Works, Chapter 3 · Section 6
SECT. VI.
3. ENdeavour to reform them by faithful reprehension. Reprehension is like a Dam, which though it cause the waters to swell, stops its violent course; As Thunder, it purifieth the air, which otherwise would putrifie. When thou comest amongst vicious persons, thy spirit as Pauls amongst the Idolatrous Athenians, must be stirred within thee, and thy zeal must appear in reproving the offendors, or else as a Pearl in a Toads …ead, it will be of no use. Servetus condemned Zwinglius for his heat and harshness;In altis mansuctus ero, in blasphemiis in Christum non ita. Epist. ad Server. but he answered, In other things I will be meek and mild, but not in blaspemies against Christ. Good blood will not belie it self, but when occasion is offered, shew it self; The zeal of Gods house did eat the Redeemer up, and he whipt the buyers and sellers out of the Temple;In vita ejus per Anomy…. In the cause of God, saith Luther, I am and ever shall be stout and stern; herein I take upon me this Motto, Nulli cedo, I give place to none.
That expression of Austin hath weight in it, Qui non zelat non amat, He hath no love to God, who hath no zeal for God; and truly he hath little love to his Neighbour; Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart, thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him, Lev. 9. 17.
First, Here is no priviledge as to persons, either reproving, or offending.
1. Reproving, Thou shalt rebuke; Its to be done in our own persons, and not by a proxy.
2. Offending, thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour; All are our Neighbours, made of the same earth (bone of our bone, flesh of our flesh,) capable of the same heaven. God excludes none, but offers both his grace and glory universally. Whosoever will, let him, &c. Rev. 22. 17.
Secondly, No dispensation granted as to crimes. Thou shalt not suffer sin upon him; If it be a sin, it must not be suffered.
Thirdly, No pleading of any excuse; thou shalt in any wise rebuke him, and not hate him. Non omnis qui parcit, ami…us est; nec omnis qui verberat, inimicus. Melius est cum severitate diligere, quam cum lenitate decipere, Aug. Confe. 9.To suffer any in unholiness, is a sign of hatred; and such seeming charity is the greatest cruelty; Besides, whilst we let such men alone in their prophaness, we provoke God against our selves. Iohn the Baptist rebuked Herod; Nathan reproved David; and Latimer Henry the eighth; though the offendors were potent and high, yet the ministers of God would not fear their faces, but freely tell them of their faults: Nay, some Heathen have had courage enough to check the greatest for their crimes. How plain was Seneca in reproving Nero;Magis amat objurgator san…ns… quam adulator dis…imulans. Ide… in Epist. ad Mart. Mi… aliquando argue…e permissam, t…i nunquam pecare. Amb. Diogenes in reproving Alexander, and Zeno Nearchus! Its said of Suetonius, that in writing the lives of the twelve Caesars, he took the same liberty in declaring their vices, which they took to commit them; and shall not Christians be as bold to check sin, as others are to act it?
Reader, what love dost thou show to thy Neighbour, if thou seest him wounding and piercing his inestimable soul, and thou dost not endeavour (though against his will,) to hold his hand? If thou shouldst see him take a Knife to stab himself at the heart, thou wouldst not stay to ask his leave, or fear his anger, but do thy utmost to hinder him; and canst thou see him destroying his soul, and not seek to prevent him? That pity without question is the best, which relateth to the better part. There was a barbarous Law among the Lacedemonians, Plut. Moral.That no man should tell his Neighbour any ill news that befel him, but every one should be left in process of time to find it out himself. Alas, what will become of poor sinners, if none should tell them what they are doing, whither they are going, till they come to find it in the place of torments! Were love burning in our hearts (as fire was in the Temple) or were our faces towards one another (like those Cherubims which covered the Mercy Seat with their wings) we should not onelyonly, not lie in sin our selves, but also endeavour that others should not die in their sins; That person who refused to smite his Neighbour, when commanded in the name of the Lord, was slain by a Lion, 1 King. 20. 35. If we refuse to smite sin, Gods wrath will smite us.
Because this duty is of such concernment, I shall give thee some few brief directions.Tot quotidie occidimus, quot ad mortem ire tepidi & tacentes videmus. Greg.
1. Be sure that which thou reprovest be a sin, and not a lawful or indifferent thing. Some shew much heat, but little holiness in keeping a great stir about nothing. The Israelites raised a great Army to fight against their Brethren, upon a supposition that they had built an Altar for sacrifice, Iosh. 22. 16. Eli was mistaken in chiding Hannah for drunkenness, and thinking she was not sober, because she was almost overwhelmed with sorrow, 1 Sam. 2. Tis dangerous to apply corroding medicines, upon supposition that the person hath a festered sore; or to cut a man for the stone, who is not troubled with that distemper; It were better by much to be silent, then to cry out against that which we cannot by Scripture prove to be sin. He that reproves the deed, will do more hurt then good, if he be not able to convince the doer, Tit. 1. 9. To some it may be said, as Iob to his friends, who accused him of Hypocrisie, because of his calamity; as if the stick could not be straight, Cum vera objurgas, sic inimice juvas. Auson…because twas brought to the fire; How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? Job 6. 25. Right words have great weight; naked truth will be too hard for armed error; but what power have mistaken or misapplied arguments? what doth such arguing reprove? Such arguings seldom reprove any but the arguer, and him they always reprove.
2. Reprove seriously; Reproof is an edged tool, and must not be jested wi…h; Cold Reproofs are like the noise of Cannons a great way off, nothing affrighting us. He that reproves sin merrily, as one that takes a pride to shew his wit, and make the company laugh, will destroy the sinner instead of the sin. There are those that spit out their friends with their tongues, and laugh them into enemies; Sharpness and acuteness doth ill in sportful festivals, but it becomes purging potions: Lightness is commendable is nothing, but worst in things that are weighty; A vain jesting admonition is like rubbing a person with a poisoned Oyl, which spreads the more for being put into such a fleeting suppleness. The Areopagites banished Stilpo, for proving by his Sophistry that Minerva was no Goddess, alledging this for their reason, that it was not safe for any to dally with things that were Divine. Reproof is strong Physick, and worketh many times to purpose, and therefore is not to be given in jest; Sin, which is the object of it, is not to be played with; nor Hell its consequent, a jesting matter. Titus 1. 13. The Apostle enjoynes Titus to reprove sharply; the word is foreign cuttingly, foreign that they may be sound in the faith; He that mindeth his Patients health, will not toy or trifle, or play with his mortal diseases; the flesh must feel the plaister, or it will never eat up the corruption in it. Shouldst thou apply an healing plaister to skin the wound aloft, when there is need of a corrosive to take away the dead flesh, thou wouldst be false and unfaithful to thy friend. When the water was bitter, Regat d…s… plin… vigor mans…tudinem, & mansu…udo ornet vigorem, & sic alterum commendetur ex altero ut nec vigor sit rigidus, nec mansuetudo dissolu…a. Greg. lib. 5. Moral.and the ground barren, Elisha cast a cruse of Salt into it, and it healed both. Reproof like Salt, must have in it both sharpness and savouriness; Alas, how fierce is that wrath, how hot is that fire to which poor sinners are liable? and wilt thou sport with their souls, and joyn with them in making a mock of sin? Saints must be zealous, not onelyonly in good works, but also in reproving evil workers. The Command is, Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a Trumpet, and shew my people their trangression, and the house of Jacob their sin, Isa. 58. 1. This belongs in some sense to every member, as well as to the Minister. They must reprove sin powerfully; cry aloud, lift up thy voice as a trumpet; particularly, shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin; Admonition without serious Application, is like an Arrow with too many Feathers, which though we level at the Mark, is taken by the Wind, and carried quite from it.
Some men shoot their Reprehensions, like Pellets through a Trunk, with no more strength then will kill a Sparrow; those make sinners beleive that sin is no such dreadful evil, and the wrath of God no such frightful end. He that would hit the mark, and recover the sinner, must draw his arrow of Reproof home. Reproof must be powerful; the hammer of the word breaks not the heart, if it be lightly layd on; If the flesh doth not feel the plaister, it will hardly be healed by it. It must also be so particular, that the offendor may think himself concerned. Some in reproof will seem to aim at the sinner, but so order it, that their arrows shall be sure to miss him. As Domitian, when a Boy held for a mark afar off, his hand spread, with his fingers severed,S…et. in vita. he shot his arrows so, that all hit the empty spaces between his fingers; Be the reproof never so gracious, the Plaister never so good, it will be ineffectual if not applied to the Patient, 2 Sam. 12. 7. Act. 2. 36, 37.
3. Reprove seasonably; Reprehension is not necessary or convenient at all seasons; Admonition is like Physick, rather profitable then pleasant; Now the best Physick may be thrown away, if a fit time of giving it be not observed; Some unskilful Physitians have wronged their Patients, in administring sutable potions out of season; Its a great part of Christian prudence, to discern the fittest time of lancing spiritual sores; if they be taken when they are ripe, the corrupt matter may be all let out, and the party be the healthier whilst he liveth; but if before they be ripe, it will not be so well. A fool will always be talking, and is ready to burst if he may not have vent; but a wise man will keep a word for afterward, Prov. 29. He will neither run before an opportunity,There are two cases wherein Reproof may be omitted. 1. When there is danger of bringing more dishonour to God by speaking then by forbearing, Mat. 7. 6. 2. When we can see no likelyhood of doing good by our Reproving. Hildersham… on Psal. 51. Lect. 9. Vide Plu…. ibid. nor neglect to follow after it; many a fair child is spoiled by an untimely birth; and good duty, prejudiced by an unseasonable performance.
Sometimes a sudden reproof, upon the commission of the sin, hath reformed the sinner; but this is not always safe. When men are rebuked before their Companions, their hearts are usually enraged against the Reprover, suspecting him to intend their disparagement rather then their amendment. Q…i non corrigit resecanda committit, & facientis culpam habet qui quod potest c…rrigere, negligit …mendare. Greg.Besides, when their spirits are hot, and their minds drunk with passion, they are apter to beat the Christian, then to hear his Counsel. When a person is in a violent Fever, its not good to give him Physick, its safest to stay till the fit be abated or over. Abigal would not tell Nabal of his danger till he was sober. Some small fish are twicht up with the violence of a sudden pull, when the like action would break the line whereon a great one hangs.
But I would not be understood Reader, to encourage thee in the least, under pretence of deferring it till a fitter day, to omit the duty; if there be no probability of a better season, nor any hope of doing good, after some ejaculations to Heaven for assistance and success, take the present opportunity. Fabius conquered by delaying, but Caesar overcame by expedition. Though its not ordinarily so good to sow Corn when the Wind is high, yet the Husbandman will rather do it in such weather, then not at all, or then to want his harvest. As the Bird often flieth away, whilst the Fowler still seeks to get nearer and nearer her; so doth a season of advantaging our brethrens souls, whilst we wait still for a fitter; Its thy duty therefore to take hold of the present, where thou hast no likelihood of another, and to improve the first good opportunity, rather then to adventure the loss of all, by expecting a better.
4. Reprove prudently; A Christians wisdom in the matter of his reproof, will very much further its working. As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear, Prov. 25. 12. A wise reprover is a credit to the Reproved. Its an honor to be wounded thus by one that is wise. Some men would receive blows with more patience, if they were given them with more prudence; None so likely to find an obedient hearing, as they that are wise in reproving; the best ear will hardly brook foolish speaking; there is a way to make men take down their bitter potions before they are aware. The recovering of a fallen sinner, is the setting of a bone in joynt, which requireth much skill and dexterity; Every Mountebank is not fit to undertake this ask.
First, Have respect to the person whom thou reprovest.
Secondly, Have respect to the crime for which thou reprovest.
First, Respect is to be had to the person, both as to his condition and his disposition.
1. To his condition and quality; Though the sins of Superiours may, nay must be reproved, by those that have a call to it, yet not in that bold manner which is allowable to our equals, nor without some acknowledgement of that reverence which is due to their Callings and Conditions; Rebuke not an Elder, but intreat him as a Father, 1 Tim. 5. 1. When Daniel was to interpret Nebuchadnezzars dream, and to acquaint him with his danger, observe with what respectful language he cloatheth his dreadful message, Dan. 4. 19, 24, 27. The Prophets that spake so boldly to their Princes, were commanded & commissioned by God what to say; Though Superiors ought to be reproved, yet they ought not to be reviled. Paul (as I conceive) acknowledged his passion, when he had spoken irreverently to the high Priest, I wist not brethren, that he was the High Priest; I did not consider as I ought, to whom I spake, Act. 23. 5. It will not excuse us to give ill words, though we receive ill wounds from Magistrates; Is it fit to say to a King, thou art wicked, and to Princes, ye are ungodly? Job 34. 18. Though this Text doth not silence all from acquainting Kings with their faults, muchless justifie any that shall daub them with their flatteries, 1 King. 18. 18. 2 King. 3. 13. yet it proves that Princes must be spoken to respectfully, because of their places. Superiors may be amended by exhortation, equals by friendly admonition, inferiors by severe reprehension.
Secondly, Respect is to be had to the disposition of the offendor… some in their fainting fits are recovered easily, with throwing some cold water in their faces; others must be beaten or rubbed very hard; Some men are like Briars, you may handle them gently without harm, but if you grasp them hard they will fetch blood; Others as Nettles, if dealt with roughly, do the less wrong; Iude 22, 23. And of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear; Some are like tiled houses, that can admit a brand of fire to fall on them, and not be burnt; yet some again are covered with light dry straw, which with the least touch will kindle and flame about your ears. By scruing strings moderately, we may make good Musick, but if too high we break them; All the strings of a Viol are not of equal strength, nor will endure to be wound up to the same pitch; we may sooth a Lion into bondage, but sooner hew him in peices, then beat him into a chain. A difference ought to be observed between party and party; an Exhortation will do more with some, then a severe Commination with others; The sturdy Oak will not be so easily bowed as the Gentle Willow; Elisha recovered the dead Child with a kiss, but Lazarus was restored to life with a loud strong voice; Reproof must be warily given; for tis like a Razor, whose edge is keen, and therefore the sooner rebated; Its dangerous to give a medicine stronger then the disease and constitution of the Patient require; A gentle fire makes the best distilled waters.
Respect is to be had also to their faults; Wise Physitians will distinguish between a Pimple and a Plague-sore; Those that sin of infirmity, are to be admonished more mildly then they that sin obstinately; who would give as great a blow to kill a Flie as to kill an Ox; Old festered sores must be handled in a rougher manner then green wounds, Phil. 3. 15. Tit. 3. 10. Ordinary Physick will serve for a distemper newly begun, but a chronical disease must have harsher and stronger Purges; Some offend ignorantly, others out of contumacy; Some offend out of weakness, being overborn by a sudden passion; others of premeditated contrived wickedness and perverseness;Iuvenes plerun que severitas admonitionis ad prosectum dirigit; Scues vero ad meliora opera deprecatio blanda companit. Greg. some sins are of a lower nature, of lesser moment and influence upon others; other sins overthrow the foundations of Christianity, and devour the vitals of Religion; Now according to the nature of the disease, and constitution of the Patients, must the prescription be for their cure. Though all sins have one price for their satisfaction, yet not one way for their reprehension; If the Linnen be but a little foul,Qui blando verbo castigatus non corrigitur, acrius ne…esse est arguatur cum dolore s…nt abscindenda, quae leniter sanari non possunt. Isid. l. 3. de somno. c. 46. ordinary rubbing may serve; but if it be died with dirt, it must have the more. Our Saviour called Herod, Fox; the Master of the Synagogue, Hypocrite; the Scribes and Pharises, Vipers. St. Stephen calls the Iews, Traytours and Murtherers; cutting reproofs are for notorious offenders; a weak dose will but stir up, not purge away their noxious humours.
5. Reprove compassionately; Soft words, and hard arguments do well together.Plus proficit amica correctio quam accusatio turbulenta; ill… pudorem incutit, haec indignationem movet Amb. in Lucam. Passion will heat the sinners blood, but compassion heal his conscience; our reprehension may be sharp, but our spirits must be meek; The Probe that searcheth the wound, will put the Patient to less pain, and do the more good, if covered with soft lint. Those who oppose themselves, are to be instructed in meekness, 2 Tim. 2. 25. There is a rigid austerity, which is apt to creep into, and corrupt our reproofs; Mollifying Oyntments are oft instrumental to abate great swellings; The Iron of Napthalies shooes were dipt in Oyl. Reproof should be as Oyls or Ointments, gently rub'd in by the warm fire of love. The Chirurgion that setteth the bone, stroketh the part; If love do not play its part in this Scene, we do but act a Tragedy. The more thou canst perswade him of thy affection, the better will he take thy reprehension; The sweetest kisses of an enemy are rejected with disdain, but even the wounds of a friend are received with applause, Prov. 27. 6. Such as in reproving shew their anger more then their love, rather exasperate then heal; Of all seasons the Chirurgion had need to be sober, and farthest from being drunk with passion, when he is to cut off a gangren'd member. The Reprover should have a Lions stout heart, or he will not be faithful, and a Ladies soft hand, or he is not like to be successeful; Holy Paul, speaking of his coming to reprove some delinquents amongst the Corinthians, tells them, And lest when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many who have sinned, 2 Cor. 6. ult. He that would gather fruit, must pluck the Bough gently towards him; if too hard, he may break it; A Reprover is like one that is taking a mote out of his brothers eye; now this must be done very tenderly. For this purpose it would be convenient (where it may be) that reproofs be given privately. We administer Physick to persons in their Chamber; He that proclaims anothers crimes up and down the Country, wrongs his own soul, in walking contrary to the command (first tell him his fault between him and thee, Mat. 18. 15, 16.) and he wrongs his Neighbour in hardning him hereby in his sin; for this man thinks the sinner designeth to reproach, not to reform; therefore he throweth the reproof with indignation back in his face. Socrates at a Banquet,…i…g. Laert. in vit. Socrat. falling out with one of his friends, twitted him with his faults, How much better had this been done in private? Quicquid lacerato animo dixeris, …unientis est impetus, non charitas corrigentis; diligo, & dic qui…quid vales. Aug. de fin. Vbi peccatum moritur, ibi moria…ur.said Plato; And had you not done better to have told me so privately? said Socrates. Qui peccant coram omnibus, coram omnibus corripiendi sunt, ut omnes timeant. Qui secreto pecavit in te, secreto corripe; Nam si solu… nosti, & eum vis coram aliis arguere, non es corrector, sed Proditor, Aug. de verb domini. If thy brother offend thee, saith Christ, tell him of it between thee and him, Mat. 5. Others crimes are not to be cried at a Market;Vbi malum oritur, ibi moriatur. Private reproof is the best grave to bury private faults in; The Plaister should not be larger then the sore; Our Saviour did not tell the woman of Samaria of her wickedness whilst the Disciples were with him, but when he had sent them away, Ioh. 4.
For this end it is also fit that reproof be given,Secrete admone amicos, palam lauda. Sen. de Benif. 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 vertues, as well as their vices. They are of a dunghil brood, that fasten onelyonly upon galled backs, and ulcerous sores, and take no notice of the sound flesh; Wise Commanders, when their Souldiers are making a dishonourable Retreat, do not presently upbraid them with cowardise, but often by mentioning their former heroick 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 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 Sectmakers 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 Chirurgion, when he can cure a wound in the face, and leave no scar behind; Indeed, some wounds are so great that this cannot be done, yet a good Chirurgion will always endeavour it, and leave as little a scar as possibly he can. Pliny tells us of one Martia, who had the Child in the womb kill'd by lightning, and yet she her self was unhurt. Its excellent when a Boanerges can so cast forth lightning, as to kill sin in his conscience, and not hurt the sinner in his repute. To avoid this, it was ordained among the Lacedemonians, that every transgressour should be his own corrector; for his punishment was to compass the Altar, finging an invective made against himself. Its a singular credit to the Christian, if he can open, and so heal mens sores, as not to leave any brand upon their persons: We read that God appointed Snuff-dishes, as well as Snuffers, for the Lamps of the Tabernacle, and both to be of pure gold, Exod. 37. 23. The Snuffers noted, that those who check any fault in others, should be free themselves; The Snuffdishes noted, that those crimes which we reprove, we should forgive and remit. The R…bbies say, that those Snuff dishes were filled with Sand, to bury the Snuffs in; He who snuffs a Candle, and throws the snuff about the Room, gives offence to more by the ill savour he makes, then content by his care and diligence.
There is hardly any work of Christianity, which requires more wisdom then this of Admonition. The temper and quality of the persons, the nature and difference of the crimes, the manner and way of delivering the reproof, the fittest season for it ought all to be seriously and diligently considered. The rebuke of sin is aptly resembled to the fishing for Whales; the mark is big enough, one can hardly miss hitting; but if there be not Sea-room enough, and line enough, and a dexterity in letting out that line, he that fixeth his harping-iron in the Whale, endangers both Himself and his Boat. Reproof strikes an Iron (as it were) into the conscience of the Offendour, which makes him struggle and strive to draw the Reprover into the Sea, to bring him into disgrace and contempt; but if the line be prudently handled, and not pull'd too strait nor too q…ick, the sinner may be dr…wn to the Reprover and saved.
I confess this duty of reproving, is an hard and unpleasing task,Molestus est medicus surenti phrenet…co, & pater indis…iplinato filio; ille in l…gando, iste caedendo, sed ambo diligendo. Si autem istos negligant & perire permittant, ista potius falsa mansuetudo crudelis est. Aug. ad Bonif. because truth ordinarily begets hatred, but its far better that men should hate thee for the discharge of thy duty, then that God should hate thee for the neglect of it; Its much easier to endure their rage for a short time, then the Lords wrath for ever. If the perfons reproved, have any true love to themselves, they will love thee; and truly that mans love is little worth, who hath none for his own soul. Therefore Reader, obey Gods precept, and leave the event to his providence; Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, Ephes. 5. 11. If thou canst advantage and gain their souls, they will give thee thanks;Remedia statim moruent vel offendunt, postea conferunt salutem vel voluptatem; Ita salubria monita …nitio sunt non nihil amara postea correcto jucundissima. Plut. in Moral. if not, thy God will; and surely his thanks are not to be esteemed at a low rate. It hath many times been experienced, that faithful reprehensions have procured (though present ill-will, yet) respect afterwards. Dean Colet, for delivering his conscience, by way of reproof, before Henry the eighth, at the siege of Tourney, was questioned by the Privy Counsellors, but within a short time he got a large interest in the Kings heart, by the discharge of his duty.Prov. 9. 8. He that rebuketh a man, shall afterwards find more favour then he that flattereth with his tongue, Prov. 28. 23.Nihil probat spiritualem virum, sicut peccati alieni tractatio; quum liberationem eju… potius quam insultationem, potius auxilia quam convitia meditatur, & quantum… facultas tribuitur suscipit. Aug. sup. Epist. ad Gal. The sick patient, who at present wrangleth with his Physitian for his bitter potions, doth afterwards (when he findeth the happy effect of it in his heal…h and recovery) both thank and reward him. Though thou meetest with an ungrateful return in his passion, yet thou mayst when that cloud is dispersed, expect a more serene and pleasing requital; However the best way to lose a friend (if thou canst not keep him and a good conscience too) is by seeking by thy love and faithfulness to save him.
Sixthly, Mourn for those sins which thou canst not amend; Those sins which thou canst not beat down with a stream of truth, do thou overcome with a flood of tears; When others kindled a fire of lust, David drew water and poured it out before the Lord; Rivers of tears run down mine eys, because the wicked forsake thy law, Psa. 119. 135. Mark the intension of Davids passion, upon the disobedience of wicked persons; Sighs are an ordinary sign of grief, but tears a far greater; What sorrow was then in Davids heart, when not onelyonly tears, but rivers of tears, ran down his eyes? S…rely the Fountain of sorrow was very full and deep, when the streams did run so fast and freely. Others guilt calleth aloud to thee for grief. Do they wound their souls by sin? do thou wound thy own soul with sorrow? Alas! how is it possible thou canst be amongst them that dishonour the blessed God, grieve his holy Spirit, and break his righteous Commands, and not have thine heart broken? Lot vexed his righteous soul with the unclean conversation of the Sodomites, 2 Pet. 2. 8. Unless thou hast lost thy spiritual sent, thou canst not endure the stench of their filthy unsavoury breath, without much perplexity and trouble. I remembred the transgressors, and was greived, because they kept not thy Law, Psa. 119. 158. He that hath any part of the new man in himself, must needs be offended at the old man in others. Its presumed he is of a dishonest mind, who is not offended at the cheats and thefts of others; Every creature is disturbed at that which is contrary to its own nature. If grace be the object of my joy and delight, sin must needs be the object of my grief and sorrow; My soul shall weep in secret for your pride, saith Ieremiah, Jer. 13. 17.
Reader, If thou lovest thy God with all thine heart, thou cast not but mourn that others should hate him, and walk contrary to him. We grieve as truly for wrongs done to those whom we sincerely affect, as for injuries done to our selves. When one of Darius his Eunuches, saw Alexander the G…eat,Diodor. Sicul. l. 17. setting his foot and trampling upon a Table, that had been highly esteemed by his Master, he fell a weeping; Of which when Alexander asked the reason, he answered, I weep to see that which my Master esteemed at so high a rate, made thy foot-stool. A gracious person cannot hear, or see the Son of God, the Word of God, and the People of God, which his God prizeth at an high rate, vilified, trampled under foot, and slighted by wicked men, but he falls a weeping. My tears have been my meat day and night, while they say unto me continually, Where is thy God? Psa. 42. 3. The dishonour of his God went nearer to his heart was very sad at that season. Because others did eat the bread of violence, and drink the wine of deceit, he did eat his bread with tears, and mingle his drink with weeping. As when they were sick he fasted, so when they sinned he prayed and mourned.
Hasten out of evil company, if thou hast no hopes of doing good. That Company may well be to thee as the torrid Zone, where wickedness sits in the chair, and Religion is made a foot-stool. Though thou mayst pass through such a Climate as thy occasions require, yet its not safe to dwell in so unwholsom an air; Men that are forced to walk by unsavoury carcasses, hold their breath, and hasten away as soon as they can. Its ill being an Inhabitant in any place where God is an Exile. A little before the destruction of Ierusalem, there was a vo…ce heard in the Temple very terrible, Migremus hinc, let us go hence; That were a good Motto for Christians in ill-company; Let us go hence; Let such men know, as Manlius Torquatus told the Romans, that as they cannot bear thy strictness, so thou canst not endure their looseness sake heed of staying in any place needlesly, out of which thy God is gone before thee; Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge, Prov. 14. 7. Running away, was the means Ioseph used against the wicked allurements of his Mistriss. Its not cowardise, but true courage, to turn the back upon sin and sinners. It doth often reflect upon our credits to be amongst wicked men (AEschinus in the Comaedian, blusht when he saw his Father knock at the door of an infamous woman) but it will reflect upon our consciences to continue amongst them when our business with them is done.Terenc. Adel.
The Apostle Peter with many words did exhort and testifie saying, save your selves from this untoward generation, Act. 2. 40. It appears to be a business of no small concernment and weight, that the Apostle should use so many words about it. Wise men will not spend their time or breath in vain; they do not send more messengers about any work then the consequence and worth of it requireth; Besides, as Beza observeth upon the place, he interposeth Gods authority, and chargeth them in his name to save or guard themselves from such ill Companions. What hast thou to do with them that scorn to have any thing to do with God? The King may well frown on those, and deny to converse with them that converse with Traytours in no relation to his service. Rebeccah must leave her Fathers and Brothers House, if she will be joyned to Isaac; Hearken O Daughter, and consider, a…d encline thine ear, forget also thine own people, and thy Fathers House; so shall the King greatly desire thy beauty, Psal. 45. 10, 11.