2. Observe but mens desire of applause, and their great impatience of dispraise, and judge by this of their self-denial. Who is it that is angry with those that Praise them, yea though they exceed their bounds, and ascribe more to them than is due? Saith Seneca [Si invenimus qui nos bonos viros dicat, qui prudentes, qui sanctos, non sumus modica laudatione contenti; quicquid in nos adulatio sine pudore congessit, tanquam debitum prehendimus: Optimos nos esse, sapientissimosque affirmantibus assentimus, quum ⟨image 32⟩sciamus illos saepe multa mentiri. Adeo quoque indulgemus nobis, ut laudari velimus in id, cui contraria maxim facimus.] Even Proud men would be praised for Humility, and covetous men for Liberality, and fools for Wisdom, and ignorant men for Learning, and treacherous hypocrites for sincerity and plain honesty; and few of the best do heartily distaste their own commendations, or refuse any thing that's offered them, though beyond desert. But if they think they are lightly or hardly thought of, or hear of any that speak against them, or dishonour them in the eyes of men, you shall see how little they can deny themselves. O how the hearts of many that seemed godly men, will swell against them that speak to their disparagement? What uncharitable, unchristian deportment, will a little injury produce? What bitter words! What estrangedness, and division, if not plain hatred, and reviling, and revenge! Yea, it were well (in comparison) if a due Reproof, from neighbours or from Ministers (that are bound to do it by the Lord) would not draw forth this secret Venom, and show the world the scarcity of self-denial. Let others speak never so well of God, and of all good men, and be never so faithful or serviceable in the Church, yet if they do but speak ill of them (though it's like deservedly and justly) these selfish men cannot abide them. By this you may perceive what interest is strongest with them; were they carried up from themselves by the Love of God, they would delight to hear the Praise of God, and of their Brethren, and be afraid to hear their own; and say from their hearts, Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name be glory, Psal. 115. 1. To praise another may be our gain (in the discharge of a duty, and exercise of Love) but to be Praised our selves is usually our danger. Pride needeth ⟨image 32⟩no such fuel or bellows.
2. Observe but mens desire of applause, and their great impatience of dispraise, and judge by this of their self-denial. Who is it that is angry with those that Praise them, yea though they exceed their bounds, and ascribe more to them than is due? Saith Seneca [Si invenimus qui nos bonos viros dicat, qui prudentes, qui sanctos, non sumus modica laudatione contenti; quicquid in nos adulatio sine pudore congessit, tanquam debitum prehendimus: Optimos nos esse, sapientissimosque affirmantibus assentimus, quum ⟨image 32⟩sciamus illos saepe multa mentiri. Adeo quoque indulgemus nobis, ut laudari velimus in id, cui contraria maxime facimus.] Even Proud men would be praised for Humility, and covetous men for Liberality, and fools for Wisdom, and ignorant men for Learning, and treacheros hypocrites for sincerity and plain honesty; and few of the best do heartily distaste their own commendations, or refuse any thing that's offered them, though beyond desert. But if they think they are lightly or hardly thought of, or hear of any that speak against them, or dishonour them in the eyes of men, you shall see how little they can deny themselves. O how the hearts of many that seemed godly men, will swell against them that speak to their disparagement? What uncharitable, unchristian deportment, will a little injury produce? What bitter words! What estrangedness, and division, if not plain hatred, and reviling, and revenge! Yea, it were well (in comparison) if a due Reproof, from neighbours or from Ministers (that are bound to do it by the Lord) would not draw forth this secret Venom, and shew the world the scarcity of self-denial. Let others speak never so well of God, and of all good men, and be never so faithful or serviceable in the Church, yet if they do but speak ill of them (though it's like deservedly and justly) these selfish men cannot abide them. By this you may perceive what interest is strongest with them; were they carryed up from themselves by the Love of God, they would delight to hear the Praise of God, and of their Brethren, and be afraid to hear their own; and say from their hearts, Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but to thy name be glory, Psal. 115. 1. To praise another may be our gain (in the discharge of a duty, and exercise of Love) but to be Praised our selves is usually our danger. Pride needeth ⟨image 32⟩no such fuel or bellows.
