What They Said

"If we would make it evident that our conversion is sound, we must loathe and hate sin from the heart.  Now, a man shall know his hatred of evil to be true, first, if it be universal; he that hates sin truly hates all sin.  

Secondly, where there is true hatred it is unappeasable; there is no appeasing of it but by abolishing the thing it hates. 

Thirdly, hatred is a more rooted affection than anger; anger may be appeased, but hatred is against the whole kind. 

Fourthly, if our hatred be true, it hates all ill in ourselves first, and then in others; he that hates a toad, hates it most in his own bosom. Many, like Judah, are severe in censuring of others, but are partial to themselves. 

Fifthly, he that hates sin truly, hates the greatest sin in the greatest measure; he hates it in a just proportion. 

Sixthly, our hatred is right if we can endure admonition and reproof for sin, and not be in rage with him that tells us of it; therefore those that swell against reproof hate not sin; only with this caution, it may be done with such indiscretion and self-love, that a man may hate the proud manner. 

Therefore in discovering our hatred of sin in others, we must consider, our calling. It must be done in a sweet temper, with reserving due respect of those to whom we show our dislike, that it may be done out of true zeal, and not out of wild-fire.""

Richard Sibbes