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

A. 1. Exhibit thy counsel, advice, or reproof, under the veils of similitudes,¹ examples, or histories. Diogenes Laert. in the life of Zeno acquaints us. [[Greek or Hebrew].] that if he did reprehend any, he did it succinctly, not profusely, but at some distance. It is a good Rule as to Superiors. It is an elegant and a profitable way for managing this necessary duty, though usually ineffectual and successeless, for want of vigilant circumspection and prudence. If thy Father be ungodly and unholy, recite some history out of the Bible, or out of Church-Writers, that may have a sweet reflection upon thy Fathers way. Sometimes Parables, and Proverbial speeches that are modest and sober, may hit the joint. He may vouchsafe to behold his face in this glass, who would storm at direct Reproof. Parents many times when they are hit thus meekly and modestly, if they be wise, will seem to take no notice, but may ponder upon it a great while after. As our Lord when he told his Parents that he was about his Fathers business,² the Text says, that Mary kept all those ⟨p. 211⟩sayings in her heart. This is drawing the bow, as it may seem to the Superior, many times at an adventure; yet may thine arrow hap to pierce even within the joints of the harness. Parables are feigned examples, and are [[Greek or Hebrew]] near a kin to inductions.³ Such was the great wisdom of Aesop and Stesichorus in their days, as the Philosopher notes. Such was the Parable of Jotham to the men of Shechem. Thus Nathan dealt with David, and our blessed Lord himself after this manner many times handled the High Priests and Rulers of the people; he reproved them sometimes in dark sentences, and chosen Parables. But if Superiors be over-morose, and exceeding sagacious, and highly magisterial, then a disapproving silence,⁴ a dis-relishing look, as speedy a departure out of their presence as may stand with the necessary detentions of thy duty [[Greek or Hebrew]] a holy blush for them that are shameless in sin,⁵