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

2. Mix thy Reproofs with meek and gentle expressions. Every Reproof should be like the Syrupus Acetosus of Physicians, the Syrup of ⟨p. 209⟩Vinegar, that carries with it a grateful sharpness. Take heed thou go not to this work vested in thine own anger; for though there may be in thee some holy zeal, yet take heed of mingling too much of kitchen-fire. Meek Reproofs are like Tents dipped in the balm of Gilead, that both search and cure the wound together. Let the Righteous smite me, ¹(says David) and it shall be a kindness; and let h•m reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head. Such are the Disciples of the good Samaritan, who poured in Wine as an abstersive,² and Oil as a suppling incarnative into the wound Such are the children of that prudent Matron, who opened her mouth in wisdom, ³and in whose tongue was the Law of kindness. And yet, friends, if we be over-gentle, the core of the wound will remain. The Chirurgeon, who hath taught his fingers too much tenderness, and not willing to put his patient to pain, may, through cruel kindness occasion distorted limbs and lameness all a mans life. Corrosives are as necessary as glutinous plasters, to eat down the proud flesh of our sinful sores. Ely's sinful mildness procured the sharp sword of the Philistines to cut off his Sons, and occasioned such dismal events, that broke his own heart, and his neck too. In many Chemical operations; Salt is a most necessary ingredient, and causes things to ferment; without the salt of Reproof in its due proportion, bare words of advice will seldom work. The temper of the person must be wisely considered. In some, too mild expressions lull them asleep in sin. No great matter (may they think) which extorts but such gentle reflections. In others, that are quick and apprehensive: Soft words do pacify wrath. ⁴Such as are of choleric tempers, whose gall doth much overflow their intestines, Physicians are more careful (of their Cholagôga) of such ingredients in their purges that may exonerate, and not augment their choler. In all thy spiritual Physic, labour to clear it up, that thou givest no potion but what may tend to the health of his soul.