Yet people should not tyre and wear out the patience of others: Nor should the weaker so far exact moderation from others, as to bear out themselves upon their indulgence, and so to rest in their own infirmities, with danger to their own souls, and scandal to the Church. The Church suffereth much from weak ⟨p. 68⟩ones, therefore we may challenge liberty to deal with them, as mildly, so oftentimes directly. The scope of true love, is to make the party better, which by concealment oftentimes is hindered: with some a spirit of meekness prevaileth most, but with some a rod. Some must be pulled out of the fire with violence, and they will bless God for us in the day of their visitation. We see our Saviour multiplies 1woe upon woe, when he was to deal with hardhearted Hypocrites; For Hypocrites do need stronger conviction than ⟨p. 69⟩gross sinners, because their will is naught, and thereupon usually their conversion is violent. An hard knot must have an answerable wedge, else in a cruel pity we betray their souls. A sharp reproof sometimes is a precious pearl, and a sweet balm. The wounds of secure sinners will not be healed with sweet words. The Holy Ghost came as well in fiery tongues, as in the likeness of a Dove, and the same holy Spirit will vouchsafe a spirit of prudence and discretion, (which is the salt to season all our words and actions) ⟨p. 70⟩And such wisdom will teach us to speak a word in season both to the weary and likewise to the secure soul. And indeed he had need have the tongue of the learned that shall either raise up, or cast down: But in this place I speak of mildness towards those that are weak, and are sensible of it: These we must bring on gently, and drive softly, as Jacob did his 2Cattle, according to the pace, and as his children were able to endure.
Yet people should not tyre and weare out the patience of others: Nor should the weaker so farre exact moderation from others, as to beare out themselves upon their indulgence, and so to rest in their owne infirmities, with danger to their own soules, and scandall to the Church. The Church suffereth much from weake ⟨p. 68⟩ones, therefore wee may challenge liberty to deale with them, as mildly, so oftentimes directly. The scope of true love, is to make the party better, which by concealment oftentimes is hindred: with some a spirit of meeknesse prevaileth most, but with some a rod. Some must be pulled out of the fire with violence, and they will blesse God for us in the day of their visitation. Wee see our Saviour multiplyes 1woe upon woe, when hee was to deale with hardhearted Hypocrites; For Hypocrites doe neede stronger conviction than ⟨p. 69⟩grosse sinners, because their will is naught, and thereupon usually their conversion is violent. An hard knot must have an answerable wedge, else in a cruell pity wee betray their soules. A sharpe reproofe sometimes is a precious pearle, and a sweet balme. The wounds of secure sinners will not bee healed with sweet words. The Holy Ghost came as well in fiery tongues, as in the likenesse of a Dove, and the same holy Spirit will vouchsafe a spirit of prudence and discretion, (which is the salt to season all our words and actions) ⟨p. 70⟩And such wisedome will teach us to speake a word in season both to the weary and likewise to the secure soule. And indeed he had need have the tongue of the learned that shall either raise up, or cast downe: But in this place I speake of mildness towards those that are weake, and are sensible of it: These wee must bring on gently, and drive softly, as Iacob did his 2Cattell, according to the pace, and as his children were able to endure.
- 1Mat. 23.
- 2Gen. 33. 14.
