A plain discourse upon uprightness showing the properties and privileges of an upright man…A plain discourse upon uprightness shewing the properties and priviledges of an upright man…

Doubt. 2. The Censures of men: my ¹Friends whisper it, my Foes proclaim it, and the Minister meets me in every Sermon. I may be partial to my self, but others will speak plain.

1. 1Scutum conscienti• contra gladium linguae. We may hear that by way of reproach from an enemy, that was but faintly whispered by a friend. Sir Fr. Bacon.

Resol. 1. The censures of others should make us more severe in trying our selves. To doubt of sincerity, is one thing; to try it, is another. When they charge the State of hypocrisy upon us, we should mourn for the Habits of hypocrisy in us; and bless God that their opinion for substance is not true; they do but say what you might have been. And when your ⟨p. 170⟩estate is questioned never so unjustly, 'tis a good way to pass a Fine upon it, and make it surer. And so you will be gainers not losers by such surmises.

Resol. 1. The censures of others should make us more severe in trying our selves. To doubt of sincerity, is one thing; to try it, is another. When they charge the State of hypocrisie upon us, we should mourn for the Habits of hypocrisie in us; and bless God that their opinion for substance is not true; they do but say what you might have been. And when your ⟨p. 170⟩estate is question'd never so unjustly, 'tis a good way to pass a Fine upon it, and make it surer. And so you will be gainers not losers by such surmises.