The Life (if Faith. Some are much for the duties of Wòrfhp in private-s but negligentofpublick,Woríhip : and Come are dil gent in both, that make little fciuple of living idly without a Calling, . or doing the works of their Callings deceitfully and unprotitab'y. They are cenforious of one that is negligent in Gods TForfhip4 but cenfure not themfelvts(nor love to-be cenfured by others) for being idle and negligent fervants to their Matters ; and omitting many an hours work, which was as truly their duty as the other. Yeawhen they are told of fuch duties as they love not (as obedience, labour, charity, patience, mortifying the fl:fh, &c.) their confciences are juít as fenfelefs, or as pre- judiced, or quarrelfom, as the confciences of other men are againft Religious exercifes. 5. And in our reformation and refifling fins of cowl > o, filch lamenefs and partiality is common with the molt. He that is molt tender ofa fin which is in common difgrace among thegodly, is little troubled at as great a one which bathgot any reputation among them by the advantage of force errours: inEngland, through Gods mercy, the prophanation of the Lordsday, -is noted as a heinous fin. But beyond-Sea where it is not fo reputed, how ordinarily is it committed ? Many would condemn Jojeph, if they had heard him (wear by the life ofPharaoh, becaufe through Gods mercy, frnearing is a difgraced fin. But how ordinarily do the dividing fort of Chriítians, rattily or faifly cenfure mien behind their backs that differ from theme upon unproved hearfay, and gladly take up falle reports, and never tined a tear for many fuch Handers, backbitings and wrongs ? Many a one that would rake an oath or cuefe for a certain fign of an ungodly perfon. yet make little of a lets difgraceful way ofevil (peaking, and of a pievith unpleafabledifpottion ; and when they arc in patient of a cenfure, or a foul word, are patient enough with their impatiency. And it drfcrvcth tearsofblood to think how little the fins taf felftfhnefs and pride are mortified in molt of the fotwardet Chriflian (even in them that go in mean attire.) How much they love and look tobeeffeemed, to be taken notice of, to be well thought 'of, and wellfpoken of ?- How ill they bear the kaft contempt, neglect or difrefpeót ? How abundantly they E e e overvalue 405
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