The safety of appearing at the day of judgement, in the righteousness of Christ

1. That others have a good, and it may be an high opinion of them: they take notice of that that others esteem them: they pass currently for Saints where they are known: they have the good word of others, godly men that have a spirit of discerning, do take them for Saints, they have entertained them into their societies, take delight in their company, entreat their prayers: this greatly establishes ⟨p. 182⟩them in that apprehension that they carry themselves excellently: they think they are not alone in judging so of themselves, but others, wise and experienced men judg so too: it would shake their confidence if others thought them hypocrites: but they perceive that others have no suspicion of them

2. That their carriages are far better than the carriages of many others: When they compare themselves with many others, they are hugely taken with themselves, many others are profane and vicious, but they are not, they don't lead such lewd lives as others do, yea they carry it better than many Professors, they are more exemplary in their conversation, not carried away so with the sins of the times, more strict in sanctifying the Sabbath and the like: they are more forward for public good: not so passionate, nor so covetous, nor so haughty, nor so complying as many others are: Luke 18.11. I am not as other men, nor as this Publican.

2. That their carriages are far better than the carriages of many others: When they compare themselves with many others, they are hugely taken with themselves, many others are prophane and vicious, but they are not, they don't lead such lewd lives as others do, yea they carry it better than many Professors, they are more exemplary in their conversation, not carried away so with the sins of the times, more strict in sanctifying the Sabbath and the like: they are more forward for publick good: not so passionate, nor so covetous, nor so haughty, nor so complying as many others are: