Lastly, Let us observe how frequently our actions are corrupted. In leaving sin many time we leave it not because we hate it as sin, but it hath often broken out to our reproach; our friends persuade us to break it off, it will be for our credit and advantage. We confess our own sins, not desiring to give glory to God, and gain a testimony of a sound heart: but because worldly wisdom doth tell us, It is best to tell our own tale, or it were double folly to make dainty of that all the world knoweth: It will not be for our credit to lessen our fault, when it is fully known; we shall loose the estimation of good men if we seek to hide, excuse, or make light of our offences. Our promises of amendment, when we have been overtaken with sin to our disgrace, have not proceeded from due consideration, nor had due execution accordingly. In the profession of religion we have oft aimed at sinister ends, as praise of men, gain, or the like, Thus in taking up good duties, as orders in our family, we often look not so much at the conscience of Gods Commandment, as at this, The eyes of men are upon us, all the world will cry shame, ⟨p. 191⟩if such things be neglected altogether. Our performance of private duties is far more dull, superficial, and sleight, then that which is done in the sight and company of others. The presence of men doth oft restrain from many hasty sinful speeches and unwarrantable actions, which we take liberty to speak and do before the face of the most high, and are not ashamed. Our rebukes are carnal, rather because our minds are crossed, then that God is dishonoured. Our obedience is partial, this we do, another thing no less material we pass over without regard: and we mean well many times, and are fervent in a good thing, not merely for sinister respects, and yet not only, nor resolutely for Gods Commandment, but more for other considerations then that: And therefore in such cases and trials, we are found to be others, if we examine it, then we would be. We bear with faults in him that is serviceable to our humour, against another not so pleasing in our eye, we are hot and fiery. Sometimes we undertake to deal for some that speak to us, but do it without any hearty well-wishing to him, sometimes not sticking to say to our friend, I must speak to you for fashion, but do as you please.
Lastly, Let us observe how frequently our actions are corrupted. In leaving sinne many time we leave it not because we hate it as sinne, but it hath often broaken out to our reproach; our friends perswade us to breake it off, it will be for our credit and advantage. We confesse our owne sinnes, not desiring to give glory to God, and gaine a testimony of a sound heart: but because worldly wisdome doth tell us, It is best to tell our owne tale, or it were double folly to make daintie of that all the world knoweth: It will not be for our credit to lessen our fault, when it is fully knowne; we shall loose the estimation of good men if we seek to hide, excuse, or make light of our offences. Our promises of amendment, when we have been overtaken with sinne to our disgrace, have not proceeded from due consideration, nor had due execution accordingly. In the profession of religion we have oft aimed at sinister ends, as praise of men, gaine, or the like, Thus in taking up good duties, as orders in our family, we often looke not so much at the conscience of Gods Commandement, as at this, The eyes of men are upon us, all the world will cry shame, ⟨p. 191⟩if such things be neglected altogether. Our performance of private duties is farre more dull, superficiall, and sleight, then that which is done in the sight and company of others. The presence of men doth oft restraine from many hastie sinfull speeches and unwarrantable actions, which we take liberty to speake and doe before the face of the most high, and are not ashamed. Our rebukes are carnall, rather because our minds are crossed, then that God is dishonoured. Our obedience is partiall, this we doe, another thing no lesse materiall we passe over without regard: and we meane well many times, and are fervent in a good thing, not meerly for sinister respects, and yet not only, nor resolutely for Gods Commandement, but more for other considerations then that: And therefore in such cases and tryalls, we are found to be others, if we examine it, then we would be. We beare with faults in him that is serviceable to our humour, against another not so pleasing in our eye, we are hot and fiery. Sometimes we undertake to deale for some that speake to us, but doe it without any heartie well-wishing to him, sometimes not sticking to say to our friend, I must speake to you for fashion, but doe as you please.
