shew forth a true evidence of our piety, love and righteousnesse in our conversation.
Then againe, that thereby their consciences may be convinced, that the way, which we goe, is in that respect at least praise-worthy, and to be approved.
Reas. This we ought to doe. 1. For Gods sake and his glory. 2. For our owne sakes and our owne comfort. 3. For the unbeleevers sake, to draw them unto true piety. Vse. This may serve to refute and reprove those, that under colour of contemning fame, contemne vertue. Doct. 6. It it the property of unbeleevers, to seeke occasion to speake against the faithfull, as if they were wicked.
This is gathered from the 12. verse, at the beginning. Now there are two kinds of such obloquies. 1. When they speake all manner of evill for Christs sake, for faith and righteousnesse sake, cap. 4. v.14. Math. 5.11. 2. When they find some occasion in the defects of the faithfull, and observe something in their lives, which they may justly taxe. This also admits of a two fold difference; for sometimes such is the impiety of those that professe the true faith, that it gives scandall to the unbeleevers, Rom. 2.24. and sometimes they take occasion from the infirmities that are incident to the faithfull, to condemne their profession.
Reas. 1. Because there is an inveterate enmity betwixt the children of the light, and the children of darknesse.
2. Because in this respect men flatter themselves, and in some sort seeme better and happier, when they make others, that would seeme better, either to be like themselves, or worse then themselves.
3. Because by this meanes they seeme to bring some prejudice against the very doctrine of piety, which the wicked hate.
Use. This may serve to admonish us, 1. To take speciall heed, that we have no communion with unbeleevers, in this maliciousnesse, that is, that we doe not willingly seeke or take occasion to speake against the Godly; for this is a certaine marke of impiety.
2. To beware also, that we give no occasion to the wicked,
