Commentary on the Minor Prophets, Treatise · Chapter 4

Commentary on the Minor Prophets · Treatise · Chapter 4

p. 812CHAP. IIII. The Text expounded, and the duty of Chriſtian conference propounded.

Then they, that feared the Lord, ſpake often one to another. &c.

THey ſpake,foreign Sermonis frequentationem ſignificat in hac conjugat. and they ſpake often: for that is the import of the Originall word here uſed: and that's the ſumm of the ſervice here performed. The circumſtances whereof (ſo far as they lye in our way at leaſt) being already diſpatcht, we now paſſe on to the ſubſtance in theſe words, They ſpake often one to another. Happy ſoules that thus improv'd their holy meetings in laying out themſelves to the beſt advantage one of another in that generall Apoſtaſy. Gods holy fear had ſo taken up their good hearts that they could never depart from him, no not in a common defectionaaJer. 32.40Jer 32:40. Though all men forſake thee, Lord, yet Il'e ſtick to theebbMat. 26.33 Meliùs ſemper animatus quam armatus. Cart.Matt 26:33. So Peter promiſed (being better alwayes affectioned then appointed, as one well ſaith of him:) but ſo ſuch only have performed, as with theſe in the text, having their hearts fraught with Gods fear, and ſolicitouſly thinking upon his name, tooke all good occaſions of uttering their holy thoughts among themſelves (at leaſt) not without the ineſtimable benefit and edification one of another. That which we may hence obſerve is thus much.

That Chriſtians (in bad times eſpecially) ſhould, Doct by godly conference and otherwiſe as they can, carefully imploy, and wiſely improve all their beſt abilities and intereſts one in another for mutuall confirmation and encouragement.

SECT. I. Chriſtian conſerence and mutuall confirmation confirmed by Scripture.

THus the good people here: they gat together, and ſpake together: in oppoſition doubtleſſe to thoſe wicked above, that multiplyed to ſpeak miſchief ver. 13. ſeeking to turn Gods glory into ſhame, and not knowing that God hath ſet up, yea and ſet apart him that is godly for himſelf ccPſal. 4.2, 3.Ps 4:2Ps 4:3: the Lord will hear him when he calles ccPſal. 4.2, 3.Ps 4:2Ps 4:3, nay, he will harken and hear and a …ooke of remembrance was written p. 813before him &c. as theſe ancient Chriſtians ave…r'd by way of reply to theſe wicked blaſphemers, as ſome will have it.Tre…ellius Polanus alij. Th…s they here combin'd together for muall ſtrengthening: and thus, before them, Abraham and Melchiſedech ddGen 14 19.Gen 14:19, Moſes and Aaron eeExod. 4.14, 15, 16Exod 4:14Exod 4:15Exod 4:16, Jethro and Moſes ffExod. 18.19Exod 18:19, Samuel and David gg1 Sa. 19 181 Sam 19:18, David and Ionathan hh1 Sa 32.16Eliah and Eliſha ii2 King 2 112 Kgs 2:11; they were going on and talking, when the charet of heaven came to divide them. Surely had not that conference been needfull and divine (ſaith a right Reverend Writer of our Church) it had given way to meditaion; and Eliah had been taken up rather praying then talking. But he knew beſt what was fitteſt to be done, and happy is that ſervant whom his maſter when he cometh ſhall finde ſo doingkkMatt. 24.46Matt 24:46. And thus the maſter himſelf (in whoſe one example is a globe of proofes, a cloud of witneſſes llHeb. 12.1Heb 12:1) He therefore (as himſelf was confirm'd by Moſes and Elias, who appeared unto him in the mount, and talked with him of his deceaſemmLuc 9.31 foreign.Luke 9:31, ſo) what paines tooke he with his diſciples for their ſtrengthening and ſettling? But eſpecially with Peter; forewarning him, firſt, of his ſuture fallnnMar. 26.34. praemonitus praemunnitus., calling him afterwards out of it by the cock, but more by hi… lookeooLuc. 2….61Luke 2:61: confirming him, after it, partly by his meſſage to him by Mary Magdalen, Go faith faild not qqLuc 22.32Luke 22:32: and partly by his threefold charge to him, feed my ſheep, feed my lambs rrIoh. 21.15John 21:15, (ſo aſſuring him that his ſin was pardoned by his miniſtry reſtored:) And, when thou art converted ſtreng then thy brethren ſſLuc. 22.32 Nemo enim ex Apoſlolis graviorem ſententiam contra Apoſtatas ſert. 2 Pet. 2. & tota illa epyſt…la ſer…pta est confirmandis fratribus Par.Luke 22:322 Pet 2: which accordingly he performed to purpoſe, even to his dying day. Hear him elſe, I will not be negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance. Nay, that's not enough: Yea I think it meet ſo long as I am in this t…bernacle to rouze you up tt2 Pet. 1.12, 13 foreign.2 Pet 1:122 Pet 1:13(ſo the Greck word ſign…fieth) by putting you in remembrance of theſe things, though ye know them and be eſtabliſhed in the preſent truth. For (as good as they were) they might nod ſometimes with the wiſe vi…ginsuuMat. 25.5 foreign. Quandoque b… nus dermitat.Matt 25:5: and ſo have need of rowzing: as Peter himſelf had at Antioch; where he was juſtly taken up for halting by St. Paul xxGal. 2.10Gal 2:10: and as Paul himſelf might need to be ſerved by Peter, or a far meaner man: for I long to ſee you, (ſaith he to his Romans) that I may impart unto you ſ…me ſpirituall gift, to the end ye may be eſtablſhed. That is, that I may be comſorted together with you by the mutuall faith bo…h of you and me yyRo. 1.11, 12 foreign. Nazianz.Rom 1:11Rom 1:12. So that, there is, we ſee, no depth of knowledge, height of holineſſe, degree of grace, or meaſure of z…ale, but may be bleſſedly increaſed, and inla…ged by conference with other chriſtians. And that ſhall be one Reaſon of the point (in its proper place) if we ſhall firſt (by your patience) begin from him who is the beginning and end of all our endeavours in this worke of his. Whether then we looke to God or men, our ſelves or others, the good or the bad, we ſhall ſe ſufficient reaſon to confirme the po…nt, and to enſorce the duty.

SECT. II. Reaſons of the Point. 1. from God, commanding, rewarding. 2 from men, and 1. our ſelves ſhall be hereby ſealed, ſe…ured. 2. others. 1. Good men. Who ſhall be 1. curbed from ſin, 2. quickened to duty. 2. Bad men. Who ſhall be 1. conſuted. 2. defeated.

FOr God, firſt, he both requires it, and requites it: bids it be done, and then bleſſeth it in the deed.

Firſt, I ſay, he commands it; aad therefore we ſhould do it. Reaſ 1 This is a poiverfull kinde of reaſoning uſed by the great doctour of the Gentil…s: In every thing give thanks: And why? for this is the will of God in Chriſt Ieſus zz1 Theſ 5.181 Thess 5:18that ye be thankfull: and ſo 'tis alſo that ye be, this way, uſefull and profitable one to an… ther. Not pleaſing your ſelves, but every one pleaſing his neighbour for his good to edification aaRom. 15.112 foreign.Rom 15:112: not forſaking the aſſemblyes of the ſaints as the m…nner of ſome is, (which alſo is the high rode-way to finall impenitency, to utter Apoſtacy, nay to the unpardonable ſinbbHeb. 10.23, 24, 25 foreign.Heb 10:23Heb 10:24Heb 10:25) but exhorting one another dayly, yea conſidering, and ſtudying one another, to where on to love and good works. Not making our ſelves our p. 814owne mark onlyccPhilip. 2.4 foreign.Phil 2:4, but looking and ayming at, every man, the things of another, as being his brothers keeper. Not living to our ſelves, or being all for our ſelves**Man is Natures good fellow foreign. Ariſt.(as wild beaſts who delight to lu…k alone in their dens; or as ſwine, ſtyed up till ready for the knife) but as every man hath received the gift, ſo miniſtring the ſame one to another, as good ſtewards of the manifold grace of God dd1 Pet. 4.101 Pet 4:10. No man is either born or born again for himſelf. The manifeſtation of the ſpirit is given to every man to profit withall ee1 Cor. 12 71 Cor 12:7. What ſhould I heap up more teſtimonies in a truth ſo clear? God, you ſee, hath plainly and plentifully reveal'd his will, that ſoveraigne Rule, and moſt ſufficient Reaſon that ſwayes moſt with a Chriſtian. So Paul preſſeth it, and ſo David held it (every where in his pſalmes) and hath therefore this teſtimony that he fulfill'd all (not the will only, but the) wills of God ffAct. 13.22 foreign:Acts 13:22though never ſo danger-full or difficult. The Rechabites were rigid obſervers of their fathers command;ggIer. 35 2, 3 &c.Jer 35:2Jer 35:3, and were well rewarded for it. And ſhall not we much more of this command of God? eſpecially, ſith n doing thereof is ſo great reward hhPſal 19.11Ps 19:11: which is the ſecond branch of this firſt Reaſon from God, who as he commands mutuall confirmation, ſo he rewards it too, and that, many wayes.

For 1. Reaſ 2 Donorum incrementum accipiunt qui conceſſis prioribus fideliter utuntur Malcolm: in Act. 6Acts 6he liſtens and layes his eare to their ſweet words, as loth to loſe any part of that precious language. He harkened and heard, ſaith the text. 2. He bookes them up, and writes them down in his regiſter, as matters of mark. 3. He adds to their ſtock of grace, which they husband ſo well, cauſing it to grow in the uſe, as once the loaves did in Chriſt hands, or the oyle in the widdowes cruſe 4. He ſecretly and ſweetly comforteth their hearts, himſelf making one among them (as our Saviour dealt with thoſe twoiiLuc 24Luke 24 travelling to Emaus) according to his promiſe, where but two or three are gathered together in his name (and fear to do him ſervice, and to help one another toward heaven) there is he in the midſt of them kkMat. 18.20.Matt 18:20: to water and proſper their holy endeavours that way with the dewes of many ſweect and glorious refreſhings: a very foretaſt unto them of that life eternall. Where 5. the reward ſhall be according to their work in this kinde. He that hath wiſed others ſhall ſhine as the brightneſſe of the firmament: and he that hath turn'd many to righteouſneſſe, as the ſta…rs for ever and ever llDan. 12.3.Dan 12:3. He that with his two talents hath (by trading with others gain'd) five, ſhall be made ruler over five cityes. And he that hath gain'd ten, ſhall be ruler over tenmmLuc. 19.16, 17Luke 19:16Luke 19:17. Beſides (6) a free largeſſe of his lords joy to boot: Enter thou, good ſervant, into thy maſte… joy nnMat 25.21Matt 25:21. A joy more fit for the Maſter then for the ſe…vant: and yet behold ſuch a maſter do we ſerve (when we ſerve one another in love ooGal. 5.13Gal 5:13,) as will reward his ſervants with ſuch a joy. And thus ſtands the firſt Reaſon for a ſrequency of chriſtian conference, taken from God, who both indiſpenſably requires it, and abundantly rewards it.

A ſecond followes taken from our ſelves: And ſo we ſhould give all diligence to this duty of mutuall confirmation and encouragements: if but for our own ſakes, who ſhall hereby be 1. ſealed up and ſetled in al… good aſſurance of our gracious eſtate for preſent: 2. ſecured, and well enabled to proceed and profit therein for the future.

Reaſ 3 For the firſt: the text, you ſee, makes it a mark of men truly religious, to be often ſpeaking one to another: for as ſincerity is the life of religion, ſo ſociety is the life of ſincerity. And therefore no ſooner did Ephraim acknowledge their offences, and ſeek Gods face, but in the next chapter, firſt verſe, they call upon each other, Come let us return to the Lord ppHoſ. 5. ult. & 6.1Hos 5&c. And thoſe three thouſand ſoules Act. 2. were no ſooner added to the church, but they (to give proofe thereof) preſently made conſcience aſwell of chriſtian ſociety, as of hearing and praying and breaking of breadqqAct. 2.41 42Acts 2:41: which ſome underſtand, of receiving the Lords ſupper. And the Philippians ſo ſoon as ever they were converted to Chriſt, held a fruitfull fellowſhip in thegoſpel from the firſt day untill now. Which made St. Paul confident of this very thing, that God had both begun a goood worke in them (which was the firſt branch of this ſecond reaſon) and would alſo finiſh it to the day of Chriſt rrPhili. 1.5, 6. Reaſ. 4.: And that's the ſecond.

This ſpeaking often each man to his neighbour, as it comfortably aſſures and ſeals us up for preſent, that we are of thoſe righteous whoſe lips feed many ſſProv. 10.21Prov 10:21(even as p. 815many as they can opportunelyttGal. 6.10Gal 6:10 and orderlyuu1 Cor. 14.401 Cor 14:40 extend themſelves to) to it effectually ſecureth and ſetleth us for the future: and is of excellent uſe and avail for our proceeding, and profiting in the Ch…iſtian courſe. For 1. there is a ſecret tyc to conſtancy in the communion of ſaints: But woe be to him that is alone xxEccleſ. 4.…0Eccl 4. He is not likely long to hold faſt the profeſſion of his faith, without wavering or warping, that doth not conſider himſelf and others, to prov…ke to love and good works yyHeb. 10.23, 24Heb 10:23Heb 10:24. He that forſaketh the aſſembling of our ſelves together (as the Apoſtle ſpeaketh) is not farr from inward or outward Apoſtacyzzib & Heb 3.12, 13Heb 3:12Heb 3:13. Againſt which woefull ev…ll, txhortation is there fitly preſcribed as a precious preſervative. For indeed and thats a ſecond ſettlement) he that hath exhorted another to duty, hath after a ſort ingag'd himſelf to the performance thereof: and laid a new tye upon his own conſcience to perſeverance therein; leſt haply he hear, Phyſitian heal thy ſelf aaLuc. 4 23Luke 4:23, or, Thou that teacheſt another teacheſt thou not thy ſelf? bbRom 2Rom 2Beſides, thirdly, the promiſe of increaſe made to this ſpirituall, no leſſe then to that other corporall almes; that he that ſoweth bountifully ſhall reap bountifully cc2 Cor. 9.62 Cor 9:6. And the liberall man deviſeth liberall things, and by liberall things he ſhall ſtand ddIſa. 32 8Isa 32:8. And to him that hath (namely for uſe and increaſe) ſhall be given, and he ſhall abound eeMat. 25 29Matt 25:29. Whereas, from him that hath not (in manner aforeſaid) ſhall be taken away even that he ſeemed to have, with the ſlothfull ſervant he ſhall ſurely come to poverty, for withholding that which was meet with Solomons ſluggard: when he that ſcatter…th increaſethffProv 11 24Prov 11:24: He ſhall have his arme clean dryed up, and his eyes u…terly darkened with thoſe Idol-ſhepheardsggZach. 11.17Zech 11:17 in Zachary that had eyes, and ſaw not, hands, and handled not, the law, I mean which they ought to have ſeen into, and hanaled hhIer. 2 8 foreignJer 2:8: dividing it aright as St. Paul ſpeakethii2 Tim 2.15 foreign2 Tim 2:15 and as good ſ…ewards of the maniſold grace of God received, diſtributing to every man his juſt meaſure of ſit m…at in due ſeaſonkkLuc. 12 42 foreign Servi (inquit Donatus) quaternos modios frumenti accipiebant in menſem, & id demenſum dicebatur.Luke 12:42. So that it is a high point of ſpi …ituall thirſt to be much in holy conf…rence and calling upon others to duty: which they that do often, are as gardens whoſe ſpices ſlow out llCant 4.16Song 4:16a, liberall houſe keepers, the dores of whoſe lips are a wayes open to the feeding of of manymmPro 10.21Prov 10:21: their path is as the morning light that ſhines more and more to the perfect daynnPro 4.18Prov 4:18, they ſhall never be of tho…e that draw back to perdition: but of them that beleeve to the ſalvation of the ſouleooHeb. 10. ult. Reaſ. 5.Heb 10. And that's a ſecond reaſon drawn from our ſelves.

The third followeth reſpecting others, and Fi…ſt the better ſort ſhall be hereby 1. curb'd, and cal'd back from ſin: 2. quickened and confirm'd in duty. Next, the worſer ſort of people ſhall be hereby partly conſut…d pa…tly defeated.

For the firſt of theſe: This mutuall encouragement in well doing, this chriſtian confere… … and grave adviſe, this turning of a ſinner from the errour of his way, may (if God be ſo pleaſ'd) ſave a ſoule from death, a… hander or cover a multitude of ſins ppIam. 5. ult.Jas 5. Now ſin is an evill ſo miſchievous, ſo murtherous to mankinde, that all ſorts ſhould ſet againſt it, and do th…r utmoſt to club it down where ever they meete with it. As grace (o' tother ſide) is ſo amiable ſo profitable, that every one ſhould ſtrive by word or d…d to propagate and further it whereſoever, and whereinſoever he is able. A maine help to both which is godly conference, and chriſtian exhortation.

And 2. for recovering others out of their revolts, and relapſes, who can tell how far David would have run on in the revenge of a private injury, had he not been timely taken off and diſarm'd by a diſcreet Abigail? Do…h he not ſoone after bleſſe God for her, bleſſe her for her counſell, and her counſell for his reſtraint from that bloody deſigneqq1 Sa. 25.231 Sam 25:23? And another time when he had gr…fl…ly and grievouſly over-ſhot himſelf in the matter of Ʋriah, did not the Prophet Nat…an joynt, and reſtore him againerrGal 6.1 foreign.Gal 6:1 after a long relapſe, by a private admonitionſſ2 Sa. 12.132 Sam 12:13? So forcible are right words,ttJob 6.25Job 6:25 ſaith lob: And a word upon his wheel…s, ſaith Solomon is like apples of Gold with pictures of SilveruuProv. 25 11 foreign upon his circumferences. 1. circumſtances.Prov 25:11. Nathans private diſcourſe (ſo God would have it to ſhew his liberty of working by what ordinances he beſt pleaſeth) was at that time more effectuall with David, then any or all the lectures of the law, or dayly ſervices of the Temple. And the words of Naamans ſervants greater in operation then the words of that great Prophet Eliſha xx2 King. 5 13 In vita.2 Kgs 5:13. Iunius profeſſeth of himſelf that being ſtrongly tempted to Athei…me and prevail'd with, the very firſt thing that helped him out, was the talking with a country-man of his p. 816not far from Florence,B. Ridly was converted by Bertrams book of the Sacrament: and confir…md by conference with Cranmer, & Pet. Martyr Act. an I Mon: of the church. Ib. and his manner of expreſſing himſelf. And, I was an obſtinate papiſt (ſaith Latimer) as any was in England. Inſomuch that when I ſhould be made Batchelour of Divinity, my whole oration went againſt Philip Melancthon and his opinions. Bilney (afterwards Martyr) heard me at that time, and perceived that I was zealous without knowledge: and came to me afterwards into my ſtudy, and deſired me, for Gods ſake to hear his confeſſion. I did ſo, and to ſay the truth, I learn'd more by his confeſſion, then afore in many yeers. So from that time forward, I began to ſmell the word of God, and forſake the ſchoole-doctours, and ſuch like fopperies. I need not repeat here, how thoſe two godly biſhops Ridly and Farrar were both taken off from their evill purpoſes and promiſes, the one of going to maſſe, and the other of receiving the Euchariſt in one kinde only, by the ſweet and ſeaſonable diſſwaſion of bleſſed Bradford, their fellow-priſoner.

Neither is this chriſtian conference more availeable for the curbing of ſome from committing of ſin, then for quickening of others, to the doing of duty. The words of the wiſe are not only like nailes yyEccl. 12.11Eccl 12:11or ſhepheards-pinns (whereby they uſed to faſten their ſheep-folds to the ground) to rectifie and reſtrain from ſin, to hold up the hands that hang down, and the ſeeble knees, leſt that which is lame be turned out of the way zzHeb. 12.13.Heb 12:13: but alſo like goads to prick forward thoſe that are ſlow of heart aaLuc. 24.25.Luke 24:25: like whetſtones, to edge and encager them that be dull of hearing bbHeb. 5.11.Heb 5:11, (for as iron ſhar peneth iron, ſo doth the face of a man his friend ccProv. 27.17.Prov 27:17.) like cordials, to fetch againe thoſe that are fooeble minded dd1 Theſ. 5.14. foreign.1 Thess 5:14: laſtly like bellowes, to blow up that ſparkeee2 Tim. 1.6. foreign.2 Tim 1:6 of the ſpirit in another mans breaſt into a lively flame, that elſe, like a dull-ſeacoale ſire (if it be not now and then blowne or ſtirr'd up, though there be no want of fuell, yet) will of it ſelf at length dye, and go out. We will remember thy loves more then wine, ſaith the ſpouſe, therefore the Virgins love thee ffCan. 1.4.This fruit commeth upon the remembring and mentiong Chriſts loves, that his Saints are confirmed and increaſed in it. Thoſe daughters of Ieruſalem that at firſt wondredggCant. 5.9.Song 5:9 why the Church ſhould make ſuch adoe about Chriſt; when they had converſed with her awhile, and heard her ſpeake with ſuch a deal of admiration and affection, they are inflamed, and induced to ſeeke Chriſt with herhhCant. 6.1.Song 6:1 God uſually fines and ſiles the tongues of his upright ones to be trumpetters of his glory and beauty. In ſetting forth whereof, they have words at will, their tongues never linn, but become as the pen of a ready writer, in ſpeaking forth the things they have made concerning the king, till ſuch time as Gods people accord together to praiſe him for ever and ever.iiPſ. 45.1. & ult. Reaſ. 6. Contra ſycophantae morſum non eſt remedium SenecaPs 45:1

Laſtly, bad men ſhall be hereby 1. confuted, the mouths of … ſhall be ſtopt as are ever complayning of, and accuſing Chriſtian meetings to be not for the better, but for the worſe: ſcarce to any other purpoſe, but to detract, defame, ſlander, cenſure &c. Or if ſuch mouthes will not be ſhu, yet the conſciences of chriſtians may rejoyce in their contrary innocency, and not be dejected by ſuch falſe teſtimony. 2. they ſhall be deſeated and diſappointed hereby of their deviliſh purpoſes and practiſes of caſting down ſtarrs from heaven, kkRev. 12.4Rev 12:4and deceiving if it were poſſible the very elect llMat. 24.24 foreign.Matt 24:24. So far forth as to be led away by the errour of the wicked, and ſo to fall from their owne ſtedfaſtnes mm2 Pet. 3.172 Pet 3:17. All ungodly perſons (and they have it by kinde too from their father the devill nnIoh. 8.44John 8:44) are ſtrangly ambitious of ſending the plague to their neighbours with the Ekronitesoo1 Sam. 5. Hab. 1.131 Sam 5Hab 1:13, of drawing others into partnerſhip of their condemnation, of devouring the men more righteous then themſelves ppMat. 23 15Matt 23:15. They compaſſe ſea and land, ſaith our Lord, to make a Proſelyte: which when they have done, they make him two-fold more the children of hell then themſelves ppMat. 23 15Matt 23:15: The devill alſo is a buſie walkerqq1 Pet. 5.81 Pet 5:8, a great compaſſerrIob 1.7 Pecora fratris tui errantia jubet ut redueas fra…ri tue, nedum ipſum ſibi. Tertul.Job 1:7 ſeeking whom he may devour.

And is it not good reaſon that we ſhould walke as faſt, and compaſſe our weake brethren round, ſeeking whom we may deliver from the devill and his inſtruments: who like a wall-nut-tree roote labour to imbitter all the rootes that are about them.

p. 817SECT. III. Ʋſe. 1. Reproof of idle and evil speakers together.

NOw for Application: Firſt, take notice with me, by this point, Ʋſe what cauſe we have all to cry out with David, Help Lord, for the godly man ceafeth, for the faithfull fail from among the children of men. They ſpeak indeed, and ſpeak often, but (alaſſe) 'tis vanity they ſpeak every man to his neighbour, with ſlattering lips and with a double heart do they ſpeak ſſPſ. 12 1, 2, 3, foreign Pythag. Inter mille ſecularium ſermonumtalenta, vix cemum denarios peteris invenire ſpiri. tualium verboborum imo nec decem q idem obolos Caſſiod. in cap 1. Mat.Ps 12:1Ps 12:2Ps 12:3. How much better were it for ſuch to keep ſilence then ſo to vent themſelves, as moſt men do in their carnall conventicles, and good-fellow-meetings: nay in their trading and trafficking, and ordinary commerce and inter-dealing? Wherein, what ſhall a man hear from them, the whole day throughout, but words, at the beſt, waſte and idle; but, for the woſt part, groſſely wicked and evil; vile and venemous ſpeeches, rotten and ſtinking communicationttEpheſ. 4.29 foreign. …trefio.Eph 4:29; men bringing up their excrements as it were by a periſtaltick motion (as Phyſicians call it, in the diſeaſe they terme foreign) thorow the dung-portuuNeh. 3.13Neh 3:13 of their foul mouthes, to the annoying of ſome, and corrupting of others. For evil words corrupt good manners xx…C 1.15.33 They are the Devils drivel.. Thus it is with the more rude and outragious. And for the civiller ſort, of thoſe that are not yet fanctified, the plague of the ſerpent fies ſore upon them, alwayes to be feeding upon duſt yyGen. 3 15Gen 3:15, talking of traſh altogether. They are of the earth, they ſpeak of the earth, and the earth hears themzz1 Joh. 4.5 & 3 31. foreign terram redolet. Beza terrenus eſt E…aſm terra eſt. Auguſt.1 John 4:51 John 3:31. Amidſt all which, let a man ſeek to charme their tongues, interrupting and beſpeaking them, as once the Prophet, with O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord aaIer. 22.29Jer 22:29. Ye that are earth by creation, earth by corruption, earth by reſolution (for duſt thou art, and to duſt thou ſhalt returne bbGen. 3.9Gen 3:9) Hear and give ear, bee not proud, for the Lord hath ſpoken it. Give glory to the Lord your God ccJer. 13.15, 16Jer 13:15Jer 13:16&c. they turn the deaf ear with the perverſe adder, to ſuch wholeſome enchantmentsddPſal. 58.5Ps 58:5, and grow as ſick of ſuch a one ſtraight, as the Gergeſites were of our SavioureeMat 8Matt 8. Good conference they count plain babbling, as the Athenians eſteemed Pauls preachingffActs 17.18 foreign. Metaph ab aviculis quae gar…itu perpetuo ſunt moleſtae.Acts 17:18: they find no more relliſh therein then in the white of an egge, or a dry chip. Nay, they hold it the onelyonly marre-mirth (as one ſpeaks) able to damp all the jollity, and to caſt the whole company into dumps of Melancholy. Which to prevent, they do their utmoſt to drown the ſhrikes of their awakened conſciences with a louder volley of the language of hell: pouring out themſelves in a great deal of froth and filth, refuſe, and rotten ſpeeches**Cyprianus notavit inter omnes partes divuis …llius de quo habetur parabola, Luk. 16.24. … & linguam perpeti acerbiſſima tormenta, quia plus lingua, & ore peccaverat. Epiſt. l. 1 ep. 3Luke 16:24, baſe and bedlam talk, oathes, and blaſphemies, ſcoffes and ſcurrilities againſt the power of godlineſſe, and profeſſours of Religion. Lo this is all that many men do toward the practiſe of the point in hand. …nſtead of ſtrengthening the hands and hearts of Gods people in well-doing, as good Shechaniah did Ezra's; Ariſe, ſaith he, for this matter belongeth unto thee, we alſo will be with thee, be of good courage, and do it ggE…r. 10.4, they do their utmoſt to hinder and diſcourage them: as thoſe ſpies of old, did the people; as Elymas the ſorcerer did the Deputy, and as thoſe mercenary prophets did the Incomparable Nehemiah. For they all made us afraid, ſaying, Their hands ſhall be weakened from the work, that it be not done hhNehem. 6.8Neh 6:8To ſuch, I ſay no more, but onelyonly admoniſh them to remember that a bitter curſe Nehemiah in the ſpirit of prophecy wiſhd to ſuch back-friends; Hear, O our God, for we are deſpiſed, and cover not their imquity, neither let their ſin be blotted out from before thee iineh 4.5. A fearfull execration, a heavy curſe: which who ſo dreads not, but profeſſing himſelf an Iſraelite, dare yet expreſſe himſelf in the broad dialect of AſhdodkkNeh. 13 23, 25.Neh 13:23Neh 13:25, it were much to be wiſhed that there were ſome good Nehemiah found to ſmite him, and pluck off his hair, till he learn better language. Howſoever, let ſuch know, that their tongues be wray them what countreymen they arellMat. 26.73Matt 26:73. Certainly he cannot be of the Commonwealth of Iſrael, that ſpeaks familiarly the language of hell. Stinking breath argues corrupt inwards: ſo doth unſavoury ſpeech a rotten heart. If the diſcourſe be naught, the religion is vain, ſaith St. Jame mmJam. 1.26Jas 1:26: and they want the character of a true Chriſtian, according to our text, that ſpeak not of good things, and that ſpeak not often of them, one to anothers

p. 818SECT. IIII. Ʋ. 2. Ʋſe 2 Complaint againſt the better ſort, too too barren, and backward to holy Conference.

WHich if it be ſo, how may we (for a ſecond Uſe) juſtly complain of a double defect, found in ſome of the more forwardly: who as they meet not ſo often as they might for mutuall edification, (Satan hindring themnn1 Theſ. 2.181 Thess 2:18) ſo when they do, became either unprofitable, or idle in this work of the Lord, to what they might be, were they but as they ſhould. 1. Unprofitable they prove to one another, whiles the precious time of their coverſe is ſquandred out and waſted in ſpeculative curioſities, nice and impertinent queſtions, ſome ceremoniall unſeaſonable controverſies, not tending to edification, but contention rather, novelties, ſome more remarkable accidents and affairs abroad, other mens matters and infirmities, which are brought forth upon the ſtage, either untruly **We muſt both foreign. Epheſ. 4.15 1 Joh. 3 18Eph 4:151 John 3:18or at leaſt untimely, and not in an ordinance, as one ſpeaks. Theſe are the canker wo…mes that eat out the heart of godly and profitable conference: theſe are thoſe troſis that nip better ſpeeches in the bud: theſe are thoſe leaner kine that devour the fat, and leave no room nor time for mutuall edification, to the ſcandall of the weak, and ſcorn of the wicked.

A ſecond ſort here juſtly met with, are ſuch as are idle and uſeleſſe, backward and barren in godly ſpeeches when they light into good company: dumb and dull Chriſtians, that either ſay nothing there, or as much as nothing**Inſulſus dicatur ſermo qui vel nocet, vel minimè prodeſt. Ep. Sarisb Coloſ. I know there are a ſort of ſuch as are over-talkative, ſpeaking much, but ſaying little**foreign. De Alcibitade Plutarch. Nunquam deſunt Domniones qui non quid ſed quanturn dirant ponderare conſueverunt. Hiero. in Apologet ad Domnionem.. A fool alſo (quoth the Wiſe-man) is full of words, prodigall and profuſe, ingroſſing all the talk, as if himſelf were the onelyonly ſpeaker. Which redious and troublous cuſtome of his is there elegantly ſet forth by way of imitation**foreign. of is vain tautologies. A man cannot tell what ſhall be: and what ſhall be after him who can tell ooEccleſ. 10.14 Sic Ov…d. de Batto (unde foreign) montibus, inquit, erant & erant in montibus illis. Cui Mercurius par pari referens. Me mihi perfide prodis? me mihiprodis? aitEccl 10:14? Here's a great deal of ſmall talk, you ſee, to as little purpo…e as may be. And ſuch babblers are to be found, not a few; bunglers ye may better call them; for ſo indeed they prove themſelves in the iſſue: dancing in the air,**foreign. Socr. ap. Plat. like light Meteors that want a ſufficient Orb wherein to move: ſpeaking great ſweelling woras of vanity pp2 Pet. 2.182 Pet 2:18: or (if they ſtumble upon a better ſubject, the high points of religion) not knowing what they ſpeak, nor whereof they affirm qq1 Tim. 1.71 Tim 1:7but doing all by roat, as Socrates taught his ſchollers, and betraying themſelves ever and anon, by their liſping Sibboleth rrIudg. 12.6Judg 12:6, to be Ephraimites and not Gileadites: counterfeits**Jacob muſt name himſelf Eſau with the voyce of Jacob. Tis hard if our tongue do not bewray us what we are, in deſpite of our habit D. Hall. or, at beſt, new converts, rank hypocrites, or elſe but indiſcreet and unexperienced Chriſtians. For as ye may diſcern a lame man by the unevenneſſe of his legs: ſo ye may a lame Chriſtian (many times) by his unequall diſcourſe in divine matters. For he uſually exceeds, and ſpeaks more then his part comes to, and then he is able well to weild; or elſe his words agree not together, his ſentences are ſenſeleſſe, and unſuitable: in a word, he talks like a bungler. But this onelyonly by the by, and as in a digreſlion. We were ſpeaking erewhile to the other extreme, and finding ſault with thoſe, rather, that ſpeak not when they ſhould, then that ſpeak when they ſhould not. I would not hee thought to inveigh againſt forwardlineſſe in favoury diſcourſe, ſo it be ſeaſonable**foreign. Iſocrat. and ſoberſſAct. 26.25Acts 26:25 No: my quarrell is rather to ſuch as having both opportunity and ability thereunto, are over-ſhie and ſhamefaſt, or otherwiſe averſe and awkward to this godly conference: ſlipping or ſlighting thoſe many fair occaſions and opportunities of doing and receiving good that way, that God even thruſts into their hands. It is true, that every man is naturally poſſeſt with a dumb and deaf devil, till Chriſt ſay to his ſoul, Epphata be openedttMark 7.34Mark 7:34. But what, I marvell, ſhould hinder the righteous from opening his mouth with wiſdome, when once the Law of God is in his heart uuPſ 37.30, 31Ps 37:30Ps 37:31? Should not a good tree bring forth good fruit? and a good man out of the good treaſure of his heart being forth good things xxMart. 12.35? Should we not, as the Corinthians, abound in all ſpeech, and in all wiſdome yy1 Cor. 1.51 Cor 1:5? Should we not, p. 819with the beleeving Romans, be ſilled with all knowledge and goodneſſe, able and ready to admoniſh zzRom. 15.14Rom 15:14and comſent one another in love? The bleſſed Virgin could not conceal the comfort ſhe had conceived upon the conception of her Saviour; nor reſt, till ſhe had imparted it to her couſin Elizabeth aaLuk 1.3…, 40.Luke 1:3Luke 1:40. The Apoſtles could not but ſpeak the things they had heard and ſeen bbActs 4.20Acts 4:20, they muſt do it. And Saint Paul was ſo conſtrained by the love of Chriſt ccCor. 5.14ſhed abroad in his ſoul, that he could do no leſſe then perſwade other men to the like Chriſtian coarſe of life: yea he had aimeſt perſwaded Agrippa alſo to be a Chriſtian ddAct. 26.28 Fox.Acts 26:28. Holy Bradford reckoned that hour loſt wherein he had not done ſome good to other, by tongue, hand, or pen. And how comes it then (beloved brethren) that ſuch a ſore deadneſſe, and dump of zeal and heavenly mindedneſſe doth haunt the hearts even of Gods hidden ones eePſal. 83.3Ps 83:3in theſe unhappy dayes of ſecurity and forme, that ye cannot finde your tongues in Chriſtian company, nor have a word (hardly) to utter there to any good purpoſe? Is it becauſe ye need not learn, or be confirmed in the preſent truth, that ye are ſo ſtill? is there nothing yet lacking to your faith or growthff1 Theſ. 3.101 Thess 3:10 that ye are ſo tonguetied? God I am ſure hath commanded another thing: Thus ſhall ye ſay every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother; what haeth the Lord anſwered, and what hath he ſpoken ggJer 23 25Jer 23:25? And again, They ſhall ſtand in the wayes, and enquire for the old way hhJer. 6.16Jer 6:16, &c. If a paſſenger know not his way, yet we ſay, he hath a tongue in his head, and he may ſeek direction; and ſo he will if he be his own worthy. Why then do not we, that are travellers toward heaven, uſe our tongues when we meet with company, asking of one another the way to Zion with our faces thitherward, going and weeping, and ſeeking the Lord, and ſ…ying, Come and let us joyn our ſelves unto the Lord in a perpetuall covenant that ſhall never be forgotten iiJer 50.4, 5Jer 50:4Jer 50:5. Is it fit to ſay to God with thoſe in Job, Depart from us, for we deſire not the knowledge of thy wayes kkJob 21.14Job 21:14? or if we do deſire, are we too good to ask with the EunuchllActs 8 34Acts 8:34, to ſeek with the Church in the CanticlesmmCant. 3.1Song 3:1, to knock at the door of their lips for a ſpirituall alms, who as liberall houſe-keepers feed manynnProv. 10.21Prov 10:21? is it ſtiffeneſſe in us, that we will not be beholding; or baſh…neſſe, that we would not be thought too forth-putting? or is it not dulneſſe rather, and diſaffection, that we receive no more good, and iron-boweld ſelfiſhneſſe that we do no more good? looking upon our own things onelyonly with Cain, as if we were not our brothers keepers oGen. 4.9: bearing fruit to our ſelves onelyonly with Ephraim ppHoſ. 10.1.Hos 10:1, as if the Lord would be content with ſuch empty vines: living and lording it, as if our lips were our own qqPſal. 12Ps 12, and we not bound to ſerve one another in love rrGal. 5.13Gal 5:13; yea, and though free from all, yet to make our ſelves ſervants to all, that we might ediſie, ſome ſſ1 Cor. 9.191 Cor 9:19. I doubt not but dumb Chriſtians are as well to be diſliked and cenſur'd as dumb Miniſters. The manifefeſtation of the ſpirit is given to preſit withall tt1 Cor 12.71 Cor 12:7: and the Philippians were all partakers, or fellow-partners of St. Pauls geaceuuPhilip. 1.7 foreign.Phil 1:7; which he elſe-where calls, the gift beſtowed on us for many xx2 Cor. 1.112 Cor 1:11. Why ſhould any of us then hide his candle under a buſhell? thruſt his hand into his boſom? dig his talent into the earth? ſhall it not be taken from us unleſſe we improve it for common benefit? and our ſelves be laid by as broken veſſells, whereof there is no further uſe? How many have wee known in our little experience, that once flouriſhed like green bay-trees, and yeelded much refreſhing, like Jonas his Gourd; who yet ceaſing afterwards from Chriſtian exhortation, have been blaſted as ſorward buds with untimely froſts, and withered, as Jonas his Gourd ſmitten with the worm? How is the door of their lips (as one juſtly complains) that whilome was wont to open with the law of grace yyProv. 31.26Prov 31:26now lockt up from good words, or moves as a door on ruſty hinges, with murmuring and complaining, and ſpeeches tending rather to the perverting of the hearers, then godly edifying? Oh look upon the fields of theſe ſlothfuil perſons, and when ye ſee them all grown over with thiſtles and nettles, for want of manuring, receive Inſtruction zzProv. 24.30, 31, 32Prov 24:30Prov 24:31Prov 24:32And that's a third Uſe.

p. 820SECT. V. Ʋſe 3. Ʋſe 3 Exhortation to be forward and free to godly Diſcourſe.

INſtruction, I ſay, and that in the Apoſtles words: Let no corrups communication proceed out of your monthes, but that which is good to the uſe of edifying, that it may miniſter grace to the hearers aaEpheſ. 4.29Eph 4:29. Covet after ſpirituall gifts, but chiefly that ye may ediſie bb1 Cor. 12.311 Cor 12:31. Let no man pleaſe himſelf, but pleaſe every one his neighbour for his good to ediſication ccRom. 15.2Rom 15:2, being ready to diſtribute, willing to communicate dd1 Tim. 6 18 foreign. Ad liberalem quorumvis bonorum cominunicationem reſpicit. Scultet. obſer.1 Tim 6:18, and exchange common comforts, ſweeteſt ſoul-ſecrets, ſpirituall conſolations, and conſultations with whatſoever Chriſtians. Bear ye one anothers burdens, ſaith St. Paul, and ſo fulfill the law of Chriſt. eeGal. 6 2Gal 6:2What is that law? hear it from his own mouth. Little children, yet a little while I am with you: ye ſhall ſeek me, and as I ſaid unto the Iews, whither I go, ye cannot come, ſo now I ſay unto you. A new commandement give I unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, &c ffJoh. 13 33, 34. Poſt conſolationes quas ei cogitatio divinarum promiſſionum, & invocatio adferebant, dicebat ſe non habere aliam levationem maeſtitiae, niſi coll quia optimorū fiatrum, & alierum boneſtorum ac doctiſſimorum virorum. De Georgio Principe Anbaltino Melchior in vita.John 13:33John 13:34which ſeepch of his, our Saviour ſhews, that whereas they might be grieved at the loſſe of his bodily preſence, he had preſcribed them a courſe for the ſupply of that comfort; to wit, as loving friends and fellow-members, to ſort together, ſide together, live together, love together, and by all means poſſible to delight themſelves in a fruitfull fellowſhip one with another: than the which I know not whether there be any thing in the whole earth more comfortable and glorious. Sure it is, if there be any heaven upon earth, next unto communion with God, it is in the communion of Saints; which differs onelyonly in degrees from heaven: for there the Lord commands his bleſſing, ſaith David, and life for evermore ggPſal. 133. ult Ne ſitis negligentes corrigendis veſtris, ad curam veſtram quoquo m…do pertinentibus, monendo, docendo, hortando, terrendo, Aug. de verb dom. ſer. 18.Ps 133. Away then with that ſinfull retiredneſſe affected by ſome, that neglect of profitable and comfortable fellowſhip with our brethren. Did Chriſt leave heaven to converſe with us, and-ſhall we ſtie up our ſelves, and live recluſed? Did he, at his return to heaven, lay this laſt charge upon us, the very night afore his death, to love one another, as he loved us, and do we neglect it? He dwells ſtill (by the preſence of his grace) in the aſſemblies of his Saints hhPſal. 89.7Ps 89:7; yea there he hath a delight to dwell. Why ſhould not we account it our happineſſe, yea our heaven, that we may have leave to dwell where the God of heaven and authour of all happineſſe loves to dwell? The Church is called by Chriſt, Chephſibah iiEſay 62 4Isa 62:4. And the Saints were Davids chephſibam kkPſal. 16 3Ps 16:3, his darlings, His eyes were upon the faithfull in the land, that they might dwell with him llPſal. 101 6Ps 101:6, and he with them: and although a king, yet he held it no diſparagement to be companion to all th…m that feared God, and kept his ſtatutes mmPſal. 119 63Ps 119:63, though never ſo mean in the worlds eye and eſteem. Hence his thrift in the trade of godlineſſe; it being a courſe of incredible profit. For, when the miſticall body of Chriſt is ſo fitly joyn'd together and compacted, that every joynt makes a ſupply, then there is a bleſſed increaſe of the whole body, unto the edifying of it ſelf in love nnEpheſ. 4.16Eph 4:16. As on the other ſide, it is no better then a ſinfull ſhamefaſtneſſe, or blancht-pride, when Chriſtians are ſo retired, or reſerved; chuſing rather to remain needy, then to diſcover their poverty; and like fooliſh and beggerly ſhop-keepers, content themſelves with a vain ſhew, and a few painted papers ſtuft with ſtraw or rags, rather then they will uſe any ſpirituall trading with others, or loſe the name and opinion of wealthy men,Ob. by taking up ſuch wares as they want.

Oh but I am ſo barren of matter, and unprovided of fit words, when I come into good company, that I am even aſhamed to ſhew my head amongſt them, and exceedingly to ſeek.Sol.

To ſeek are you? of what? ſurely of affection rather then of expreſſion; of hearts rather then words. For love makes eloquence**As in Croeſus his ſonne in Heredot. foreign. Kpoīoov.: as you may lee in the true mother of the child in controverſie: who though a harlot, and of mean rank and breeding, yet how doth ſhe pour forth her ſelf in a flood of rhetoricall expreſſions in pleading for her child before the kingoo1 King. 3.171 Kgs 3:17, though a man of great majeſty, and a maſter of ſpeechppEccleſ. 12 9, 10, 11.Eccl 12:9Eccl 12:10Eccl 12:11: and all becauſe ſhe loved it, it is the property of love to frame a mans tongue to a ready and eaſie diſcourſe of the thing beloved: as the p. 821ſcholler of his books, the huntſman of his hounds, &c. and ſo the Saints of their God, and the things of his kingdome: as is well to be ſeen in the Church in the Canticles, whoſe heart being inflamed with the love of Chriſt, her tongue was as the pen of a ready Writer: it ranne with great facility and skill while ſhe ſpake of the things which ſhe had made of the king qqPſal. 45.1Ps 45:1. Let the blame therefore reſt where it ſhould (hardly) and learn here to fault your diſaffection to goodneſſe, in caſe you prove barren and unfruitfull in godly conference.

SECT. VI. Helps to an holy dexterity this way. How to 1. get it. 2. Uſe it.

BUt what's to bee done when I finde my ſelfe dull and indiſpoſed to this duty? Queſt

Firſt complain of it to God, and entreat him to open thy lips, Anſw that thy mouth may ſhew forth his praiſe. Complain of it alſo to others, where thou comeſt. For this, at leaſt, will follow; that thou ſhalt hereby miniſter occaſion of godly conference, to your mutuall kindling, and quickning. When Silas and Timotheus came, Paul burn'd in ſpiritrrActs 18.5Acts 18:5, who before perhaps, was not altogether ſo forwardly. You ſee how one ſtick kindleth another, if laid together: nay take me two flintſtones and ſmite them together, and although both be naturally cold, yet by mutuall colliſion, fire will be expreſſed So 'twill be here between Chriſtian and Chriſtian. Let them be never ſo dry and dull to this duty, if they but begin once to bewail, betwixt themſelves, their preſent indiſpoſedneſle, way will be made to a better temper. For as when wicked men are mute and all amort (as they ſay) one evil word ſets abroach many: ſo will one good word draw on another among the godly, to the ſingular advantage of the whole company.

Secondly, make uſe of all Gods means for the greatning of this gift, the want whereof ye ſo much bewail; labouring to abound, with the Corinthians, in knowledge, faith, and utteranceſſ2 Cor. 8.72 Cor 8:7: being full of all goodneſſe with the Romans, able to admoniſh one anotherttRom 15Rom 15, or as theſe ancient beleevers in the text, to be often ſpeaking one to another by heavenly counſell, confirmation in grace, and ſpirituall encouragement. For this purpoſe;

1. Let the word of Chriſt dwell richly in you, in all wiſdome, this will enable you to teach and admoniſh one another in Pſalms and hymns, uuColoſ. 3.16Col 3:16&c. For there is edification alſo in the appointing of fit Pſalmesxx1 Cor. 14.261 Cor 14:26. The holy Scriptures are therefore called the word, among other reaſons, becauſe they ſhould be the matter and boundary of our words. If any ſpeak (ſaith St. Peter) let him ſpeak as the Oracles of God yy1 Pet. 41 Pet 4. And whatever ye do in word or deed, (ſaith St. Paul, after he had laid down this rule in ſpeech) do all in the name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and according to his word dwelling richly in youzzCol. 3.16, 17Col 3:16Col 3:17. They are alſo called chieftains, or leaders aaProv. 8 6 foreign.Prov 8:6, and Lords of collections bbEccleſ. 12 11 foreignEccl 12:11(according to ſome) becauſe they are as Leaders, and Lords Paramount above all other words and writings of men that ever were collected into volumes. Hence the Prophet ſends us to the law and to the teſtimonies ccEſay 8 20Isa 8:20(thoſe ſound words dd2 Tim. 1.13 foreign. Sa…rae literae hominum animos imbuere ſolent hac arte ſapi…è loquendi. Nam in verbo ſal ille recondi…ur, quo ſermones condiendi. Ʋnde Apoſtoli verbo divino inſtructi di…untur ſal Terrae, &c. Epiſcop. Sari…b in Coloſſ2 Tim 1:13that have a healing property in them above all filed phraſes, and humane expreſſions) aſſuring us, that if any ſpeak not according to this word, it becauſe there is no light in them. This David knew, and therefore, By the words of thy lips, ſaith he (which I have well diſgeſted, and by long practiſe made my proper language) I have kept me from the path of the deſtroyer, and am fully purpoſed that my mouth ſhall not tranſgreſſe eePſal. 17.4Ps 17:4, or paſſe the bounds; to wit, of Gods holy word, which he had ſet up for a Directory of all his ſpeeches, both for matter, end, and meaſure. So of the godly woman it is ſaid in the Proverbs, that the law of grace is upon her tongue ffProv 31.26Prov 31:26, that is, ſhe was ſo well verſed in the holy Scriptures, that ſhe had there-hence gathered and gotten an ability of ſpeaking with profit and power in the things of Gods kingdome.

2. Pray for the gift of utterance, and beg the prayers of others for you, as Paul doth often with greateſt earneſtneſſe of intreatyggEpheſ. 6 19 Coloſl. 4.3Eph 6:19: and yet hee was a man paſſing well-ſpoken, and able to deliver himſelf in as good termes as another: but p. 822what of that? he ſaw ſufficient cauſe to ſend to heaven for utterance and boldneſſe of ſpeech, and to uſe all the help he could make for that purpoſe: For who hath made mans mouth—? have not I the Lord hhExod: 4.11? There may be ſuch and ſuch preparations in the heart of a man, but, (when all's done) the anſwer of the tongue is from the Lord iiProv. 16.1Prov 16:1. Let a man be as eloquent as Aaron, as powerfull in the Scriptures as Apollos, as full of matter as Elihu, who was ready to burſt for want of ventkkJob 32.18, 19.Job 32:18Job 32:19, yet unleſſe God open his lips, his mouth can never ſpeak to his praiſe. This David came to ſee and acknowledge upon ſecond thoughts, Pſal. 51. For having promiſed that his tongue ſhould ſing of Gods righteouſneſſe, he retracts, as it were, and corrects what he had ſpoken in the next verſe. Not as one that repented of his promiſe, but as one that had promiſed more of himſelf then he was able to performe, and therefore ſubjoyns, Lord open thou my lips, and then my mouth llPſ. 51.14, 15Ps 51:14Ps 51:15, &c, The reaſon we ſpeak no better to men, is becauſe we ſpeak no oftner to God, to teach us to ſpeak as we ought, knowing how to anſwer every man mmColoſ. 4.6Col 4:6.

3. Laſtly, practiſe much this duty of holy conference: run into the company of Gods people, that ſpeak the language of Canaan naturally and familiarly; and there imitate ſuch as are moſt expert, and beſt gifted that way. Accuſtome your ſelves alſo to ſpeak there (as you have occaſion, right wordsnnJob 6.25Job 6:25, ſober wordsooActs 26.25Acts 26:25, ſavoury wordsppColoſ. 4.6Col 4:6, ſeaſonable wordsqqProv. 15.23Prov 15:23, wholeſome wordsrr2 Tim. 1.132 Tim 1:13, the words of grace and of wiſdomeſſ1 Cor. 12.81 Cor 12:8, the words of eternall lifettJoh. 6.68John 6:68, finally all ſuch words as iſſue from thoſe inward graces, (that good treaſure, as our Saviour calls it) of knowledge, faith, love, joy, zeal, deſire, forrow for ſin, &c. and advance thoſe main ends, Gods glory, the ſalvation of others, and our own ſafety. Not barrelling and hoording up our gifts, as rich cormorants do their corn: nor yet ſo cloſe and curious of our words, as to ſay no more in company then what may breed applauſe and admiration of our worth and wiſdome, as proud ſelf-ſeekers: but as good houſe-keepers, having that honey and milk of good matter under our lipsuuCant. 5.15Song 5:15, that we may plentifully pour forth to the feeding of many**Not like a curſt cow, that will not give down her milk; but opening our mou…hes for mutuall edification.. Certainly the gifts of ſuch ſhall not periſh in the uſe as temporall commodities douuCant. 5.15Song 5:15, or be the worſe for wearing, but the better, and brighter, as the widows oyl, or plow mans coulter. It is uſe that makes maſteries in any skill, and ſo in this. If your tongue ſhall ever be as the pen of a ready writerxxPſal. 45.1Ps 45:1, inure it much to Chriſtian communication**Let your ſpeech bee with grace that ye may know how to anſwer, &c. Coloſ. 4 6. ſo that by ſpeaking well, we learn to ſpeak well.Col 4:6. It is practiſe (and not precepts ſo much) that makes a good ſcribe: and although a man be at firſt but a bungler at it, yet by uſe and exerciſe he will attain to write both fairly and ſwiftly too, after a time. So here. I conclude this ſecond direction with that of our Saviour. Wherefore, let every Scribe that is inſtructed to the kingdome of heaven be like unto a good houſholder that bringeth forth out of his treaſure (as need requires) both new and old yyMat. 13 52Matt 13:52.

Thirdly, labour and learn the well-uſing, and wiſe ordering that ability of diſcourſe and utterance you have attain'd unto. A work of no leſſe pains then profit; hard, I confeſſe, but highly concerning all that would give up a comfortable account of the talents they have been entruſted with. And here (that I may haſten) precious and worthy of all acceptation**foreign. 1 Tim. 1.151 Tim 1:15 is that counſell of St. Paul. Let your ſpeech be alway with grace, ſeaſoned with ſalt, that ye may know how to anſwer every man zzColoſ. 4.6 Non quòd ſemper loquendum ſit; eſt enim tempus tacendi: ſed quòd curn loquimur, ſemper curandum ut loquamur prout oportet. Daven.Col 4:6. In which text there is not a word but hath its weight, not a ſyllable, but its ſubſtance.

Firſt, Let your ſpeech, ſaith he, be with grace, and alway ſo. Not that we muſt be alway ſpeaking, for in the multitude of words wanteth not ſinne: but hee that refraineth his lips is wiſe aaProv. 10.19 foreign, à Luciano & Ariſtoph. dicuntur ſtulti, quòd aperto hianteq, ore eſſe, plerunque ſiultitiae ſit argumentum. Paſor. in foreign.Prov 10:19. To lay on more words upon any buſineſſe (though never ſo good) then the matter requires, argues impotency of mind, exceſſe of affection, or pride in ſpeaking. Be not therefore ever ſpeaking (for an open mouth is a purgatory to the maſter) but ever when ye do ſpeak, let your ſpeech be with grace. And ſo it is: 1. When it proceeds from a habit of heavenly-mindedneſſe, from a principle of grace, a good treaſure withinbbMat. 12.35Matt 12:35. 2. When for manner, it is delivered with a grace: whiles we do not turn over theſe diſcourſes lightly and profanely, as news or table-talk, but with ſuch reverence and affection, as may ſhew, we are inwardly touched with the majeſty of Gods truth; and that we ſpeak not by rote, but experience; as having felt the power of that we ſpeak upon p. 823our own hearts and conſciences. My heart is inditing (or frying) a good matter. I ſpeak of the thing I have made touching the king ccPſal. 45.1 foreign unde foreign ſartago.Ps 45:1. 3. And chiefly, when the matter of our diſcourſe is good, and ſuch as miniſtreth grace, (not vile) to the hearersddEph 4.29Eph 4:29. Not but that it may be lawfull for us to confer of morall and civill buſineſſe alſo, betwixt whiles: but this muſt be done, 1. More ſparingly, as chiefly minding that One thing neceſſary eeLuk. 10.42Luke 10:42, and moſt expert in our own Countrey dialect. 2. Leſſe affectionately; wee may not ſhew that earneſtneſſe, life, and comfort here as in ſpeaking of the things above. Not jeſting, or fooliſh talking ffEpheſ. 5.4Eph 5:4, (think the ſame of other leſſe neceſſary**foreign. That do not ſo mainly conduce to the chief end. foreign. Xenoph. lib. 4. de dictis & fae Socrat. diſcourſes) but rather giving of thanks. There's a great deal of force lies in that word (rather.) 3. In communing of theſe common and ordinary things, wee ſhould ſhew the inward grace and ſanctification of our hearts: ſoaring on high (many times) in a low matter; and ſtill keeping our ſouls upon the wing. As St. Paul, who writing to Philemon of ſo mean and abject an object, as a poor vaſſall and bond-ſlave, preſently mounteth up into the very heavens, and ſets a grace, a gloſſe upon baſe matters by his holy character of gracious ſpeech. Our civil converſation, alſo (and communication too) ſhould be in heaven ggPhilip. 3.20 foreign. Sicut rota quae in terra voluitur, pare imâ & minimâ eam tangit, cartera exſtat, & eſt in alto: Sie nos oportet decurrere pey hac humilia, optimá parte altos, & elevatos. Lipſ. in Epiſtol.Phil 3:20. Laſtly, our ſpeech is with grace, when for the effect, it renders us gracious and acceptable in the ears of God and his people; and makes his remembrance of us ſweet and precious when abſent, for the good fruit reapt and received by our company and conference, when preſent.

Secondly, let your ſpeech be ſeaſoned with ſalt, ſaith the Apoſtle:Downam. Tenuiſſimus ingenij fructus jocuri Cicero. Linguam habes, non ut alios ſalibus tuis mordeas, ſed ut Deo gratias agas. Chryſoſt. he meaneth it not of ſalt jeaſts, cloſe ſquibs (the fome and froth of wit, as One calls them) ſcurrillous and bitter frumps, ſcornfull and ſpitefull taunts and abuſes, impeaching the credit and comfort of our neighbours: This is not that the Apoſtle here intends; but, 1. The ſalt of mortification, that dries up, and drives out by degrees, that ſuperfluous and ſinfull humour in evil words, that eaſily corrupts good manners hh1 Cor. 15 Sunt qui non ſalem in ſe habent, ſed tabē, putredinem & peſtem, quam aliis afflare ſatagunt. Epiſcop. Sarisb. in locum.1 Cor 15: and ſets ſuch a blur upon the hearts both of ſpeaker and hearers, as nothing can fetch out again but the blood of Chriſt. 2. The ſalt of diſcretion, teaching to obſerve all due circumſtances; as when, where, and before whom we ſpeak. So ſhall we in profiting others reap the fruit of it in our own hearts: for, as Solomon ſaith, A man hath joy by the anſwer of his mouth: and a word ſpoken in due ſeaſon how good is it iiProv. 15.23.Prov 15:23? Good it is to the ſpeaker, and good alſo to the hearers, every way profitable, and precious, even as apples of gold in pictures of ſilver.kkProv. 22.11. D. Staupicius ad Lutherum Auguſtae coram Cajetane Card. comparentem dixit, memor eſto, frater, te iſta in nomine Dom. noſtri Jeſu Chriſti incoepiſſe. Quod verbum non quaſi à Staupicio, ſed per eum dictum accepit memorique animo ſemper tenuit.Prov 22:11

Thirdly, the end of this Apoſtolicall precept followes, and that is, that ye may know; and, how to anſwer every man. There is a Science, an Art of ſpirituall ſpeech, of holy Rhetorick, which every Chriſtian is bound to look into: ſtudying well to anſwer before we ſpeakllProv. 15.2Prov 15:2, keeping us carefully within our line mm2 Cor. 10.132 Cor 10:13, both of our callings, and the meaſure of the knowledge and grace that God hath given us; being content to learn daily, as well how to ſpeak, as how to live; eſpecially ſince we are bound to be examples to others, not onelyonly in faith and converſation, but alſo in words, and communicationnn1 Tim. 4 12 foreign, a ſtamp for ſpeech.1 Tim 4:12: The skill whereof is no where elſe to be learn'd but in Chriſts ſchool. For though Reaſon yeeld us conceipts, and Nature a tongue, yet it is God alone that can give us to ſpeak with the tongue of the learned, to miniſter a word in ſeaſon: that is, to time a word ooEſay 50.4 foreignIsa 50:4, (as Eſay phraſeth it) and to ſet it upon the wheelsppProv. 25.11Prov 25:11, (as Solomon) that it may run right upon the proper object; whiles we know, firſt, and know how, next, to anſwer every man, whether he be weaker or ſtronger then our ſelves. For one kind of anſwer will not ſerve to all ſorts of men, but diſcretion is to be uſed here, as much as in any thing.**Quod de Solomone ſcribitur id ad omnes pios ſuo grade extendi poteſt. Quaeſivit verba utilia, & ſermones rectiſſima conſcripſit. Eccleſ. 12.12. Epiſcop. Sarisb. in Col.Eccl 12:12 Every good man is not capable of every good ſpeech, nor any man at all times alike. Some weaker Chriſtians, as they cannot bear all exerciſe of religionqqMat. 9.15, 16Matt 9:15Matt 9:16, ſo neither all kinds of diſcourſes of religion. The Hebrews (ſuch was their unskilfulneſſe in the word of righteouſneſſe) had need of milk, and not of ſtrong meat rrHeb. 5.11, 12Heb 5:11Heb 5:12. Him p. 824that is weak in ſaith, ſaith Paul, receive you, but not to doubtful diſputations ſſRom. 14.1Rom 14:1. Holy Iob wiſheth that his friends would hold their peace, that it might be imputed to them for wiſdom ttIob. 13.5Job 13:5: becauſe they ſpoke many good things, but beſides the purpoſe, and his preſent neceſſity. For to him that is in miſery pitty ſhould be ſhewed from his friend uuIob. 6.14.Job 6:14. To ſuch we muſt give good words and comfortable xxZac. 1.13.pleaſant words, ſuch as may be ſweetneſſe to the ſoul, and health to the bones yyProv. 16.24Prov 16:24, and more eſteemed then neceſſary foodzzIob. 23 12Job 23:12 &c. comfort the feeble minded, ſupport the weak be patient toward all men: addreſſe your ſelves wiſely to each mans neceſſities, and ſtate of ſoul, and ſo comfort your ſelves together, and edifie one another (ſaith the Apoſtle to his Theſſalonians) even as alſo ye do aa1 Theſ. 5.14, 111 Thess 5:141 Thess 5:11.

And as for ſuch as are better then our ſelves, and beyond us in gifts and abilities. 1, As at feaſts and publike meetings, we give the firſt place to the more honourable, ſo yeeld to ſuch prioritie of ſpeech as Elihu bbJob. 32.6.17, 18Job 32:6Job 32:17Job 32:18, laying our hands upon our mouths (though top-full of matter, as he) till our turns come, which they that do not, but interrupt and diſturb their betters by their talkativeneſſe, as they bewray their own indiſcretion, ſo they do no ſmall wrong to the whole company, being herein at leaſt, worſe then the fooliſh Virgins (ſaith one) who deſired not to put out the lights of the wiſe, but onelyonly to ſhare with themccMat. 25.8Matt 25:8. 2. Be ſure to put the abler ſort of Chriſtians upon ſuch diſcourſes as are moſt proper, and wherein they are moſt excellent, obſerving well their ſingularitie of gifts, and ſpecialty of endowments, wherewith God hath graced them, and accordingly framing your queſtions, and caſting forth the occaſions. Many a good diſcourſe lies buried in the breſts of abler Chriſtians, and all becauſe the well is deep (as ſhe ſaid) and there wants a bucketddIoh. 4.11John 4:11. Some Chriſtians you ſhall finde more dexterous and ſufficient at diſcuſſing of controverſies, ſome in reſolving of caſes, ſome in expounding ſcriptures, ſome in comforting of conſciences, ſome in diſcerning and diſcovering the devils depth, and fetches, ſome in one thing, ſome in another, whenſoever you come into the company of ſuch, know that there is a price put into your handseePro. 17.6.Prov 17:6, and ſee that ye neglect it not.

3. Be ſtill getting, and gathering from ſuch: exact of your ſelves a ſenſible addition to your talents by treading with theſe ſpiritual Merchants; who having found the pearl of price themſelves, do daily caſt pearls before others, in their gracious ſpeechesffMath. 7.6 Quae circumvolitas agilis thyma? Hor. epiſt.Matt 7:6, if we have but grace to pick them up. This were the way to be able to anſwer every man for their ſpiritual uſe and benefit. Up therfore and be doing as ye have any opportunitie. Be ſtill ſucking from the wiſer ſort of godly people, as the bee from the flower, ſhe will not off, ye know, till ſhe have got ſomwhat out of it) ſtoring up in your lives that which may help in time of ſpending. Suffer we ſhould the word of exhortation ggHeb. 13.22. foreign.Heb 13:22from thoſe that come ſhort of us: ſo did Moſes from Jethro, David from Abigail, Job from the meanſt of his ſervants,hhIob. 31.13Job 31:13 being ready to learn of any bodyiiAct. 18.26.Acts 18:26, as knowing we have cauſe to ſay with Agur, ſurely I am more brutiſh then any man, and have not the underſtanding of a man kkProv. 30.2Prov 30:2&c. But from thoſe that excel us we ſhould covet it, drawing and draining from them that milk, and honey that lies under their tonguesllCant. 5.15Song 5:15. Counſel in the heart of a man, is like deep water: but a man of underſtanding will draw it out. And the more he draws, the more he addes to his own skill, and the others ſtore: it being here as with wells and fountains, which are bettered by drawing, as Baſil long ſince obſervedProv. 20.5. foreign. Baſil epiſt. 81. ad Euſtathium. Salienti aquaerum fonti undas ſi tollas, nec exhauritus, nec extenuatur, ſed duleeſcit. Scientia, docendi officio, dulcedinem ſentiat, non ſentiat minutias.Prov 20:5 and is found true by experience &c.