advantageth every work. It is an excellent example that Paul giveth us, Gal. 2.••. He communicated the Gospel to them, yet privately to them of reputation, lest he should run in vain. Some men would take this to be a sinful complying with their Corruption, to yield so far to their pride and bashfulness, as to teach them only in private, because they would be a∣shamed to own the Truth in Publique: But PAVL knew how great a hinderance mens reputation is to their entertain∣ing of the Truth; and that the remedy must not only be fitted to the disease, but also to the strength of the Patient; and that in so doing the Physician is not guilty of favoring the disease, but is praise-worthy for taking the right way to cure; and that learners and young-beginners, must not be dealt with as open professors. Moreover, means will work easily if you take the opportunity; when the Earth is soft, the Plow will enter. Take a man when he is under afflicti∣on, or in the house of mourning, or newly stirred by some moving Sermon, and then set it home, and you may do him good. Christian Faithfulness doth require us, not onely to do good when it falls in our way, but to watch for opportunities of doing good.
2 Be wise also in suiting your Exhortation to the quality and temper of the person. All meats are not for all stomacks: One man will vomit that up again in your face, which another will digest. 1. If it be a learned, or ingenious, rational man, you must deal more by convincing Arguments, and less by passionate perswasi∣ons: 2. If it be one that is both ignorant and stupid, there is need of both: 3. If one that is convinced, but yet is not converted, you must use most those means that rouze up the affections. 4. If they be obstinate and secure, you must reprove them sharply. 5. If they be of timorous, tender natures, and apt to dejections or distracti∣on, they must be tenderly dealt with. All cannot bear that rough dealing as some can. Love, and Plainness, and Seriousness, takes with all: but words of terror some can scarce bear. This is (as we say of stronger Physick, Hellebore, Colloquintida, &c. nec puero, nec seni, nec imbecillo, sed robusto, &c.) not fit for every com∣plexion and state.
3. You must be wise also in using the aptest expressions. Many a Minister doth deliver most excellent necessary matter, in such un∣savory,