Hence David weeps over sinners with Rivers of Tears, because they kept not Gods Law. Hence we are commanded to bear the burthens of others, and so fulfill Christs Law. All sin is a burthen, but especially to Gods children, whether they commit it out of a deceived judgment, and conscience, or out of passion, and sudden slight of temptation: Their sins therefore (especially if superiours,) we must cover, and with shame, and sorrow go backward like Shem, and Japheth, as grieving, and unwilling to behold their nakednes.
Obj. But we are commanded not to suffer sin upon our Brethren, but reprove them?
I answer, then is the tongue a fit instrument to reprove others, when it is tuned by a grieved heart, that considers, and ponders it self, as subject to temptation, and sin, as others, except mercy make the difference, and deliver from temptation.
4thly.
Impartiall reproving a character of Gods people.
Fourthly, it is a good evidence of spirituall health, respecting others, when we endure not sin to lie upon them, or rather them to lie in the pit of sin, but endeavour to help them out by wise, and loving, and seasonable reproof, and exhortation.
Hence Job endures not sin in the wife of his Bozome, but chargeth her with folly for her impatient, & impious counsell: Hence David smites deeply his dearest Michol, when she mocks at his holy zeal for the Lord, and his worship.
Hence Christ Jesus sharply reproves his faithfull servant and Apostle Peter, and that only for (seeming) loving, and affectionate councell: Get thee behind me Satan.
Bold reprovers for sin.
Again, as true love, and zeal for God, (when strong) spares not the dearest: so neither doth it balk, or shun the highest. Thus deal Gods Prophets, even with Kings, and Princes: Thus Samuel spares not Saul, nor Nathan David, Eliab Ahab, nor John Baptist Herod and his Queen, even for those most neer, and darling sins, which were most dangerous to touch, and meddle with.