And though this
rendered their conversation disagreeable, yet they that will remember
what Christ said to the Jews, "How can you believe which receive honour
one of another?" will abate of their resentment, if his doctrine has any
credit with them.
VII. They also used the plain language of Thee and Thou, to a single
person, whatever was his degree among men. And, indeed, the wisdom of
God was much seen in bringing forth this people in so plain an
appearance. For it was a close and distinguishing test upon the spirits
of those they came among; showing their insides, and what predominated,
notwithstanding their high and great profession of religion. This among
the rest sounded harsh to many of them, and they took it ill, forgetting
the language they use to God in their own prayers, and the common style
of the scriptures, and that it is an absolute and essential propriety of
speech. And what good, alas! had their religion done them, who were so
sensibly touched with indignation for the use of this plain, honest, and
true speech?
VIII. They recommended silence by their example, having very few words
upon all occasions. They were at a word in dealing: nor could their
customers, with many words, tempt them from it, having more regard to
truth than custom, to example than gain.
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