Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

Secondly, When it is misapplied to the persons, when they speak peace to whom God speaks not peace, and when they speak to the grief of those whom God would not have cast down, Ezek. 13. 10. They cry peace where there is no peace, and dishearten those that are sincere, that is to apply plasters where there is no sore, and to strengthen the hands of the wicked. But of this I will say no more but that, Prov. 17. 15. He that justifies the wicked and condemns the just both of them shall be an abomination unto the Lord.

Secondly, When it is misapplied to the persons, when they speak peace to whom God speaks not peace, and when they speak to the grief of those whom God would not have cast down, Ezek. 13. 10. They cry peace where there is no peace, and dishearten those that are sincere, that is to apply playsters where there is no sore, and to strengthen the hands of the wicked. But of this I will say no more but that, Prov. 17. 15. He that justifies the wicked and condemns the just both of them shall be an abhomination unto the Lord.

Thirdly, Their words must be pleasant, they must not ⟨p. 302⟩¹be such as people loath. This is gathered thus. Meat will not nourish unless it be eaten, and if they like it not they will not eat it, and so will not be nourished; therefore the words must be such as please the appetite of an honest and good hearer, such as excite and sharpen. Ministers must be like shepherds that give the sheep the tender grass, and not the blown fodder; and therefore the Steward was commended that brought out of his treasury things both new and old. So Ministers may bring variety of dishes, but with this caution, that they be out of Gods pantry,