A41668:645
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan…
The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan showing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...The young man's guide through the wilderness of this world to the heavenly Canaan shewing him how to carry himself Christian-like in the whole course of his life / by Tho. Gouge ...
London: printed by S. and B.G. for Nevil Simmons, 1676
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
But withal take notice, that this courtesy and gentleness must neither make thee an Hypocrite, and Dissembler, nor over-familiar with thy Inferiors, especially such as are in subjection under thee. For Gods Image, which all Superiors carry, must be respected ⟨p. 143⟩of them, and accordingly must they carry themselves.
But withal take notice, that this courtesie and gentleness must neither make thee an Hypocrite, and Dissembler, nor over-familiar with thy Inferiours, especially such as are in subjection under thee. For Gods Image, which all Superiours carry, must be respected ⟨p. 143⟩of them, and accordingly must they carry themselves.
Nor yet must this make any over-remiss in reproving Offenders; for so would this comely Virtue be turned into an hurtful and dangerous Vice: indeed it serveth to sweeten reproofs, that they may be better accepted. Be courteous to all, but beware of connivance, much more of compliance with evil men in their sins. Let not pretence of being courteous, draw thee aside to be vicious.
Nor yet must this make any over-remiss in reproving Offenders; for so would this comely Vertue be turned into an hurtful and dangerous Vice: indeed it serveth to sweeten reproofs, that they may be better accepted. Be courteous to all, but beware of connivence, much more of compliance with evil men in their sins. Let not pretence of being courteous, draw thee aside to be vicious.
III. Carry thy self humbly towards all men, thinking better of others, than of thy self. The truth is, that man who well knoweth himself, knoweth more of himself, of his own weakness and vileness, than he can know of most others; and therefore he may well have a meaner esteem of himself than of others, especially such as are of his Rank, and betwixt whom there is not too too palpable a difference. If he have apparently better gifts than others, yet his humble mind will make him think that others may have more true inward grace, and sincerity, because he knows more of the deceit of his own heart, than he can of others.