Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

If God have given him more knowledge and abilities than others, he doth not presently set up himself to be admired for it, nor speak disdainfully and contemptuously of those that are not of his mind: But he showeth the eminency of his wisdom, with meekness by the works of a good conversation, and by doing better than the unwiser do, James 3. from verse 1. to 13. He is endued with the wisdom from above, which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality (or wavering in persecution, as ⟨p. 148⟩Dr. Hammond renders it) and without hypocrisy. And thus the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace, Jam. 3.17, 18. As he is taught of God to love his brother, 1 Thes. 4.9. So that same teaching with experience of the effects assureth him, that they that pretend to be wiser and better than others, when they have bitter, envious zeal and strife in their hearts, they vainly glory and lie against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual and devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work, James 3.14, 15, 16. (Read but the story of the Jewish Zealots in Josephus, and the heretical Zealots in all ages of the Church, and you will perceive the truth of this) when such quarrelsome spirits are filling the Church with contentions or vexations about their meats, and drinks, and days, &c. the Christian indeed understandeth that the Kingdom of God consisteth not of such things as these, but in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; and he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to God, and approved of (wise and sober) men. Therefore he followeth after things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another; and will not for meats, &c. destroy the work of God, Rom. 14.17, 18, 19, 20. He stayeth not till peace be offered him, or brought home to him, but he followeth peace with all men, as well as holiness,