Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…

Now, when two lawful things are before us, we would consider which of the two are most Christianly honest, and most Lovely, which of them hath the best report, and is best thought of among them that can discern best; and though a thing be lawful in it self, yet if it be not honest, and of a good report, it may give cause of ill speaking, that is not to be allowed; As for instance, suppose in the matter of Marriage, there be two single people, it is lawful for them to Mary; Yet suppose them to be unequal, as to their Rank and Quality▪ the one a great Man, the other a poor Woman, and despicable, or contrarily; or vastly unequal, as to Age or Parts, and accomplishments; and that such a match is not honestly reported of; Or is not counted gracious and tender like in a professor of Religion, Man or Woman; though it might be simply lawful, yet in that case, He or She is to walk according to the Apostles Rule, even according to this Rule: Particular Circumstances, I grant, will very much vary the the case; Yet that Rule would be still tenderly looked to. A 4th. General Rule, is, 1 Cor. 7. 17, and 20. ⟨p. 143⟩As the Lord […] called every one▪ •o let them walk▪ let every man abide in the same calling wherein he is called; Which supposeth, that Christians being once clear, that the Lord hath called them to be in such Callings and Stations, and to sustain such Relations, as of Magistrates Ministers, Merchants, and Tradesmen, Husbands, Wives, Masters▪ Servants; They should, for keeping a good Conscience, continue quiet, and satisfied in them, without covering pre-posterously, or itching curiously to be out of them; and without daring to move from them without a clear and convincing call from God; and that they should make Conscience to discharge the respective duties incumbent on them, by virtue of these Stations and Relations while they are in them.

Now, when two lawful things are before us, we would consider which of the two are most Christianly honest, and most Lovely, which of them hath the best report, and is best thought of among them that can discern best; and though a thing be lawful in it self, yet if it be not honest, and of a good report, it may give cause of ill speaking, that is not to be allowed; As for instance, suppose in the matter of Marriage, there be two single people, it is lawful for them to Marie; Yet suppose them to be unequal, as to their Rank and Quality the one a great Man, the other a poor Woman, and despicable, or contrarily; or vastly unequal, as to Age or Parts, and accomplishments; and that such a match is not honestly reported of; Or is not counted gracious and tender like in a professo of Religion, Man or Woman; though it might be simply lawful, yet in that case, He or She is to walk according to the Apostles Rule, even according to this Rule: Particular Circumstances, I grant, will very much vary the the case; Yet that Rule would be still tenderly looked to. A 4th. General Rule, is,