s to Christ than now? For they had
nothing then to persecute them for, but the very profession of that name.
And truly I confess in our days we make more particular enemies, by
particular injuries and disobligements, than either our profession or
practice of religion make. But to put it out of all doubt, we learn that
they are persecutors, and do all manner of evil against us, for Christ's
name sake. I have said this because I know nothing that more darkeneth and
obscures religion nor such worldly and temporal interests, so eagerly
pursued, and nothing makes it more to shine among men, than a good
conversation with meekness of wisdom.

Sermon V.

James iii. 14.--"But if ye have bitter envying," &c.

The cunning of Satan, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, are such
that when a grosser temptation will not prevail with conscience in some
measure enlightened, then they transform themselves into angels of light,
and deal more subtilely with us. And there is no greater subtilty of
Satan, nor no stronger self deceit, than this, to palliate and cover vices
with the shadow of virtue, and to present corruptions under the similitude
of graces. It is common unto all temptations to sin, to have a hook under
their bait, to be masked over with some pleasure or advantage or credit.
But when such earthly and carnal pretences do not insinuate strongly unto
a believing heart that has discovered the vanity of all that which is in
the world, so dare not venture upon sin for all the pleasures which attend
it, then he winds about and tarries and changes his likeness unto light,
conscience, and duty, presents many works of darkness and corruption under
the notion of duty and honesty, according as he finds the temper of a
man's spirit to be. I can give no instance more pregnant, and even common,
than this which is given here, viz., contentions and strivings among
brethren, bitter envying, maligning and censuring one another, which are
very manifest works of the flesh, and works of darkness, fitter for the
night than the day, and for the time of ignorance, nor the time after the
clear light hath shined. Now if Satan were about to persuade a church or a
Christian of this, how do ye think he would go about it? Would he present
some carnal advantage to be gained by it, some more profit or preferment
from it? May be that might be very taking with some more unconscientious
self seeking spirits, and I fear it be too much taken wit