392 In what things mutt eve ufe Moderation, Serm. i6. mine. We muff not be injurious to our felves, for as St i t t:gin faith well, quis aliis agtttts qui fibi iniquus? who that's unequal to himfelf will bi equal to others t We muff not yield that which is greatly to our de- triment, except our yielding be as eafie terms as further contefiing (as it proves often when we proceed to Law, &c.) and here that may be very confiderable to one, that is but (mall to another, as poorer or richer, for matters ofelate, as entering -the fia ge of the World or well known in it, for credit and good name, &c. And very confidera bie to the fame man at one time that may be fmall at another, as if up. on preferment to have reports made of him or the like. Nay there may be grounds for not yielding the lean we can poffibly obtain , wch we muff conceal from the publick (though we may fatisfie private Chriftians) as when we know our efiato is fmall, though ( living upon credit) others judge it great,or the like cafes. But heer's not fuch dif_ ficulty ; every one knowing his own circumfcances for the moil In pretty well,(which should be a grouud for our charity,that we cenre not men whofe circumftances we know not : ) not are we apt to rnif_ carry in departing from our own interefi, We fhould efpecially there. fore confider the condition and circumfiances thofe are in we have to do withall. If greater, we ufually make a virtue of neceflity, and yield moll where we fhould yield leali; but here in our fpeeches and carriages we fhould efpecially } ield,and leaft we can of our purfes, and on the contrary, if they be meaner and poorer. Not, when others are low, or in prefent exigencies, to take them by the throat faying pay me what thou owefl (iìlatth. t 8.z8.) but tobe equal , merciful!, and confiderative of others as well as our felves, and accordingly to deal, 4. Ifall thou mull } ield will not fatisfi; In thy chargeable appeal to the Civil Magifirate. As all lawful means mutt be affayed for publick peace,before by War appeal be made ro God; fo fhould all lawful! means be ufed before we appeal to his Vice - gerent, for private peace. And when we do with charity to the perfon againfi whom we proceed, for a great mifiake to think we cannot be in charity and Law toge- ther. And though with vigilancy and circumfpehion, yet not with violence and paffìon, to mange the profecution. Lafily, In the ifue or event of appeals, If we overcome In admitting equal compenfation for thy lofs of riches, credit or the like thou cant efts about.. For force mens natures, others necdhties are fuck as make them obflinate and perGfi to their ruin and defiruftion;and Laws in force things are fevere (though jufi,)which though the Magifirate moderate according to equity, yet often adjudge mgrg iban we giould take. And if thou be overcome.
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