Irenicum, to the lovers of truth and peace heart-divisions opened in the causes and…

7ly. Self causes men not to see their own evils; or if they do, to indulge themselves in them, but to be quick-sighted and severe in the discovering and opposing those evils there are in others, and this causes many breaches and fallings out. We may apply that of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 13. Love covereth a multitude of faults to self-love. Selfish men see little evil in themselves, all is ever well with them whatsoever others do; and the more they cocker themselves, the more severe they are to others; but Christ would have the quite contrary, severity to our selves, but indulgence to others; those that are so, are the most peaceable men. Mat. 18. 8. If thy hand or foot offend thee, cut them off, and •ast them from thee; or if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out. We must deal severely with our selves in those things that are as near and dear to us as our hands and eyes; but Vers. 15. When Christ gives order how we are to deal with our Brethren, he then requires more moderation; If thy Brother offends thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; If he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, and see what thou ca•st do with him that way; yea, and after that tell the Church, not presently cut him off, or cast him away, as you must do when your hand or eye offends you; If men have any indulgence, let it be exercised towards their Brethren; if they have any severity, let them exercise that against themselves. I remember I have read of Pliny, that he says of himself, That he so passed by other mens offences, as if himself were the greatest offender; and he was so •evere against himself, as if he meant to pardon none. If it were so with us, we should live at more peace one with another then we do.

7ly. Selfe causes men not to see their own evils; or if they do, to indulge themselves in them, but to be quick-sighted and severe in the discovering and opposing those evils there are in others, and this causes many breaches and fallings out. We may apply that of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 13. Love covereth a multitude of faults to selfe-love. Selfish men see little evill in themselves, al is ever well with them whatsoever others do; and the more they cocker themselves, the more severe they are to others; but Christ would have the quite contrary, severity to our selves, but indulgence to others; those that are so, are the most peaceable men.