A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon…

The Rule is general, we must show all Meekness; 'twill be of use to observe some special cases to which the Scripture applies this general Rule.

The Rule is general, we must shew all Meekness; 'twill be of use to observe some special cases to which the Scripture applies this general Rule.

1. We must give Reproofs with Meekness. It is the Apostles Direction, Gal. 6. 1. If a Man be overtaken in a fault, (i. e. if he be surprised by a Temptation and overcome, as the best may be, if God leave them to themselves) ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the Spirit of Meekness. By the Spiritual Man, to whom he gives this Rule, he means not Ministers only, as if none were spiritual but they, tho' they perhaps are chiefly intended, because they are, as the Prophet speaks, Isa. 29. 21. Reprovers in the Gate; i. e. Reprovers by Office, yet doubtless it is a Rule to private Christians; all that have opportunity must reprove, and all that reprove must do it with Meekness. Ye that are Spiritual, if you would approve your selves so indeed, acted by the Holy Spirit, and minding the things of the Spirit, be careful in this matter. Especially let those that are Christians of the highest Form, that excel in Grace, and Holiness, and the best Gifts, (such are called Spiritual in distinction from the Babes in Christ, 1 Cor. 3. 1.) Let them look upon themselves as obliged, in a more peculiar manner, to help others; for where God gives five Talents, he expects the improvement of five; the strong must bear the infirmities of the weak, Rom. 15. 1. Do you therefore restore such a one, [Greek or Hebrew], set him in joint again. The setting of a dislocated joint or ⟨p. 116⟩a broken Bone is for the present painful to the Patient, but it must be done, and it is in order to the making of broken Bones to rejoice. Now this you must do with the Spirit of Meekness, with all the candour, and gentleness, and convincing Evidences of Love and Kindness that can be. The three Qualifications of a good Surgeon, are very requisite in a Reprover, viz. to have an Eagle's Eye, a Lion's Heart, and a Lady's Hand; that is, that he be endued with a great deal of Wisdom, and Courage, and Meekness. Tho' sometimes it is needful to reprove with warmth, yet we must never reprove with Wrath, for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God,