Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

The Lord Jesus was without controversy the greatest Person that ever the World had, for he thought it no Robbery to be equal with God, which thought was no error or mistake, and St. John in Rev. 1.5. calls him the Prince of the Kings of the Earth. Now his whole Life was no other than the setting of a most exact and excellent Copy, for the Children of Men to write after, more particularly all those that are called by his Name, and profess themselves to be in the number of his Disciples. And surely the great men of the Earth, chiefly those that ⟨image 172⟩are and would be counted Christians, are obliged as in other his imitable Actions, so in this to resemble him; that they may be able without any stinging Reflection to say to others in a lower Sphere, Do as you see me do, and live as you see I live. Why will you profane the Name of God by your Oaths and Curses, or the Day of God by your Pastimes and Sports, or abuse the Mercies and good Creatures of God to Gluttony and Drunkenness? do you see any such thing in me? It was a brave and noble Resolution that holy David took up betimes when he was ready to ascend the Royal Throne, or newly seated in it, Psalm 101.2. I will behave my self wisely in a perfect way, I will walk within mine House with a perfect Heart. Observe how extensive his care was, reaching both to his Heart and Way. To his Heart, as one that had to do with God, who searched it: And to his Way, as one that had to do with Men who observed it. He would do this, that, if it were possible, He might allure and draw others to walk in the same way of Wisdom and Holiness as Himself had chosen; but however he would do this, that none of them might have his pattern to justify and embolden any of them in their ways of wickedness. Of all Persons, Parents in a Family, Ministers in the Church, and Magistrates in a Kingdom ought to be very careful and curious, they should [Greek or Hebrew], take heed to their way, and foot it right. For those that do not, prove public pests and mischiefs, going up and down to the infecting of many.

The Lord Jesus was without controversie the greatest Person that ever the World had, for he thought it no Robbery to be equal with God, which thought was no errour or mistake, and St. John in