"You are to mingle with all these considerations that of the cross, and the death of the Saviour of mankind; but you are to do it in a moving pathetical manner; by those figures which are proper to excite such emotions, as cause in our hearts a deep sorrow for our sins, in the presence of an offended God, even to draw tears from the eyes of your audience. This is the idea which I wish you would propose to yourself, for preaching profitably. "When you reprove vices in the pulpit, never characterise any person, especially the chief officers or magistrates. If they do any thing which you disapprove, and of which you think convenient to admonish them, make them a visit, and speak to them in private, or, when they come of themselves to confession, tell them at the sacred tribunal of penance, what you have to say to them: but never advertise them in public of it; for that sort of people, who are commonly proud and nice of hearing, instead of amendment by public admonitions, become furious, like bulls who are pricked forward by a goad: moreover, before you take upon you to give them private admonition, be careful to enter first into their acquaintance and familiarity. "Make your admonition either more gentle or more strong, according as you have more or less access to them: but always moderate the roughest part of your reproof, with the gaiety of your air, and a smiling countenance; by the civility of well-mannered words, and a sincere protestation that all you do is but an effect of the kindness you have for them. It is good also to add respectful submissions to the pleasingness of your discourse, with tender embraces, and all the marks of that consideration and goodwill you have for the person of him whom you thus correct. For, if a rigid countenance, and harsh language, should accompany reproof, which of itself is hard of digestion, and bitter to the taste, it is not to be doubted but men, accustomed to flatteries, will not endure it; and there is reason to apprehend, that a burst of rage against the censor, will be all the fruit of the reprimand.