332 Spiritual Per feElion. Yet the Natural Man is very a:verfe from a meek fubmiffion to reproof for Sin. A vicious Self-love, of which Pride . is the produaion, makes us to overvalue our Reputation : now to reprove, im- plies a Superiority, which occafions Im- patience and Difdain. Though the Du- y be perform'd with Prudence and Ten- dernefs, and refpeF ive Modefty, yet'ris ufually very unacceptable. Men will excufe and extenuate, and fometimes de- fend their Sins ; nay, fometimes recoil with Indignation upon a faithful Re- prover. 'Tis as dangerous to give an Admonition to fome proud Spirits, as 'tis to take a Thorn out of a Lions Foot. 'Tis therefore evident, that when a juff Reproof is receiv'd with Meeknefs and Acceptance, there is a great Love of Holinefs, as when one takes a very un- pleafant Medicine, it argues an carnal delire of Health. He is an Excellent Saint, that when Confcience has not by its direaive Office, prevented his Falling in- to Sin, and a fincere Friend endeavors to reftore him, is not angry at the Reproof, but forry he deferves it. Laffly, Thedeliberate delire ofDeath, that we may arrive at the $ate of per- fea Holinefs , is the effea of excellent Grace. There is no delire more natural and
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