DISCOURSE VIII. Delivered at the consecration of Hiram Lodge, in Lexington, October 17, 1798. ROMANS XIV. 16. LET NOT THEN YOUR GOOD BE EVIL SPOKEN OF. THE HE Apostle had been suggesting some advice to the brethren with regard to their behaviour in matters of indifference. He asserted the full extent of christian liberty; but at the same time cautioned them not to abuse this liberty so as to give offence or occasion of stumbling to any man. In the words selected as our text, he enjoins it upon them so to order their conduct that their profession might never be reproached as countenancing improper freedoms. He advises them, therefore, to abstain altogether from things, which, if not unlawful, were never R theless inexpedient; and that what was too good to be given up, in condescension to popular opinion or prejudice, they must vindicate from misrepresentation and guard from abuse. You perceive, my hearers, that the precept respects all ages of the world; and will, unquestionably, be wise counsel, so long as misapprehensions and mistakes, want of candour and want of caution, remain amongst men. To wish to be well spoken of for what we do well, is natural and reasonable. Merit should obtain this reward. Exertion needs this encouragement. Nevertheless, "if doing well, we yet suffer reproach, to endure it patiently is acceptable before GOD."* At the same time it is possible that something in the manner or circumstances of our conduct may take off from its beauty or lesAgainst this it becomes us to sen its credit. guard. I WILL mention a few instances. 1. WE expose our good to being evil spoken of, if we are too fond of displaying it; * 1 Pet. ii. 20. and it may suffer from too great reserve.The first will be ridiculed as ostentation; the last, stigmatized as inexcusable timidity. ; 2. AUSTERITY of manners, on the one hand and levity, on the other, may bring reproach upon our virtue. The former is forbidding, and produces aversion; the latter renders our sincerity suspicious. 3. OUR good may be evil spoken of, if we discover in its defence too much, or too little zeal." It is, indeed, good to be zealously affected always in a good thing." Yet, if our zeal be without knowledge, or be not duly tempered with prudence and charity, it will grow extravagant and rash, and will really injure the cause it professes to defend. At the same time not to shew any zeal, will appear like indifference. THERE is a certain medium in these circumstances which is to be aimed at and followed, if we would avoid giving offence. It would be impossible to point out every particular in which we may expose our good to be evil spoken of. Even small matters may induce suspicions or increase reproaches. A little inadvertence or neglect, a trifling im |