Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall

Secondly when we cause others to be offended at us, and to think evil of us, as being such as make no conscience of our courses; because we use that which they supposing to be sin, suppose withal that we cannot but see to be sin. For ^sit is the common guise of most men to think that every one should see presently what themselves once apprehend. To give offence therefore in this case in this kind, it is a wrong to our selves, in causing others though iniustly and undeservedly to think evil of us, and ^tmaking our commodity and Christian liberty to be evil spoken of. A thing not to be lightly regarded of us, what other, our brethren especially ⟨p. 255⟩shall think of, or speak by us: since ^ua good name is, as the holy Ghost saith, better then a good ointment; and ^*a good report desirable above riches and much treasure. Yea considering that ^xthe efficacy of the agent consisteth much in the disposition of the patient: and that It is hard therefore, as a ^yworthy Divine of ours well observeth, for a man ever to do good on others, unless he be reputed good himself: we have great cause even in this regard also to be wary and careful ^zas well of keeping our credit good with men, as our conscience clear to God, ¹as well our name and fame unstained in regard of the one, as our hearts and hands untainted in regard of the other. Otherwise, ²if relying wholly upon the one we grow careless of the other, we shall in so doing deal, not only cruelly and uncharitably as concerning our brethren, but unwisely also and inconsiderately as concerning our selves. It is a wrong therefore to thy self, in that