Sermons preached

(4.) When neither denying, nor lessening, nor depraving: but when we have just occasion to speak of a Mans due Commendation, we enviously suppress it. Envy is a natural Sin, James 4. 6. The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to Envy. And it bewrayeth it self by a dislike of other Mens just Praise. This is a Sin of Omission at least, therefore it is said, 1 Cor. 13. 4. Charity envieth not. Nothing is more contrary to the Goodness commended to us in the Gospel, than such a Spirit, which cannot bear the Good of another, whether seen or spoken of. Thus Joseph's Virtue was an Eye-sore to his Brethren, therefore they endeavoured his Destruction. Charity rejoiceth in the Gifts and Graces of others, as in our own; but where this hath no place, their Praises are our Disgrace. And few there be that can say with John the Baptist, He must increase, but I must decrease, Joh. 3. 21. That is, in Splendour and Fame, and so confirmed the Testimony given to Christ.

(4.) When neither denying, nor lessening, nor depraving: but when we have just occasion to speak of a Mans due Commendation, we enviously suppress it. Envy is a natural Sin, Iames 4. 6. The Spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to Envy. And it bewrayeth it self by a dislike of other Mens just Praise. This is a Sin of Omission at least, therefore it is said, 1 Cor. 13. 4. Charity envieth not. Nothing is more contrary to the Goodness commended to us in the Gospel, than such a Spirit, which cannot bear the Good of another, whether seen or spoken of. Thus Ioseph's Vertue was an Eye-sore to his Brethren, therefore they endeavoured his Destruction. Charity rejoyceth in the Gifts and Graces of others, as in our own; but where this hath no place, their Praises are our Disgrace. And few there be that can say with Iohn the Baptist, He must increase, but I must decrease, Joh. 3. 21. That is, in Splendor and Fame, and so confirmed the Testimony given to Christ.