The beatitudes

3. It reproves such as bring forth good fruit, but to a Branch. 3 bad end: Hose. 10.1. Israel is an empty Vine, he bringeth forth fruit unto himself: A man had as good bring forth no fruit, as bring forth fruit to himself.

Quest. What is it for one to bring forth fruit unto himself?

Answ. When all the good he doth is for the magnifying of himself, the worm of pride gets into his fruit and spoils it. Prayer is good; but when a man prays only to show his parts, this is to bring forth fruit to himself; some pride it in their humbling confessions, which is as if Benhadad's servants had been proud when they came before the King with Ropes upon their heads, 1 King. 20.31. Works of mercy are good, but when a man gives alms, not so much to feed the poor, as to feed his pride; now he brings forth fruit to himself, and this fruit is worm-eaten. God will say to all such self-seekers, as once he did to the people of the Jews, Zach. 7.5. When ye fasted and mourned, did ye at all fast unto me, even to me? Sinners did ye not bring forth fruit unto your selves?

Answ. When all the good he doth is for the magnifying of himself, the worm of pride gets into his fruit and spoils it. Prayer is good; but when a man prayes only to show his parts, this is to bring forth fruit to himself; some pride it in their humbling confessions, which is as if Benhadads servants had been proud when they came before the King with Ropes upon their heads,