_ 29 _ sal blessing, from which great profit, service to God and advantage to souls are derived. In your sermons, I advise you never to preach about doubtful topics or difficulties of the Church Doctors, but rather very straight- forward matters as well as moral doctrine. Denounce vices in this fashion: for instance, by lamenting the offence committed against God, the eternal damnation of sinners, the pains of hell and violent death, which catches men totally unprepared. Then, touch on one or several aspects of the Passion in the manner of a conversation between a sinner and God or allude to the wrath of God against sinners. Urge those of your listeners who are moved, as much as possible to contrition, sorrow and tears, persuading them to confess and receive the Blessed Sacrament. In this way your sermons will bear fruit. Be well advised, especially in sermons, not to censure any person or persons who have authority in the land. Let your reprimands be in the privacy of their homes or in confession, because these men are very dangerous. Instead of mending their ways, they become worse when they are admonished in public. Deliver these reproofs when you have become friends with them. If you are great friends, you will take them to task a lot, but if you are not, you will be sparing in your blame.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTg0NzAy