390 In what things taug we ufe Moderation, Senn. i 6. In our difcourfes with others ; not trifling in weighty matters and fervent in trifles of no moment ; not rafhly to thy Superiors without refpe,not fupercilioufly to thy Inferiors , not contentioufly to thy equals; we alto mull have regard to their temper, if paffionate and an, gry,with foft not grievous words,or if tender and meek.fpirited, with the like (for rhefe two different tempers mull be alike, though for dif- ferent ends dealt with all) if contumacious more fharply, if flexible gently, if teachy or jealous, more tenderiy and cautioufly , if equal with more freedom and liberty ; and fo of all others. Yea,we mull alto obferve their prefent condition, if ditlreffed, or joyful( and comforta. ble,and the like ; and the difpofition they are in, (which for the mot part is futably= thereto,) as fad and dejeeled , or chearfull and plea - fant,beyond their acculiomcd temper,and accordingly moderate our fpeeches, as the wife Man advifeth, Prov. 25. 2o. At no rime furring; Up contention, or fpea king (words and. darts but as the wife whole tongue is health, Prov. t 8 6. & In our judging, eharaEIcriling, and cenfuring of others, we muf} alfn confider for what, of whom, and to whom we do it; not for every . failing and wcaknefsor mifcariage, nor upon flight grounds; not rea- dily taking up a reproach againil our neiglhbour,and rafbly venting ir, Prov. Io. I2. nor jealoufly framing one and according thereto paf- fing verdici; for though there be a charitable and godly jealoufie we may exercife towards thofe we have fpecial interefi in, or charge over, fuch as St Pauli towards his Corinthians (2 Cor:I I.2.) and ?ob his children (I.5.) in reference to our admonifhing or other dealings with them, yet not to our judging and cenfuring them to others. And when the carriages of others are fuch as no due candor can excufe, we mull rather interpret them better, than aggravate them as worfe , ac- cording to the favour of charity to the offendor, though in no wife to the offence. Nor this without neceflity , nor to every one blazon- ing others, nor of all alike without refpe& to quality, age,temptations. and the like,of which and all other circumilances , confideration mutt be had, and due allowance made: In our rebuking and reproving of others, we mull likewife fee, that it be a matter fo deferving, and confider the perfons we fo deal with. (In counfel and admonition though prudence be required, yet in them we affume not. fo much to our felves nor apt fo paffionately to mifcarry.) Great need of this in Superiours, Mailers efpecially towards Servants, and Schollers,that they deal with them according to their difpofitions, forbearing (or as the Greek modes ari ) t,hreatning Ephef.6.9. and Prov.
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