The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

Antid. 5. Reprove them, Ezek. 3.17, 18, 19. If we would not partake of the sins of others, we must reprove the sins of others, Lev. 19. Ezek. 33.7, 8, 9. So the Apostle saith expressly, Ephes. 5.11. intimating that you do certainly approve them, if you do not reprove them. Reprove Heresy, Blasphemy, Drunkenness, Oaths, Sabbath-breaking, Uncleanness, and every sin you hear or see committed. ⟨p. 180⟩The Ravished Virgin under the Law, Deut. 22.25. was to cry out; in this case God takes silence for consent. As there is a holy silence to Gods Correction, Aaron held his peace; so there is a sinful silence under mans corruption, Eli held his peace also; Aaron's silence was a good silence, but Ely's silence was a naughty silence; we must be silent under Gods correction, but we must not be silent under mans corruption, Levit. 5.1. Therefore saith St. Paul, Reprove them; the best way to avoid fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, and to free a mans soul from the guilt of other mens sins, is to reprove them, that is the Antidote against this infection. Thus the Ephesians practised as St. Paul preached. St. Paul does not more advise them to this duty, than St. John does commend them for this duty. Says the Holy Ghost there in Apoc. 2.1, 2, 3. compared together — hast born, and yet hast not born — Gods Correction — mans corruption. I know thy patience, and how thou canst not — it is no breach, of patience to be impatient against sin, and sinners. But now beloved, because this sword of Reproof is a very dangerous weapon, if it be not rightly handled, an edge-tool that we must be marvellously chary how we meddle with; There is required therefore a great deal of skill, and prudence, and wisdom, and watchfulness, to a right and successful managing of this duty,