Useful instructions for a professing people in times of great security and degeneracy delivered…

2. Particularly, those deserve a Reproof,

First, That make all their application to those whom the Judgement is upon: Oh the spirit of censure that is in too many, and there they rest; Surely there is some special reason, some more then ordinary provocation, why else is God come out upon that Family, rather then upon any other Family? I do not here speak to make those whom the Judgement nextly concerns, to be regardless of Gods hand upon them; no, let them know that God calls them into the School of Search, and would have them in particular try what is the meaning of his so severe coming out against them, that they may learn to sit in silence, and justify him: But I speak to others, who are apt to judge of persons by providences, though Scripture teacheth us that all things fall out alike unto all. And therefore let such consider,

First, That make all their application to those whom the Judgement is upon: Oh the spirit of censure that is in too many, and there they rest; Surely there is some special reason, some more then ordinary provocation, why else is God come out upon that Family, rather then upon any other Family? I do not here speak to make those whom the Judgement nextly concerns, to be regardless of Gods hand upon them; no, let them know that God calls them into the School of Search, and would have them in particular try what is the meaning of his so severe coming out against them, that they may learn to sit in silence, and justifie him: But I speak to others, who are apt to judge of persons by providences, though Scripture teacheth us that all things fall out alike unto all. And therefore let such consider,

1. This practice is contrary to our Saviours precept, who admonisheth others by such providences to learn this lesson, that except they repent, they shall likewise perish,