and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven
thee."

Thirdly, as for fraternal censure and reproof of faults (when it is
just and expedient to use it), ordinarily the calmest and mildest
way is the most proper, and most likely to obtain good success; it
commonly doth in a more kindly manner convey the sense thereof into
the heart, and therein more powerfully worketh remorse, than the
fierce and harsh way. Clearly to show a man his fault, with the
reason proving it such, so that he becometh thoroughly convinced of
it, is sufficient to breed in him regret, and to shame him before
his own mind: to do more (in way of aggravation, of insulting on
him, of inveighing against him), as it doth often not well consist
with humanity, so it is seldom consonant to discretion, if we do, as
we ought, seek his health and amendment. Humanity requireth that
when we undertake to reform our neighbour, we should take care not
to deform him (not to discourage or displease him more than is
necessary); when we would correct his manners, that we should also
consider his modesty, and consult his reputation; "curam agentes,"
as Seneca speaketh, "non tantum salutis, sed et honestae cicatricis"
(having care not only to heal the wound, but to leave a comely scar
behind). "Be," adviseth St. Austin, "so displeased with iniquity,
as to consider and consult humanity;" for, "Zeal void of humanity is
not," saith St. Chrysostom, "zeal, but rather animosity; and reproof
not mixed with good-will appeareth a kind of malignity." We should
so rebuke those who, by frailty or folly incident to mankind, have
fallen into misdemeanours, that they may perceive we do sincerely
pity their ill case, and tender their good; that we mean not to
upbraid their weakness or insult upon their misfortune; that we
delight not to inflict on them more grief than is plainly needful