We are here told whence to expect a good name. Reputation is what most
have a high regard to and stand much upon. Now it is certain, 1. The
best reputation is that which attends virtue and serious piety, and the
prudent conduct of life: A man shall be commended by all that are wise
and good, in conformity to the judgment of God himself, which we are
sure is according to truth, not according to his riches or preferments,
his craft and subtlety, but according to his wisdom, the honesty of his
designs and the prudent choice of means to compass them. 2. The worst
reproach is that which follows wickedness and an opposition to that
which is good: He that is of a perverse heart, that turns aside to
crooked ways, and goes on frowardly in them, shall be despised.
Providence will bring him to poverty and contempt, and all that have a
true sense of honour will despise him as unworthy to be dealt with and
unfit to be trusted, as a blemish and scandal to mankind.