Discourses, or, Sermons on several Scriptures

First, ¹Instruction and Conviction. We ought to bring them to see their Fault before we rebuke them for it; otherwise while we chide and do not inform them, it will rather seem a proud design of quarrelling with them, than a conscientious design of bettering them. And therefore we find how artificially Nathan insinuates into David the heinousness and inhumanity of his Sin, and works in him a Hatred and Detestation of ⟨p. 12⟩that Person who was so cruel and devoid of Compassion, before he comes to deal downright with him, Thou art the Man. And could we but skilfully convince our Brother, by thus representing the odiousness of such and such Sins, to which we know he is addicted, possibly we might spare our selves in that which is the most ungrateful and displeasing part of this Work, I mean personal Reflection, and leave it to his own Conscience to reprove himself, and to apply it home, with, Thou art the Man. And,

First, ¹Instruction and Conviction. We ought to bring them to see their Fault before we rebuke them for it; otherwise while we chide and do not inform them, it will rather seem a proud design of quarrelling with them, than a conscientious design of bettering them. And therefore we find how artificially Nathan insinuates into David the hainousness and inhumanity of his Sin, and works in him a Hatred and Detestation of ⟨p. 12⟩that Person who was so cruel and devoid of Compassion, before he comes to deal downright with him, Thou art the Man. And could we but skilfully convince our Brother, by thus representing the odiousness of such and such Sins, to which we know he is addicted, possibly we might spare our selves in that which is the most ungrateful and displeasing part of this Work, I mean personal Reflection, and leave it to his own Conscience to reprove himself, and to apply it home, with, Thou art the Man. And,

1. 1Conviction of the Fault.