The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

5 A fifth deceit. A civill man doth therefore flatter himself, and grow too high in his own opinion, and take contentment in his estate, because he doth no man any harm, he doth not willingly injure any man; makes no question but this harmless righteousness will justify him.

5 A fift deceit. A civill man doth therefore flatter himselfe, and grow too high in his owne opinion, and take contentment in his estate, because he doth no man any harme, he doth not willingly injure any man; makes no question but this harmelesse righteousnesse will justifie him.

Answer. It deserves commendation, that a man should so demean himself, as carefully to avoid the doing of wrong to another: yet the insufficiency of his estate appears on this manner. If we take a view of that righteousness which the Lord requires, we shall find, that it is not only in not doing harm, but in doing good duties, the omission whereof is damnable, Matth. 3.10.¹ Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewen down, and cast into the fire, Isa. 1.16.² Cease to do evil, learn to do well, Rom. 12.9. abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good, Matth. 25. Christ will proceed in judgement against wicked men, not only for that they have pulled meat from his mouth, but also because they have not fed him: for look as in an Orchard, it is not sufficient that a tree do no harm, but further that it may be counted a good tree, it must be fruitful: so in the state of a Christian, he who is barren of good works, shall as well undergo the judgements of God, as he that is a practiser of wickedness: we do not rest contented, in that our servants plead they have done us no harm, but in that they have brought profit to us: why should we not think that the Lord expects as much from us who are his servants, […]