Such is the unhappy entertainment that plain-dealing and open-hearted reproofs do meet with in the World, that when they are most needed, they can be least born: The fouler the stomach, the more nauseous is the Physic: when the malady is come to a dangerous Crisis, and ⟨p. 164⟩every symptom bodes a sad and sudden▪ change men are better pleased with • cheating quack, that dissembleth the disease▪ and engageth all shall be well, then with an hone•• and faithful Physician, who tells them the distemper is malignant, the issue dubious, and, without the application of some speedy and extraordinary means, desperate. He that will undertake to lay open the true state of degenerous People, by ripping up their sins, displaying their impenitencies, and applying the threatenings of •••ine displeasure, shall expose himself to the hatred and injurious usage of those for whom he doth this kindness: Apostasy being a spiritual frenzy, and herein expressing an affinity with mad•en, in being enraged at none so much, as those that in love seek their cure. The truth of this our Prophet here experienced; who, being sent by God on an unthankful errand (for when men love the distemper, they do by consequence despise the remedy, and hate him that brings it. And I therefore call it unthankful, […] from its own nature, for what can be a more obliging courtesy than to give men timely notice of eminent dangers, & counsel how to avoid them▪ But from the disposition of those who were to receive it, whom custom in sin had wedded to • complacency in it; whose pride and presumption had made them inpatient of all threatenings; and in whom deep rooted impenitence had obstructed ⟨p. 165⟩the reception of every advice calling them to reformation) being thus sent, he faithfully and clearly opens their state▪ shows them their hazards, directs to such duties as the present circumstances required, promiseth them a good issue, if they were so followed, but denounceth ruin if they were neglected. And now (as if he had been guilty of Treason, and had joined hands in some dangerous conspiracy) the Priests, Prophets, and People, in a transport of fury, lay violent hands on him in the very Temple, and nothing can satisfy their hellish rage but the Prophets life.
SUch is the unhappy entertainment that plain-dealing and open-hearted reproofs do meet with in the World, that when they are most needed, they can be least born: The fouler the stomack, the more nauseous is the Physick: when the malady is come to a dangerous Crisis, and ⟨p. 164⟩every symptom bodes a sad and sudden▪ change men are better pleased with • cheating quack, that dissembleth the d•sease▪ and engageth all shall be well, then with an hone•• and faithful Physitian, who tells them the distemper is malignant, the issue dubious, and, without the application of some speedy and e•traordinary means, desperate. He that will •ndertake to lay open the true state of degenerous People, by ripping up their sins, displaying their impenitencies, and applying the threatnings of •••ine displeasure, shall expose himself to the hatred and injurious usage of those for whom he doth this kindness: Apostacy being a spiritual frenzy, and herein expressing an affinity with mad•en, in being enraged at none so much, as those that in love seek their cure. The truth of this our Prophet here experienced; who, being sent by God on an unthankful errand (for when men love the distemper, they do by consequence despise the remedy, and hate him that brings it. And I therefore call it unthankful, 〈…〉 from its own nature, for what can be a more obliging courtesie than to give men timely notice of eminent dangers, & counsel how to avoid them▪ But from the disposition of those who were to receive it, whom custom in sin had wedded to • complacency in it; whose pride and presumptio• had made them inpatient of all threatnings; and in whom deep rooted impenitence had obstructed ⟨p. 165⟩the reception of every advice calling them to reformation) being thus sent, he faithfully and clearly opens their state▪ shews them their hazzards, directs to such duties as the present circumstances required, promiseth them a good issue, if they were so followed, but denounceth ruine if they were neglected. And now (as if he had been guilty of Treason, and had joyned hands in some dangerous conspiracy) the Priests, Prophets, and People, in a transport of fury, lay violent hands on him in the very Temple, and nothing can satisfie their hellish rage but the Prophets life.
