Remains of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection…Remaines of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection…

Fourthly, For your tongues. Ask these questions.

First, Have I bridled my tongue, and forced it in? This is a very necessary question that must be enquired into. I tell thee if thou hast no measure to bridle thy tongue, thou art no Christian. Jam. 1. 26. On the other side if thou hast once got this skill to govern thy tongue, thou art a grown Christian, Jam. 3. 2. He that can govern his tongue, hath attained to some good growth and good perfection in grace. Ah Brethren, you had need to set up Davids resolution daily, Psal. 39. 1. I said I will take heed to my ways, that I offend not with my tongue, Psal. 17. 3. I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. And distrusting his own strength you may see how he runs to God for strength, Psal. 14. 1. 3. Set a watch (O Lord) before my mouth: keep the door of my lips.

Secondly, Have I spoke evil of no man? This is an express charge of the Apostle, Tit. 3. 1, 2. Put them in mind to speak evil of no man. And the Apostle Peter chargeth us that if we will grow in grace, to put away the evil of evil speaking. This is a great and universal sin among us; that we are apt to speak evil of others. When we do hear of any thing that is evil in any one, how do we speak of it to our friends? See that you have good ends & a lawful call to tell, before you tell of another's evil. Brethren, this cannot be sufficiently bewailed, that there should be so great an evil among us,