Discourses, or, Sermons on several Scriptures

¹But whilst we exclaim against them with bitter Invectives, and dip all our Reproofs in Gall and Satyr, we may quickly make them loath the Medicine rather than the Disease, ⟨p. 45⟩and sooner break their Heads with such Rebukes, than their Hearts for their Offences.

1. 12 Tim. 2.25.

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