Page:A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (John Ball).djvu/203

 Rh if such things be neglected altogether. Our performance of private duties is farre more dull, superficiall, and sleight, then that which is done in the sight and company of others. The presence of men doth oft restraine from many hastie sinfull speeches and unwarrantable actions, which we take liberty to speake and doe before the face of the most high, and are not ashamed. Our rebukes are carnall, rather because our minds are crossed, then that God is dishonoured. Our obedience is partiall, this we doe, another thing no lesse materiall we passe over without regard: and we meane well many times, and are fervent in a good thing, not meerly for sinister respects, and yet not only, nor resolutely for Gods Commandement, but more for other considerations then that: And therefore in such cases and tryalls, we are found to be others, if we examine it, then we would be. We beare with faults in him that is serviceable to our humour, against another not so pleasing in our eye, we are hot and fiery. Sometimes we undertake to deale for some that speake to us, but doe it without any heartie well-wishing to him, sometimes not sticking to say to our friend, I must speake to you for fashion, but doe as you please. We visit sick ones, but not stirring up the bowels of mercy, we speake a great many phrases of course, our conscience telling us it is otherwise. We make a semblance of reverence, but how farre it is from the heart this may testifie, that we can (absent from the parties) use their names proverbially, breake jests on them, admit sinister suspitions. We can speake faire to mens faces, when warre is in the heart: and when we hate the person, take on as if we sought the disgrace of his sinne only. So in fruits of love, we can doe this partie good sometimes, but it is to keep another under, who else would sprout forth so farre, that his shade would dimme our lights: as likewise I will doe for such an one, they know good behaviour, they will doe their homage, such an one will thanke me for it, I am sure it will not be given cleane away: He is able to doe me a good turne againe, &c. In works of mercy we are not discreet, free, compassionate, forward: we seldome consider the necessities of others, stand a loofe, if any man will steppe before us in the worke, pretend ignorance, and are glad to hang the burden upon other mens shoulders, that be lesse able to beare it.

Sixthly, After we have discovered and found out the