Detratlion rebuked. 2,35 we may be faved, ( for every one that will live godly in Chrift Jefus muít {lifter perfecution, z Fim a. 1 2.) Bat except we Repent of our own in we (hall perifh, L44í;.'13.3,5. we muff mourn for the fins of others (Ez,ek. 9. 4.) but we pro- perly Repent of none but our own. Should we not moil fear that which we are mot indanger of ? And molt lament ,that,which'we are moil guiltyof ? And moll talk again/ that which molt concerneth us ? And all this is not other mens faults , no . not Magi[/rates or Minifers { though much to be bewailed) bat our ovin. Every one will confefs, that the true fpirit of Chrillianity is agreeable to what I fay. And yet how contrary is the praEtife of no fmall number of the Religious ? In all companies how forward are they to talk of the fins ofPrinces and Parlia- ments ? of Courtiers and Nobility, andGentry ? efpecially of Minilters ; And not only of the fcandalous that are guilty indeed, but of the in- nocent that are not of their way ; whofefaults they rather m.lke than f nd ;? But how feldome do you hear them tell any how bad they are themfelves ? unleís it be in formality to feem humble per- Ions) yea, how impatient are they with any other that find fault with them ? It would be much more acceptable to God and wife men, to hear you talk of your own infirmities, than of the Rulers or Minifters,or Neighbours ? The one is a work of Repentance ; and the other of detra&ion and backbiting. The one is a work which you are commanded by. God (to judge your felves, and confefs your faults one to another :) But the o- ther is a work which you have feldomer a call from
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