Matthew 23

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXIII.—The highest offices in both church and state, are often filled up with the worst of men, who are apt to make others stumble at the ordinances or truths of God for their sake. Yea they, who make the greatest noise about morality and virtue, and its influence to recommend us to God, are in general extremely destitute of it. Rigid imposers of human invention are rarely strict in their own lives. Let them the servants of Jesus Christ always endeavour to manifest the utmost humility, uprightness, and contempt of this world. Let them practise the doctrines they preach, and ever attempt to lord it over their hearers or brethren in office. With what 114 127* pitiful pretences do men varnish over their neglect of real godliness, their dishonesty, persecution, and murder! And fearful are the discoveries which shall be made in the last judgment! Aggravated will be their damnation who oppose the gospel, and hinder others from believing it; and who pervert the oracles of God, seduce their neighbours into wickedness, neglect their hearts, varnish over their wickedness with pretences of devotion and zeal, profane the most solemn worship of God, and conduct all their religion by selfish and secular designs! Infinite is the patience of our Redeemer in long bearing with such; and great his mercy in giving them plain and timely warnings of their danger.10 U