A practical exposition of the X. Commandments with a resolution of several momentous questions…A practical exposition of the X. Commandements with a resolution of several momentous questions…

3. Honour floweth more natively to the Godly, the object drawing it unto it in a native way.

If it be asked, whether or not a man may seek his own honour and fame, and how? Answ. A man ought not to seek it, as men of the world do, to satisfy the lust of the pride of life, nor inordinately beyond his line, nor even in externals, nor ever as his last end, and as the chief thing; for honour being the Testimony of excellency, and a good name, a Testimony of that virtue which is in a man, he is first to study virtue as the solid good, whereof the other is but the lustre, virtue being indeed the main thing to be sought after, whether a good name (as to men) be separate from it or not. 2. Yet may it be sought as a thing that is desirable and good (it being sought in a right manner and by way of concomitance) a good name being above great riches, Prov. 22.1. 3. It is ever to be sought in the way of virtue and well doing; flattery and crooked dealing being never warrantable, and in the following of Good, men are to walk through ill report as well as good report. 4. It is to be sought in things relating to Godliness, not in riches, or honour, or eloquence, or great learning, but honesty, faithfulness, holiness; thus Paul disclaimeth, seeking the applause of being a learned, or eloquent or wise man, he disdained these; seeking it only in the faithful, single and zealous discharge of his Ministry among the Corinthians: 5. This Testimony or Respect is to be sought after even with a piece of holy ambition in the Consciences of others, but not so much in the outward evidences and testifications of it: To be commended and approved in the consciences of these we live among is desirable, and that which also Paul himself aimed at. 6. This respect would be a step for an higher end, that so all our respect may be improved and made use of for the honour of God.

If it be asked, whether or not a man may seek his own honour and fame, and how? Answ. A man ought not to seek it, as men of the world do, to satisfie the lust of the pride of life, nor inordinately beyond his line, nor even in externals, nor ever as his last end, and as the chief thing; for honor being the Testimony of excellency, and a good name, a Testimony of that vertue which is in a man, he is first to study vertue as the solid good, whereof the other is but the lustre, vertue being indeed the main thing to be sought after, whether a good name (as to men) be seperate from it or not. 2. Yet may it be sought as a thing that is desirable and good (it being sought in a right manner and by way of concomitance) a good name being above great riches,