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Concerning this fifth commandment, think thus: do I live in a lawful calling? And have I walked worthy my general calling of Christianity, and discharged my particular calling, and employed the gifts which God gave me, for the good of the society, of man in family, church, or commonwealth?

Have I honoured all men, for that they were made after the image of God, and have yet some remains thereof; are capable of having it renewed, if it be not renewed already; and because they are or may be useful for the common good of man; using them with all courteousness and kind respect; excepting when, and wherein, they have made themselves vile by open wickedness; so that it will not stand with the glory of God, the good of others, or of themselves, or with the discharge of my place, to show them countenance? Have I showed my due respect to others, in praying to God, and, as there has been cause, in giving him thanks for them?

Have I conceived the best, that in charity I might, of others? And by love have I endeavoured, according to my place, to cure their grosser evils, and to cover their infirmities? And have I to my power promoted my neighbour's good name and reputation, and have I been contented, nay desirous, that he should be esteemed as well, nay, better than myself? And have I, both in his life-time, and after his death, given him the honour of common humanity, as in common civilities at least, and in comely burial, so far as any way it did belong to me, and in maintaining his injured reputation? &c.

Have I, being superior to others in gifts of any kind, as learning, wit, wealth, strength, &c., employed those gifts to the honour of God, and the good of man, more than others?

As I am beyond others in years, am I superior to them in gravity, good counsel, and good example?

As I am above others in authority, do I acknowledge that it is not originally in me, but derived to me from God, and have I held it, and used it for him;