404 The .Life of Faith. becaufe they are things that all men know, and common unto you with the moil of Chriflians. 3. In your love to the godly, and yourcharity, in expref- fions, and in your daily prayers, what larnenefs and partiality is there ? Thofe' that 'are neer you, and converfant with you, you remember; and perhaps thofe in the Kingdom, or Countrey where you dwell : Or at lca1l thofe of your own fbciety, opinions and party. But when it cometh to praying for the world, and all the Church abroad; and when it cometh to the loving of thole that differ from you, what partiality do you fhew? q.. In the courfe ofduties toGodand man, how rare is that perfon that doth not quite omit, or flubb:r over Come duty as ifit were nothing, while he doth with much earneflnefs protecute'an:other ? One that is much in receiving duties for themfelves (as hearing, reading, meditating, praying) can live all the week with quietnefs ofconfcience, without almofì any improving duties, or doing any good to others : as if they were made for themfelves alone. And fotne Miniflers lay out themfelves in Preaching, as ifthey were all for the good of others; butpray as little, and do as little about their own heart, as if they cared n®t for themfelves at all or elft were good enough already. Some are confiant in Church - duties, perhaps with fome fuperflitious firienefs ; but in familyduties how neglediveare they ? They are for very ffril7 difcipline in the Church, and cannot communicate with any that wear not the fame badge of fanCdity which they affect : But in their families, what prophanenefs,carelcfnefs and confulion is there? They can have family- communion with the molt ungodly fervants, that will but be profitable to them. Dumb Minijfers are their /corn; taut to be dumb Parents and Maffers to their children and fer- vants, they can eerily bear. Formal preaching and praying in the Church they exclaim againfi; but how formally do they pray at home, end catechize and inflruc` their family ? If a Magiffrate thould forbid them to pray, or catechize, or inflrudt their families, they would account him an impious, odious per- f tutor; but they can negle6 it ordinarily when none for kgdalethtbem,'and never lay any filch mutation on tbeinfelves, Sorne
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