A53699:63
The glory and interest of nations professing the Gospel preached at a private fast,…
The glory and interest of nations professing the Gospel preached at a private fast, to the Commons assembled in Parliament / published by their command, by J. Owen.
London: printed for Philemon Stephens, 1659
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.
3. It cannot be denied, but that many of them who do belong unto Christ, have woefully miscarried in these days. O tell it not in Gath, publish it not in Askelon; Oh that our souls could mourn in secret on that account, that we could go backward, and cover the nakedness and folly of one another; but alas, this hath been far from being our frame of spirit; we have every one spread the failings of his brother, before the face of men and devils; but yet not withstanding these miscarriages, those that are the people of Christ, are his people still; and he loves them still. whether we will or no; and commonly those who are least able to bear with the miscarriages of others, have must of their own.
3. It cannot be denied, but that many of them who do belong unto Christ, have woefully miscarried in these dayes. O tell it not in Gath, publish it not in Askelon; Oh that our souls could mourn in secret on that account, that we could go backward, and cover the nakednesse and folly of one another; but alasse, this hath been far from being our frame of spirit; we have every one spread the failings of his brother, before the face of men and devils; but yet not withstanding these miscarriages, those that are the people of Christ, are his people still; and he loves them still. whether we will or no; and commonly those who are least able to bear with the miscarriages of others, have must of their own.
4. That differences of judgments in civil affairs, or Church matters ought not presently to be made Arguments of men; not being Righteous. Some men think that none are Righteous that are not of their principles; then which principle there is nothing more unrighteous. Let men that differ from them walk never so holily, profess never so strictly; yet if they are not of their mind, they are not ⟨p. 20⟩Righteous. If men are offended on such accounts, it is because they will be so.
4. That differences of judgments in civil affaires, or Church matters ought not presently to be made Arguments of men; not being Righteous. Some men think that none are Righteous that are not of their principles; then which principle there is nothing more unrighteous. Let men that differ from them walk never so holily, professe never so strictly; yet if they are not of their minde, they are not