Secondly, 1If thou wouldst have thy Reproofs successful, reprove with all Gentleness and Meekness, without giving any railing or reviling Terms. He that mingles Reproach with Reproof, engages a Man's Reputation to side with his Vices: For whilst ⟨p. 42⟩we show any Bitterness in our Reproofs, and give them in vilifying and ignominious Language, the Vehicle will hinder the Operation of the Physic. For they will look like the upbraidings of an Enemy; and it is a thing most abhorrent unto Nature, to follow the Counsels and Advice of an Enemy. And therefore the Apostle chargeth us, 2Gal. 6.1. Brethren, if a Man be overtaken in a fault, you that are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of Meekness, considering thy self, lest thou be also tempted, Which last Clause intimates to us, that we ought to deal as tenderly with a fallen Brother, as we would desire to be dealt with our selves, were we in the same condition. For having the same corrupt Nature, and being subject to the like Temptations, we ⟨p. 43⟩may likewise, through God's dereliction of us, fall into the same Miscarriages. Now wouldst thou take it well, if any should revile and reprove thee, condemn thee for a rotten Hypocrite, as Job's Friends did him; or draw hideous black Consequences from every failing and weakness of thine? Certainly thou wouldst not interpret this to be friendly and candid dealing: No more do thou with others. It is a true Saying, that he who would know his own Faults, had need have either a faithful Friend, or a bitter Enemy; they will both be sure to do it to the full. But then the difference is, that an Enemy's Reproofs are usually joined with Reproaches, and when we are fallen, he will stand and insult over us. But a true Christian ⟨p. 44⟩Friend will faithfully represent our condition to us, pity us in it, and endeavour to help and raise us out of it. And such should we be to all, not railing on them for Hypocrites, or lost and desperate Apostates, for this certainly is not the way to reduce them, but rather to confirm and harden them in their Sins. We should not gripe nor press their Wounds, but rather gently anoint and chafe them. Our Reproofs should be as Oil, smooth and lenitive, to soak into and supple the Part affected. And therefore the Apostle again exhorts us, in meekness to instruct those that oppose themselves.
Secondly, 1If thou wouldst have thy Reproofs successful, reprove with all Gentleness and Meekness, without giving any railing or reviling Terms. He that mingles Reproach with Reproof, engages a Man's Reputation to side with his Vices: For whilst ⟨p. 42⟩we shew any Bitterness in our Reproofs, and give them in villifying and ignominious Language, the Vehicle will hinder the Operation of the Physick. For they will look like the upbraidings of an Enemy; and it is a thing most abhorrent unto Nature, to follow the Counsels and Advice of an Enemy. And therefore the Apostle chargeth us, 2Gal. 6.1. Brethren, if a Man be overtaken in a fault, you that are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of Meekness, considering thy self, lest thou be also tempted, Which last Clause intimates to us, that we ought to deal as tenderly with a fallen Brother, as we would desire to be dealt with our selves, were we in the same condition. For having the same corrupt Nature, and being subject to the like Temptations, we ⟨p. 43⟩may likewise, through God's dereliction of us, fall into the same Miscarriages. Now wouldst thou take it well, if any should revile and reprove thee, condemn thee for a rotten Hypocrite, as Job's Friends did him; or draw hideous black Consequences from every failing and weakness of thine? Certainly thou wouldst not interpret this to be friendly and candid dealing: No more do thou with others. It is a true Saying, that he who would know his own Faults, had need have either a faithful Friend, or a bitter Enemy; they will both be sure to do it to the full. But then the difference is, that an Enemy's Reproofs are usually joined with Reproaches, and when we are fallen, he will stand and insult over us. But a true Christian ⟨p. 44⟩Friend will faithfully represent our condition to us, pitty us in it, and endeavour to help and raise us out of it. And such should we be to all, not railing on them for Hypocrites, or lost and desperate Apostates, for this certainly is not the way to reduce them, but rather to confirm and harden them in their Sins. We should not gripe nor press their Wounds, but rather gently anoint and chafe them. Our Reproofs should be as Oyl, smooth and lenitive, to soak into and supple the Part affected. And therefore the Apostle again exhorts us, in meekness to instruct those that oppose themselves.
- 1Reproof must be with Gentleness and Meekness.
- 2Gal. 6.1.
