A Practical Discourse Relating to the Gospel Ministry, Text

A Practical Discourse Relating to the Gospel Ministry · Text

A Practical Diſcourſe Relating to the GOSPEL-MINISTRY.

COLOS. I.28, 9.

WHOM we Preach, warning every Man, and teaching ev'ry Man in all Wiſdom; that we may preſent every Man perfect in Chriſt Jeſus: whereunto I alſo labour, ſtriving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

FORASMUCH as it hath pleaſed the Great Shepherd of the Sheep (whoſe are all our ways, and who turneth the hearts of Men as the rivers of Water) to direct, and incline his People of this Flock (which He hath purchaſed of Old, whoſe goings are ſeen in this Holy Mountain) to Elect and Invite me (who am leſs, than the leaſt of all Saints, and not worthy to be allowed to be put in truſt with the Goſpel) to take the Miniſterial Charge, and Overſight of them in the Lord; and Foraſmuch as now the Set and Solemn time is come for my Publick Inveſtiture in awful manner (by Prayer, with laying on of the Hands of the Presbytery) into the Sacred Office (whereunto He hath called me, and unto which I would in all Humil…ty and Fear, under a ſenſe of the Greatneſs of the Work, and conſcious of my own inſufficiency, in hope of the Promis'd Divine Preſence, with utmoſt Sincerity, bind my ſelf in the Lord before many Witneſſes.) I wou'd learn my Duty, move my Affections, and take Encouragement from the Paſſage of Scripture before us—Whom we Preach, warning every Man, &c.

THEY are the Words of the Apoſtle Paul; and herein he has left a bright Specimen of his own conduct, for direction and incentive unto Miniſters in the Service of the Goſpel; and which therefore will afford reflections not unſeaſonable for the preſent Solemnity.

I ſhall not ſpend any of the few Minutes allotted for this Diſcourſe, in ſtating the Coherence, and relation of the Words unto the Context, but immediately apply my ſelf to form ſome proper remarks upon them, under a more abſtract conſideration. And I truſt, that none will pervert, or transfer thoſe things, which I deſign for immediate cautions to my ſelf, as charges, or perſonal imputations on any other; and that none will now look upon me as ſtanding here this Day, to dictate and preſcribe unto others, ſo much as to my ſelf.

To begin, we may

1. OBSERVE, What was the Apoſtle's great Work and Buſineſs. viz. Preaching. We Preach, ſays he: We—either (as ſome ſay) including the other Apoſtles, and Faithful Miniſters of Chriſt with himſelf; or elſe (as ſay others) rather putting the firſt Perſon Plural, for the firſt Perſon Singular, which was cuſtomary with him, as 'tis with us.

HOW ignoble, how trivial and minute ſoever this Work may appear to ſome, how contemptible ſoever this fooliſhneſs of Preaching, yet the Great Doctor of the Gentiles, a Star of the firſt Magnitude,2 Cor. 11.5. Act. 22.3.2 Cor 11:5Acts 22:3 not a whit behind the very Chief of the Apoſtles, bro't up at the feet of Gamaliel, and having profited above many in all the Learning both of Jews and Chriſtians, tho't it no ſtoop to give himſelf to the Miniſtry of the Word. Acts 6.4. Eph. 3.8. 2 Tim. 1.12. Act. 20.24Acts 6:4Eph 3:82 Tim 1:12Acts 20:24Unto me (ſays he) is this Grace given that I ſhould Preach—. For the which alſo I ſuffer, nevertheleſs I am not aſhamed, neither count I my life dear to my ſelf, ſo that I may finiſh the Miniſtry I have received of the Lord.Ro. 11.13.Rom 11:13 He took all occaſions thus to magnify his Office, and in all his Writings we find interſpers'd with a moſt pleaſant variety, ſuch notes of holy triumph and glorying in his Work.

THE OBSERVATION here is this, namely,

THAT Preaching is one great, and noble part of the Paſtoral Duty.

THE Miniſters of the Goſpel are ſtyled Stewards of the Myſterys of God:1 Cor. 4.1. —9.17.1 Cor 4:1 The Diſpenſation of theſe is committed to them. Out of the Store-houſe and Repoſitory of Divine Truths,Mat 13.52 2 Tim. 3.15, 6. 1 Pet. 4.10. Act. 20.28.Matt 13:522 Tim 3:152 Tim 3:61 Pet 4:10Acts 20:28 They are, as the good Houſe-holder, to bring forth things new and old, things profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and inſtruction in righteouſneſs, as every Man hath received the gift, feeding the Flock over which the Holy Ghoſt hath made them Overſeers, teſtifying the Goſpel of the Grace of God. ver. 24.How does our Saviour inculcate this, with the moſt pathetical p. 4expreſſions of endearing affection, upon Peter, and in him on every Miniſter, ſaying, Loveſt thou Me? Feed my Lambs. Joh. 21.—John 21As thou loveſt Me, Feed my Sheep, feed my Sheep. And with what Solemn Vehemence does the Apoſtle adjure, 2 Tim 4.1, 22 Tim 4:12 Tim 4:2and exhort his Son Timothy? I Charge thee before God and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, who ſhall judge the quick and the dead at His Appearing and Kingdom,—1.8. 1 Tim. 4.131 Tim 4:13 Preach the Word, &c. Be not aſhamed of the teſtimony of our Lord. Give attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrine.

PREACHING then is an Ordinance of Heaven, and therefore not to be declam'd againſt, as mean or ſuperfluous. 1 Thſ. 5.20How vile then are they, that deſpiſe Prophecying, and forſake the Aſſembling themſelves together, Heb. 10.25Heb 10:25as the manner of ſome is, and load Faithful Preachers with the moſt contemptuous indignities? Good Miniſters are Lights to the World,Mat. 5.13, 14. 2 Ki. 2.12. 2 Cor. 8.23. —5.20. 1 Tim. 5.17 Iſai. 49.5. 1 Cor. 4.13.Matt 5:13Matt 5:14Matt 5:22 Cor 8:231 Tim 5:17Isa 49:51 Cor 4:13 and Salt unto the Earth, the beauty of Jacob, The Chariots and the Horſemen thereof; The Glory of Chriſt, and Embaſſadors for Him, and worthy of double honour. Tho' Iſrael acknowledge them not, yet they are glorious in the eyes of the Lord. Tho' they are reviled, deſpiſed, buffeted, made the filth of the World, a perpetual hiſſing, and the off-ſcouring of all things to this day, yet they appear in the ſight of Heaven, with beams of diſtinguiſhing glory, entituled to double honour, even the excellency of dignity. As 'tis written, Iſai. 52.7. Ro. 10.15.Isa 52:7Rom 10:15How beautiful upon the Mountains, are the feet of them that Preach the Goſpel of Peace? Behold, ye Deſpiſers, and wonder & periſh.

AND let none think it a diſparagement to his Greatneſs, to be employ'd in Preaching the Goſpel, and grow too big for this work, as fit only for Men of low degree, and leaſt eſteemed in the Church.

TO excel here is true dignity and glory. King Solomon eſteem'd it a firſt…ate-honour, and a brighter Ornament than his Crown. Eccl. 1.12.Eccl 1:12That is his Style, The p. 5PREACHER, King over Iſrael. Yea, and a greater than Solomon, the Apoſtle and High-Prieſt of our Profeſſion, JESUS the Son of God,Heb. 2.3. Act. 10.36Heb 2:3Acts 10:36 was a Preacher of the Goſpel, which at the firſt began to be ſpoken by the Lord.

THIS was one grand Article of His Commiſſion, Luk. 4.43.Luke 4:43and the chief buſineſs of His Life. He continued faithful herein even to the Death, —24.19.a Prophet mighty in Word and Deed before God and the People, —4.15.being glorify'd of all; yea, after His Reſurrection He return'd to His wonted pleaſant Employ,Act. 1.3.Acts 1:3 ſpeaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

YE ſee then, Brethren, your Calling, how that ſome Wiſe Men, ſome Mighty, ſome Noble Perſonages, and the higheſt Names have honour'd the Inſtitution of Preaching.

AND how do theſe excellent Patterns countermine the dumb & idle Shepherd, that leaveth the Flock?Iſa. 56.10. Zech 11.17 Iſai. 56.11. Act. 20.29Isa 56:10Zech 11:17Isa 56:11Acts 20:29 and condemn the greedy dogs, (as they are called) which can never have eno', and ſpare not the Flock, yet will only watch them by Proxy.

II. OBSERVE, What was the Subject-matter of the Apoſtle's Preaching, viz. CHRIST. Whom we Preach, ſays he, i. e. Chriſt, Whom he had expreſly mentioned in the verſe immediately preceeding.—Chriſt in you the hope of Glory, Whom we Preach,—Chriſt was the Summ and Subſtance of his whole Preaching, either directly or reductively;Gal. 6.1…. —1.14.Gal 6:1 not Circumciſion, and the Jew's Religion after the traditions of the Fathers; nor Gentile Philoſophy and vain deceit after the rudiments of the World, Col. 2.8.Col 2:8and the doctrines of Men. No; ſo he ſpeaks, I dertermined not to know any thing among you, ſave Jeſus Chriſt. 1 Cor. 2.2.1 Cor 2:2So alſo he ſays elſewhere▪ We Preach not our ſelves, 2 Cor 4.5.2 Cor 4:5but Chriſt Jeſus the Lord. Act. 5.42.Acts 5:42Thus likewiſe 'tis ſaid of the other Apoſtles, They ceaſed not daily to Teach and Preach Jeſus Chriſt.

p. 6AND the excellent Pattern, which They've ſet, Challenges a perpetual imitation from all the Embaſſadors of Chriſt. All their Sermons are to be framed to this Standard.

DOCT. CHRIST is the Grand Subject, which the Miniſters of the Goſpel ſhould in their Preaching mainly inſiſt upon.

1 Cor. 3.11.1 Cor 3:11NO other Foundation can any Man lay, than that which is laid. The Apoſtles according to the Grace of God given to them, as wiſe Maſter-builders, have laid this Foundation, Act. 10.36.Acts 10:36and unto this do all the Prophets give witneſs; let every Man then take heed how he buildeth;1 Pet. 2.1 Pet 2 let the Builders beware, they refuſe not this Chief Corner-Stone, the Foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets.

CHRIST is the Centre of Revelation, and the adaequate Subject of Preaching; and He muſt be the Subſtance and Bottom of every Sermon. Men muſt not laviſh away their Miniſtry on petty matters of doubtful d…ſputation, or empty ſpeculation; but they muſt Preach the ſolid and weighty truths that are according to Godlineſs, Eph. 3.8, ….Eph 3:8the Unſearchable Riches of Chriſt, to make Men ſee what is the fellowſhip of the myſtery, which from the beginning hath been hid in God.

THERE are ſome giddy-headed Opinioniſts, who pretend to ſee with infallible Eyes, and ſet up for indubitable Oracles, transforming themſelves into Angels of Light, yet ſpeak with the tongue of Men, and the miſerable dialect of corrupt nature, belching out the romantic forgerys and falſe viſions of a diſtempered brain for the Faith once delivered to the Saints; Jer. 14.14.Jer 14:14Prophecying lyes and a thing of …ought, the deceit of their heart, and the ſhadows of a dream, having no better light, than the Moon-ſhine of unſanctify'd reaſon.

THE Myſtery of Chriſt, which our holy Apoſtle p. 7often mentions, and that for ever with admiring rapture, Theſe Men, the Scoffers of the laſt day, with pert and …refac'd preſumption hoot at, and hunt down as mad enthuſiaſm, inſipid cant and jargon; "They make it their bauble to play with, and their eye-ſore" to ſpurn and ſnarl at. Here they ſet their ſilly and ſooty wit to brisk up, and vent it ſelf in fleering ſarcaſms, or ſneering burleſque; Here they rave or droll; and prate againſt the faithful Preachers of Chriſt,3 Joh. 10.3 John 1:10 with malicious words, painting 'em under their own colours, as Fools and Bablers, as fanatical, and fantaſtic, as Men of ſlaviſh minds, and weak underſtandings. How juſtly do theſe malevolent ſounds reverberate upon themſelves?

SUCH are filthy dreamers, empty clouds, 1 Tim. 6.4.1 Tim 6:4knowing nothing, who conſent not to wholeſome words, and to the Truth, as tis in Jeſus. Theſe are Enemies to the Croſs of Chriſt (whoſe end ſhall be according to their works) and are removed from Him unto another Goſpel,Gal. 1.6.Gal 1:6 and ſo lye open to that awful Anathema denounced by the Apoſtle, ſaying, Tho' we, or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Goſpel unto you, —ver. 8.than that which we've preach't unto you, let him be accurſed. —Oh, my Soul, come not into their ſecrets;Gen. 49.6.Gen 49:6 unto their Aſſembly, mine honour, be not thou united.

THEY, that are Friends of the Bridegroom, Joh. 3.29▪John 3:29who have ſo learned Chriſt, as he is taught in the School of the Prophets and Apoſtles, and with whom the truth of the Goſpel does continue, are not aſhamed to Preach the Croſs, and count all things, Phil. 3.8.Phil 3:8but loſs for the excellency of the knowlege of Chriſt and Him Crucified. What is the Chaff to the Wheat? ſaith the Lord. J…. 23.2….What is the vain Philoſophy of the Greeke, and the exact righteouſneſs of the Phariſee…, but dung and droſs to the riches of the Glory of this myſtery?

p. 8Joh. 6.35.John 6:35JESUS CHRIST is the Bread of Life; and nothing but this, will ſuit the nature and inclination of the Spiritual Appetite; nothing but this, will beget and maintain the vital flame of Spiritual Life; every thing elſe will prove either a Stone, or a Serpent, unnatural & jejune, or poiſon & pernicious.

MINISTERS then muſt ſtudy to entertain their Flocks with a continual Feaſt on the glorious fulneſs there is in Chriſt; muſt gather fruits from the BRANCH of Righteouſneſs, Jer. 33.15.Jer 33:15from the Tree of Life, for them that hunger, feeding them not with the meat which periſheth, but with that which endureth to everlaſting life. They muſt open this Fountain of living Waters, the great myſtery of Godlineſs, into which all the Doctrines of the Goſpel, that are branch'd forth into ſo great a variety, do, as ſo many rivulets or Streams making glad the City of God, flow and concentre.

THEY muſt endeavour to ſet forth Chriſt— In the dignity of His Perſon, as the brightneſs of His Fathers Glory, Heb. 1.3. 1 Tim. 3.16Heb 1:31 Tim 3:16God manifeſt in the Fleſh.— In the reality, neceſſity, nature, and exerciſe of His threefold Office of a Prophet, of a Prieſt, and of a King, "both in His State of Humiliation, and Exaltation.—In the glorious benefits of His Redemtion, the Juſtification of them that believe, the Adoption of Sons, Sanctification, and an Inheritance that fadeth not away,1 Pet. 1.4.1 Pet 1:4 reſerved in Heaven for the Saints.—In the wonderful Methods and means, in and by which we are called into the fellowſhip of the Son our Lord, 1 Cor. 1.9.1 Cor 1:9and "made partakers of the Redemtion by Chriſt. —In the nature, and ſignification, the excellency and worth of all the Ordinances, and Inſtitutions of Chriſt, with the obligations on all to attend upon them; & the like.

WHATEVER Subject they are upon, it muſt be ſome how pointed unto Chriſt. All Sin muſt be p. 9witneſſed againſt, and preached down, as oppoſite to the holy nature, the wiſe and gracious deſigns, and juſt government of Chriſt. So all duty muſt be perſwaded to, and preach't up, with due regard unto Chriſt; to His Authority commanding, and to His Spirit of Grace aſſiſting, as well as to the merit of His Blood commending; and this, to daſh the vain preſumption, that decoys ſo many into ruin, who will ſecurely hang the weight of their hopes upon the horns of the Altar, without paying expected homage to the Sceptre, of Chriſt. All the Arrows of ſharp rebuke are to be ſteep'd in the Blood of Chriſt; and this, to prevent thoſe deſponding fears and frights of guilt, which ſometimes awfully work to a fatal iſſue. Dark and ignorant Sinners are to be directed to Chriſt, as the Sun of Righteouſneſs: convinced Sinners are to be led to Chriſt, as the Great Atonement, Mal. 4.2.Mal 4:2& the only City of Refuge; Chriſt is to be lifted up on high,Joh 3.14, 5John 3:14John 3:5 for the wounded in Spirit to look unto, as the bitten Iſraelites to the brazen Serpent of old. The Sick, the Lame, and Diſeaſed are to be carry'd to Chriſt, as the Great Phyſician, the Lord our Healer: the diſconſolate, Mat. 9.12.Matt 9:12and timorous to be guided to Chriſt, as the Conſolation of Iſrael and in us the hope of Glory. Luk. 2.25. Col. 1.27.Luke 2:25Col 1:27Every comfort adminiſtred is to be ſweeten'd with pure water from this Well of Salvation, which only can quench the fiery darts of the evil one.Iſai. 12.3.Isa 12:3 The Promiſes of the Goſpel are to be apply'd, as being in Chriſt Yea, and in Him Amen, to the Glory of God. 2 Cor. 1.20.2 Cor 1:20So the Threatnings of the Law are to lighten and flaſh in the eyes of Sinners, as the terrors of the Lord, and ſparks of the holy reſentment of an incenſed Saviour, which hover now over the Children of diſobedience, and will one day unite, and fall heavy upon them. The Love of Chriſt to us is to be held forth as the great conſtraining motive p. 10to Religion, and the Life of Chriſt as the bright, engaging pattern of it. Progreſs and Increaſe in holineſs are to be repreſented,Joh. 15.4. Eph, 4.15, —ver. 13.John 15:4 under the notion of an abiding in Chriſt, and growing up into Him, who is the Head, even Chriſt: Perfection in Grace—as the meaſure of the ſtature of the fulneſs of Chriſt;Joh. 17.24John 17:24 and Eternal Life, as a being for ever with the Lord where He is, Mat 25.21Matt 25:21a beholding His Glory, and dwelling in our Maſters Joy.

THUS (in imitation of the Apoſtolical way of preaching) there muſt be a beautiful intertexture of references to Chriſt; "a golden thread" twiſted into every Diſcourſe, to leaven, and perfume the ſame,2 Cor. 2.14.2 Cor 2:14 ſo as to make it expreſs a ſavour of the knowlege of Chriſt. Thus "every m…te caſt into the treaſury of the Temple muſt bear this inſcription" upon it, (which was once the humble language of a pious Martyr in the Flames) NONE but CHRIST, NONE but CHRIST; that ſo every one, beholding in the Word Preach't, as in a glaſs, the Glory of the Lord, may be changed into the ſame image from glory to glory.2 Cor. 3.18.2 Cor 3:18

III. OBSERVE the Apoſtle's manner of preaching; and that is with Impartiality, Wiſdom, and diligent Application.

1. OBSERVE His IMPARTIALITY— warning (ſays he) every Man, and teaching every Man. —Here he amplifys his work by the two principal inſtances of it, viz. Admonition and Inſtruction. [Hence it is the Office of Miniſters to rebuke, as well as to direct;Tit. 2.15.Titus 2:15 and the order of the words ſeems to hint, that reproof for Sin commonly goes before, to open the door for the entertainment of Inſtruction in duty; till Men are convinced of Sin, they will not be inſtructed in Righteouſneſs.] And the Apoſtle declares his Fidelity and Impartiality, as to both—warning every Man and teaching every Man. He taught every where in every Church, 1 Cor 4.17. Act. 20.31. Rom. 1.14.1 Cor 4:17Acts 20:31Rom 1:14and ceaſed not to warn every one Night and Day with tears, both the wiſe and unwiſe; reckoning himſelf a Debtor to the Jew firſt, and alſo to the Greek, and accordingly applying himſelf to every one, neither fearing the faces, nor ſparing the faults of any.

DOCT. IT becomes the Embaſſadors of Chriſt, to maintain unſpotted Impartiality in all their Miniſterial Diſpenſations to their Flocks.

HENCE, we've that ſolemn adjuration of our Apoſtle to Timothy— I Charge thee before God,1 Tim 5.21.1 Tim 5:21 and the Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and the Elect Angels, that thou obſerve theſe things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Miniſters ou't not in any of their Adminiſtrations to be ſway'd by perſonal kindneſs, nor prejudice: They muſt not be byaſs'd by ſiniſter views of private advantage and diſadvantage; neither ſmiles, nor terrors may ſtop, divert, or ſtacken 'em in their work: with all indifference, and indiſcriminating regard to out-ſide pomp or poverty they are to warn and to teach every Man in every ſphaere. All Souls are God's; as the Soul of the Father, Ezek. 18.4.Ezek 18:4ſo alſo the Soul of the Son; as of the Maſter, ſo of the Servant likewiſe. Have we not all one Father? Mal. 2.10.Mal 2:10Hath not one God created us? The Rich and the Poor ſtand upon a level in the things of God, and are rated at the ſame value in the Book of Life, Where there is neither Circumciſion, nor Uncircumciſion, Col. 3.11.Col 3:11bond nor free, but Chriſt is all and in all; for of a truth I perceive that God is no reſpector of Perſons. Act. 10.34.Acts 10:34The prerogatives of birth, honour, eſtate and the like, do not commend unto God; They ſhould not then be accepted of Men, the Miniſters of Chriſt, ſo as to beget contempt on the one hand, or ſlaviſh dread on the other: "external relations bear no weight at the Goſpel-beam": the Balances of the Sanctuary are, then, to be held ſteddily with an equal hand.

ON the one ſide, as to counſel and advice; Miniſters muſt be as willing and induſtrious to inſtruct the Servile as the Honorable, Tit. 2.9.Titus 2:9the Poor among the Brethren as the Rich in this World. They muſt not deſpiſe a Soul the more, nor value holineſs the leſs, for being wrap't up in the garments of filth, and lying abject on a dunghill. They muſt not diſdain to enter into ſmoaky cottages, nor think it beneath 'em to dreſs the Vineyard of the poor, whom God hath choſen—heirs of the kingdom. Rev. 23.10 Jam. ….5.God is often better ſerv'd, and more honour'd in the Poor Mans hovel, than in the goodly palaces of the Great. The humble valleys are often more fruitful, than the high, and ſwelling hills. If Miniſters deſpiſe the poor, —ver. 4.are they not then become partial in themſelves?

AND on the other hand, as to cenſure and admonition; they muſt be impartial Monitors, & faithfully warn the Rich,Jer. 25.34.Jer 25:34 and principal of the Flock, as well as the baſe and mean; neither to be brib'd nor bugbear'd, neither to be wheedl'd nor huff't out of their duty and work. They muſt beware, not to compliment quality, and diſtinction, nor court popular influence and plentiful fortunes. Here indeed the beſt are too apt to daub, and palliate; to ſhut their eyes, Iſai. 30.10. Ezek 13.18Isa 30:10Ezek 13:18or ſtop their mouths, or prophecy ſmooth things, and ſow pillows, tempering their ſpeech to the corrupt pallate, and the itching ear, indulging the moſt fatal endearments, and unjuſt complaiſance unto wickedneſſes in high places. But what a foul indignity is this to the Sacred Character?Mal 2 8, 9.Mal 2:8Mal 2:9 This is corrupting the Covenant of Levi, a being partial in the Law, Prov 24.23Prov 24:23and accepting Mens perſons in judgment which is not good.

The Grandees of the World have too many p. 13fawning Paraſites often, that ſtroak and ſooth them, byaſs'd by the hopes of favour, & influenc'd by the fear of frowns.

BUT Miniſters muſt not ſtand dumb, and idle, afraid of haughty greatneſs, when bold invaſions are made on the kingdom of Chriſt, His Laws trampled under foot, and His Honour laid in the duſt; here they muſt know no difference between Prince and Peaſant; Now they muſt be touch't with concern, flame with zeal, and burn with jealouſy for the Lord of Hoſts,Cant. 8.6, 7Song 8:6Song 8:7 the coals whereof are to be a moſt vehement flame, which many waters cannot quench, nor the floods of the ungodly drown; and if a man would give all the ſubſtance of his houſe for a bribe, it muſt be contemned utterly. Jer. 1.17.Jer 1:17They muſt gird up their loins, and ſet their foreheads as an adamant, harder than a flint, and ariſe, Ezek. 3.9. —11.Ezek 3:9and lift up their voice, and cry in the ears of theſe Sons of belial, ſaying, Thus ſaith the Lord, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: exhorting, and rebuking with all authority, Tit. 2.15. 1 Theſ. 2.2, — 4, 5. 2 Cor. 5.16.Titus 2:151 Thess 2:22 Cor 5:16being bold in God to ſpeak the Goſpel, even ſo not as pleaſing Men, but God, who tryeth the heart, neither at any time uſing words of flattery, not knowing any Man after the fleſh. The modeſt Young Man Elihu, has left an imitable Example hereof unto us— Days (ſaith he) ſhou'd ſpeak but great Men are not always wiſe, Job 32.Job 32neither do the aged underſtand judgment; therefore hearken unto me, I will anſwer my part— and let me not (I pray you) accept any man's perſon, &c. in ſo doing my Maker wou'd take me away. The very Phariſees themſelves gave that teſtimony to Chriſt,—Maſter, we know that thou art true, and teacheſt the way of God in truth, Mat. 22.16Matt 22:16neither careſt thou for any man; for thou regardeſt not the perſon of men. When David the King himſelf deſpiſed the commandment of the Lord, 2 Sam. 12.2 Sam 12to do evil in his ſight, faithful Nathan dealt plainly with him. So p. 14did Elijah, 1 Kin. 18.1 Kgs 18very jealous for the Lord God of Iſrael, reprove Ahab; unmov'd at the terrors of the King. So did good Nehemiah contend with the prophane Rulers and Nobles. Nehem. 13. Mat. 14.4.Neh 13Matt 14:4So did John Baptiſt admoniſh Herod the Tutrarch, undaunted at a Crown and Sceptre.Act. 24.25.Acts 24:25 So Paul a priſoner in bonds, did with great freedom & plainneſs reaſon of the Faith in Chriſt, of righteouſneſs, temperance and judgment to come, before a corrupt & wicked Judge, 'till he ſtruck the ſtout and bold tranſgreſſor into trembling horror.

THUS Miniſters muſt with the rod of their mouths and the breath of their lips, caſt down the wicked to the ground,Iſai. 11.4.Isa 11:4 even them that ride on the high places of the earth:Ezek. 6.2.Ezek 6:2 Thus the huge mountains of Iſrael muſt be touch't (as well as the little Hills) tho' they ſhoot out their arrows with fiery indignation, and fortify the height of their ſtrength.

Mat. 4.19.Matt 4:19MINISTERS are called Fiſhers of Men: now the Net of the Goſpel (to allude to what One has faithfully and wiſely obſerv'd concerning humane Laws) is not to be like a Spiders web, to catch ſmall flies, and let the great eſcape.

1 Cor. 4 1.1 Cor 4:1AGAIN. They're ſtyled Stewards; and 'tis required of a Steward, that a Man be found faithful in giving to every one his allowance, feeding all the Family, one as well as another.

Ma… 9.37. 1 C…r ….8 … 2 T…m. …AGAIN, They are termed Husbandmen, that ſow and water; and they muſt cultivate and improve every piece of Land; They muſt tend every plant that grows in their nurſery. They muſt know the tall tree and the low ſhrub, even all the trees, from the Cedar in Lebanon to the hyſſop that ſpring… out of the Wall.

…AGAIN, They are call'd Shepherds & Paſtours; and muſt take hee… to all the Flock, putting no diffe…nce.

p. 15AGAIN, They are call'd Watchmen;Ezek. 3.17. Cant. 3.3.Ezek 3:17Song 3:3 the faithful Watchman walks the rounds, and inſpects the whole Town, not confining his care to this, or that particular houſe: ſo they that keep the watch of the Lord at the gates of the temple, … Tim. 4.5. Act. 5.42.Acts 5:42muſt walk circumſpectly, watch …t all things, and to every houſe. They muſt be cloath'd with the Sun, and their going forth muſt be from the end of the Heaven, and their line thro'out all the Earth. They muſt not ſuffer the moſt filthy corner to eſcape their view, nor let there be any place, where their voice is not heard. They muſt be full of Eyes within, without,Rev. 4.6, 8.Rev 4:6Rev 4:8 before and behind, looking about every way; ſetting the watch round, and riding the circuit thro'.

AGAIN, They are ſtyled Soldiers;2 Tim. 2.3.2 Tim 2:3 and they muſt lift up their voice as a trumpet to warn ev'ry Man, lay the Siege round about, draw the Sword of the Spirit upon ev'ry adverſary, ſetting the point thereof againſt all their gates, ſmi…ing ev'ry one, as well Agag the King,1 Sam. 15.1 Sam 15 as the meaneſt Amalekite, not ſparing the beſt of the ſpoil, any more than the vile and refuſe.

THE golden rule of Charity, and tender pity to the Souls of Men, immutably obliges and loudly ſummons Miniſters to ſuch fidelity, and impartiality in their Adminiſtrations. It ſhould melt them into tears of holy indignition, & move their bowels of compaſſion to behold wretched Men, wronging their own Souls, Prov. 8.36.Prov 8:36ſwallowing deadly poiſon, playing on the hole of the aſp, & caſting fire-brands, arrows and death; and they ſhould be quicken'd ſolemnly from God to charge and check ſuch,1 Tim. 6.171 Tim 6:17 even the rich and great, and by all the dear and ſeaſonable diſſwaſives of love to bank up their way, ſtop their carrier, and turn 'em from the error of their ways unto the wiſdom of the juſt.

SO alſo the natural law of ſelf-preſervation, & the p. 16eternal rules of compaſſion to their own Souls, infer the ſtrongeſt obligations unto this duty If they do not cry aloud to ſhew tranſgreſſors their ways (what bulk & figure ſoever they're of) admitting there be not the moſt palpable grounds to deſpair of ſucceſs in the admonition, they are look'd upon by the chief and unerring Judge as intereſted in the guilt, and acceſſory to the ruin of ſuch as periſh thro' their neglect; and they ſhall receive a juſt recompence in themſelves,Pſal. 9.12.Ps 9:12 when God ſhall come to make inquiſition for blood.

THE tranſmigration of Sin from periſhing Souls unto unfaithful Watchmen is no platonic dream, or airy notion, but a doctrin according to godlineſs taught in the School of Chriſt. The mouth of truth hath ſpoken it— He that is not with me is againſt me, Luk. 11.23 Ezek. 3 18 Lev. 19.17.Luke 11:23Ezek 3:18Lev 19:17and he that gathereth not ſcattereth. If thou ſpeakeſt not to warn the wicked from his wicked way, and in any wiſe to rebuke him to ſave his life, he ſhall die in his iniquity, but thou ſhalt ſuffer ſin upon him, and his blood will I require at thy hands. As Miniſters then would deliver their own Souls, and at laſt appear before the Judgment-Seat of Chriſt pure from the blood of all Men, Act. 20.26Acts 20:26they muſt warn ev'ry Man, and teach every Man without fear of undue cenſures, or threatning dangers.

2. OBSERVE, The Apoſtle's WISDOM in the diſcharge of his Work—warning & teaching every Man in all Wiſdom. Wiſdom is the Soul, that wings and gives life to the moſt induſtrious application in the purſuit of any end propounded, without the help whereof, to concert proper meaſures, all poſſible endeavours, in ſome caſes, may ſtarve and miſcarry. The Apoſtle therefore, that he might not run in vain, … 9.26. …nor ſight as one that beats the air, made it his ſollicitous concern to order his affairs with diſcretion, and to work as a wiſe Maſter-builder. He p. 17taught every Man in all Wiſdom, ſpeaking with the tongue of the wiſe, which uſeth knowlege aright, Prov. 15.2.Prov 15:2and exerciſing the pen of the ready Scribe, Mat. 13.52Matt 13:52well inſtructed to the kingdom of God.

DOCT. THE Miniſters of the Goſpel had need be very wiſe and prudent in all their Adminiſtrations.

THEY that are to win Souls muſt be wiſe. Prov 11.30 —26.6.Prov 11:30Solomon ſays, He that ſendeth a meſſage by the hand of a fool, cutteth off the feet and drinketh damage. As a Man without feet, ſo is a Meſſenger without wiſdom The higheſt improvements, ſeperate from that ſpirit of wiſdom, which is profitable to direct, Eccl 10.10Eccl 10:10will prove but of little and uncertain benefit.

AS Policy, if not temper'd with a due proportion of Piety, may be called a malignant Comet; ſo Piety, without Policy, ſome have compar'd to a dark Lanthorn; as giving too faint a light, to direct a Miniſter in his work, that is ſo full of important duty, and a great variety (ſometimes) of uncommon difficulties, and unlook'd for emergent caſes, which demand the moſt ſagacious eye, a penetrating tho't, a commanded preſence of mind, ſound experience, and a well-poiz'd judgment.

AGAIN, Zeal not according to knowlege, is but an erratic fire, that will often lead us into boggs & praecipices; ardour of ſpirit, without a temperature of prudence & diſcretion, portends nothing but wild confuſion.

SO Magnanimity, if not in conjunction with dexterity, courage of heart without the orderly Steerage of a wiſe head, will ſeldom do any great exploits. "A brazen face fix't to an empty skull"—is but a miſerable tool to be employ'd in any affair of conſequence and intricate involvement; & will prove, but as the ſounding braſs, or tinkling cymbal. p. 18An unwiſe, imprudent Miniſter is a Solaeciſm in terms, as to ſay a dark Sun, an empty Fountain, a blind Watchman,Iſai. 56.10Isa 56:10 or an ignorant Guide, that cannot diſcharge their proper duty, nor any wiſe anſwer their next ends. Miniſters can never aſſert the juſt honour of their Station, nor fulfil the noble deſign of their inſtitution, without ſome tolerable degree of Wiſdom; this is an excellent talent, which it behoves and becomes them to ſearch for, as for hid treaſures, Prov. 2.4.Prov 2:4l…fting up their voice for underſtanding, and bowing their heart to wiſdom as the principal thing, as a crown of glory, —4.7.and an ornament of grace.

BUT let us here enter into a few particulars, wherein this Miniſterial Wiſdom is to be diſplayed.

IT might be premiſed,

§. 1. MINISTERS muſt be very Wiſe in ordering their private converſation, that they don't allow any thing that may extenuate their influence, and enervate their adminiſtrations.

Act. 6.3. 1 Tim. 3.7.Acts 6:31 Tim 3:7THEY muſt be of the moſt approved morals, of honeſt report, well ſpoken of for good works. A ſpotleſs, clear, and unblemiſh't credit, will add a forcible authority unto, and reflect a beautiful charm upon, their publick Preaching. The want of this unhinges the door, and opens the gate to floods of contempt; unpins the whole frame of their Miniſtry, makes the very pillars ſhake and totter, puts the foundations out of courſe, and threatens all with ſhipwreck and diſſolution.Tit. 1.7.Titus 1:7 Wiſe therefore is that ſolemn adviſe of the Apoſtle to Titus, —Let no Man deſpiſe thee—Do nothing, that ſhall blaſt or blot your reputation, but always ſo act, and ſpeak, and govern your ſelf, as to preſerve an untarniſht luſtre on your character; This will command an affectionate veneration to your Perſon, and ſhed rays of light, and heat to recommend, and animate your Preaching.

p. 19IF a Man's Name be as precious Oyntment, it will caſt an odour of a ſweet ſmell on his Miniſtry, give it a grateful ſavour, and an agreeable reliſh. But if the Sons of Eli, the Prieſts, 1 Sam. 2.171 Sam 2:17make themſelves vile, it will cauſe all the Aſſembly to abhor the offerings of the Lord, Mal. 2.8.Mal 2:8to deſpiſe his Altar and ſtumble at the law.

EXAMPLE ſtrikes quick & ſinks deep; carries in it a peculiar ſ…vereignty, and a much more controlling power, than dry rules, and the meer demonſtrations of reaſon. Let Miniſters, then,1 Cor. 13.1.1 Cor 13:1 ſpeak with the tongue of Angels, and harangue with ſe…aphic art and ardour againſt the Vices of the age and place they live in; if ſoil'd and tainted themſelves, this wi…l be a ſtanding bar in their way a dead weight in c…rrupt minds againſt the impreſſion of truth, and will be of fatal tendency to faſten the bands of wickedneſs, and ſtrengthen the hands of evil-doers, Jer. 23.14.Jer 23:14that none ſhall return from his wickedneſs.

IMPENITENCE will inſult and defend itſelf againſt the authority & force of their Inſtructions by this,Mat. 23.3.Matt 23:3 They ſay and do not — and give a killing blow to their moſt juſt reprehenſions, by objecting that invidious Proverb, Phyſician, heal thy ſelf; Luk. 4.23.Luke 4:23wherein thou judgeſt another, thou condemneſt thy ſelf, for thou, that judgeſt, doeſt the ſame things. Yea,Rom. 2.1.Rom 2:1 the ill life of Miniſters caſt ſuch a m…ſt before the eyes of many, as to make 'em reſolve even Religion itſelf into nothing but ſuperſtitious whimſy, or mere frenzy, and think all their moſt zealous Sermons upon it are but impoſture and a m…ck-ſhadow, the bubblings of a diſturbed fancy, or the babblings of cunning hypocriſy; that they do but act a part, and preach only becauſe 'tis their occupation, and by this craft they get their …ing; ſo branding all as religious policy, to prepare and pave the way to filthy lucre, 1 Tim. 6 5.1 Tim 6:5ſuppoſing that …ain is all their godl…eſs

p. 20THIS indeed is the moſt unwarrantable logic: yet unreaſonable Men giddily ſtagger into the ſad concluſion over the ſtumbling-block, which Miniſters throw in the way by their diſſolute practice. Miniſters had need dread the pernicious conſequence of thus putting a rock of offence before the blind; and ſee to it,1 Pet. 2.15.1 Pet 2:15 that by well doing they put to ſilence the ignorance of fooliſh Men. They muſt keep themſelves unpolluted from the corruptions, that are in the World thro' luſt; be blameleſs and flee theſe things; 1 Tim 3.2, —6.11.1 Tim 3:2and follow after righteouſneſs, godlineſs, faith, love, patience, meekneſs and holineſs in all manner of converſation;2 Cor. 6.3.2 Cor 6:3 giving no offence in any thing, that the Miniſtry be not blamed. "They muſt be Orthoprax, as well as Orthodox." Unto purity of doctrine they muſt add unſpotted Piety of Life; and tranſcribe their publick Sermons in their private viſible actions and behaviour, as ever they wou'd preſerve the dignity of their Character, or promote the efficacy of Goſpel-truths.

THEY muſt carefully keep at the utmoſt diſtance from ev'ry thing, that looks like ſenſuality, or indulgence; not only not run to the ſame exceſs of riot with others, but inflexibly curb themſelves, and with due ſeverity guard againſt too near an approach at any time to the vanities of the World; cautious not to venture to the utmoſt limits of innocent liberty, leſt others quite tranſgreſs the line; and then gild over their own licence with a vain pretence of imitation, and think themſelves not a little juſtifyed by transferring the like follys upon their Miniſters. The mere appearance of evil, or any vergency toward it in theſe, they think will ſufficiently excuſe the reality in themſelves.

MINISTERS had need ponder the path of their feet, leſt they get too near the brink; and look heedfully to their goings, that their foot-ſteps ſlip not: ſtrait is the gate and narrow the way, hedg'd up on every ſide; malice and envy are perpetually ſpies upon 'em, ſpread a net for their feet, and watch for their halting; and the leaſt ſlip or ſide-ſtep, Jer. 20.10.Jer 20:10a ſingle inadvertency ſhall be catch't at by an ill-natur'd, captious World, and aggravated into a crime of the moſt flagrant guilt, which the intire ſeries of a prudent, exemplary deportment (in all other inſtances) can never atone for; and tho' Miniſters are Men ſubject to like paſſions with others, Acts 14.15. Jam. 5.17.Acts 14:15Jas 5:17and are "but Candidates for Perfection while here" yet this will not ſerve for any plea of abatement, nor ſtop the mouth of calumny, but the very common impotencies of humane nature (incidental to the beſt ▪) ſhall be unfairly improv'd to ſlurr the faireſt name, and draw a cloud over the brighteſt and moſt juſt reputation.

GREAT is the difficulty of forming and ſecuring ſo unſully'd a Character, as is neceſſary to maintain that reverence, which is due to Miniſters, and is ſo requiſite to preſerve the ſolemnity, and facilitate the ſucceſs of all their miniſterial Performances. However, they muſt exert their utmoſt care and endeavour, and uſe all innocent arts (being wiſe as Serpents and harmleſs as Doves) to obtain and keep an intereſt in the good opinion, Mat 10.16Matt 10:16and kind acceptance of the World, but all with a pure deſign to advantage the diſcharge of their truſt, as that is a preparative of the mind, and a door of entrance into the Soul.

§. 2. MINISTERS muſt uſe great Wiſdom & Diſcretion in the managing of their Publick Diſcourſes.

1. THEY muſt ſee to it, that the Subject be adapted to the preſent circumſtances and neceſſity of their Hearers. They muſt preach neceſſary truths, and ſeaſonable.

IN the diſcharge of the Paſtoral Care, Prudence p. 22demands a diſtinction to be made between one ſeaſon,Eccl. 8.6 —3.11.Eccl 8:6 and another. For to every purpoſe there is time and judgment, and every thing is beautiful in its ſeaſon. A Word in the preſent day may be proper and beneficial, which at another time may loſe its efficacy, or be of pernicious conſequence. That which is a cup of conſolation at one time, may prove a deadly draught at another. The Counſel of Achitophel, 2 Sam 17.72 Sam 17:7ſays Huſhai, is not good at this time. It is given in,Eccl. 8.5.Eccl 8:5 as a property of the wiſe Man, His heart diſcerneth both time and judgment. He is a Phyſician of no value that does not underſtand the true conſtitution of the Patient, the ſeveral aſpects of the diſtemper upon him, and does not obſerve critical junctures for application, both by way of remedy, correction and antidote or prevention.

MINISTERS muſt carefully endeavour to diſcern the face of the times, & obſerve what ſymptoms a…tend the Body of Chriſt and know when to change their voice, Gal. 4.20.Gal 4:20and how to conform themſelves to that variety of caſes they meet with; their Peoples wants being always to govern 'em in the choice of Subjects, and not their own eaſe, nor fancy.

HENCE, 'tis the duty of Miniſters to viſit, as much as they conveniently can, from houſe to houſe, that they may kn…w the ſtate of their Flocks, Prov 27.23Prov 27:23"take cognizance of particular Perſons, and Caſes," and get underſtanding of the times, 1 Ch. 12.32to know what Iſrael ought to do in the preſent circumſtance and condition. If Miniſters are not wiſe as to Law, and Judgment, Eſth. 1.13.Esth 1:13and are unknowing in the times and ſeaſons, they may well be compar'd to the Pilot, who can never ſteer a ſafe and even courſe, without an acquaintance with particular coaſts, rocks, quickſands, channels, winds and the like; for tho' he may have very good inſight into the abſtract notion, and general theory of Sailing, yet for want of p. 23practice and experience, he's often non-plus'd with emergent difficulties, and ſhov'd beyond the f…rce of his reaſon by untho't of contingencies, that he becomes Ludibrium vent… …ſſed about by every wind and raging of the Sea & to avoid danger on one hand ſometimes ru…s into deſtruction on the oppoſite ſhoar.

MINISTERS may, for want of knowing the true State and Caſe of their People their humours, and diſtempers, inclinations, and affairs, what Sin… … moſt …e among them, what temptations they a…e moſt in danger of, what duties are m…ſt commonly …mitted, what things are moſt ready … what principles they live and act upon and …he like, allow an undue proportion of their Miniſtry to Subjects of leſs importance, unſeaſonably Preach up ſome truths and duties, and Preach againſt ſome errors and vices to the accid…tal damage and diſſervice of Religion.

MINISTERS muſt not indeed ſhun to declare the whole Counſel of God;Act. 20.27Acts 20:27 Howbeit there are ſome times, when a truth is not to be inſiſted on, becauſe un…eaſonable, in that the minds of People are not prepa…ed for the reception thereof. Thus ſaid our Saviour; I've yet many things to ſay unto you, Joh. 16.12John 16:12but ye cannot beat them now And ſo the Apoſtle to the Hebrews; of Whom, Heb 5.11, 2Heb 5:11Heb 5:2i. e. Chriſt we have many things to ſay, and hard to be uttered; ſee…ng ye are dull of hea…ing,—and are ſuch as have need of milk, and not of ſtrong meat.

THERE are different degrees of growth in the Flock of Chriſt, and that which may be a very proper entertainment for one Soul, may be very unſuitable food to another. The Stewards of the pel muſt ſee to it then, that they make a wiſe diſtinction in their diſpenſations according to the various neceſſities, and different improvements p. 24of the Family;ver. 13, 4. feeding the babes with the ſincere milk of the Word, (with eaſy truths, and firſt principles of the Oracles of God,) but dealing out ſtrong meat (Doctrines of a deeper ſearch, and more difficult of digeſtion,) …o them that are of full age, even thoſe who by reaſon of uſe have their ſenſes exercis…d to diſcern both good and evil.

2. WISDOM will direct Miniſters to handle the Subject that they treat upon, in a manner ſuited to the capacity of the Hearers, and the dignity of divine truths. The matter muſt be fit, and ſo the manner. The Preacher muſt ſeek to find out acceptable Words and a ſuitable method;Ecc. 12.12Eccl 12:12 ſo as to inform the underſtanding, and inflame the affections, ſo as neither to "offend the weak, nor give advantage to the malicious"—ſo as to ſecure his adminiſtrations from contempt, to further the deſign and maintain the dignity of Preaching;Act. 26.25.Acts 26:25 always ſpeaking forth the words of truth and ſober…eſs, with propriety and decency, with clear light, good order, & plain demonſtration, without impertinency, confuſion, and empty vociferation; ſo as at once to charm the ear, reach the mind, and touch the heart.

(1) THEY muſt adapt their Diſcourſe to the capacity of the Hearers

[1.] AS to Method. Their thoughts muſt be di- into proper order, & diſpos'd in the moſt rational, eaſy, natural method, without tumultuary perplextneſs, or a dry exactneſs. Scholaſtical accuracy, and Metaphyſical diſtinctions, a great reach of tho't, and a Syſtematical thred of reaſon, are proportion'd to but very few Auditories. An Argumentative way, and too ſtrict adhaerence to the nice rules of the ART of reaſoning, do's but amuſe common Hearers ("Strong Wine is more heady than hearty,) and therefore ought to be avoided.

[2.] AS to Style. The truths of the Goſpel p. 25muſt be repreſented to the underſtanding in the moſt intelligible Language, with perſpicuity, and eaſineſs of expreſſion. The Apoſtle ſay to the Corinthians,1 Cor 14.9.1 Cor 14:9 Except ye utter by the tongue words eaſy to be underſtood, how ſhall it be known what is ſpoken? for ye ſhall ſpeak into the air. And then he ſays,ver. 18, 9. I thank my God, I ſpeak with tongues more than you all: yet in the Church I …ad rather ſpeak five words with my underſtanding, that by my voice I might teach others alſo, than ten thouſand words in an unknown tongue. The pompous Oratory of the Schools, and luxuriant ſtrains of Rhetoric▪ Academical terms and Philoſophical nicety of diction, are above common capacities, and to be perpetually dealing in theſe is to ſpeak into the air, and raiſe the duſt to blind Men's eyes. When Miniſters ſtudy rather to be florid, than ſolid, and labour continually for lofty phraſes and great ſwelling words of vanity, 2 Pet. 2.18.2 Pet 2:18they are only ſpinning a Spiders web; and the Orator perhaps may win applauſe, but the Miniſter in the mean time not win a Soul, the divine end of Preaching. They muſt follow the Example of CHRIST, the Great Teacher ſent from God, who came not with excellency of Speech, and the enticing words of Man's wiſdom, but with much plainneſs of ſpeech. As it was prophecy'd concerning Him, He ſhall feed his Flock like a Shepherd, Iſai 40.11.Isa 40:11He ſhall gather the Lambs with His arm, and carry them in His boſom, and ſhall gently lead thoſe that are with young: which expreſſions decipher to us Chriſt's tender care of Souls, His humble familiarity in teaching His People, attempering His proviſions to every taſte, cloathing His inſtructions with language calculated to every capacity. Herein it becomes Miniſters to imitate Him, and not tower aloft above low underſtandings in lawleſs Altitudes of expreſſion, (as the manner p. 26of ſome is) but uſing a Style level to the unlearned and unskilful, delivering their tho'ts with a natural turn of ſpeech, and in the moſt entertaining images, which, where the matter is weighty and important, is voted by the beſt Judges to be the trueſt eloquence However (no doubt) ſome particular Occaſions, Auditory's, Subjects, &c. will bear ſomething more of politeneſs without vanity, than one would ordinarily chuſe.

(2.) THE Diſcourſe muſt be ſuited to the majeſty, and importance of the divine Subject.

[1.] AS to the Language. Miniſters in Preaching muſt uſe ſuch words, as will exhibit the moſt bright and clear idea of every truth, and ſet it forth in its whole emphaſis, light, and genuine beauty, to the beſt advantage. They muſt endeavour for as thorow an underſtanding and penetration into the myſteries of Godlineſs as they can, and labour to draw the images thereof in their Sermons, as near as poſſible in their full proportion, and their native purity & complexion with the moſt lively colours; neither clouded with thoſe dark ſhades, which ſometimes ſtain the luſtre of divine truths, nor varniſh'd over with the falſe paint of art, which dazzles the ſight, and entangles the ey…, that they cannot ſee the true light of the knowlege of the glory of God in the face of Chriſt Jeſus. 2 Cor. 4.6.2 Cor 4:6As Miniſters muſt not indulge a vain affectation of gawdineſs, and glittering Ornaments: ſo neither, on the other hand, may they allow themſelves to appear wrap't up in a rude and ſlovenly dreſs. The Maſters of divine oratory forbid thoſe odd turns and forms of expreſſion which ſound ſo very harſh to a polite ear, and look ſo very unſhapely to a critical eye; and condemn thoſe homely metaphors, and improprieties of ſpeech, which adulterate the ſincere milk of the Word, 1 Pet. 2.2.1 Pet 2:2ſpoil the pure taſte of ſpiritual p. 27truths, and are juſtly nauſeous and unſavory to Men of a nicer ſenſory, and more delicate palate. They recommend "a mixt air of ſimplicity and majeſty," decent neatneſs and elegance without ſlanting pomp and gayty; when a Man deſcends to the ordinary underſtanding,1 Pet. 4.11.1 Pet 4:11 and yet ſpeaks as becomes the Oracles of God, agreeably to the dignity and weight of the ſacred Subject, with thoſe ſerious and ſolemn, pathetical and moving words, that will not ſo much entertain curioſity and a wanton imagination ▪ as affect the Soul, and perſwade the mind—words, that will be as goads and nails faſten'd by the Maſter of Aſſembly's, Eccl. 12.11Eccl 12:11that will enter the Conſcience, and breath heavenly fire to melt and enliven the dead affections.

TO dreſs up divine truths in a looſe, courſe and ſordid garb, is too often but to draw a veil over them, and to invite contempt, where the deepeſt and utmoſt humble veneration is due, to faithful ſayings, worthy of all acceptation. And therefore (as one ſays) "He that affects to act the ruſtic "clown in Preaching—is as likely to forfeit the great deſign of the Miniſtry, as he that plays the ſinical Orator; all the difference between them being this, that while one clouds the Window with paint, t'other dawbs it with mud, —both ecclipſing the light, rendering the viſion as the words of a book that is ſealed, and darkening counſel by words without knowledge. The ſpeech of both is as wind, but how forceable are right words, Job 6 25.Job 6:25that neither ſoar above the reach of the Audience, nor grovel beneath the ſanctity, and noble quality of the Subject?

[2] AS to Method, and Argument. It behoves Miniſters in their Diſcourſes to keep a ſteady train of tho't, to obſerve a good connection, and regular tranſitions; to rank and range ev'ry part p. 28or particular into their proper poſt and place, adjuſting the whole into the beſt and moſt becoming Scheme. So ſome underſtand that of the Apoſtle to Timothy,1 Tim. 2.151 Tim 2:15 Study to ſhew thy ſelf approved—rightly dividing the word of truth, i. e. duly methodizing and martialling Goſpel-truths, unfolding & diſtributing the ſeveral branches of each truth in the moſt apt & appoſite manner. It wounds the beauty, ſlacken the nerves, & emaſculates the power of the great Doctrines of Religion, for the Preacher to vent his tho'ts upon 'em all in a confus'd huddle, ſhuffl'd together in a wild and inconſiſtent manner. Methodical pertinence and cohaerence then are to be ſtudy'd for. Order is the ſtrength and glory of all thing.—

SO likewiſe Miniſters muſt endeavour to prove every truth with the beſt Arguments; and to preſs every duty with the moſt prevaling motives, with all the artifices of perſuaſion, and the ſtrongeſt enforcements of reaſon. Dogmatical aſſertion and a magiſterial air ſeldom do, without the aids of ſound demonſtration, and the proper arts of inſinuation. Miniſters muſt conform to the Example of Chriſt, who taught the people as one having authority, Mat. 7.29.Matt 7:29i. e with pious ardency, and uncommon majeſty, with perſwaſive eloquence, and the moſt forceable energy. So of the Apoſtle 'tis ſaid, that, as his manner was, he reaſoned with the people out of the Scriptures;Act. 17.2.—18.4.Acts 17:2 that he reaſoned in the Synagogue every Sabbath, and perſwaded the Jews and the Greeks; i. e. He ſet things in the cleareſt light to the eye of the underſtanding, offered the moſt convincing demonſtration to the judgment, and addreſs'd the affections in the moſt ſenſible and moving manner, to rouſe and engage them: and by this rule he reſolved to try and examin the Preaching of thoſe flouriſhing, & fine-ſpun p. 29Doctors at Corinth, who ſo excell'd in the charms of a ſmooth and plauſible tongue; I will come (ſays he) to you ſhortly, if the Lord will, 1 Cor. 4.19, 20.1 Cor 4:191 Cor 4:20and will know, not the ſpeech of them that are puffed up, but the power, for the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. The excellency and efficacy of preaching does not lie in an accumulation of fine phraſes and elegant ſentences. The moſt elaborate contexture of ſoft and faſhionable words, and harmonious periods, without a good blaze of tho't, a bright flame of reaſon, the vital Spirits of ſound underſtanding, and the ſinews of good argumentation, is but a lifeleſs image, or a flatulent ſhell, without ſolidity, or ſtrength; like an Edifice with painted walls, without pillars, and ſet on a weak ſandy foundation, of little ſervice, and ſhort ſtanding, eaſily pelted down, and then all evaporates into duſt and ſmoak. Even ſo vain and inſignificant is the greateſt pomp of words, in a Sermon, pack't together without the nerves and ſubſtance of ſolid reaſon.

MINISTERS then in Preaching muſt labour, to digeſt the materials into good order, to make all things plain, obvious and intelligible to the mind, and to recommend them to the conſcience, and practic powers, with ſatisfactory evidence, and the moſt winning force of perſuaſion.

THUS, as to the Style, method and ſpirit, the outward dreſs and inward frame of their Public Diſcourſes.

3 THE delivery, and outward geſtures muſt be natural, unaffected, grave and decent.

(1.) THE voice muſt be well-govern'd and form'd to an audible, diſtinct, warm and affectionate pronunciation. If the ſubject-matter be never ſo ſubſtantial and edifying, and the ſtyle, method and argument framed to all poſſible advantage, p. 30yet an awkward and unpleaſant ſound, or any conſiderable indecency in the prolation of a diſcourſe may marr the goodlineſs of the faſhion thereof, ſcreen the vigorous flame, and give a chilling damp, and ſuſpenſion to the moſt ſprightly pulſe. Great care then ou't to be taken to tune, and modulate the voice to a pleaſing utterance and agreeable elocution; this will add a wonderful grace and force to the whole, and be a good ſeaſoning to the moſt accurate compoſition.

(2.) THE geſtures muſt be compos'd to a decent gravity. The public exerciſes muſt be managed with a becoming mine, and the moſt profound ſeriouſneſs, to give them weight, influence and authority. Some kind of poſtures and motions there be, which are of the moſt unpleaſing aſpect and appearance to the Spectators; which ſuggeſt improper reflections to c…rrupt fancys, and are too often the criminal occaſions of that contempt, under which Religion groans. Theſe things very much abaſe the majeſty of the Pulpit, degrade the dignity of a venerable inſtitution,1 Cor. 1.21.1 Cor 1:21 and put a ſtrong temptation before ſome to cry out,— This fooliſhneſs of Preaching! Act. 17.18.Acts 17:18What wou…d the Babler ſay? Therefore in point of prudence, Miniſters muſt ſtudy to compoſe their looks and form their behaviour to the utmoſt decency and moſt ſolemn air, as they wou…d not defeat their great deſign, unravel their work, and prevent the good entertainment of their meſſage.

TO proceed,

§. 3. MINISTERS muſt be very wiſe in managing their applications in private, and leſs public dealings with Souls.

A Miniſter's work do's not all lie in the Study and Pulpit. 'Tis not a hare preparing for, and circulating thro' the common Set of public exerciſes, p. 31that is a fulflling the Miniſtry;2 Tim. 4.5.2 Tim 4:5 but proper occaſions are to be wiſely choſen, and faithfully improved for more retir'd endeavours. Miniſters can't ſpeak with that pungency, plainneſs & freedom to ſome certain caſes in public, as they can in private; and what is ſometimes more generally treated of in the Houſe of God, may be proſecuted, the blow be followed, in particular addreſſes to Perſons, and Families by themſelves And indeed a …eſſon in a few words immediately directed and ſet home in a proper manner, yea a ſober check or ſolemn hint let drop by the by, in ordinary converſe at ſome critical junctures, will frequently have a more happy impreſſion, and affecting influence, than a formal, labour'd ſpeech to people in common. Hence, we read of the wiſe and holy Apoſtles. Act. 5.42.Acts 5:42that not only daily in the temple, but in every houſe, they ceaſed not to teach and preach Jeſus Chriſt. And thus Paul the unweary'd Apoſtle and faithful in all things, ſolemnly appealed to the Elders and People at Miletus, Ye know, Act. 20.20.Acts 20:20after what manner I've been with you at all ſeaſons,—how I have taught you publickly, & from houſe to houſe. And conformable to his example is that exhortation of his to Timothy,2 Tim. 4.2.2 Tim 4:2 Preach the word, be inſtant in ſeaſon, out of ſeaſon, i. e. (I preſume,) in a fixt, ſtated courſe in public, & alſo occaſionally, at all convenient opportunities, in private. Private inſpection, or Paſtoral viſitation is of neceſſity to the ſame purpoſes, as the public adminiſtrations. Hence, we have Miniſters deſcribed under this Character,—The watch-men, Cant. 3.3.Song 3:3that go about the City; and 'tis obſervable what follows, they found me, ſaith the Spouſe; they found out her, and not ſhe them,— a plain intimation, that the Miniſters of the Goſpel muſt diligently ſeek out, and look up the wandering, & ſtraying, & maintain a watchful inſpection over their ſtocks, even as the p. 32good Shepherd looks after his Sheep, going about, and taking particular notice of all; or as the Husbandman walks about in his garden, & fields, to obſerve the growth, and decays of things, and make all needful and ſuitable applications. Hence, Miniſters muſt arm themſelves with a becoming courage and reſolution, and ſhake off that falſe modeſty, that tame and and vicious dread of offending Men, which too often wretchedly prevales to the intire omiſſion, or but ſorry performance of this neceſſary and important duty; and apply themſelves with all fidelity, and holy boldneſs hereunto. But then, they muſt take heed to manage all with utmoſt prudent caution, and diſcretion; careful not to uſe the inſtruments of a fooliſh Shepherd, but in all points to concert ſuch meaſures,Zech 11.15Zech 11:15 and improve ſuch means, as are beſt adapted to anſwer the end, that their work may ſucceed.

1. IN adminiſtring reproofs to offenders—Wiſdom requires due care, that a proper decorum be obſerved, in addreſſing Men according to their different Styles, and external character, and quality. An Elder (ſays the Apoſtle in his directions to Timothy) rebuke not,1 Tim. 5.1.1 Tim 5:1 but intreat him as a Father— Elders in age, gifts or office are not to be inſulted and outrag'd with magiſterial cenſures, and unmannerly ſatyr, with rough imperious auſterity, and a rude aſſuming air of ſuperiority, but to be treated with due diſtance & deference in proportion to civil difference, and diſtinctions. Wiſe Nathan in admoniſhing King David, has left an Example of miniſterial humility and reſpect, worthy of every one's imitation.

AGAIN, Prudence will direct them to ſee to it, that the charge proceed upon reality, (1) an overt, viſible f…lt, & (then) full convincing evidence. They muſt take care, not to charge Perſons at random, p. 33or on every light occaſion. They muſt take heed, how they rebuke a pityable weakneſs, and how they denominate any act a crime by an ill gloſs, or perverſe innuendo…s: and then, they muſt ſee to it, they go upon ſubſtantial grounds and plain matter of fact, and beware how they draw the bow upon bare ſurmiſe, or doubtful report, and hear-ſay, leſt all be ſtigmatiz'd as meddling curioſity, or unchriſtian calumny.

AGAIN, Wiſdom will awaken a juſt concern, & direct how, to ſuit the reproof to the temper of the Perſon, & proportion it to the quality of the offence. As Phyſicians in their applications conſult the conſtitution of the Patient, with the nature, & degree of the diſtemper; ſo Miniſters muſt ſtudy the tempers of Men, and the ſize of their guilt, and make a difference in treating with 'em as their reſpective caſes demand. As to ſome, gentle lenitives are proper and expedient. Rep…ehenſive adminiſtrations muſt ſometimes be daſh'd with an infuſion of ſpiritual ſuavities, to give them a better reliſh; the unpleaſant hook muſt be baited with artificial guiſes, and ſet off with a ſpecious air, that it may with leſs reluctance be taken down; even as the work-man, that wo'd drive his nail home with leſs difficulty, firſt dips it in oyl. Others muſt be handled with ſharp, and ſtinging Corroſives. Some Maladies require ſtronger Phyſic, and ſome conſtitutions will bear a bigger potion, than others. An inveterate, and impoſtumated wound muſt be lanced to the quick, and dealt more roughly with, than a green & ſlight ſcratch.Tit. 1.Titus 1 Accordingly the Apoſtle gives that direction to Titus concerning ſome unſound and corrupt Profeſſors—Rebuke them ſharply. In ſome caſes, there muſt be ſome keenneſs & poinance, ſome warmth and ſmartneſs, to ſtrike proper convictions into the ſecure mind, and faſten p. 34an admonition on the brawny Conſcience: The arrow muſt be drawn up to the head, 2 Cor 13.102 Cor 13:10and diſcharged with Spirit and vigour, according to the power, which the Lord hath given to edification, and not to deſtruction. Ironical Jeers and the vibrations or jerks of a flurting tongue may tickle, but not terrify, and rather recreate than reform. "A nibbling, or ſquibbing kind of reproof, is like an ignis lambens, Jude 22, 3.as ſoon off, as on." Of ſome (ſays the Apoſtle) have compaſſion, making a difference, but others ſave with fear, pulling them out of the fire; i.e. in haſte & by force, without compliment or formality, as one wou'd ſnatch up another, that's fallen into the flames However, They muſt always beware, their zeal and aſ…erity do not degenerate into fury, and invenom'd bitterneſs. Real neceſſity muſt ever be the parent of heat & ſeverity; and this muſt be temper'd, and directed by Wiſdom.

AGAIN, Prudence muſt govern in the choice of a proper ſeaſon. There's a ſtrange diverſity in the humours, and inclinations of a Man at diſtinct times, and under different circumſtances. There are particular mollia fandi tempora, certain calm and lucky ſeaſons, when a tender touch will lodge a more ſenſible and laſting impreſſion, than an heavy blow at other times;Prov 25.11Prov 25:11 when a word ſhall be ſpoken upon Wheels (as 'twere) and ſhall glide with facility and ſpeed into the conſcience; ſhall grate on the darling luſt, and not awaken undue reſentments. A word thus fitly ſpoken, is like apples of gold in pictures of ſilver; how goodly and beautiful? As an ornament of gold, —ver. 12.ſo is a word in ſeaſon, and a wiſe reproof upon an obedient ear: but as vinegar upon nitre, ſo is a reproof out of ſeaſon; 'tis like a foot out of joint, like burning coals, and wood to fire, often times.Amos 5 10.Amos 5:10 They that rebuke in the gate muſt therefore watch for, and embrace the moſt ſeaſonable opportunities. p. 35The faithful, Mat 24.45Matt 24:45and wiſe Servant will endeavour to do all in due ſeaſon.

2. IN defending truth againſt the invaſions of error, Tit. 1.9.Titus 1:9(which is one peculiar branch of the work of Miniſters) They muſt (1.) Let Prudence ſingle out the Antagoniſt, one of temper and ingenuity, of parts, and modeſty: for ſome there are,1 Cor 1.20. 2 Theſ 3.2. Jam. 3.6.1 Cor 1:202 Thess 3:2Jas 3:6 the diſputers of this World, unreaſonable Men, who will bark and bawle, and make a perpetual larum, whoſe tongues ſeem to be ſet on fire of Hell, are unruly evils, and full of deadly poiſon; no reaſon will ſtop their mouths, nor the moſt unanſwerable arguments put their burning lips to ſilence. Theſe, Prov 26.23Prov 26:23Miniſters will be wiſe to avoid, rather than to exulcerate the ſpirit of deluſion, boil up the fumes of their unſanctify'd ſpleen, and raiſe a clamour: for thro' the weakneſs, and ſimplicity of the common Herd, impudent noiſe, and ſturdy nonſenſe, generally come off with triumph, and One fool wins louder Acclamations, than Seven men that can render a reaſon. Again, Prudence muſt direct, and chuſe the ſeaſon. The calm and cool of the day, when the mind is open, and unclouded, and the paſſions ſedate and unruffled, is the beſt time to enter the ſtage, and try the combat. Again, Wiſdom muſt preſide in ordering the manner. Points in difference muſt be ſtated with utmoſt calmneſs, and all poſſible allowances; and truth be defended under the united influences of meekneſs & wiſdom. The Wiſe Man obſerves,Prov 2….1…Prov 2:1 'tis the ſoft tongue that b…eaketh the bone, that diſſolves the mind, & bends it by a ſtrange, and ſecret efficacy to the acknowledging of truth, commands the light to ſpring up and ſhine out of darkneſs, and gently rolls away the miſts of error and prejudice, even as the riſing Sun, ſilently ſhedding abroad its pleaſant beams, carries off the gloomy ſhades of the night, and p. 36chaſes away the morning-clouds without any buſtle or bluſtre. It becomes the Advocates of truth always to offer unbroken reaſon, (that ſhall maſter and over-match the underſtanding) ſoften'd with calm perſuaſion, (that will nor alarm and chafe the paſſions) ſo debating in meaſure, ſtaying the rough wind, and not blowing with too ſtiff a gale. Violent guſts too often make ſhipwreck of the Faith.

TO aſſume the inſtructing and directing of others, looks like an uſurping juriſdiction over their judgments, which Man's native pride can hardly ſtoop to; and therefore the Embaſſadors of Chriſt, when they undertake to convince Gain-ſayers, had need ſet a watch before their mouths, and keep the door of their lips, Prov. 15.1.Prov 15:1laying aſide all hard ſpeeches, & grievous words which do but ſtir up anger, and lanch out Men's inflamed reſentments. They may contend earneſtly for the Faith,Jude 3.Jude 1:3 and not charge with thunder, or ſpit the venom of untemper'd zeal, which is the grand original of moſt of thoſe ſad confuſions, that have ever infeſted the Chriſtian World. Ja. 1.20.The wrath of man worketh not the righteouſneſs of God, but too often genders to more ungodlineſs, overthrowing the faith of ſome, and confirming the unbelief of others, opening the ear to ſolliciting errors, and ſteeling the mind againſt the dint of ſound convictions.

WHEN Men carry the poiſon of aſps under their lips, and are all wild-fire and flame, waſpiſh, and huffy, the ſtrange unhallowed incenſe of their ſtormy paſſions, and opprobrious invectives will darken the air, cloud the light, and make the truth of God of none effect.Rom 3.13.Rom 3:13

THE Italians have a Proverb, (I've ſomewhere met with) that, Duro con duro non ſat bon muro, hard ſtones heap'd up will not make a good wall, without p. 37ſomething of a more plyant quality to cement and bind them together.

3. IN healing of wounded Conſciences. They muſt labour (1.) to diſcern the true ſtate of the Perſon diſtreſſed—his natural temper, the nature, cauſe, degree, ſymptoms & prognoſtics of the ſpiritual diſeaſe labour'd under.

AGAIN, They muſt lead the Patient himſelf into a right view of his own circumſtances; and this, to diſpoſe him to receive advice and liſten to direction.

AGAIN, They muſt time their applications well. Generally the ſooner, the better, a green and freſh wound is eaſier heal'd, than an old and feſter'd one. A diſtemper ſeaſonably apply'd to in its ſtate of infi…mity, may be check'd and ſuppreſs'd, which perhaps, if neglected, may ſoon get head, and run beyond the reach of controll. And ſome critical junctures there are, wherein there is a deſirable concurrence of moſt advantageous circumſtances to further and facilitate their operations. Wiſdom will here be needful and uſeful to direct.

AGAIN, Wiſdom muſt regulate the manner of their diſpenſations. All poſſible skill muſt be us'd, in laying open the wound, in chuſing the methods of cure, in dreſſing the ſore, and applying the means of healing. The wound muſt be ſearch'd to the bottom, but Prudence muſt govern and guide the probe… and manage the inſtrument with a gentle and ten…er hand. Spiritual Phyſicians muſt beware, leſt by indirect and indiſcreet methods they ſhove Men at any time into the terrible convulſions of deſponding fear, ſtretch forth upon 'em the line of confuſion, and lay them gaſping under the impetuous ferment of their ill humours, and convictions. And on the other hand they muſt beware, leſt by improper applications they throw Men (as 'twere) out of p. 38a burning fever into a lifeleſs palſey; and deluge 'em in the dead ſea of ſecure preſumption; leſt they ſee viſions of peace, Ezek 17.16Ezek 17:16where no peace is, and a time of health, when the day of trouble muſt abide; leſt they daub with untempered mortar, ver. 10.and ſlightly heal the hurt of the daughter of my people, ſaith the Lord, and ſo merely trucing the anguiſh or ſmart, and working only a palliative, or ſuperficial cure, the wound ſhou'd rankle within, the clouds return after the rain, and the things that remain die irrecoverably; and ſo "the Phyſician turn Executioner.

A Miniſter muſt here do all by number, weight and meaſure, holding the balances even, & meting out by a juſt Ephah, dividing aright the word of truth, opening the door of hope, or lifting up the gates of fear, as the matter requires; diſpenſing terror to whom terror belongs, comfort to whom comfort, giving to ev'ry one his proper ſhare, as becomes a good Steward of the manifold grace of God; 1 Pet. 4.10. 2 Cor. 4.2.1 Pet 4:102 Cor 4:2by manifeſtation of the truth, commending himſelf to every man's conſcience in the ſight of God.

THIS indeed is a workman, that needs not to be aſhamed; a Scribe well inſtructed to the kingdom of God; and an Interpreter, Job 33.23Job 33:23one among a thouſand! Can we find ſuch a one as this, Gen. 41.38Gen 41:38a man, in whom the ſpirit of God is—a man ſo diſcrete, and wiſe.

THUS much for the Second particular.

3. OBSERVE, The Apoſtle's Diligence, Zeal, and unwearied Activity in his holy calling; whereunto I labour, ſtriving, ſays he. The firſt term [labour] bears reference to the Husbandman, whoſe work demands utmoſt care and vigilant inſpection, with painful patient toil. The other term [ſtriving] is an alluſion to the Olympic games, and the celebrated Grecian exerciſes of old, ſuch as wreſtling, racing, cuffing, &c. where ſeveral parties ſtrove for the maſtery,1 Cor. 9.251 Cor 9:25—agonized—It imports the p. 39moſt intenſe endeavour, a ſtraining, and puſhing forward and putting forth all one's might to out do. It ſpeaks a maſculine valour, and unſhock't reſolution; …acing death, and defying danger, above the power of charms or frowns.

AND this repreſentation the Apoſtle elſewhere juſtify's, where he gives us a detail of his ſervices and ſufferings, and his inflexible, unmov'd courage under all. In labours (ſays he) more abundant than any of them, in journeying often, 2 Cor. 11.2 Cor 11in deaths more frequent, in wearineſs and painfulneſs, in watchings oft, in hunger and thirſt, in faſtings often, in cold & nakedneſs, and beſides theſe things that are without, that which cometh on me daily, the care of all the Churches: but none of theſe things move me, neither count I my life dear to my ſelf, Act. 20.24.Acts 20:24that I may finiſh my courſe with joy. Such a frame, ſpirit, and unmoveable application to their work, well becomes all the Miniſters of the Goſpel.

DOCT. LABORIOUS diligence, ferver, and indefatigable application, ſhou'd be the Character of ev'ry Goſpel-Miniſter.

TO be oſcitant, drowzy and indifferent in their awful ſervice, is a reflection on their Maſter, a diſparagement to their profeſſion, and will defeat their expectation, and the end of their Miniſtry. Their Station is a ſtage of action, a flowing ſeries, & ſcene of boundleſs labours, of that importance & weight, that they wou'd ſuit the Grandeur of the brighteſt Intelligences in the excellent Glory, and then, ſo hard and difficult, attended with ſuch burdens, and uneaſy fatigues, as call for the patience and the powers of the World to come. The inſpired Apoſtle under this apprehenſion, brake forth into that ſolemn expoſtulation—Who is ſufficient for theſe things? 2 Cor. 2.16.2 Cor 2:16Here the moſt improved talents bear no proportion. Here the brighteſt Intellectuals will ſometimes be p. 40ſtrangely put upon the rack; and the moſt volatile, ſanguine and athletic Genius be foil'd and baffll'd and expire in impotent, ſucceſsleſs eſſays.

IT is no eaſy and light matter to provide one-ſelf with ſuch a ſtock of good knowlege, as is requiſite to make one apt to teach, 2 Tim. 2.24. Neh. 8.8.2 Tim 2:24Neh 8:8to enable one to give the ſenſe of the Law, to convince Gainſayers, to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon to him that is weary, to edify the Body of Chriſt, Iſai. 50.4.Isa 50:4and to make one ready to every good word and work; no, but much labour, and the moſt awakened intention are neceſſary to this end, whatever an illiterarian, enthuſiaſtic ſpirit may ſurmiſe. It is glaring impudence, and daring preſumption to dream of immediate irradiation from above. The deep things of God muſt be digg'd out, and fetch'd up from the mine in the common way of ſtudy, reading, and converſe, with Prayer for a bleſſing on the means improv'd. Hence, the Apoſtle exhorted Timothy; 1 Tim. 4.151 Tim 4:15Meditate on theſe things, give thy ſelf wholly to them. Be in them (as the original has it) bend all your powers to a cloſe and diligent inquiſition into theſe things. Agreeably the Apoſtle himſelf ſat an example; He could not live without ſtudy, 2 Tim. 4.13 conf. cum. ver. 6.2 Tim 4:13he could not die without his books and parchments, which he ſends for, from his Priſon, (no proper place (one wou'd think) to ſtudy in) under the near views of his approaching departure. The moſt elevated capacity, that wears the ſacred Charecter, needs ſtill further advances in knowlege. Hard Study, then, is the duty of all, and tho' this be a wearineſs to the fleſh, Ecc. 12.12Eccl 12:12yet they that have the true ſpirit of their calling, will account it their meat and drink, and its own exceeding great reward.

AGAIN, There is a large circle and variety of public adminiſtrations, and private diſpenſations to the Flock: which demand the joynt influences of light and labour, and require the loins of the mind to p. 41be perpetually girded about, and the active powers continually upon the wing and ſtretch; that Miniſters be burning and ſhining Lights, well-ſtor'd with pure oyl-olive, beaten, Ex. 27.20.Exod 27:20to keep the lamps of the tabernacle always burning, and that they move in their reſpective orbs, as the Sun, Pſal. 19.5.Ps 19:5which is as a Bridegrom coming out of his chamber, and rejoyceth as a ſtrong man to run a race; it ſeems as 'twere, to leap and ſparkle with rays of joy, when it riſeth to it's work, and runs its courſe with admirable ſteadineſs, conſtancy, and inimitable celerity: So Miniſters muſt be flames of fire, cloathed with zeal, in their Maſter's work; Men of unſtiffen'd agility, and quick diſpatch, laying aſide every weight to run the race ſet before 'em; Men of exalted vigour, and unwavering ſtanch reſolution; not ſlothful in buſineſs, but fervent in ſpirit, ſerving the Lord; delivering all the counſel of God, affirming conſtantly, the whole truth,Act. 26.27.Acts 26:27 each truth in its proper ſeaſon, and nothing but the truth; giving out line upon line, and precept upon precept, labouring in the word and doctrine, miniſtring to ev'ry one according to their neceſſity, capacity and appetite; being inſtant in ſeaſon, out of ſe…ſon, 2 Tim. 4.2. 1 Cor. 15 58 Gal. 4.19.2 Tim 4:21 Cor 15:58Gal 4:19always abounding in the work of the Lord; travailing in birth until Chriſt be form'd in Souls; fighting the good fight of faith, with unchill…d ardour, and fidelity unwarp'd, reſiſting unto blood, Heb. 12.4.Heb 12:4ſtriving againſt ſin; nothing being able to unfix their conſtancy, to ſlacken their endeavours, or juſtle 'em out of the line of duty.

THE Glory of God who employs them, the neceſſity & dignity of the Souls entruſted to their care, the object and end of their Miniſtry, do with united importunity call for, and ſpeak their obligations to, ſuch zeal, watchful concern, and ſedulous attendence on their work. Without this, they'l never be able to rive Men off from their p. 42beloved luſts, or to form the divine image in any Soul. The word is often "like a hollow ſound in the air", which ſoon languiſhes and expires: The Hammer of the Lord finds the heart of Man, obdurate as the Stone, unſuſceptible of any impreſſions; or unſtable as water, the traces made on it are quickly effaced; or like melted wax, which now turns as clay to the Seal, but by & by it hardens again and becomes impenetrable, that the Founder melts in vain. Jer. 6.29.Jer 6:29Theſe conſiderations challenge of the ſpiritual Artificers, a fervent induſtry and moſt indefatigable applications; as they wou'd not entirely forfeit the efficacy of their attempts, and in all things come ſhort of the Glory of God. For the lazy drone, as well as the contemtible weakling, muſt needs be unequal to this arduous and difficult task.

IV. OBSERVE, The deſign and intention of the Apoſtle in all his adminiſtrations— that we may preſent every man perfect in Chriſt Jeſus. What he aim'd at, was to lead men into a ſaving acquaintance and living union with Chriſt, to lift them into His ſervice, to mould them into His image, to take 'em off from the old ſtock of corrupt nature, and to inſert them into the true Vine, Joh. 15.1.John 15:1and then to advance ſuch to a ſpiritual maturity, to build them up on their moſt holy Faith, an habitation for the Lord thro' the Spirit,Jud. ver. 20 Eph. 1.22.Eph 1:22 fitly framing them together, and helping them to grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, and in the final upſhot, to preſent them compleat in Chriſt, when the top of the noble ſtructure ſhall ſoar as high as Glory.

UNTO this was the bent and ambition of his Soul; this was the vital motive of all his ſtudy, and diffuſive labours. The pulſe of his heart beat high and ſtrong in deſires to do good; his breaſt flow'd with pious concern, and was fir'd with a p. 43moſt lifey zeal to ſerve and ſave Souls, enkindled with a coal from off the Altar, intirely pure from the ſmoak of corrupt and dark deſigns.

SEE thoſe pathetical breathings of his diſ-intereſted, affectionate Soul,2 Cor. 6.11. 2 Cor. 13 9.2 Cor 6:112 Cor 13:9— Our mouth is open unto you, O ye Corinthians, our heart is enlarged: This we wiſh even your perfection.1 Cor 10.231 Cor 10:23 I pleaſe all men in all things not ſeeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be ſaved. And elſewhere, I've covered no man's gold, or ſilver, or apparel.Act 20.33.Acts 20:33 Did I make a gain of you, or of Men ſou't I glory? 2 Cor 13.172 Cor 13:17I ſpeak before God in Chriſt, I do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.2 Cor 12.19 1 Theſ. 2.8.2 Cor 12:191 Thess 2:8 Being affectionately deſirous of you, we are willing to impart not the Goſpel only, but our own Souls, becauſe ye are dear unto us;Phil. 1.8.Phil 1:8 for God is my record, how greatly I long after you, in the bowels of Chriſt.2 Cor 12 14, 15 —7.3.2 Cor 12:142 Cor 12:15 I wou'd gladly ſpend & be ſpent for you, & you are in our hearts to live and die for you, tho' the more abundantly I love you, the leſs I be loved; for I ſeek not your's but you; labouring night & day,Phil. 1.4. 1 Theſ 3 10 —8Phil 1:41 Thess 3:10 I preach unto you the Goſpel of God (always in every prayer alſo for you all, praying exceedingly) that I might perfect that which is lacking in your faith; for now we live, if ye ſtand faſt in the faith, we are glad when we are weak,2 Cor. 13 9.2 Cor 13:9 and ye are ſtrong. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoycing?1 Theſ 2.1 Thess 2 Are not even ye in the preſence of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt at his coming?

WHAT an uncommon pitch of divine heroiſm is here? What ſublime ſtrains of true generoſity, and the moſt noble chaſtity of intention?

AND this bright Example preaches to all the Miniſters of Chriſt this moſt important Doctrine.

p. 44DOC. THAT in all their miniſterial labours, they ſhould make the converſion, and edification of Men in Chriſt, their governing view, and ſov'reign aim. (I don't mean in contradiſtinction to the Glory of God, but to poral intereſt, honour, &c.)

THIS divine and excellent end, the good of Souls, muſt be primary in their intentions; This muſt give law and life to all their adminiſtrations. They muſt enter upon the Miniſtry with this exalted view, and this muſt be the maſter ſpring of their motion in it. All their labours in the word and doctrine, in prayer, in government, &c. are (like ſo many lines falling into a centre) all to conſpire and meet in this generous deſign; and all private advantages are readily to be ſacrificed for the promoting of it.

THUS runs the Apoſtle's ſolemn charge in this matter—Feed the Flock of God, 1 Pet 5.2, 3.1 Pet 5:21 Pet 5:3taking the overſight thereof, not by conſtraint, but willingly, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being Lords over God's heritage. Hence, Miniſters muſt neither engage, nor act in this work from the low principle of neceſſity, (to get a living; crouching for a p…ece of ſilver, 1 Sam. 2.1 Sam 2ſaying, put me into the prieſt's office that I may eat a morſel of bread,) nor from the ſimoniacal incentives of paltry avarice (teaching for hire and divining for money, Mic. 3.11. Jude 11.Mic 3:11Jude 1:11thirſting after the wages of unrighteouſneſs, and running greedily after the errors of Balaam, for a reward) nor from the falſe ſcent of popular applauſe, (led by the bait of honour, hunting after a name, putting on the ſolemn airs of the Zealot, & acting a part with ſubtil artifice, out of a vain-glorious oſtentation; Preaching Chriſt even of envy & ſtrife; Phil. 1.15. Gal. 4.17. 2 Cor. 4.2. 3 Joh. 9.Phil 1:15Gal 4:172 Cor 4:23 John 1:9not ſincerely, but in pretence, zealouſly affecting men, but not well, walking in craftineſs to draw away diſciples after 'em) nor from the luſt of dominion, (loving to have the pre-eminence, p. 45and to lord it over God's heritage, and to walk in an empty ſhew. Theſe are four abominations, Neh. 13.29Neh 13:29that defile the tabernacle of the Lord, ſtain the Prieſthood, and are the blackeſt proſtitution of the Miniſterial character: and to be abhor'd and abandon'd, as earthly, ſenſual, deviliſh, as what ſink men into the line of Judas, Demas & Diotrephes, which were ſome of the dreggs of the children of corruption, and into the doleful clan of voracious Scribes and Phariſees, hypocrites, who devoured widows houſes, and for a pretence made long prayers, Mat 23.14Matt 23:14& loved the praiſe of men, more than the praiſe of God, and therefore receive the greater damnation.

UNCOUNTERFEIT ſelf-denial then is an important leſſon; and 'tis of the laſt concern to Miniſters, that they don't give way to a mercenary, or a ſelf-exalting ſpirit, not uſing at any time a cloke of covetouſneſs, 1 Theſ. 2.5.1 Thess 2:5not uſing their liberty for a cloke of maliciouſneſs, nor a cover to diſguiſe any ſervile, and ſordid affections whatever. The great Judge has a Window into the breaſt, and can ſee thro' the moſt finiſht piece of refined hypocriſy into the impure ſcenes acted in the ſecret receſſes of the mind, which no mortal eye hath ſeen, or can ſee: and the awful day is coming, when the fire ſhall try every mans work of what ſort it is, 2 Cor. 3.2 Cor 3and in this ſhall the Children of God be manifeſt and the Children of the Devil, whoſoever hath not preached Chriſt in ſimplicity and godly ſin…erity, but with fleſhly wiſdom, handling the word deceitfully, is not of God, Mat. 25.Matt 25and muſt take his portion with the unprofitable ſervant, and with them, unto whom the Judge will ſay, I never knew you!—7.23.

MINISTERS then muſt act all from a natural care for Souls,Phil. 2.20.Phil 2:20 & with an inviolable regard to the Glory of God in the Converſion of Sinners, & the Edification of Saints, as they would approve themſelves p. 46unto God, and have even their moſt abundant labours be of any account in the day of retribution.

V. OBSERVE, The Apoſtle deriv'd all his miniſter…al accompliſhments from Jeſus Chriſt— He preach'd in wiſdom, and with diligent labour, according to the working of Chriſt. All his talents and abilities, his knowledge, prudence, zeal, fidelity, ſedulity &c. were of the operation of Chriſt, and the effuſions of His free bounty. Hence, elſewhere he ſays,1 Ti. 1.12. I thank Chriſt Jeſus our Lord, who hath enabled me, furniſh'd me to the work of the Miniſtry with ſuitable endowments. I was made a Miniſter of the Goſpel, Eph. 3.7.Eph 3:7according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me, by the effectual working of his power

Note, 'TIS Chriſt, who ſits and qualifies Miniſters for the Sacred truſt and duty.

Col. 1.19.Col 1:19IN Him, it hath pleaſed the Father, ſhou'd dwell the treaſures of wiſdom, riches of glory, and the fulneſs of everlaſting ſtrength, to furniſh their whole man, both the directive and executive powers; and no man receives any thing, but what comes down from above, Jam. 1.17.Jas 1:17from the Father of Lights, unto whom are owing ev'ry good gift, and every perfect gift. 'Tis the inſpiration of the Almighty, Job 32.8.Job 32:8that begets underſtanding, and the unction from the Holy One, that gives the ſpirit of a ſound mind. He puts the treaſure in the earthen veſſels, and lights up the lamps of the ſanctuary, and keeps them burning. Miniſters are Stars, ſhining with light borrow'd from the Sun of Righteouſneſs. He ſets forth, and ſets forward the ſpiritual Racer. He ſpirits and equips the ſpiritual Soldier, provides him with arms and artillery, inſpires him with military art and dexterity, gives him martial proweſs to ſpeak with the enemy in the gate, Pſal. 127.5Ps 127:5and girds him p. 47with ſtrength unto the battle, and makes his way perfect 'Tis Chriſt the Lord, that doth all theſe things.

HENCE, It behoves Miniſters to be very much in the exerciſe of Prayer. They that wou'd bec…me fit for, and faithful in the Miniſtry of the word muſt give themſelves to prayer continually. Act. 6 ….Acts 6The prayer of the upright, is the moſt likely method to procure the tongue of the learned, the diligent hand ▪ & an able head. The more fervent and frequent one is at the throne of Grace, the better proſpect he has of excelling in ſtrength, of growing mighty in the Scriptures, and skilful in the word of righteouſneſs To be often in the mount, having his con…erſation much in Heaven, will admirably both i…adiate ▪ and warm him in his work, will make his affections glow with an holy heat, and his m…nd ſparkle w…th rays of glorious light, Ex. 34.35.Exod 34:35even as the face of Moſes when he had been with God in Sinai

AGAIN, Hence Miniſters muſt be contented with their Lord's diſpenſations and allotments to them. He is Maſter of his own favours, and according to the counſel of his own will he makes one ſtar to differ from another in glory, dividing to every man ſeverally as he pleaſeth. 1 Cor 12.11 Mat 25.151 Cor 12:11Matt 25:15To one he gives …ive ta…ents, and to another one. The Sovereign Potter forms the holy Veſſels of the temple with a juſt and admirable variety, as to the make and conſtitution, (This is finer and that courſer, this is weaker, that is ſtronger, this of gold,2 Ti. 2.20. and that of ſilver, this of wood and that of earth,) and then, as to the extent, capacity, & ſize, as alſo to the figure and faſhion, aptitude and uſefulneſs, &c. And there is none may ſay unto Him,Iſai. 45.9.Isa 45:9 What doeſt Thou? or Why makeſt Thou me thus?

LET not, then, the Men of low degree, & of ſmall account in their Father's Houſe, who are forced p. 48to creep in the duſt, and lift up plow-ſhares and pruning-hooks, inſtead of ſwords and ſpears, I ſay, let not us look upon our ſelves with diſcouragement and diſcontent, neither with envy and emulation upon others, that move in an higher ſphere, diſtinguiſht with brighter viſions, and more abundant honour;Mat 20.15Matt 20:15 for may not the Lord do, what he will, with his own? Let us be faithful in a little, and 'twill abound to our account. And on the other hand, let not thoſe deſpiſe the leſs noble, and weaker veſſels. Let not the golden Candleſticks look, either upon the earthen Lamps with ſupercilious contempt, or upon themſelves with elated pride;1 Cor. 4.7.1 Cor 4:7 for who maketh thee to differ? and what haſt thou, that thou didſt not receive? Now, if thou didſt receive it, why doſt thou glory? Let ſuch, as perch on the pinacle of the temple, take heed, leſt they grow giddy at any time, and give the Prince of the power of the air an advantage againſt them. Pride goes before a fall.

VI. OBSERVE The extraordinary divine Aids, and happy Succeſs graciouſly vouchſaf'd the faithful Apoſtle—Striving (ſays he) according to His working, which worketh in me mightily. This may be conſidered under a double aſpect, as intimating his Aſſiſtence in his Miniſtry, and the Succeſs of it. The Lord wro't in him mightily, and by him upon others ſavingly.

1. WE may underſtand by it the Aſſiſtences he met with, the ſupplies of grace and ſtrength he received from above, from the fulneſs of Chriſt. The Lord Jeſus Chriſt did furniſh this great Apoſtle at firſt with an unuſual ſtock of divine gifts and graces to trade with for his Maſters uſe, but this wou'd ſoon have been impoveriſh't and exhauſted with his more abundant fatigue, ſufferings, ſervices and cares, had he not been recruited p. 49with freſh ſupplies from the Head of Influences. Without a flow of ſap from the root of Jeſſe, and the vivific beams of the Sun of Righteouſneſs to animate, ſtrengthen, and ſuſtain, this moſt fruitful Vine wou'd ſoon have withered, his excellent gifts been under a blaſt, and the fair bloſſoms have dropt off. Jer. 49.2▪ Lam. 4.Jer 49:2Lam 4This poliſhed ſhaft and moſt pretious of the Sons of Zion wou'd quickly have degenerated into an earthen pitcher; the gold have become dim, and the fine gold changed.

BUT this was his happineſs and honour; He had the grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt continually burniſhing and brightening up his talents, divine virtue from on high preſerving & improving them, the ſpirit of Chriſt abiding in him, invigorating him by powerful aſſiſtences,2 Cor. 12.9.2 Cor 12:9 every way ſufficient for him; ſo that he, who was not ſufficient of himſelf, Mic. 3.8.Mic 3:8was full of power by the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts, ſtrong in the Lord and in the power of his might; and when he was preſſed out of meaſure,2 Cor. 1.8.2 Cor 1:8 and above strength by labours, and troubles, yet he did not faint, nor fail, but performed all things, endured all things, thro' Christ ſtrengthning of him, Phil. 4.13.Phil 4:13and working in him mightily.

NOW, Theſe things were written for our conſolation & encouragement, upon whom the ends of the World are come, that we ſhould not fear nor be diſmay'd at any time.

HENCE, then, we may take up this uſeful Obſervation, namely, That Faithful Miniſters may expect from the Lord Jeſus Chriſt all thoſe ſupplies both of skill and ſtrength, they need in order to the fulfilling their Miniſtry.

SUCH, as are true Men, and faithful Servants, may depend upon Him, that has put 'em into a military condition, for all the aſſiſtence, they need in order to the warring a good warfare. 1 Tim. 1.1…1 Tim 1:1He p. 50will teach their fingers to fight, and the arms of their hands ſhall be made ſtrong by the mighty God of Jacob; He will annoint them with freſh oyl, and renew their bow in their hand, will make them a new heart, and new ſpirit, give power to 'em,Iſai 40.29. —ver. 31, Rom. 12.7.Isa 40:29Rom 12:7 when they are faint, and when they've no might, increaſe of ſtrength. They that wait upon the Lord, that wait on their Miniſtry, ſhall renew their ſtrength as the Eagles, and mount up with wings; They ſhall walk and not faint, run and not be weary, being upheld by the greatneſs of his might, who is head over all, and without whom (the mouth of truth hath ſpoken it) they can do nothing. Joh. 15.5,John 15:5They are his Embaſſadors, and as long as they act by his authority, and keep to their credentials, He will bear them up, and bear 'em out; "He will ſtrive with them, and work for them". The fountain of Jacob ſhall cover 'em, and underneath be his everlaſting arms. The bleſſing of Aſher ſhall come upon them, as their days are, ſo ſhall their ſtrength be. Deut. 33.Deut 33The God of Jeſhurun will be their refuge and the ſhield of their help; His ſtrength ſhall be made perfect in their weakneſs. 2 Cor. 12.9.2 Cor 12:9Refreſhment ſhall come from the preſence of the Lord, the Heavens ſhall drop down dew, & the Sun afford ſuperiour influence to help their infirmities, and impregnate them with vigour and reſolution to carry on their work. He, who walks in the midſt of the golden Candleſticks, Rev. 2.1 Iſai. 49.7.Rev 2:1Isa 49:7will hold the Stars in the ſhadow of his right hand, until he ſhift the ſcene and take 'em into his boſom, and heavenly embraces. Such truſt have we, thro' the promiſes, to Chriſt-ward.

2. I paſs now to the other ſenſe of the phraſe; which worketh in me mightily, i. e. with conquering efficacy, and apparent power, to purpoſe, with great ſucceſs. The pleaſure of the Lord p. 51proſpered in his hands, and the whole efficiency he reſolv'd into the energetical preſence of Chriſt with him. Hence Note, The Lord Jeſus Chriſt is the Author of all ſucceſs in the work of the Miniſtry. The efficacy of the Word preach't is not owing to the influence of men's wiſdom & eloquence: It do's not depend upon … of argument, or the charms of moral ſuaſion, nor upon the natural energy, or virtue of the Word itſelf, or any external means; but 'tis to be attributed intirely to the ſpecial ope…ion of Chriſt. He is the author, and finiſher of the whole affair, effectually working in his Miniſters; in Peter to the Apoſtleſhip of the circumciſion, Gal. 2.8.Gal 2:8and the ſame was mighty in Paul towards the Gentiles. He muſt both open their …p… to ſpeak, and the peoples hearts to receive. A door muſt be opened of the Lord, 2 Cor. 2.12.2 Cor 2:12a door of utterance, and a door of entrance. The Father of Glory (with whom are the words of eternal life) muſt utter his voice, and that a mighty voice, commanding the light to ſhine out of darkneſs, elſe the Sinner in his frozen grave, dead in treſpaſſes and ſins,Jer. 6.4.Jer 6:4 on whom the ſhadows of the evening, and the chains of darkneſs are ſtretcht forth, will not hear nor open his eyes to diſcern the things of God. Unleſs the Sun of righteouſneſs ariſe with healings under his wings,Rev 3.18.Rev 3:18 anointing their eyes with eye-ſa…e, and taking off the ſcales, the moſt bright and dignified Luminary's in the centre of light and fulneſs of meridian glory,1 Pet. 2.9.1 Pet 2:9 wou'd never be able to call men out of darkneſs into the marvellous light of the knowlege of God.… 369 … 37…. "This renovation ( …ys a moſt reverend Divine) is an inſtance of the ſame glorious power, which exerted itſelf in the firſt …reation of things, and in the Reſurection of Chriſt, tho' not altogether after the ſame manner. "This change is called a new creation, as if—men were …ded and faſhioned over again, tranſformed—and p. 52had ſuch a change wro't in them, as the creating power of God made, in bringing this beautiful and orderly frame of things, out of their dark and rude chaos".Rom. 6.4.Rom 6:4 And like as Chriſt was raiſed from the dead by the glory of the Father, ſo we alſo are raiſed to newneſs of life, according to the operation of his mighty power.Eph. 1.…0.Eph 1

THEREFORE, Unleſs the Creator of all the ends of the earth,Joh 12.38, 9, 40. Jer. 5.13. —6.17. Pſal. 58.45John 12:38John 12:9John 12:40Jer 5:13Ps 58:45 the God who raiſeth the dead, reveal his arm and make known the exceeding greatneſs of his power; the Prophets ſhall become wind, and none ſhall hearken to the ſound of the trumpet. All ſhall be like the Adder, deaf to the voice of the Charmer, charm he never ſo wiſely. Miniſters are appointed to edify the Body of Chriſt: but except the Lord build the houſe, Pſal. 127.1Ps 127:1They labour in vain: and to take heed to the Flock of Chriſt, but except the Lord keepeth the city, the watchman waketh but in vain: and to form Chriſt in Sinners, but tho' they riſe up early, work while the day laſts, ſit up late, and eat the bread of earneſt care; it will all be fruitleſs and abortive, unleſs the power of the moſt High overſhadow the Souls of Men: and to fight againſt principalities & powers, (the powers of the old-man, and the confederate forces of the ſtrong man armed,) but unleſs they go forth in the ſtrength of the Lord of Hoſts; they'l only make an empty flouriſh, and ſcuffle to no purpoſe. Unleſs the Light of Iſrael be for a fire, and his holy One for a flame;Iſai. 10.17Isa 10:17 unleſs the Captain of the Hoſt of the Lord ride on the heavens for their help, and in his excellency on the skies, ſhaking his hand againſts the haughty with terror, and he…ing down the high ones of ſtature with iron, the army of the aliens will put the holy Tribe to the …out, conſume their glory & ſweep them away as a ſpider's web, either by ſtrength o… ſtratagen… The Dragon will rage & taar them p. 53to pieces, or the ſerpent will play upon 'em & trepan 'em with his wiles, that none ſhall be recovered out of the ſnare of the Devil, for verily this is the work of the Lord of Hoſts,Jer. 50.25.Jer 50:25 with whom is everlaſting ſtrength, who openeth his armour, and bringeth forth the weapons of righteouſneſs, ſending judgment unto victory. Mat 12.20Matt 12:20An arm of fleſh can give but feeble and ineffective blows; It's utmoſt efforts alone will make no more impreſſion upon the habitation of the ſtrong, Jer. 49.19.Jer 49:19than the light touch of one's finger upon a wall of ſtone. It is the arm of the Lord that bringeth Salvation, Iſai. 63.5.Isa 63:5that breaks in pieces the Leviathan, and taketh from him all his armour wherein he truſted, Luk. 11.22Luke 11:22and bringeth out his hoſt by number.

IF he gird the ſword of truth on his thigh, Pſal. 45.3.Ps 45:3& ride forth in the Chariot of the everlaſting Goſpel, if he lift up his ſtandard and aſcend on high, he will make the place of his feet beautiful and glorious, and his right hand ſhall teach him terrible things, he will lead captivity captive,Iſai. 59.19. Luk. 10.18Isa 59:19Luke 10:18 and make the enemy, that comes in as a flood to ſcatter and fly as a cloud, and Satan to fall like lightning from Heaven. He will turn the wiſe men back,Iſai. 44.25.Isa 44:25 and make their counſel fooliſhneſs, but he will confirm the word of his ſervants, and perform the counſel of his meſſengers, by the greatneſs of his might;—40.26. for that He is ſtrong in power, not one faileth, where He appoints the Sword and gives it a charge. The Archers ſhall not return aſhamed; He will give the enemy as duſt to their ſpear, and as driven ſtubble to their bow, in the day of his power. Surely then, the leaſt of the Flock ſhall put a hook in the Lion's noſtrils and dragg him out of his den; the graſshoppers purſue the Anakims,Pſal. 60.12 Pſal. 68.28Ps 60:12Ps 68:28 and two put ten thouſand to flight; thro' God they ſhall do valiantly, who commandeth their ſtrength, and ſtrengthneth p. 54that which he worketh for them;2 Cor. 2.14. Gen. 3.15.2 Cor 2:14Gen 3:15 In Chriſt they ſhall triumph, who breaketh the Serpents head, bruiſeth Satan under their feet, reins in the power and malice of the Wolves that wou'd devour the Flock,Pſal. 11.4.Ps 11:4 and who bows the heart of the people by the ſaving ſtrength of his right hand, turning the rock into a ſtanding water, and the flint into a fountain of rivers.

Rom. 9.16.Rom 9:16SO then it is not in him that willeth, nor of him that runneth. The race is not to the ſwift, nor the battle to the ſtrong, Eccl. 9.11.Eccl 9:11nor yet favour to men of skill; but when the lot is caſt into the lap, the whole diſpoſing thereof is of the Lord, Prov 16.33Prov 16:33and ſometimes indeed he is pleaſed to ſeal up the hand of many wiſe men after the fleſh, Joh 37.7. 1 Cor. 1.26.1 Cor 1:26and chuſeth the fooliſh things of this world to confound the wiſe, & the weak things of this world to bring to nought the things which are mighty, that no fleſh ſhould glory in his preſence. 'Tis to the honour of the Agent to work the nobleſt effects by contemtible. & impropable means. Therefore out of the mouth of Babes, & Sucklings he ordains ſtrength to ſtill the enemy & the avenger;Pſal. 8.2.Ps 8:2 and dignify's deſpiſed, broken veſſels to be the illuſtrious, and moſt effectual inſtruments of his glory, that all men may know his wo…k; and that their faith ſhou'd not ſtand in the wiſdom of man, 1 Cor. 2.5.1 Cor 2:5but in the power of God, which worketh all in all.

HENCE, Let Miniſters be entirely reſigned to Chriſt, the Lord of the Harveſt, as to the fruit of their labours; Tho' they ſpend their ſtrength for nought, and in vain all the day long ſtretch out their hand to a gainſaying and rebellious people, yet ſurely their judgment is with the Lord, Iſai. 49.4.Isa 49:4and their work with God. If they ſow much, tho' they reap little or nothing; tho' the V…neyard does not yield fruit meet for them, Heb. 6.7.Heb 6:7by whom 'tis dreſſed, not receiving the bleſſing from God, but degenerates into an howling p. 55wilderneſs, or barren deſart, bearing thorns and briars, nigh unto curſing, or at moſt affords only, —ver. 8.as 'twere, the grape-gleanings of the vintage, yet this may adminiſter comfort to the faithful Servants of Chriſt, that they've diſcharg'd their duty & acted their part, and the want of ſucceſs ſhall be no bar to their acceptance, for they are unto God a ſweet …avour of Chriſt, in them that are ſaved, 2 Cor. 2.15.2 Cor 2:15and in them that periſh. Tho' Iſrael be not gathered, yet they are glorious in his eyes, with whom they have to do, and tho' they loſe their labour, they ſhall not loſe their reward. The battel is the Lord's, and not theirs, 2 Chr 20.152 Chr 20:15he umpires the ſucceſs of every campaign, and if they are good Soldiers of Jeſus Chriſt, Iſai. 28.6.Isa 28:6tho' they do not turn the battel to the gate, and the ſpirits be not ſubject to them,Luk. 10.20Luke 10:20 yet this may be their crown of rejoycing, that their names are written in heaven; For in this caſe, if there be firſt a willing mind, and then a diligent hand, it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not. Their acceptance and reward is in proportion to the degree of their care and pains, and not to the event and ſucceſs; 'ti… meaſur'd by their fidelity, and not by the efficacy of their labours, for this is wholly of the Lord, and their ſufficiency is of God.2 Cor. 3.5.2 Cor 3:5

AGAIN, Hence, Let Miniſters wait upon Chriſt for ſucceſs Thoſe, that labour in the harveſt, muſt ſow in tears, and with ſtrong crying, they muſt ſleep their ſeed in prayer, and ſeal inſtruction with ſupplication. They muſt aſcend on Jacobs ladder up to mount Gerizzim to fetch down a bleſſing on Zion, and her proviſion; upon …evi, and his ſubſtance, o… the fruit of his lips, and the work of his hands. For this, they muſt with irreſiſtible importunity beſiege the Throne of Grace, breath out their moſt ardent requeſts, agonize with holy violence at the foot of the mercy-ſeat, wreſ…ing down from the p. 56Father of Lights a word of bleſſing on their perſons and adminiſtrations, to enrich them unto all ability and ſucceſs,2 Cor. 9.10.2 Cor 9:10 both miniſtring bread for food, and multiplying their ſeed ſown, and increaſing the fruits of their righteouſneſs.

Col. 4.12.Col 4:12AND all this muſt be never-ceaſing and perpetual, even as Epaphras laboured always fervently in Prayers.Ex. 17.11.Exod 17:11 If they let down their hands, Amalek will prevail. 1 Cor. 10.4. —ver. 12.1 Cor 10:4If then they expect and deſire to have the weapons of their warfare mighty thro' God, they muſt hold up, and keep their hands ſteady until the going down of the ſun. Thus the "Cloſet muſt crown the Field with ſucceſs.

AGAIN, Hence, Let not people rely upon, nor glory in Men. Some truſt in Chariots & ſome in Horſemen, but, be aſhamed O Iſrael, put not your confidence in man, that is a worm, or the ſon of man, whoſe breath is in his noſtrils, and whereof is he to be accounted? Dependence upon Miniſters is a derogation from the Lord of Glory, whoſe appropriate and ſole prerogative 'tis,Pſal. 29. —27.Ps 29 to give ſtrength unto his people. The Lord is their light and life, the ſword of their excellency, and the rock of their ſalvation.1 Cor. 3.5.1 Cor 3:5 Who is Paul, and who is Apollos, but Miniſters, by whom ye believed, according as the Lord gave to ev'ry man? Ye are his building, his workmanſhip,1 Cor. 3.9. —7.1 Cor 3:9 his husbandry; ſo then, neither is he that planteth, any thing, nor he that watereth; but God that giveth the increaſe. Inſtruments muſt be own'd and honour'd in their order and due meaſure. 1 Cor. 4.1.1 Cor 4:1Let a man ſo account of them, as the Miniſters of Chriſt, and Stewards of the myſteries of God. They muſt not be over-rated, nor under-valu'd. There is a great and juſt reſpect to be paid their character. Unto Chriſt is due the glory of efficiency, but to them the honour of inſtrumentality. Chriſt is the Maſter-builder; they are p. 57Under-labourers, working together with God. 1 Cor. 3.9.1 Cor 3:9They are then to be eſteemed highly in love as ſuch. But let people take h…ed, that their "reſpect do not degenerate into ſinful admiration of men's perſons", and a factious and dangerous partiality, magnifying this and nullifying that. For while one ſaith, I am of Paul, and another, I am of Apollos, 1 Cor. 3.4.1 Cor 3:4are ye not carnal? 1 Cor. 4.6.1 Cor 4:6Let People learn then not to think of men above that which is written, that no o…e—be puffed up for one againſt …nother. "Rais'd expectations from man, may provoke God to blaſt the moſt promiſing mean's".

AGAIN, Hence, Let Miniſters give Chriſt the glory of all that ſucceſs, they meet with in their labours. When the ſpiritual Husbandman takes a view of his field, and ſees the full corn in the ear, Mat. 1…. Iſai. 28.25. —61.3Matt 1Isa 28:25plants of renown, trees of righteouſneſs, and principal wheat, growing in the good ground, that beareth fruit to perfection, let Chriſt reap an harveſt of glory from him. Do the Goſpel Fiſher-men draw their net to the ſhore full, and gather of the abundance of the Seas? Then, let Chriſt have a tribute of honour, without whom, they might toil all day and night and catch nothing. Are any built up an habitation of God? Let Chriſt have the rent, and revenue, the profit and praiſe. At the laying of every living ſtone in the holy temple, let there be the ſhout of Grace, Grace; and glory to God in the higheſt. When the word preach't is the miniſtration of Life, and an odour of a ſweet ſmell, let Miniſters beware of burning incenſe to themſelves.

THE Apoſtle was peculiarly tender of the honour of Chriſt in this point. He took all occaſions to magnify and exalt the Grace of God which was given to him, yea at the very time, he is giving an account of his own ſervices and ſucceſſes, and vindicating himſelf from the aſperſions of malice and p. 58envy, he takes infinite care always to ſecure unto the divine power and bleſſing the intire glory, & with the moſt profound humility, ſinks himſelf to the duſt under a view of his own nothingneſs. I am become (ſays he) a fool in glorying, 2 Cor. 12.2 Cor 12ye have compelled me: for I ou't to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chief of the Apoſtles, tho' I am nothing. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace which was beſtowed upon me, was not in vain; but I labour'd more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

THE humble temper & ſpirit of this great Apoſtle wou'd well become every Goſpel-Miniſter. Let none boaſt or ſo much as begin to commend themſelves. 2 Cor. 3. Iſai. 10.15.2 Cor 3Isa 10:15Shall the pen boaſt itſelf againſt the Writer? or the ax againſt him that heweth therewith? or ſhall the ſaw magnify itſelf againſt him than ſaweth it? as if the ſtaff ſhou'd lift up itſelf, as if 'twere no wood.

THE moſt divine Preacher is but an Inſtrument: the excellency of the power is of Chriſt, and therefore the excellency of dignity, and the praiſe of all is owing to Him.

LET Miniſters then aſcribe unto Him the glory that's due unto him, ſing forth the honour of his praiſe and make his name glorious. Aſcribe ye ſtrength unto him, Pſal 68.34, 35Ps 68:34Ps 68:35whoſe excellency is over Iſrael, and his power and glory are ſeen in the ſanctuary. He is terrible out of his holy places; the God of Iſrael is he that prepareth mercy & truth, for his people, and makes his miniſters a flame of fire. Great is the Lord & greatly to be praiſed in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holineſs. When therefore Miniſters fight the battels of the Lord, and their arrows are made ſharp in the hearts of the King's enemies, Pſal. 45.Ps 45let them return to the mount to meet the Lord with the high praiſes of p. 59God in their mouth. They muſt not upon any victorious atchievement divide the ſpoils, they muſt not divide the glory, nor crown themſelves with the laurel, as if by their own holineſs or power, Act. 3.12. Prov 25.14Acts 3:12Prov 25:14they had done this thing, boaſting of a falſe gift, and rearing up a trophee to their own dexterity, activity, parts or pains: No; but let them caſt their crowns at the foot of Chriſt, and erect a monumental pillar for a memorial of gratitude, making their boaſt in Him alone; according as 'tis written, he that gloryeth, let him glory in the Lord, 2 Co. 10.1…2 Cor 10:1upon every ſignal inſtance of happy ſucceſs, raiſing the higheſt notes of doxology to the exalted Redeemer, and of thankful triumph over the powers of darkneſs, "Singing to the humble tune of [Pſal. 115.1.] Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give the glory". Neither by bow, Hoſ. 1.7.Hos 1:7nor by ſword, neither by horſes, nor by horſemen, neither by night, nor multitude, but the ſpirit of the living God, 2 Cor. 3.3. Pſal. 98.1.2 Cor 3:3Ps 98:1his right hand, and holy arm hath gotten us the victory. Once have I heard this, yea twice that ſalvation belongs unto the Lord: unto the Lord belongs the victory, the power and the glory. In all theſe things, we are conquerors thro' Him that hath loved us. Rom. 8.37. 2 Cor. 2.14.Rom 8:372 Cor 2:14Now thanks be to God, who always makes manifeſt the …avour of his knowlege by us in every place.

THUS I've rio… over the ſeveral Obſervations that lay in the T…a…, and given ſome general view of the copious Subject. I confeſs, I've gone but a little way in ſo wide a field, yet I've taken ſo large a compaſs, that your patience commands me to draw to a cloſe.

I ſhall therefore only add; Upon the whole, we ſee, the dignity; importance, and auwful difficulty of the Paſtoral truſt & province. How then ſhould ſuch tremble at their unworthineſs and inſufficiency, who are engaged in or are entring upon it? If any p. 60man deſire the office of a Miniſter, he deſireth a goal work—but verily a work, that calls for ſuperior skill, dexterity & acuteneſs, for extraordinary force and ſtaidneſs of mind, for much care, diſpatch & expedition, with the moſt wakeful unfainting application. And if here we ſubjoyn the conſideration of their own impotency & deficiency, with the difficulties they meet with from the luſts & exorbitant paſſions, the adamantine & unmalleable tempers of ſome Leviath…n-Rebels, and from the fiery rage of the infernal Hoſt; and "many other circumſtances of diſcouragement" they are unavoidably under; with the ſtrictneſs of that awful account they are ere long to give up to the chief Shepherd, &c. Here's …o' to diſ…nimate and appale the ſtouteſt and moſt puiſſant of mere Mortals. The Miniſtry is juſtly called magnum opus, ſed gravis ſarcina, a great work, but yet an heavy burden, a ſtation of honour, but yet a poſt of the moſt difficult ſervice, and can never be maintained & diſcharged without diſtinguiſhing aids and uncommon ſupplies from above.

SUCH, as engage in this ſacred and ſolemn work, ſhould well weigh, what an inſupportable burden they take upon their Shoulders,—to keep them humble; and the People alſo ſhou'd duly conſider it,—to keep them from adding to the Load. Serious reflections on this ſhou'd biaſs them to chriſtian tenderneſs, and move the bowels of holy compaſſion. The difficulty & weight of Miniſters work & duty, ſpeak 'em the juſt objects of pity, and ſhou'd teach people to ſpeak comfortably to them, that teach the good knowlege of the Lord. It is very unkind and ungenerous in people (not to call it the moſt ſavage barbarity, that will mightily inflame their accounts in the day of reckoning) to clogg and embarraſs faithful Miniſters in their work by the ſwelling waves of gainſaying and heady p. 61Corahiſm, (inſolently and inſultingly riſing up againſt them, as if they took too much upon 'em) by cruel mockings, rancour, and humourſome carriage, by ſhameleſs Chamiſm, uncovering their nakedneſs, and expoſing their frailties, by entertaining or ſpreading groundleſs jealouſies, by raſh cenſures, and unfair comments, and criticiſms on their words or actions, proceedings, or preaching, by ſelfiſh contraction of ſpirit,Mal. 3.8. 1 Cor 9.14. 1 Tim 5.17 Gal. 6.6.Mal 3:81 Cor 9:141 Tim 5:17Gal 6:6 and cloſe-handed niggardlineſs in the maintenance of them—the blackeſt inſtance of uncharitableneſs, not to call it the moſt abominable injuſtice, and ſacrilegious impiety. Theſe things, and the like, wound and ſink their ſpirits, enfeeble their hands, hamper their feet, and take off their chariot-wheels, that they drive on heavily; and watch for Souls, not with joy but with grief, Heb. 13.17Heb 13:17which (ſays the Apoſtle to the Hebrews) is unprofitable for you.

I ſpeak not theſe things under any ſuſpicion, or fear of meeting with ſuch unhappy treatment from that kind & religious People, among whom the lines are fallen, and this grace given to me, (however unworthy) that I ſhould preach the unſearchable riches of Chriſt. The great and obliging reſpect, honour & juſt veneration they've paid unto the many Excellent Worthies, that have miniſtred unto them in holy things, is a good aſſurance of the forwardneſs of their mind. 2 Cor. 9.2.2 Cor 9:2And the moſt becoming unanimity in the choice they made of ſo unfit a perſon as my ſelf, was what render'd it peculiarly endearing; that I flatter my ſelf it looks like a comfortable omen, and a deſirable prelude to mutual happineſs, furtherance, and joy of faith under the divine bleſſing, and thro' the ſupplies of the ſpirit of Jeſus Chriſt.

I rejoyce therefore, Brethren, 2 Cor. 7.16. Phil. 1.2 Cor 7:16Phil 1that I've confidence in you in all things. And I thank God upon every p. 62remembrance of you, making requeſt for you all with joy, from the firſt day until now. And from my inward affection more abundant towards you, this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowlege, and in all judgment, and that in all things we may approve your ſelves clear in this matter, keeping a conſcience void of offence both toward God, and toward them, that are your Servants for Jeſus-ſake.2 Cor. 4.52 Cor 4:5

—9.4.NEVERTHELESS, leſt haply I (that I ſay not you) be aſhamed in this ſame confident boaſting, I tho't it not ſuperfluous to exhort the Brethren, as touching the adminiſtration of this ſervice, 2 Pet. 3.1.2 Pet 3:1and to ſtir up your pure minds by way of remembrance and caution, tho' ye be eſtabliſht in the preſent truth, —1.12.that ye may be mindful of the words, which were ſpoken before by the holy Prophets, and of the commandment of the Apoſtles; How they ſaid, Obey them that have the rule over you, and ſubmit your ſelves; know them that admoniſh you, and eſteem them highly in love for their works ſake. Furthermore then we beſeech you, Brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jeſus, 1 Theſ. 4.1.1 Thess 4:1that as ye have received—how ye out to walk—ſo ye wou'd abound more and more. Let them that labour among you experience your candour, pity and kind aſſistence at all times and in all things. Do all you can to alleviate their burdens, and by all poſſible means endeavour to hearten and comfort them. Lend a hand to ſtrengthen and further them in their work. Caſt the mantle of chriſtian charity over the multitude of their weakneſſes and defects; Be not too ſevere in animadverting on them at any time, but make all ingenuous allowances for their imperfections: always put the faireſt gloſs upon their ſpeech and behaviour. "Remember (ſays one) they are earthen veſſels, and your own too, & take heed you don't throw 'em to the ground", and p. 63daſh them to pieces preſently upon ſpying a little flaw. Let your moderation be known unto all men; approve your ſelves peaceable and faithful among the tribes of Iſrael: and laying aſide all malice, 1 Pet. 2.1.1 Pet 2:1and all evil-ſpeakings, as new-born babes, deſire the ſincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. —ver. 2.Let your profiting appear to all; Let them that toil in the Garden of Chriſt ſee in you the fruit of their labours; this will turn to your Salvation, and take off from the difficulty of their task; hereby you will be benefitted and they will be ſupported and encouraged, and go on with alacrity over their weariſome ſtage of duty.

AND to all this ſail not to add your moſt importunate interceſſions for them at the throne of Grace. So great an Apoſtle as Paul the aged, furniſhed with large abilities, extraordinary gifts, and diſtinguiſhing grace,1 Theſ 5.25 2 Theſ. 3.1. Heb. 13.181 Thess 5:252 Thess 3:1Heb 13:18 was often requeſting the favour, (under an humble ſenſe of his neceſſity,) of an intereſt in the Prayers of the Saints. And it becomes ordinary Miniſters much more to importune their People herefor, and it mightily behoves People to grant their requeſt. This is a debt of ſervice as well as a tribute of reſpect owing to their Miniſters, and at the ſame time an act of charity, and a deed of kindneſs to themſelves. "A praying People (ſays one) is the moſt hopeful means to make a profitable Miniſtry". The fervent prayers of the righteous avail much;Ja. 5.16. Theſe auxiliary forces are mightily ſerviceable to Miniſters in pulling down the ſtrong holds of Satan, and in building up the temple of God. Helping together by prayer for us, ſaid the Apoſtle.2 Cor. 1.11.2 Cor 1:11

LET then what has been ſaid engage and perſwade all the People of God, to keep up a ſpirit of Supplication for thoſe that wait at the Altar. The Chief-Prieſt, and Maſter-workman needs the help p. 64and benefit of your Prayers, as well the inferior Levites & meaner Servants; among whom your unworthy Monitor this day, humbly & earneſtly begs (as he greatly needs) a peculiar ſhare in your moſt ſolemn addreſſes.

BUT more particularly, I wou'd recommend my ſelf to the conſtant, and moſt fervent Prayers (1) Of my Reverend FATHER, (who, having obtained help from God, yet ſurvives in this miniſtry received of the Lord, with whom I am now (tho' most unworthy) to be ſet apart an Helper unto the kingdom of God, and with whom by divine grace, I ſhall gladly ſerve,Phil. 3.22.Phil 3:22 as a Son with a Father in the Goſpel) and alſo of my beloved BRETHEREN, the People of this Flock, over whom I am awfully now to be ſet a Watch-man in the Lord. Rom 15.30Rom 15:30Now, I beſeech you for the love of the ſpirit, and by the coming of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and our gathering together unto him, that ye ſtrive together with me, and wreſtle in your Prayers to the great Maſter of the Aſſembly for me: and continue herein labouring fervently, with unceaſing ardours of holy importunity; praying that I may be furniſhed with ſuitable gifts to make me wiſe to win Souls, and with grace ſufficient to make me faithful: that I may come unto you with joy by the will of God in the fulneſs of the bleſſings of the Goſpel of peace; that the power of Chriſt and a double portion of his Spirit may reſt upon me, and that thro' Chriſt ſtrengthning of me, I may take heed to the Miniſtry to fulfil it: that my lips may be touched with a coal from off the Altar, that the opening of my mouth may be of right things, which become ſound doctrine ▪ that the Refiners fire may purge away the droſs of earthly affections, and the …ullers ſoap make me clean to bear the Veſſels of the Lord; that I may be strong in the grace, which is in Chriſt Jeſus; and ſo take heed to my ſelf, that p. 65when I've preached to others, I my ſelf may not be a Caſtaway; that it may not be my unhappy Lot to ſerve only to light others to Heaven, and be my ſelf at laſt abandoned to utter darkneſs; but that I may me taught of the Lord, how to behave my ſelf in the houſe of God, which is the church of the living God, and how to behave my ſelf, in word, in converſation, in charity, in faith, in purity, worſhipping God in the ſpirit and in truth, ſerving him in the ſpirit and power of godlineſs, with humility, and fidelity, watching for Souls, as one that muſt give an account, that I may ſave my ſelf, and them that hear me; that I may have a nail in the holy place, and may with you be co…orted, when the times of refreſhment ſhall come from the preſence of the Lord.

LET this be your hearts deſire, and prayer to God for me. Now, the God of Peace be with you all.

AMEN.

End of the text · Thomas Foxcroft, A Practical Discourse Relating to the Gospel Ministry (1718)