Serm. CLVII. againfi Injuries fromMen. of it : So that the Apoftle fuppofeth, that notwithftanding what hehad faid, that ordinarily it is not in the nature of Men to perfecute Men for truegoodnefs, yet they mutt not expert to be exempted from Perfecution; which was neceffary for the eftablifhinent of the ChriftianReligion, In thefecafes God permits the Devil to inftigate and exafperate evil Men againft thole that are good, to ad beyond their ufual temper. Thus God, when he de- figned an illuftrious example of Patience for all Ages of the World, he lets lode the Devil, not only to ftir up his inftruments the Chaldean: and Sabeans againft yob, but to affti&him immediately himfelf with bodily Pains and Difeafes. In' thefe and the like cafes, the belt Men are expofed to the greateft Sufferings. Thus God permitted Socrates, that great light among the Gentiles, and the glory of Philofophy, to be cruelly treated and put to death for an example of Virtue, and a teftimony againft their impious and abominable Idolatry. And thus likewife when it wasneceffary for the common Salvation of Men, and to give the World an Example beyond all exception of the greateft innocency, enduring the greateft indignities and fufferings with the greateft patience, that one should fuffer for all mankind, he permitted the belt Man that ever was, God and goodnefs incarnate, by wicked hands to be crucified and darn i and afterwards when it was neceffary for the propagation and eftablifhment ofChriftianity in the World, that the truth of it fhould be fealed by the death of fo many Martyrs, God was pleafed to .fuller the rage of bad Men to break out into all manner of violence and cruelty. But yetnotwithftanding thefe Exceptions, thofe who make it their bufinefs to do good, and to excel in thofe Virtues which are apt to win and oblige mankind, may in ordinary cafes and tunes expert great fafety and protection againft the in- juries of the World, from an exemplary Piety, and Innocency, and Goodnefs ; for thefe faying in the New Teftament, that through many tribulations we mull enter into the kingdom of God, and that whoever will live godly in Chr/ yefus, mull fifer perfecution, are not equally to be extended to all places and times ; but more peculiarly to be understood of the firft times ofChriílianity, when the Pro- vidence of God thought fit to eftablifh the Chriftian Religion upon the innocent Livesand patient Sufferings of the firft profeffors of it. The refult from all this Difcourfe is, that we íhould not be weary of well- doing, but mind and follow the things which are fubftantially and unqueftio- nably good, not doubting ; but befides the infinite rewardof it in the other World, it will ordinarily turn to our great fecurity and advantage in this life, and 'five us harmlefs froma great manymifchiefs and inconveniences which others are expofed to. If we endeavour to excel in thofe Chriftian Virtues which the Apoftle men- tions before the Text, and which he means by our beingfollowers of that which is good, we (hall undoubtedly find the comfort of it, in thofe temporal benefits that will redound tous: For the Scripture hath not Paid in vain, Trull in the Lord and dogood, fo fhalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou fhalt be fed. Blc.(ed are the meek, forthey (hall inherit the earth. Glory, andhonour, andpeace, to every man that worketb good. That the fruits of righteoufnefs is fawn in peace of them that work peace; that by well-doing we (hall put to Pence the ignorance offoolifh men ; that the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteoufnefs, andpeace, and joy in the Hoy Ghofl ; and that be that in theft thingsferveth Chilli, is accepted ofGod, and approved of Men. But if we miftake Religion, and place it in thofe things wherein it doth not really confrft, in airy notions, and doubtful opinions, in fuperftitious conceits and pra&ices, and in a fiery and furious zeal for things of no weight and fubitance, of no real virtueand goodnefs ; ifwe be defeâive in thegreat virtues of meeknefs and humility, of peaceablenefs and charity, of kindnefs and courtefie, of forbea- rance and forgivenefs, of, rendring good for evil, and overcoming evil with good, qualities whichwill univerfally endear us and recommend us to the favour and proteftion of God, and to the efteem and good will of Men ; and if inftead of thefe we abound in malice and envy, be proud and conceited, cenforious and un- C c e charitable, 377
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