A12171:91
The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax
The bruised reed, and smoking flax Some sermons contracted out of the 12. of Matth. 20. At the desire, and for the good of weaker Christians. By R. Sibbes. D.D.The bruised reede, and smoaking flax Some sermons contracted out of the 12. of Matth. 20. At the desire, and for the good of weaker Christians. By R. Sibbes. D.D.
London: printed by M. Flesher for R. Dawlman, 1630
THE Bruised Reed, and Smoking Flax.THE Bruised Reed, and Smoaking Flax.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
And yet oft we see a false spirit in those that call for moderation, it is but to carry their own projects with the greater strength; and if they prove of the prevailing hand, they will hardly show that moderation to others, ⟨p. 76⟩they now call for from others. And there is a proud kind of moderation likewise, when men will take upon them to censure either party, as if they were wiser than both, though if the spirit be right, a looker on may see more than those that are in conflict.
And yet oft wee see a false spirit in those that call for moderation, it is but to carry their owne projects with the greater strength; and if they prove of the prevailing hand, they will hardly shew that moderation to others, ⟨p. 76⟩they now call for from others. And there is a proud kind of moderation likewise, when men will take upon thē to censure either party, as if they were wiser than both, though if the spirit be right, a looker on may see more than those that are in conflict.
So in the censures of the Church, it is more suitable 1to the Spirit of CHRIST to incline to the milder part; and not to 2kill a fly on the forehead with a beetle; nor shut men out of heaven for a trifle. The very snuffers of the Tabernacle were made of pure gold, to show the ⟨p. 77⟩purity of those censures, whereby the light of the Church is kept bright. That power that is given to the Church, is given for edification, not destruction. How careful was Saint Paul that the incestuous Corinthian repenting, should not be swallowed up with too much grief?