48-i now WE MAY LEARX
being a matter of universal acknowledgment. I shall only say, tliat whereas there is, on many accounts, an immediate impress of divine authority on parental reproofs, that which children ought to consider and know for themselves is, that a continuance in the neglect or contempt of them is a token that seldom fails of approaching tem- poral and eternal destruction, Prov. xxx. 17.
[3.] Authoritative reproof is desiMtical; namely, that of gover- nors, rulers, and masters of families. This also partakes of the nature of those foregoing, and being a duty founded in the law of nature, as well as enforced by positive divine commands, casts a peculiar obli- gation to obedience on them that are so reproved. And where ser- vants regard not sober and Christian reproofs, as the ordinance of God for their good, they lose the advantages of their condition, and may be looked upon as unsanctified sufferers in a state of bondage ; which hath an especial character of the first curse upon it.
(2.) Reproof is fraternal, or such as is mutual between the mem- bers of the same church, by virtue of that especial relation wherein they stand, and the obligation thence arising unto mutual watchful- ness over each other, with admonitions, exhortations, and reproofs. As this is peculiarly appointed by our Saviour, Matt, xviii. 1 5, in con- firmation of the ordinance in the church of the Jews to that purpose. Lev. xix. 1 7, and confirmed by many precepts and directions in the New Testament, Rom. xv. 14; 1 Thess. v. 14; Heb. iii. 12, 13, xii. 15, 16; so the neglect of it is that which hath lost us not only the benefit, but also the very nature of church-societies. Wherefore, our improvement of rebukes in this kind, depends much on a due consideration of that duty and love from whence they do proceed: for this we are, by the royal law of charity, obliged unto the belief of, where there is not open evidence imto the contrary. And whereas, it may be, those things for which we may be thus reproved are not of the greatest importance in themselves, who that is wise will, by the neglect of the reproof itself, contract the open guilt of contemning the wisdom, love, and care of Christ in the institution of this ordinance?
(3.) Lastly, Reproofs are friendly or occasional, such as may be administered and managed by any persons, as reasons and opportu- nities require, from the common princijile of universal love unto man- kind, especially towards them that are of the household of faith. These also, having in them the entire nature of reproofs, will fall un- der all the ensuing directions, which have a general respect thereunto.
If, then, we would duly make use of, and improve unto our ad- vantage, the rejjroofs that may be given us, we are seriously to con- sider the natiu'e of them, with respect unto those by whom they are managed; for ail the things we have mentioned are suited to in- fluence our minds unto a regard of them, and compliance with them.
TO BEAR REPROOFS. 485
3. The matter of a reproof is duly to be weighed by him who designs any benefit thereby. And the first consideration of it is, whether it be true or false. I shall not carry them unto a more minute distribution of the substance and circumstances of the matter intended, of the whole or part of it ; but do suppose, that, from some principal consideration of it, eveiy reproof, as to its matter, may be denominated and esteemed true or false. And here our own con- sciences, with due application unto the rule, are the proper judge and umpire. Conscience, if any Avay enlightened from the word, will give an impartial sentence concerning the guilt or innocence of the person, with respect unto the matter of a reproof. And there can be no more infallible evidence of a miscarriage in such a condition, than when pride, or passion, or prejudice, or any corrupt affection, can either out- brave or stifle that compliance with a just reproof which conscience will assuredly tender, Rom. ii. 14, 15.
(1.) If a reproof, as to the matter of it, be false or unjust, and so judged in an unbiassed conscience, it may be considered in matter of right and oi fact. In the first case, the matter may be true, and yet the reproof formally false and evil ; in the latter, the matter may be false, and yet the reproof an acceptable duty.
[1.] A reproof is false in matter of right, or formally, when we are reproved for that as evil which is indeed our duty to per- form. So David was fiercely reproved by his brother Eliab for com- ing unto the battle against the Philistines, ascribing it to his pride, and the naughtiness of his heart. Whereunto he only replied, " What have I done? Is there not a cause?" 1 Sam. xvii. 28, 29. And Peter rebuked our Lord Jesus Christ himself for declaring the doctrine of the cross, Mark viii. 32. And so we may be reproved for the prin- cipal duties that God requireth of us. And if men were as free in reproving as they are in reproaching, we should not escape from daily rebukes for whatever we do in the worship of God. Now, though such reproofs generally may be looked on as temptations, and so to be immediately rejected, as they were in the cases instanced in; yet may they sometimes, where they proceed from love, and are managed with moderation, be considered as necessary cautions to look heedfully unto the gTounds and reasons we proceed upon in the duties opposed, at which others do take offence.