A plain discourse upon uprightness showing the properties and privileges of an upright man…A plain discourse upon uprightness shewing the properties and priviledges of an upright man…

I. The first Character of an upright ¹man is, He really approves himself to God, 2 Tim. 2. 15. Study to show thy self approved to God. This is the care and business of every upright man. In all business and companies, his chiefest care is, that the words of his mouth, and ²the thoughts of his heart may be pleasing to him. Famous is that story of Bernard, who after a curious Sermon, among the general applause, was found dejected and in his dumps: and after a more sincere plain discourse, the day following exceeding ⟨p. 142⟩cheerful; told one of his friends, that inquired the reason, Heri Bernardum, hodie Jesum Christum praedicavi, yesterday I preached Bernard, but to day I have preached Jesus Christ. When you can say, Lord, others know my actions, but thou knowest my ends; others may lift me up too high, or cast me down too low; but I am satisfied, if thou art pleased with me: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. And this is to walk worthy of the Lord, in all Pleasing: When a mans great aim is at God, and not to please, or exalt himself or others.

I. THe first Character of an upright ¹man is, He really approves himself to God, 2 Tim. 2. 15. Study to shew thy self approved to God. This is the care and business of every upright man. In all business and companies, his chiefest care is, that the words of his mouth, and ²the thoughts of his heart may be pleasing to him. Famous is that story of Bernard, who after a curious Sermon, among the general applause, was found dejected and in his dumps: and after a more sincere plain discourse, the day following exceeding ⟨p. 142⟩chearful; told one of his friends, that inquir'd the reason, Heri Bernardum, hodie Jesum Christum praedicavi, yesterday I preach'd Bernard, but to day I have preached Jesus Christ. When you can say, Lord, others know my actions, but thou knowest my ends; others may lift me up too high, or cast me down too low; but I am satisfied, if thou art pleased with me: For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. And this is to walk worthy of the Lord, in all Pleasing: When a mans great aim is at God, and not to please, or exalt himself or others.