The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

3. And, though it be true, that a man is not imprudently without just cause, to open his sins before the world; when it is like to tend to the injury of Religion, and any way to do more hurt than good: yet it is as true, that when there is no such impediment, true repentance is forward to confess, and when the fault is discovered, defending and extenuating it, is then the greatest dishonour to Religion. (As if you would father all on Christ, and make men believe that he will justify or extenuate sin as you do.) And then it is a free self-abasing confession, and taking all the shame to your selves (with future reformation) which is the reparation which you must make of the honour of Religion. For what greater dishonour can be cast upon Religion, than to make it seem a friend to sin? Or what greater honour can be given it, than to represent it as it is, as an enemy to all evil; and to take the blame, as is due, unto your selves?

3. And, though it be true, that a man is not imprudently without just cause, to open his sins before the world; when it is like to tend to the injury of Religion, and any way to do more hurt than good: yet it is as true, that when there is no such impediment, true repentance is forward to confess, and when the fault is discovered, defending and extenuating it, is then the greatest dishonour to Religion. (As if you would father all on Christ, and make men believe that he will justifie or extenuate sin as you do.) And then it is a free self-abasing confession, and taking all the shame to your selves (with future reformation) which is the reparation which you must make of the honour of Religion. For what greater dishonour can be cast upon Religion, than to make it seem a friend to sin? Or what greater honour can be given it, than to represent it as it is, as an enemy to all evil; and to take the blame, as is due, unto your selves?

3. Another cloak for Pride, is the Reputation of our offices, dignities and places. We must live according to our rank and quality: All men must not live alike. The grandeur of Rulers must be maintained, or else the Magistracy will fall into contempt. The Pastors Office must not by a mean estate, and low deportment, be exposed to the peoples scorn. And so abundance of the most ambitious practices, and hateful enormities of the proud, must be veiled by these fair pretences.