o can_v let_v he_o consider_v further_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o his_o great_a interest_n to_o agree_v with_o his_o adversary_n quick_o while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n with_o he_o to_o seek_v reconciliation_n with_o he_o to_o forgive_v he_o pray_v for_o he_o and_o do_v he_o good_a that_o he_o also_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o that_o mercy_n from_o god_n which_o be_v not_o attainable_a by_o we_o unless_o we_o from_o our_o heart_n forgive_v every_o man_n his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n i_o shall_v conclude_v all_o with_o the_o excellent_a say_n of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclus._n 28._o 1._o he_o that_o revenge_v shall_v find_v vengeance_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sure_o keep_v his_o sin_n in_o remembrance_n forgive_v thy_o neighbour_n the_o hurt_n that_o he_o have_v do_v thou_o so_o shall_v thy_o sin_n also_o be_v forgive_v thou_o when_o thou_o pray_v one_o man_n bear_v hatred_n against_o another_o and_o do_v he_o seek_v pardon_n from_o the_o lord_n he_o show_v no_o mercy_n to_o a_o man_n like_o himself_o and_o do_v he_o ask_v forgiveness_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n if_o he_o that_o be_v but_o flesh_n nourish_v hatred_n who_o shall_v entreat_v for_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n serm._n ii_o 1_o cor._n four_o part_n of_o the_o 5._o verse_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n second_o come_n as_o it_o have_v a_o general_a influence_n upon_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a conversation_n so_o more_o peculiar_o do_v it_o serve_v to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o that_o uncharitable_a temper_n so_o prevail_v among_o man_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o brethren_n and_o be_v frequent_o insist_v on_o by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o a_o most_o effectual_a and_o cogent_a argument_n against_o it_o for_o the_o better_a enforcement_n therefore_o of_o this_o prohibition_n so_o frequent_a in_o the_o gospel_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o that_o judgement_n be_v that_o be_v here_o so_o universal_o forbid_v 2._o the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v we_o from_o it_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v 3._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v that_o the_o judgement_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v not_o mean_v of_o judicial_a proceed_n either_o in_o matter_n civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a and_o this_o if_o from_o no_o other_o argument_n may_v appear_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o judicial_a power_n to_o the_o well-being_n and_o support_v of_o humane_a society_n for_o that_o civil_a society_n can_v subsist_v in_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n without_o sufficient_a authority_n reside_v in_o some_o person_n above_o other_o to_o determine_v controversy_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o to_o execute_v punishment_n upon_o those_o that_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o neighbour_n be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o for_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v vast_o more_o numerous_a than_o good_a and_o that_o such_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v restrain_v from_o evil_a but_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o wholesome_a law_n and_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o they_o and_o that_o this_o can_v be_v without_o judicial_a authority_n every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o if_o therefore_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n and_o that_o he_o design_v man_n for_o society_n and_o mutual_a support_n of_o each_o other_o in_o it_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o any_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n of_o it_o which_o the_o take_v away_o judicial_a proceed_n will_v certain_o do_v nay_o rather_o since_o order_n and_o government_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o our_o wellbeing_a we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o from_o he_o alone_o and_o agreeable_o to_o this_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n be_v style_v by_o our_o apostle_n the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n 5._o rom._n xiii_o 4_o 5._o upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o we_o be_v therefore_o require_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o they_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n neither_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o judicial_a power_n less_o evident_a in_o matter_n ecclesiastical_a than_o in_o civil_a nor_o be_v the_o danger_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n great_a in_o the_o state_n than_o in_o the_o church_n therefore_o when_o our_o saviour_n send_v forth_o his_o disciple_n to_o gather_v to_o he_o a_o church_n and_o make_v disciple_n of_o all_o nation_n he_o entrust_v they_o with_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o the_o power_n of_o censure_v and_o absolve_v of_o remit_v and_o retain_v sin_n agreeable_a to_o the_o demerit_n of_o person_n under_o their_o jurisdiction_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o this_o commission_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o this_o power_n by_o this_o authority_n s._n paul_n do_v deliver_v hymenaeus_n and_o alexander_n unto_o satan_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o blaspheme_v as_o we_o read_v 1_o tim._n i_o 20._o and_o in_o the_o 5._o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n verse_n 5._o he_o give_v direction_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n to_o use_v the_o same_o power_n over_o such_o person_n as_o be_v notorious_a to_o deliver_v such_o unto_o satan_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o spirit_n
our_o security_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o incline_v to_o assist_v and_o succour_v the_o weak_a against_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o oppressor_n but_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o censorious_a wound_v in_o secret_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v from_o whence_o our_o harm_n arise_v a_o slanderous_a report_n spread_v wide_o and_o insensible_o nor_o can_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o trace_v out_o the_o beginning_n or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o nay_o many_o time_n the_o slander_n be_v improve_v beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o he_o that_o devise_v it_o if_o but_o a_o bare_a suspicion_n be_v put_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giddy_a and_o credulous_a multitude_n how_o easy_o do_v it_o gain_v credit_n as_o true_a and_o then_o sudden_o a_o thousand_o circumstance_n be_v add_v to_o aggravate_v the_o guilt_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n or_o virtue_n to_o resist_v whole_o or_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o a_o false_a accusation_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o injury_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o manifest_o in_o that_o we_o can_v make_v sufficient_a reparation_n for_o it_o he_o that_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o false_a report_n though_o he_o shall_v afterward_o repent_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v ask_v forgiveness_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o take_v all_o occasion_n for_o the_o future_a to_o wipe_v off_o all_o suspicion_n which_o himself_o have_v raise_v yet_o after_o all_o be_v do_v much_o of_o the_o report_n will_v be_v believe_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o not_o it_o may_v be_v spread_v through_o many_o place_n wherein_o after-confession_n can_v reach_v and_o even_o then_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o believe_v the_o bad_a report_n than_o the_o good_a man_n will_v not_o lay_v aside_o a_o prejudice_n once_o entertain_v without_o great_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a than_o what_o cause_v it_o at_o first_o and_o such_o evidence_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o give_v to_o all_o person_n who_o have_v believe_v a_o slander_n a_o malicious_a censure_n may_v meet_v with_o many_o person_n who_o may_v think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o continue_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o though_o the_o first_o inventor_n shall_v repent_v so_o that_o when_o once_o a_o uncharitable_a judgement_n be_v make_v and_o divulge_v i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o to_o stop_v the_o belief_n or_o spread_v of_o it_o or_o to_o make_v reparation_n 3._o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v that_o no_o kind_n of_o injury_n do_v more_o afflict_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n or_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n than_o a_o false_a and_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o he_o every_o man_n have_v natural_o a_o great_a reverence_n for_o a_o good_a name_n and_o agreeable_o to_o his_o value_n of_o it_o can_v but_o high_o resent_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o it_o by_o a_o false_a and_o unjust_a accusation_n and_o therefore_o solomon_n compare_v the_o word_n of_o a_o slanderer_n and_o backbiter_n to_o the_o pierce_a of_o a_o sword_n prov._n xi_o 18._o and_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o that_o sword_n be_v in_o their_o lip_n psal_n lix_o 7._o neither_o be_v it_o without_o good_a reason_n that_o man_n be_v thus_o tender_a of_o their_o reputation_n and_o good_a name_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a instrument_n whereby_o man_n be_v enable_v to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o be_v disable_v from_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o just_a occasion_n of_o grief_n and_o dissatisfaction_n a_o man_n who_o out_o of_o conscience_n towards_o god_n make_v it_o his_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v in_o the_o place_n and_o station_n to_o which_o god_n have_v call_v he_o can_v but_o be_v deep_o affect_v with_o such_o a_o injury_n as_o make_v his_o endeavour_n ineffectual_a for_o that_o end_n and_o though_o he_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o forgive_v yet_o it_o can_v but_o cause_v a_o great_a unquietness_n of_o spirit_n in_o a_o good_a man_n which_o can_v easy_o be_v atone_v for_o but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o private_a injury_n only_o but_o have_v very_o great_a and_o malignant_a influence_n upon_o the_o society_n in_o which_o we_o live_v which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o consideration_n propose_v to_o show_v the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o uncharitable_a judge_n of_o one_o another_o namely_o the_o bad_a effect_n which_o redound_v from_o this_o practice_n to_o the_o public_a 1._o the_o first_o of_o those_o bad_a effect_n which_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o be_v that_o which_o i_o just_o now_o mention_v that_o it_o render_v particular_a person_n less_o able_a to_o do_v good_a in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n than_o otherwise_o they_o may_v be_v and_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o public_a proportiotionable_o to_o the_o several_a ability_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o person_n so_o deal_v with_o now_o that_o slanderous_a report_n and_o false_a judgement_n spread_v concern_v the_o person_n of_o any_o man_n do_v tend_v much_o to_o hinder_v the_o good_a they_o may_v do_v otherwise_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o instance_v in_o two_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a do_v in_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n which_o must_v consequent_o be_v much_o lessen_v by_o malicious_a and_o uncharitable_a censure_n of_o they_o and_o even_o by_o the_o undue_a mention_n of_o fault_n that_o be_v true_a and_o real_a but_o yet_o be_v no_o man_n business_n to_o inquire_v into_o or_o accuse_v they_o for_o the_o person_n i_o mean_v be_v public_a minister_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o state_n for_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o common_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o security_n of_o any_o nation_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n and_o good_a correspondence_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o when_o those_o that_o govern_v apply_v themselves_o zealous_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o community_n and_o when_o subject_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a in_o their_o obedience_n to_o those_o that_o rule_n over_o they_o now_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v that_o nothing_o more_o effectual_o engage_v the_o obedience_n and_o affection_n of_o subject_n to_o their_o sovereign_n and_o minister_n employ_v by_o he_o than_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o integrity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o their_o respective_a employment_n whoever_o therefore_o make_v it_o their_o design_n as_o many_o busybody_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v to_o misrepresent_v all_o the_o proceed_n of_o their_o governor_n that_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o present_a humour_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o aggravate_v those_o private_a fault_n of_o such_o person_n which_o concern_v they_o not_o such_o person_n i_o say_v can_v but_o be_v think_v high_o injurious_a to_o the_o public_a by_o abate_v the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v which_o be_v just_o due_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o superior_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n commit_v to_o they_o but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n what_o do_v man_n of_o this_o temper_n propose_v to_o themselves_o do_v they_o think_v their_o governor_n be_v not_o man_n of_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o other_o do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o the_o employment_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o be_v of_o more_o variety_n and_o difficulty_n than_o can_v be_v manage_v with_o so_o exact_a evenness_n but_o there_o will_v be_v still_o some_o inconvenience_n unavoidable_a how_o be_v it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o observe_v that_o even_o then_o when_o they_o complain_v of_o and_o censure_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o their_o governor_n they_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n contribute_v to_o and_o increase_v the_o inconvenience_n they_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o imagine_v that_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o government_n arise_v whole_o or_o chief_o from_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n but_o in_o great_a part_n from_o the_o perverse_a and_o ungovernable_a temper_n of_o some_o man_n who_o study_n to_o be_v unquiet_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n stick_v not_o to_o declaim_v zealous_o against_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o superior_n which_o they_o think_v capable_a of_o blame_n 2._o the_o second_o sort_n of_o person_n who_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a depend_v much_o upon_o the_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v of_o their_o person_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n now_o the_o business_n of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o so_o great_a importance_n as_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o immortal_a spirit_n of_o man_n whoever_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o
their_o endeavour_n in_o that_o affair_n may_v just_o be_v esteem_v a_o common_a enemy_n to_o mankind_n now_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o way_n whereby_o man_n do_v more_o direct_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o enlargement_n of_o it_o than_o by_o defame_v the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n be_v entrust_v for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unsafe_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o argue_v for_o any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o because_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a man_n in_o holy_a order_n be_v unfaithful_a to_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o live_v not_o up_o to_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o other_o yet_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o do_v extreme_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a whether_o it_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o real_a or_o but_o suppose_a fault_n of_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v or_o persuade_v other_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n for_o to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o false_a report_n of_o his_o spiritual_a guide_n the_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n be_v as_o effectual_a as_o though_o the_o report_n be_v true_a and_o the_o censure_n just_a and_o than_o who_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o the_o man_n who_o raise_v the_o false_a accusation_n be_v not_o as_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n as_o the_o man_n who_o life_n be_v real_o scandalous_a what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ill_a effect_n that_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a from_o the_o uncharitable_a censuring_n of_o man_n of_o this_o public_a capacity_n will_v in_o proportion_n hold_v concern_v the_o rash_a judgement_n we_o make_v of_o private_a person_n according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n wherein_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n 2._o i_o proceed_v to_o a_o second_o instance_n of_o the_o ill_a effect_n which_o redound_v to_o the_o public_a by_o our_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o namely_o that_o our_o rash_a and_o censorious_a practice_n towards_o other_o provoke_v the_o like_a usage_n from_o they_o towards_o ourselves_o and_o thence_o arise_v those_o many_o feud_n and_o animosity_n mutual_a revile_n and_o bitter_a envy_n so_o visible_a among_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o a_o feud_n thus_o begin_v common_o spread_v itself_o and_o all_o our_o friend_n and_o correspondent_n be_v soon_o make_v partner_n in_o the_o quarrel_n and_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v aside_o or_o allay_v those_o animosity_n which_o have_v be_v thus_o begin_v every_o man_n experience_n may_v convince_v he_o now_o i_o need_v not_o use_v any_o argument_n to_o show_v that_o division_n and_o animosity_n among_o man_n be_v of_o very_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o public_a society_n where_o they_o live_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n attest_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_n of_o strife_n and_o contention_n be_v very_o hurtful_a to_o the_o public_a nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o practice_n that_o do_v more_o effectual_o tend_v that_o way_n than_o this_o of_o uncharitable_a judge_n and_o censure_v other_o man_n how_o much_o the_o great_a the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o any_o society_n be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a and_o hurtful_a those_o practice_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v which_o cause_n division_n in_o it_o the_o church_n of_o god_n therefore_o be_v a_o society_n who_o happiness_n be_v not_o terminate_v in_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n we_o must_v needs_o conclude_v that_o those_o uncharitable_a censure_n which_o cause_n division_n among_o christian_n receive_v from_o hence_o a_o mighty_a aggravation_n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hinder_v their_o present_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n but_o endanger_v their_o fall_a short_a of_o that_o eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o none_o that_o do_v not_o follow_v after_o peace_n and_o holiness_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n i_o can_v but_o add_v a_o three_o ill_a effect_n which_o this_o uncharitable_a practice_n of_o judge_v and_o censure_v one_o another_o bring_v to_o the_o public_a 3._o viz._n that_o it_o bring_v reproach_n upon_o our_o christian_a profession_n and_o upon_o that_o holy_a name_n whereby_o we_o be_v call_v for_o suppose_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o pagan_a shall_v peruse_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o holy_a evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o shall_v read_v there_o the_o many_o precept_n which_o require_v of_o we_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n in_o our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o man_n shall_v they_o read_v s._n paul_n description_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a that_o it_o believe_v all_o thing_n and_o hope_v all_o thing_n do_v they_o consider_v the_o many_o argument_n the_o gospel_n use_v to_o enforce_v the_o duty_n and_o great_a reward_n undispensable_o depend_v upon_o our_o practice_n and_o last_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o who_o in_o his_o conversation_n among_o man_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o all_o uncharitable_a judgement_n of_o other_o but_o do_v himself_o exercise_v the_o great_a candour_n towards_o all_o man_n scarce_o ever_o pass_v a_o severe_a censure_n upon_o any_o but_o that_o proud_a censorious_a sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n who_o make_v themselves_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o shall_v they_o then_o descend_v to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o christian_n with_o that_o excellent_a rule_n they_o pretend_v to_o and_o with_o the_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n and_o see_v how_o vast_a the_o disproportion_n be_v between_o our_o practice_n and_o profession_n they_o will_v easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o serious_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o vaunt_v of_o nor_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o saviour_n in_o give_v law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o life_n nor_o expect_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o reconcile_v how_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v consist_v with_o many_o uncharitable_a practice_n unjust_a reproach_n and_o mutual_a enmity_n which_o the_o profess_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v so_o easy_o tempt_v to_o thus_o beside_o the_o injury_n we_o do_v to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o the_o public_a society_n whereof_o we_o shall_v be_v feel_a member_n we_o cast_v a_o stumble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o may_v be_v win_v over_o to_o our_o most_o holy_a profession_n do_v they_o not_o see_v the_o professor_n of_o it_o so_o manifest_o contradict_v in_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n what_o they_o plead_v for_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o affection_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o thing_n propound_v to_o show_v the_o particular_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n here_o use_v to_o dissuade_v from_o uncharitable_a judge_v one_o another_o because_o the_o lord_n come_v and_o this_o will_v appear_v 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n if_o compare_v with_o our_o great_a inability_n to_o judge_v aright_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v particular_o urge_v by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o word_n follow_v my_o text_n judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a work_n and_o will_v make_v manifest_a the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o what_o man_n do_v can_v be_v determine_v bare_o from_o outward_a appearance_n which_o only_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n many_o action_n may_v proceed_v from_o a_o heart_n true_o pious_a and_o devout_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o know_v the_o heart_n which_o yet_o as_o to_o man_n may_v be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o outward_a action_n of_o hypocrite_n may_v appear_v to_o man_n as_o instance_n of_o great_a piety_n and_o devotion_n when_o to_o god_n they_o be_v a_o abomination_n now_o shall_v we_o use_v the_o utmost_a of_o our_o discretion_n in_o these_o case_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o these_o man_n or_o their_o action_n so_o many_o be_v the_o secret_a wind_n and_o private_a retirement_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o various_a his_o thought_n and_o intention_n and_o so_o numerous_a his_o pretence_n to_o disguise_v his_o action_n that_o it_o