418 CHRISTIAN 14IORALI'TY. In short, whensoever an occasion arises to give an eminent and glorious proof of generosity or compassion, of gratitude or goodness, of zeal for God, or loveto men, it is the apostle's ad- vice, that a christian should seize the golden hour, and not suffer a heathen to prevent or exceed him. And among christians; let those who profess the severestvirtue, and the purest methods of christianity be the persons who seize most of these opportunities to perform actions worthy of praise. But when there is any thingmean and base, scandalous and sordid appears in the world, as it never should be said that achristian has done it, so neither would Iever have such a scandal fall upon any person who pro- fesses the strictest forms of godliness. I come in the next place to consider, what arguments may be drawn from the light of reason, to excite us to actions of good report, and such as are worthy of special praises ; for in the foregoing discourseI told you, that I should join the argu- ments or motives together, which belong to both these exhorta- tions. I. If a person practises things Of good report, and acquires to himself reputation and praise amongst men, he does himself and his family a considerable kindnessby it. If a man has not a good name, he can neither expect tobe entertained in any society with pleasure, nor to receive any special benefits from the world. A person of ill report is rather hated than beloved, he is shunned and avoided rather than desired, and his neighbours will treat him with neglect rather than assistance. His very name is men- tioned with disgrace instead of praise. Whereas, on the other hand, a man whose excellent character has deserved a good report and honour among his fellow-citizens, has every one ;ready to invite him to their company, and willing to reach out to him their friendly hand when he is fallen into danger or distress. Besides, such a person lays uphonour for his household, and provides thefiiendship of mankind for the helpof his family in generations yet to come. It is confessed indeed, that the spirit of the worldhas too much baseness in it, and toogreat a neglect of real merit: Yet when a man has deserved exceeding well of his country, and acquired anyspecial degrees of praise or renown amongst them, the world isnot yet quite so brutal and degene- rate, but that it has given ninnyinstances of bounty and goodness to the posterity of a man of honour. His name shall be had in everlasting remembrance, and the generationof the upright shall be blessed. Ps. cxii. 2, 6. H. Aman that has, obtained a good report and honour in the world, by many reputable actions, is capable of much greater service both to God andhis fellow-creatures. If wehave gained
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