compared with that of God. z79 nefs of its own integrity, fo pofïefi'ed with SERM, the love and fear of God, fo fully perfuaded XI= of his being, bis perfections, and government "" of the world, either the approbation or dif- Approbation of men, was but a very fmall matter in comparifon. Though it is natural for men to define the efteem of each other, which renders their condition much more fafe and comfortable, efpecially, to a perfon in fuch a public ftation as St. Paul was, his general good reputation muff contribute greatly to his ufefulnefs, for which reafon he principally valued it ; yet to a man who makes a juff eífimate of things according to their real value, this is of po moment at all when fet againff the divine approbation. This comparifon I intend to infiíf on in the pre - fent difcourfe, and to íhew that the judgment of men concerning our characters and actions is very little to be valved, if we confider that he who judgeth us is the Lord 3 And then I fhall make fonie ufeful obfervations upon it. That, whatever we may think concern, ing the judgment of men, indeed any of mankind, arid whatever folicitude we may have to obtain it in our favour, the apoffle poncluded rightly it is a very little thing T 4
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