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

to reprove with all long-suffering, Chap. 4. 2. The Reason of which may be taken either, [1.] From the different Temper of those they had to deal with. Timothy was among the Ephesians, a tractable complaisant People, that would be easily managed, and with them he must always deal gently. Titus was among the Cretans, that were head-strong and rough hewn, and not to be wrought upon, but by sharper methods. Thus in reproving, a difference must be made: Of some we must have compassion, and others save with Fear, but never with Anger, plucking them out of the fire, Jude, ver. 23. Or, [2.] The Reason may be taken (as Gregory, one of the Ancients, assigneth it) from the different Temper of Timothy and Titus. Titus was a Man ⟨p. 117⟩of a very soft and mild Temper, and he had need of a Spur to quicken him to a needful Acrimony in his Reproofs; but Timothy was a Man of a more warm and sanguine Temper, and he had need of a Bridle to keep him from an intemperate heat in his Reproofs; and then it teacheth us, that those who are naturally keen and fervent, should double their Guard upon their own Spirits, when they are reproving, that they may do it with all Meekness. Christ's Ministers must be careful while they display God's Wrath, to conceal their own, & be very jealous over themselves, lest sinful Anger shelter it self under the Cloak of Zeal against sin. When Reproving (whoever be the Reprover) degenerates into Railing and Reviling, and Opprobrious Language, how can we expect the desired success? It may provoke to Contention and every evil Work; but it will never provoke to Love, and to good Works. The work of Heaven is not likely to be done by a Tongue set on fire of Hell. Hath Christ need of mad Men? or will you talk deceitfully and passionately for him? A Potion given too hot s••lds the Patient, and doth more hurt than good, and so many a Reproof, good for the matter of it, hath been spoiled by an irregular Management. Meekness hides the Lancet, gilds the Pill, and makes it passable; dips the Nail in Oil, and then it drives the better. Twice we find Jonathan reproving his Father, for his rage against David; once he did it with Meekness, and it sped well, 1 Sam. 19. 4, 5. Let not the King sin against his Servant, [against David,] and 'tis said, v. 6. Saul hearkened to him. But another time his Spirit was provoked, and he did it in a heat, Cap. 20. 32.