An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…

Secondly, We may justify our selves lawfully, when the good we have done is charged upon us as an evil deed, or we looked upon as evil doers, when we have done, nothing for the matter, but our duty, and that in the manner according to rule. Thus when Paul had justified himself, by denying the evil which Tertullus, accused him of, (Acts 24.12, 13.) he presently justified himself also in what he had done well, though his enemies judged it evil (ver. 14.) But this I confess, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets. This self-justification is often very needful; For as there are some who call evil good, so there are others, who call good evil, and make that a mans fault which is his commendation. It was accounted a crime by some of old to be less vicious then others, and it is accounted a crime by some at this day to be more virtuous then others; to be more holy, more exact, more wisely precise and circumspect in our ways then others, many interpret folly, and stamp with madness. (2 Corinth. 5.13.) Paul was thought beside himself, a mere Fanatic in his high actings for Jesus Christ; when our actions are thus mis-represented, and put under such disguises, every good man is obliged to do himself right. For as we may honestly accuse others, and declare the evil that we know they have done, when called to it; so we may speak out and declare the good we have done, & maintain that to be good (if it be good) which we have done, (though many call it evil) when called to it. Thus a man may stand upon his terms with all men, and yet be humble, and deeply sensible of his own sinfulness and vileness before God. Paul saw nothing, upon the matter, but sin in himself (Rom. 7.14, 24.) When I would do good, evil is present with me; O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death; That is, of sin; as 'tis called (Rom. 6.6.) Thus he spake when he had to do with God; But when he had to do with men, when he saw himself called to answer the accusations, and wipe off the aspersions which the enemies of the Gospel cast upon him. (1 Corinth. 4.4.) then he saith, I know nothing (that is, no evil) by my self, Paul was very conscious of his natural infirmity, yet very confident of his