A fourth volume containing one hundred and fifty sermons on several texts of Scripture…

6th Rule: Do as you would be done unto, Mat. 7.12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that Men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them; for this is the Law and the Prophets: this is the scope of Scriptures. This saying the Roman Emperor Severus much admired, and wrote it upon many places of his Palace; for it is a Rule serves in all cases. If we would do as we would be done unto, what Lives might we lead? We are very tender of our own Interest, give a favourable Sentence in our own case, and are very sensible of the Wrong done to us; we would not be circumvented by a fraudulent Bargain, we would not be detracted in our own Names, we would have our Infirmities hidden and not divulged, we would be succoured in such Distresses; now do so to them. If in all cases we would do aright and judg aright, let us change the Persons; and suppose our selves in another's case, would I have others thus do with me? But how is this Law to be understood? Some lay violent hands upon themselves, others desire things sinful, as to be drunk, and to commit Adultery. I answer, it is meant of what we wish to our selves, by a regular Self-love, and a free and unperverted Will.

Again, it holdeth not in Duties of Relations; it is not just that the Father should do that to the Children, which he would have the Children do to him, as to give Honour and Reverence, and the like: So in all Relations between Inferiors and Superiors, it is to be understood if we were in their place, and in the like condition, as if I were a Son, or if I were a Servant; still take the Person of him with whom thou dealest, upon thy self; that Right which you would have others do to you, as you would be kindly dealt with in buying and selling, in pardoning Injuries, forgiving unadvised Wrongs, do you the same to others. This will help us to keep a good Conscience in all our dealings.