[2.] Taking a reproof is commended : Eccles. vii. 5, ' It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.' It saddens the heart for the present, yet it is more wholesome and beneficial than vain mirth, that puts us off from seriousness in soul- dangers, and feedeth our lusts and corruptions. So Prov. xiii. 18, ' Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction, but he that regardetli reproof shall be honoured.' A headstrong wicked man bringeth himself to beggary and shame, but he that taketh counsel betimes soon wipeth off the stain of his miscarriages. So see two j^roverbs together : Prov. xv. 31, 32, ' The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise : he that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul ; but he that hearetli reproof getteth understanding.'
118 SERMONS UPON LEVITICUS XIX. 17.
The one is a slight careless person, that despiseth God and his salva- tion ; but the other giveth a token of a wise and tractable disposition. So Prov. xvii. 10, ' A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.' Correption doth more good than correc- tion. Now when God dotli argue and jiersuade, and not only interpose his authority, surely this is a duty of importance, which we should make conscience of.
5. If God hath given directions about it, it is unquestionably a duty belonging to us ; for directions suppose the duty, and show tliat God would not have it miscarry in our hands. As when God directeth to pray, he supposeth prayer ; when God directeth to hear, he supposcth hearing ; so when he directeth to reprove, he supposeth reproof to be a duty. Now the word of God doth everywhere abound with these directions : as with what lenity and meekness we should reprove : 2 Cor. ii. 4, ' For out of much afHiction and anguish of heart I wrote unto j'ou with many tears ; not that you should be grieved, but that you may know the love which I have more abundantly unto you; ' Gal. vi. 1, * Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.' What difference we should make of faults. Gnats and camels : Mat. xxiii. 24, ' Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.' Of persons : Jude 22, 23, ' And of some have compassion, making a difference ; others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire.'
6. The duty is necessary to prevent a sin, such as detraction, cen- sure, and backbiting. It is the usual fashion of the world to change a duty into a sin ; it should be the care of God's people to change a sin into a duty : Eph. v. 4, ' Not foolish talking or jesting, which are not convenient, but rather giving of thanks.' So do not speak of them that sin, but to them ; do not judge, but reprove.
7. That without which no society can be maintained, no relation faithfully improved, certainly is an unquestionable duty ; but so is reproof. No society can be maintained, for faults will arise, the injured will vent themselves in passion or reproof ; now which conduceth to the welfare of human society ? And for relations, how can I be faithful to God in them unless I take advantage of this nearness and frequency of converse for spiritual use ? Even good men will miscarry : if we be privy to it, must we hold our peace ? Well, then, observe the reason- ableness of God's ordinance.
III. Wiiat is reproof ? It is an act of charity or mercy, by which we seek by fit discourse to draw our brother from sin to his duty.
1. It is an act of charity and mercy, not of pride and vaingloiy : James iii. 1, * My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that wo shall receive the greater condemnation.' No ; it is not an act of mastery or rash judging, but of mercy towards our brother in his spiritual misery, as he hath rendered himself obnoxious to God's wrath.
2. The means it useth is fit discourse, not correction and chasten- ing, but correption or rebuke. It must be dispensed in most wholesome ways, such as may be most fit to gain a sinner and heal his soul. To some we must use more tenderness, but more sharpness to others. In general, we reprove from God's word: Col. iii. 16, 'Let the word of
SERMONS UPON LEVITICUS XIX. 17. 119
Christ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another ; ' that the offender may see God reproving him rather than man ; as Christ reproved the pharisees with mere words of scripture : Mat. xv. 7-9, ' Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouths, and honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me : but in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.' The reproof must be insinuated as the matter requireth, either by exhortation, admonition, or caution.