The works of George Swinnock, M.A

For this end it is also fit that reproof be given,¹ with as little reflection as may be on the person reproved. If there be any thing in him worthy of praise, do not pass it by; We take Pills the better when they are well guilt; Children lick up their medicines the more freely, when they are sprinkled with a little sugar; A faithful Historian, will relate mens virtues, as well as their vices. They are of a dunghill brood, that fasten only upon galled backs, and ulcerous sores, and take no notice of the sound flesh; Wise Commanders, when their Soldiers are making a dishonourable Retreat, do not presently upbraid them with cowardice, but often by mentioning their former heroic courage, or their Ancestors noble carriage, inflame them with a desire to continue their repute and credit. Good Nurses, when children fall first, help them up, and speak them fair, and then chide them; This were an excellent art to draw them to God, whom thou couldst not drive; shame will not let such be angry with those that deal so equally the rod and crown. Sometimes indirect reprehension hath wrought much good. A man may by a Parable, or an History pertinent to the purpose, convince a sinners conscience, and not openly injure his credit. Paul in his Sermon to Felix, seemed to shoot at ⟨p. 202⟩random, not naming any, but his Arrow pierced that unrighteous Prince to the quick. The Sun keeps the world in good temperature by moving in an oblique circle, not directly with the highest heavens, nor directly contrary, but fetching a compass a little over-thwart. The Saint may keep the Sinner from that heat and rage, which is apt to boil under reproof, by fetching a little compass about. The reproof may sometimes be given in our own persons, and declaring how ill it would have been for us to have run into such riotous courses; So the Apostle Paul reprehended the Sect-makers in Corinth, by transferring it to himself and Apollo, 2 Cor. 4. 6. A wise Reprover, in this is like a good Fencer, who though he strike one part, yet none that stand by could perceive by his eye, or the carriage of his arm, that he aimed at that more then the rest. We esteem it a singular commendation in a Chirurgeon, when he can cure a wound in the face, and leave no scar behind;

For this end it is also fit that reproof be given,