Thirdly, 1Though our Reproofs must be meek and gentle, yet must they be quick and vivacious also. For as Charity requires the one, so doth Zeal the other: And the best and most equal Temper, is rightly to mix these two, that at once we may show Meekness to his Person, 2(for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God) and Sharpness against his Sin, (for a remiss Reprover will but make a slow Penitent.) We ought so to reprove, that he may not think we only jest and dally with him, and for this it is necessary that we do it with all Seriousness, Gravity and Authority, not playing about the Wound, but searching ⟨p. 46⟩into the very depth and bottom of it. And therefore we must use such words as are most significant of our meaning, most expressive of our Grief and Sorrow for him, and which we think most apt to expose the Vice that we reprove, and make it most odious and hateful, keeping still within the bounds of a sober and friendly Redargution. Hence the Apostle gives Titus this Advice, 3Rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the Faith. If they want Salt and Vinegar, spare them not. This possibly may cleanse those Wounds that else would fester and putrefy. But here is required much spiritual Prudence to know how to suit Reproof, according to the different Conditions and Tempers of the Persons you deal with. Some must be launched ⟨p. 47⟩and searched to the very Quick before they can be healed. Others require a gentle Hand. If they be proud and stubborn, they need Corrosives. But for those who are naturally meek and mild, a meek and mild Course will be easiest and most effectual. The Tempers and Cases of particular Christians are so various, that there can be no Rules given that may be applicable to every Condition. This must of necessity be left to your Prudence and Discretion. Only this Rule is infallible, Be sure you flatter none in their Vices, extenuate not their Sins; when thou comest to reprove them, do it not in sport: Let them see thou art in very good earnest, and tell them their Sin, as it is in it self, without mincing the matter, or the circumstances ⟨p. 48⟩of it. For Men are always apt to impute somewhat of the Reproof to the severity of him that gives it, rather than to the demerits of their own Offences.
Thirdly, 1Though our Reproofs must be meek and gentle, yet must they be quick and vivacious also. For as Charity requires the one, so doth Zeal the other: And the best and most equal Temper, is rightly to mix these two, that at once we may shew Meekness to his Person, 2(for the Wrath of Man worketh not the Righteousness of God) and Sharpness against his Sin, (for a remiss Reprover will but make a slow Penitent.) We ought so to reprove, that he may not think we only jest and dally with him, and for this it is necessary that we do it with all Seriousness, Gravity and Authority, not playing about the Wound, but searching ⟨p. 46⟩into the very depth and bottom of it. And therefore we must use such words as are most significant of our meaning, most expressive of our Grief and Sorrow for him, and which we think most apt to expose the Vice that we reprove, and make it most odious and hateful, keeping still within the bounds of a sober and friendly Redargution. Hence the Apostle gives Titus this Advice, 3Rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the Faith. If they want Salt and Vinegar, spare them not. This possibly may cleanse those Wounds that else would fester and putrify. But here is required much spiritual Prudence to know how to suit Reproof, according to the different Conditions and Tempers of the Persons you deal with. Some must be launcht ⟨p. 47⟩and searcht to the very Quick before they can be healed. Others require a gentle Hand. If they be proud and stubborn, they need Corrosives. But for those who are naturally meek and mild, a meek and mild Course will be easiest and most effectual. The Tempers and Cases of particular Christians are so various, that there can be no Rules given that may be applicable to every Condition. This must of necessity be left to your Prudence and Discretion. Only this Rule is infallible, Be sure you flatter none in their Vices, extenuate not their Sins; when thou com'st to reprove them, do it not in sport: Let them see thou art in very good earnest, and tell them their Sin, as it is in it self, without mincing the matter, or the circumstances ⟨p. 48⟩of it. For Men are always apt to impute somewhat of the Reproof to the severity of him that gives it, rather than to the demerits of their own Offences.
- 1Reproof must be quick and vivacious.
- 2James 1.20.
- 3Tit. 1.13.
