Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

1. Lament your own and others sin in this particular. All sound Amendment begins in godly sorrow. We are glowing hot in wrath and strife, Tears are necessary to quench this Flame; mourn for others fierceness and for your own. For the Divisions of Reuben; let there be great searchings of heart. When we are once truly humbled and penitent before God, our Brethren will have better quarter from us. Consider, how often you have added fuel to this fire, how you have exasperated this burning Fever, and how little you have done to assuage and mitigate it. How easily you have been prejudiced, how easily provoked, how hardly pacified. If you should have met with such treatment from your Heavenly Father, as your Brethren have had from you, you had been devoured and consumed long ago.. Do not think that needless Divisions in Christs Church, is so light a fault, ⟨p. 51⟩that reproaches and revilings are venial sins; when Our Saviour hath assured us, Matth. 18.6. That it were better for him that shall offend one of his little ones that believe in him, to have a Millstone hanged about his Neck, and be drowned in the depth of the Sea. And how wittily soever it be expressed, yet he that shall say to his Brother, Thou fool, shall be in danger of Hell-fire, Mat. 5.22. Whatever uncharitable Reflection therefore you have been guilty of, repent of it speedily; and also mourn for the miscarriages of others. When we are a little melted for our own and others faults, then we are fit for the healing mercy of God. And the Lord turned the Captivity of Job, when he prayed for his Friends, Job 42.10.

1. Lament your own and others sin in this particular. All sound Amendment begins in godly sorrow. We are glowing hot in wrath and strife, Tears are necessary to quench this Flame; mourn for others fierceness and for your own. For the Divisions of Reuben; let there be great searchings of heart. When we are once truly humbled and penitent before God, our Brethren will have better quarter from us. Consider, how often you have added fewel to this fire, how you have exasperated this burning Fever, and how little you have done to asswage and mitigate it. How easily you have been prejudiced, how easily provok'd, how hardly pacified. If you should have met with such treatment from your Heavenly Father, as your Brethren have had from you, you had been devour'd and consum'd long ago.. Do not think that needless Divisions in Christs Church, is so light a fault,