483 / 514
SIAM.
tI7t.
1
A
Ò00D
REPORT,
&C.
415
his fellow-
creatures
:
on
the contrary, there are
several
other
practices,
which
it
is
not
easy to
prove directly sin-
ful,
yet
they
are
of
ill
report, and
they
ought
not
to be
in-
dulged among christians. Among
these
practices
of
good
report,
some
are changeable with'
the times and customs
of
the country,
and they obtain a
different
character
and
esteem,
according to the
age
and place wherein
we
dwell;
others
always
and
in all places
among sober and
wise
men,
obtain the same
character
;.
they
have been
in
all ages
and
in all nations, esteemed things
of
good
report
:
The
nature
of
them
seems to be
unchangeable
:
And it
is
this
sort
of
actions
only
that
I
shall
take notice
of.
By
various
particulars
this
head
will
be
better
illustrated and im-
proved, than
it
can
be
by any
general descriptions.
It
is
a matter
of
good
report
to
mind
our
own
busi-
ness,
yet
to be
of a
public spirit,
to be
regular
in
our con-
duct,
to
keep the best company, to abstain
from
the
uti
most bounds
of
things
lawful,
and in
doubtful
matters, to
follow
the
practices
of
the wisest
and
the
best.
As.I
dis-
course
upon.
each
of
these
particular
"s,
I
shall observe
what are
those opposite
practices
of
evil
report,
which
we
ought
to avoid.
I.
It
is
a
thing
of
good
report
to
mind
our
own
busi=
ness.
The
holy
apostle requires it
;
]
Mess.
iv. 11.
That
ye
study to
be
quiet and
to do
your
own business."
One
would think there should
be
no
need 'of study
and appli
-
cation
in
order
to be
quiet
;
but
some
persons are
of
Aso
turbulent
and
restless
a
temper,
that
they
naturally inter"
meddle
with every
thing': They had
need take pains
with
themselves to keep themselves; quiet,
and
busy only
in
their
proper
work.
The
word in the
Greek
¢i
?oripcstóoaR
signifies
that
we
should
be ambitious
of
quietness
and di-
ligence in
our
calling,
for
it
is
a
matter
of honour and cre-
dit.
In
whatsoever station
we
are placed,
it
is
industry
must
gain
reputation. There
are other
great and
value
able
advantages
of
it,
butI
confine myself
now
to
this
one,
that
it
is
a
thing
of
good
report
among
men.
If
persons are called
to
magistracy,
let
Them
attend
to
the
work
of their superior
post.
Let
them
rule and
go-
vern
with all diligence,
and
fulfil
that
office
well,
.with
which
God has intrusted
them.
Let
them employ
them-
selves
much in
their proper
sphere,
and
not
wear
the