Twelfth Day. Of the faults of others

I. Bear ye one another's burdens." Gal. vi. 2. Charity does not require of us, that we

48 JRefleciions, should not see the faults of others but that we should avoid all needless and voluntary observations; and that we should not be blind to their good qualities, when we are so clear-sighted to their bad ones. We should always remember what a chanare God may every moment work in the most unworthy of men; we should bear in mind the many reasons we have to despise ourselves, and consider that true charity, as it sees all things in the same light that God does, must consequently extend itself to the meanest of his creatures. Grace does not take away our knowledge of what is contemptible, but teaches us to bear with it in a devout submission to the secret designs of providence. It does not permit us to humour ourselves in an impatient or disdainful temper; and as it makes us principally regard, and only rely upon God, so it prevents our being disappoitited or provoked at the folly and corruption we see in the world.

II. ¥hat if others are weak. is that a reason for your disregard of them? You, that coiErplain of their troubling you, do you give nf) body any trouble? You that are so much shocked at the faults of others, are you yourself without faults? If all to whom you have been troublesome, should return the trouble they liave had with you, you would be oppressed Vvi;;h the weight. And IjesiJes, even supposing tliat men had nothing to reproach you w it!i, yet consider farther, what obligations you lie tinder froai God, to shew that forbearance towards others for ivbich you kaaw you itave sucii ibundant occaFuirt ti liis brdHl.

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