frn---- - Preferve the reputasion ofgodlintfs. 383 being done to fo odious an end, as to bring ferioua Religicufnefs it felf into diflike , it maketh the bef+of the hearers abhor fuck reflecions,becaufe they 2bhor the(cope of them ; Believing that Ho- nefs need not to be preached againl in the world, till mens hearts are more enclined tóit, and till all its enemies abate their oppoftion And if it were to be done, yet not by a Minifler of Chrif} : He t=hat preacheth againft Holinefs (how covertly foever ) preacheth againfl God. Whereas if a mansdefigne be to promote Religion; the fober hearers (thoughpartly guilty) will bean his reproofof the faults of profeffours,withmuch more patience, when they fee it is for God and godlinefs that he cloth it. I fpeak by experience, and mull give them this teflimony , that T have many and many a time poured out my foul in ear- nefl reprehenfìons of the errours and diforders of ralh-dividing zeal; and the hearers have taken all with patience : when the fame perfons could not bear the tenth part fo much, from forme prea- chers whom they imagined to aim in it at the de- pre(fing of the honour of true and ferious reli- gion.Thertfore be fore what fort of men foever you are reproving, that you fay nothing which tendeth to make the ignorant or ungodly fort of your auditors think, that it iszeal, or f ri(`nefs,or careful diligence about their fouls, which you condemn: But Ainput in fuflÿcient caution for the nece(fìty ofa holy heart and life. DIRECT,'
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