Address,
1 . Those who ridicule the circumspection of others — [To what end has God commanded us to be circumspect,
if we are not to regard the injunction? Do you suppose that you are to annul his commands, and to establish rules of con- duct that are contrary to his ? Or, if you are presumptuous enough to do so in reference to yourselves, do you think that you are to prescribe for others also? You affect to pity the Lord's people as weak enthusiasts : but know that you are the true objects of pity, who can rush blindfold in such a manner to your own destruction. Yes ; over such as you the Saviour wept : and if you knew your guilt and danger, you would weep for yourselves. Repent, ere it be too late : for, however wise you may imagine yourselves to be, the time is coming when you will change your voice, and say, " We fools counted their life madness111." Take care that you yourselves be righteous enough, before you ridicule others as " righteous over-much."~\
2. Those who, in spite of scoffers, are endeavouring to please their God —
[Blessed be God, who enables you to stem the torrent, and to serve him in the midst of a wicked world ! But, be on your guard against that scrupulosity, which makes those things to be sins which are no sins ; and that superstition, which makes things to be duties which are no duties. Be as careful of adding to the word of God as of detracting from it. Let the different parts of Scripture be compared with each other: and learn your duty not so much from any detached passage, as from a collective view of all those passages which may reflect light upon it. Nevertheless in doubtful matters, you will do well to lean to the safer side.
Yet while you are thus circumspect yourselves, do not pre- sume to judge others. Things may be right in others, which would be wrong in you ; and right in you under some circum- stances, which under different circumstances would be highly improper. Do not then bring others to your standard, or try them at your bar: " it is to their own Master that they must stand or fall."
Lastly, let not your circumspection fill you with self- preference and self-esteem. However accurately you may walk, there will be still enough to humble you in the dust. You must to your latest hour go to Jesus as the chief of sinners, and seek acceptance with God through his blood and righteousness.]
m Wisd. v. 4.