Essex Remembrancer Psalm 141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head… : — I. THE CHARACTER OF ONE WHO IS QUALIFIED TO GIVE REPROOF. 1. One whose life is habitually consistent with his profession. 2. One who is influenced by proper motives. (1) Aversion to sin. (2) Love to those whom he reproves. (3) Concern for the happiness and honour of a Christian brother. (4) Love to God and zeal for His glory. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH REPROOF SHOULD BE RECEIVED, AND THE EFFECT IT SHOULD PRODUCE. 1. The manner. (1) It must be esteemed a kindness. (2) We must be willing to part with every sin. (3) We must be truly humble. 2. The effect. (1) It brings to repentance. (2) It raises the reputation. III. THE MANNER IN WHICH WE SHOULD REQUITE THOSE WHO REPROVE US. As sanctified reproof constrains us to pray for ourselves it will dispose us to pray for reprovers. A spirit of prayer is never a selfish spirit; it embraces all mankind, and enables us to offer fervent supplications in behalf of our enemies; much more will it dispose us to pray for those whom we love, and to whom we are indebted for acts of kindness. (Essex Remembrancer.) Parallel Verses KJV: Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. |
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