[2.] If the reproof be false in matter of fact, wherein that is charged on us, and reproved in us, whereof we are no ways guilty, three things are to be considered, that it may not be unuseful unto us : —
1st. The circumstances of the reprover; as, first, Whether he do proceed on some probable mistake; or, secondly, Credidity and easi- ness in taking up reports; or, thirdly. On evU, groundless surmises
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of his own; or, fourthly, From a real godly jealousy, which hath been imposed on, as easily it will be, by some appearances of truth. Without a due consideration of these things, we shall never know how to carry it aright, towards tliem by whom we are reproved for that whereof we are not guilty.
2.dly. Consider aright the difference between a reproof and a reproach; for they may be both false alike, and that whereof we are reproved have no more truth in it than that where^\'ith we are reproached. Yea, we may be honestly reproved for that which is false, and wickedly reproached with that which is true. So Augustine calls the language of the maid unto her mother about drinking wine, " durum convicium," though the matter of it were true enough. But a reproach is the acting of a mind designing of, and rejoicing in, evil. Unto a reproof it is essential that it spring from love. " Whom I love I rebuke," is the absolute rule of these things. Let a man re- buke another, though for that which indeed is false, if it be in love, it is a reproof; but let him rebuke another, though for that which is true, if it be from a mind delighting in evil, it is a reproach; and if it be false, it is, moreover, a calwinny.
odly. Where a man, in such cases, is fully justified by the testimony of his own conscience, bearing witness unto his integrity and inno- cency ; yet may he gi'eatly miscarry under the occasion, if he attend not diligently unto his own spirit ; which most men judge to be set at the utmost liberty under such injurious provocations, as they esteem them. Wherefore, to keep our minds tinto sedate, Christian mode- ration in such cases, and that we may not lose the advantage of what is befallen us, we ought immediately to apply them unto such other duties as the present occasion doth require ; as, —
First. To search oior own hearts and luays, whether we have not indeed upon us the guilt of some greater evils than that which is falsely charged on us, or for which we are reproved on mistake. And if it appear so, upon examination, we shall quickly see what little reason we have to tumultuate, and rise up with indignation against the charge we suffer under. And may we not thence see much of the wisdom and goodness of God, Avho suffereth us to be exercised with what we can bear off with the impenetrable sliield of a good conscience, whilst he graciously hides and covers tliose greater evils of our hearts, Avith respect whereunto we cannot but condemn ourselves ?
Secondly. To consider that it is not of ourselves that ive are not guilty of the evil suspected and charged. No man of sobriety can, on any mistake, reprove us for any thing, be it ne\er so false, but that it is merely of sovereign grace that we have not indeed cou- tracted the guilt of it; and humble thankfulness unto God on this
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occasion, for his real preserving grace, will abate the edge and take off the fierceness of onr indignation against men for their supposed injurious dealings with us.
Thirdly. Such reproofs, if there he not open malice and conti- nued tuickedness manifest in them, are to he looked on as gracious providential warnings, to take heed lest at any time we should he truly overtaken with that which at present we are falsely charged withal. We little know the dangers that continually attend us, the temp- tations wherewith we may be surprised at unawares, nor how near on their account we may be unto any sin or evil which we judge our- selves most remote from, and least obnoxious unto. Neither, on the other hand, can we readily understand the ways and means whereby the holy, wise God issueth forth those hidden provisions of preventing grace which are continually administered for our preservation ; and no wise man, who understands any thing of the deceitfulness of his own heart, with the numberless numbers of invisible occasions of sin wherewith he is encompassed continually, but will readily embrace such reproofs, as providential warnings unto watchfulness in those things whereof before he was not aware.
Fourthly. When the mind, by these considerations, is rendered sedate, and weighed unto Christian moderation, then ought a man, in such cases, patiently and peaceahly to undertake the defence of his innocency, and his own vindication. And herein, also, there is need of much wisdom and circumspection; it being a matter of no small difficulty for a man duly to manage self and innocency, both which are apt to influence us unto some more than ordinary vehe- mency of spirit. But the directions which might, and indeed ought to be given under all these particular heads, could by no means be confined imto the limits fixed to this discourse.