In a moral sense, is opposed to disorderly motion, to turbulency, to contention, to pragmatical curiosity, to all such exorbitant behaviour whereby the right of others is inflinged, their peace disturbed, their just interest or welfare any ways prejudiced. It is a calm, steady, regular way of proceeding within the bounds and measures prescribed by reason, justice, and charity, modesty and sobriety. It is of such importance, that we find it enjoined in the sacred Scripture; and we are commanded to study and peruse it with the greatest diligence and care, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 . The great Dr. Barrow has two admirable sermons on this subject in the first volume of his Works. He justly observes,
1. That quietness is just and equal.
2. It indicates humility, modesty, and sobriety of mind.
3. It is beneficial to the world, preserving the general order of things.
4. It preserves concord and amity.
5. It begets tranquillity and peace.
6. It is a decent and lovely thing, indicating a good disposition, and producing good effects.
7. It adorneth any profession, bringing credit and respect thereto.
8. It is a safe practice, keeping us from needless encumbrances and hazards: whereas, pragmaticalness, interfering with the business and concerns of others, often raises dissensions, involves in guilt, injures others, shows our vanity and pride, and exposes to continual trouble and danger.
Despite a stated reliance on the plain meaning of the Bible and the dictates of common sense, Buck's Theological Dictionary, first published in London in 1802, seeks to provide a textual basis for the evangelical community. By combining brief essays on orthodox belief and practice with historical entries on various denominations, Buck provided an interpretive lens that allowed antebellum Protestants to see Christianity's almost two millennia as their own history.Wikipedia
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