Sermons preached

But because one cannot well be handled without the other, I shall begin with the Negative Consideration, which concerns Right and Justice to the Persons, Names, Goods, and Possessions of others. We are earnest to have fair dealing ⟨p. 348⟩from others, we should be as earnest to yield the same again. There is no Man but hath a quick sense of Injuries done to himself. When we are wronged by Lying, Slandering, Oppression; or by fraudulent Bargains, how will we discourse of Equity, and plead for Right upon these occasions? Why the like tender respect, the like Sense should we have in our dealing with others; as you would not others should defame, oppress, or over-reach you, so should not you do to them. In other Mens dealings with us we are Masters, acute Discerners of Right; in our own Case, able to teach what Men ought to do; but in our dealing with others, we are scarce Scholars. We would be reverenced, commended, fairly used, have others tender of our Credit; and if we be abused in Person, disgraced in Speech, endamaged in Goods or good Name, we complain of the Wrong. Therefore it was well said of Calvin, That it would be much better for Mankind, if we were as faithful Learners of active Duties, as we are acute Doctors concerning Passives; that is, That we would not offer such Usage to others, as we would not be well pleased with our selves; but give as we would receive.

But because one cannot well be handled without the other, I shall begin with the Negative Consideration, which concerns Right and Justice to the Persons, Names, Goods, and Possessions of others. We are earnest to have fair dealing ⟨p. 348⟩from others, we should be as earnest to yeild the same again. There is no Man but hath a quick sence of Injuries done to himself. When we are wronged by Lying, Slandering, Oppression; or by fraudulent Bargains, how will we discourse of Equity, and plead for Right upon these occasions? Why the like tender respect, the like Sense should we have in our dealing with others; as you would not others should defame, oppress, or over-reach you, so should not you do to them. In other Mens dealings with us we are Masters, acute Discerners of Right; in our own Case, able to teach what Men ought to do; but in our dealing with others, we are scarce Scholars. We would be reverenced, commended, fairly used, have others tender of our Credit; and if we be abused in Person, disgraced in Speech, endammaged in Goods or good Name, we complain of the Wrong. Therefore it was well said of Calvin, That it would be much better for Mankind, if we were as faithful Learners of active Duties, as we are acute Doctors concerning Passives; that is, That we would not offer such Usage to others, as we would not be well pleased with our selves; but give as we would receive.