2. An estimation of all the aspersions cast on and injuries done to the
1 Cor. 7:23, "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men."
Cant 6:4, "Thou art beautiful, O my love;.… terrible as an army with banners."
1 Pet. 3:15, "Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."
EXPLICATION III. The former rule concerned our dealing with God in the behalf of the church; this, our dealing with men. To the right performance hereof many things are required; as,—
1. Diligent labouring in the word, with fervent prayer, to acquaint ourselves with the mind and will of God concerning the way of worship which we profess, and the rules of walking which we desire to practise, that so we may be able to give an account to humble inquirers, and stop the mouths of stubborn opposers. According to our knowledge, such will be our valuation of the ordinances we enjoy. A man will not contend unless he know his title.
2. An estimation of all the aspersions cast on and injuries done to the church to be Christ's, and also our own,—Christ wounded through the sides of his servants, and his ways. And if we are of his, though the blow light not immediately on us, we are not without pain; all such reproaches and rebukes fall on us.
3. Just vindication of the church against calumnies and false imputations. Who can endure to hear his parents in the flesh falsely traduced? and shall we be senseless of her reproaches who bean us unto Christ?