3 $ o Prudence necefiry in converting S E R M. violence to reclaim them (which God him - XIV. felf does not, though infinitely more jealous ' ' ' for his own honour, and good of his crea- tures, as well as powerful to do them good) nor muff they be teazed with unfeafonable clamorous importunities, which will be re- fented as a kind of encroachment on their liberty, and irritate their peeviíh tempers, difturbing the peace which ought to fubfift among men as focial creatures in this world, even abftraEting from the exercife of piety. The only reflefion I (hall make on this laft part of the text, is, that we íhould apply it for our direction in the ordinary Rate of things, and in the particular circumftances wherein we are placed. Thefe words were fpoken by our Saviour in the beginning of Chriftianity, when it was but making its en- trance into the world, and had many ene- mies. It was then neceffary for its friends to behave circumfpe ly, and with wifdom, that they might not hurt its interefts, nor mar its propagation. And at all times, even where it is the moll firmly eftablifhed, care fhould be taken by the profeffors of it to do all they can for preferving its reputation, and that men do not receive prejudices againft it. Particularly there are two cafes in which the rule
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