ave a
kind of singularity, not in opinion but in practice rather, to be more
holy, and walk more abstracted from the dregs of the worlds pollution.
This were a divine singularity. Indeed men may suspect themselves, that
separate from the godly in opinion. They have reason to be more jealous of
themselves when they offend against the generation of the just. But if
this were the intention and design of men, or be very unlike the multitude
of men, nay, to be very unlike the multitude of professors, in the
affection and practice of holiness humility, and spiritual walking, I
think this were an allowed way, though a singular way. Men may aspire to
as great a difference as may be, from the conversations and practice of
others, if there be a tending to more conformity to the word, the rule of
all practice. The law is spiritual and "holy," saith Paul "but I am
carnal." Thus, therefore, were spiritual walking,--to see its excellent
spiritual rule before our eyes that we who are carnal may be transformed
and changed into more likeness to that holy and spiritual law. If a man
had not an imperfect rule of his own fancy and imagination before his
eyes, he could not be satisfied with his attainments, but, with Paul,
would forget them,--in a manner, not know them, but reach forward still to
what is before. Because so much length would be before us, as would
swallow up all our progress,--this would keep the motion on foot and make
it constant. A man should never say, "Master, let us make tabernacles, it
is good to be here." No, indeed, the dwelling place and resting would be
seen to be above. As long as a man had so much of his journey to
accomplish, he would not sit down in his advancement, he would not compare
with others, and exalt himself above others. Why? Because there is still a
far greater distance between him and his rule, than between the slowest
walker and him. This made Paul more sensible of a body of death, (Rom.
vii.) than readily lower Christians are. Reflections on our attainments
and comparisons with others, which are so often the work of our spirit,
are a retrograde motion, it makes no way but spends the time,--is a
returning as we go, whereas we ought to go straight forward. I beseech
you, Christians, consider what you are doing, if you would prove
yourselves so indeed. I know not how you can evidence it better than by
honouring and esteeming his word and commandments,--exceeding large and
precious, no end of their per