pRM. XX.] TRUTH, SINCERITY,, &C. 347 I might multiply instances of this kind, to spew what falsehoods and sly deceits are practised amongst men who call themselves christians, and how inconsistent manyof their ;actions are with their own professions and pretences: But this part ofmydiscourse hath already ex- ceeded its just bounds. Yet I think I ought not to leave it till I have answered one objection. Objection. It may be said here, does not St. Paul, one of the truest christians and the best of men, tell usi that when he was among the Jews, he became as a Jew, and appeared like one that was under the law: But when he was among the gentiles, who were without law, he appeared like a gentile too, for he was not willing to of- fend the one or the other; according to his own advice, Give none offence neither to the Jews, neither to the gentiles, nor to the church ofGod," 1 Cor. ix. 20. and chap. x. 32. To this I answer, Answer. The blessed apostle, when he had none but Jews about him, practised so much of the Jewish law as was consistent. with christianity When he had none but gentiles with him; he declaredhisfreedom and release from the bonds of the Jewish law, and neglected the Jewish ceremonies, for some parts of the Jewish law were law- ful for a season, though they were so far abolished that they were not necessary for a christran. And the apostle managed this affair with holy prudence, and with a reli- gious, design to ingratiate himself and his ministry, as much as possible both with the Jews and gentiles for the salvation of bothofthem : For you find this was his great end, I am made all things to all men, that IKnight by all naeaias save some; and this I do for thegospel's salce, ver. 22, 23. Yet you may observe, that though he appeared free from the Jewish law when he was among the gentiles, yet he did not carry it like a lawless man, but confined all his practice within the bounds of his duty to God and his Saviour, being not without law to God, but un- der the law to Christ, ver. 2 I. So that neither one sort of company nor the other tempted hirn to neglect any duty, or to indulge any sin. You may observe also 'upon another occasion, where Jews and gentiles were both present, when he thought a conformity to any of the 'Jewish customs might give
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