SLANDER.

Matth. xi. 19. The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they fay, Behold a man gluttonous and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and finners.

Whatever measure a good man takes, he will hardly efcape the cenfures of the world, the best way is, not to be concerned at them.

It is an instance of humility filently to bear the calumnies which are raised againft us, when they relate to ourfelves only; but it is a duty of prudence and charity modeftly to vindicate ourselves, when the honour of God and the Church is concerned.

Both Jefus Chrift and John the Baptist were flandered: Who then will complain that they cannot fatisfy the world, and ftop men's mouths?

Pfa. cxx. 2. Deliver my foul, O. Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

Uncha

Uncharitableness.

Envy makes us fee what will ferve to accufe others, and not perceive what may justify them.

A truly good man is always difpofed to excufe what is evil in his brethren, as far as truth will fuffer him.

FRIDAY MEDITATIONS.

PENITENCE.

Luke xviii. 3. The Publican standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven; but fmote upon his breast, faying, God be merciful to me a finner.

WHA

HAT would become of me, if Thou, O God, shouldst not have mercy upon me?

When I seriously confider these dreadful truths,-That all they are accurfed, who do err and.go aftray from thy commandments. That the unprofitable fervant was caft into outer darkness.When I think of these things, I cannot but fear for myself, and tremble to think of the account I have to give. Ifaiah lxvi. 2. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, contrite fpirit, and trembletb at

and of a

my

word.

Pfa.

Pfa. xxxiv. 18. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and will fave fuch as be of an humble spirit,

Look upon me, gracious Lord, with an eye of mercy.

Pfa. xxv. 2. For thy name-fake, O Lord, pardon my iniquities, for they are great.

My only comfort is, they are not too great for thy mercy.

And the Lord Jefus our Advocate has affured us, even with an oath, That all fins fhall be forgiven unto the fons of men. That is, if with hearty repentance and true faith, they turn unto God.

O moft powerful Advocate! I put my caufe into thy hands;-let it be unto thy fervant according to this word;-let thy blood and merits plead for my pardon;-fay unto me, as Thou didst unto the penitent in thy gofpel, Thy fins are forgiven. And grant that I may live to bring forth fruits meet for repentance.

Matth.

?

Matth. vi. 14. If ye forgive men their trefpaffes, your heavenly Father will alfo forgive your trefpaffes.

Even the power to perform this most kind condition, must be from thy grace, O Jefus!

And I truft Thou wilt grant me this grace, because the very will to afk it is from Thee, and from thy will, which wills nothing in vain.

Perfect, therefore, O my Saviour, the work which Thou haft begun in me; and let me feel the effects of thy grace in the conftancy of my devo-. tions, in the care for my foul,--in the faithful difcharge of my duty, and in all fuch acts of righteousness, piety, and charity, by which I fhall be judged at the last day.

John v. 14. Sin no more, left a worse thing come unto thee.

Make me, O Lord, ever mindful of my infirmities and backflidings, that I may be more watchful, and

more