8. He is very apt to believe any false reports against the faithful children of God; and, because his own heart fails, he is very forward in warning them to take heed to themselves; thus by his prudence, damping and stifling the chearfulness of their faith.
9. He does not love that a minister should make too plain and particular an application of his sermons, or shew too great earnestness in his function, or profession of Christianity.
10. A fearful man is easily moved to envy; especially when he sees those that are young acting chearfully in faith; and cries, “That is none of his business, but must be left to those of more knowledge and experience.”
11. He either himself exposes as presumptuous, stubborn, self-conceited, proud and pharisaical, those who, with a free and child-like spirit, break thro’ all opposition: or, at least, sits on the bench when they are thus condemned, and consents to the unjust sentence pronounced against them.
12. A fearful minister reproves common people boldly; but when he is to speak to great and honourable persons, his mouth is gagged.
*13. The pulpit is a fearful preacher’s strong hold; but when he is to speak face to face, and to bear witness to the truth, by saying, Thou art the man; then he is very supple and complaisant.
14. When he hears prophane, loose, or foolish men talking, he holds his tongue; and when it comes from great men, he graces it with a smile.
15. Above all things, a fearful man, cannot abide to be singular.
16. Sometimes he desires to do something to the glory of God; but he soon confronts the thought with “What will people say?” And then fairly drops it.
17. He cautiously shuns frequent and familiar conversation with the members of Christ that are despised by the world. Or, if he be willing to converse with them by night and in secret, yet he cares not to appear with them in public. He rather appoints some certain place to meet them, where it may not be taken notice of.