2. On those that Err, by reproving and reducing them.
He had not onely compassion over the Ignorant, but also over those who were out of the way; witness his faithful and effectual discharge of that great duty of giving seasonable reproofs, of which his great faithfulness there is abundant mention else-where. And by so much the more did his excellent discharge hereof speak forth his high praise, by how much the more difficult he ever apprehend∣ed it aright to apply it. He hath been heard often to say, That it was far more difficult to him to give, than to take a Reproof, considering how great Wisdom, Courage, Compas∣sion, Self-denyal, &c. is required in order to its right dis∣charge. And though he was so rarely Passive, and often Active in this Work, yet the frequency of his giving a Reproof, ne∣ver made it so easie as to be less difficut than to receive it. Lut ever his Work was to him, not only an Act of the great∣est Self-denyal, but also the result of a strong conflict within, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Indignation at the Sin, and Compassion on the Sinner. And yet the consideration of the difficulty was not to him an Argument to forbear, but rather a stronger Motive to undertake it; who ever delighted to converse in, and con∣quer the difficulties of Christianity, both in doing and suffer∣ing. Small difficulties here were not his match, and there were no noble Atchievements in Religion, to which he at∣tained not, or vigorously aspired.