343 CIMRISSYAN MOhALITY, VIZ. [SERM. XX. greater offence to the gentile christians, and be likely to do more hurt than good, he withstood Peter to the face, for his sinful compliance with the uncharitable Jews: He reproved him for dissembling, and chid him because he walked not uprightly, according to the truth of the gospel, and would not give place to him by subjection; Sao, not for an hour, Gal. ii. 5, 11, 14, &c. There are some seasons therefore when we. may in- dulge an innocent compliance with our company in things lawful; in order to do credit to the gospel of Christ, and make our profession appear lovely and ho- nourable in the eyes of all : But there are other seasons when circumstances are so placed, that we may not in- dulge the same compliances, lest our liberty be construed to an evil purpose, and we bring more scandal than ho- nour to our profession by it. I grant there are some difficulties attending particular cases in the christian life, and it is hard to know some- times how far we may go. It is no easy matter to tread in the apostle's steps, to become all things to all men, and yet be true to Christ. In the general, let this be our great rule, to act always with honest zeal for the glory of God, and see that we please him in the first place ; and then as far as possible to please all men, not seeking our own profit, but the profit of many, that they maybe saved, 1 Cor. x. 31, 32, 33. And if while we. endeavour to be true to God, we should happen to be less complaisant to men, we shall certainly find favour at the throne of God, and then we ought not to be over solicitous whether men be pleased, or no. Thus 1 have finished the first general head, which was to shew the extent and latitude of this virtue, or what is included in the nature of this truth, which the apostle recommends to christians. It contains in it veracityor sincerity, faithfulness and constancy: And a lovely cha- racter it is indeed, when it shines in its full glory. But it is now time to enquire, which of us can say, This character belongs to me ? Am I this true, this sincere, this faithful, this constant christian ? Am I always careful that my words are conformable to my heart, and express the honest sense of my soul ? Do I speak nothing but what I believe to be true, and set a continual guard upon the door of my lips, lest theyutter.
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