The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

1. Be very careful that this living Image (such you have been formerly told it is) may grow equally, in every part. See that the impression of this likeness be entire; that it be not a maimed thing, if it be, God will never own it as his production. Integrity is the glory of a Christian: To be entire lacking nothing. This is the soundness of heart that excludes a blushing consciousness, and misgiving; exempts it from the fear of a shameful discovery. ¹Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; is paraphrased, by having respect to all Gods commandments; To which is opposite, that being partial in the Law spoken of by the Prophet^* by way of complaint concerning the Priests of that time. A thing hateful in the eye of God; and as uncomfortable to our selves, as to be without a leg, or an Arm.

1. 1Psal. 119. 6. 80.
2. *Mal. 2. 9.

And see that it be preserved entire by a proportional, and uniform growth, that fresh life and motion may daily appear in every Limb of this heavenly new Creature. How odious a deformity is it, when a show of moral virtues excludes Godliness? And how much more odious (in as much as there is more impudent falsehood in it, and more of dishonourable reflection upon God) when under an high pre•ence of Godliness, any shall allow themselves in visible immorality? What, to be oppressive, envious, contentious, deceitful, proud, turbulent, wrathful, morose, malicious, fretful, and peevish, and yet a Christian? What serious Person, that shall have no fairer representation of Christianity, than such do give, would not be ready to say rather, Sit anima mea cum Philosophis; If this be Christian Religion, give me honest Paganism. A Christian that hath received the proper, uniform, entire impress of the Gospel of Christ, is the most meek, mild, calm, harmless, quiet thing in the world. Never mention so venerable a name, if you will not be very jealous of the honour of it; will you give God occasion to charge you? Wretch I never had had this dishonour, if thou hdst never been called a Christian; thou art a Christian to no purpose, or to very bad; it does thee no good, and it injures me?