The wise Gospel-preacher his praise and practice, duty and dignity, opened in a sermon on Eccles. 12. 9. By S.M. minister of the Gospel

The Wise Gospel-Preacher's Praise and Practice . ECCLES. 12.9 , 10 , 11.

9. Moreover , because the Preacher was Wise , he still taught the People Knowledge ; yea , he gave good heed , and sought out , and set in order many Proverbs .

10. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable Words , and that which was written was upright , even words of Truth .

11. The words of the Wise are as Goads , and as Nails fastned by the Masters of Assemblies , which are given by one Shepherd .

SOlomon the Wise is declared to be the Composer of this Book , and it may probably be the last he wrote , the which I shall not positively determine , nor whether these three Verses be his , because they seem more probable to have been wrote by his Historian , or that hand which committed this Book to the Churches Treasury , rather than by himself , and are part of the conclusion of this Book . As to the Book it self , I shall say nothing , the words I have pitched upon , having no dependance upon any thing that went before , unless to commend it , and incourage to improve it ; because both of the excellency of the Preacher , and of that which was Writ or Preach'd . The words in general contain an account of an Accomplished Preacher .

First , As to his Qualification . Secondly , As to his Work , Act , or Dispensation . Thirdly , The Blessing and Advantage of injoying such Preachers . But more particularly take notice of these things in these Verses . 1. A Preface in this word ; Moreover . 2. A Reason of what was done ; Because the Preacher was Wise . 3. The Person spoken of ; The Preacher . 4. That which is related or declared concerning him , and that in these Particulars .

First , The Act ; his constancy in teaching , &c.

Secondly , Perseverance in his Work ; He still taught the People Knowledge . His wariness or circumspection in managing this great Work ; Yea , he gave good heed .

Thirdly , His Diligence , Industry , or Laboriousness ; He sought out : He did not catch up , or deliver any thing but what he had sought out , and found meet to be delivered .

Fourthly , We have his Fidelity or Perfection in Preaching ; He did set in order many Proverbs : He set in , not out of God's , or due order , his Preachings or Proverbs , amplified in these words ; The Preacher sought out acceptable words . But again , in the next place we have the Property or Excellency of that which was preached or written , it was upright , Even words of Truth .

Lastly , We have the Use , and Benefit , or Properties of such Preaching and Preachers in these words ; The words of the Wise are as Goads , and Nails fastned by the Masters of Assemblies , which are given from one Shepherd .

I shall not trouble you with the opening or clearing of any obscurity in the Text at this time ; but refer that till afterwards , where more conveniently I may dispatch it ; but shall proceed to some Doctrines , or Conclusions hence observable . The first is taken from the first word , or Preface , Moreover . We may take these words not only litterally , as spoken of the Typical Solomon ; but as Prophetical , and pointing at a greater than Solomon , our Lord Jesus , That so spake as never man spake , John 7.46 . And also we might eye these words as dogmatical , or instructing what every Wise Gospel-Preacher ought to be and do ; whence we may collect thus much .

Doct. 1. That the Lord is not sparing or scant in means of Grace to his Church and People ; but hath provided , and doth afford them one , and another means of help , and advantage for Soul-Concernments .

God , as God , hath in Mercy and Wisdom dealt with the Second Creation and state of Grace , as with the first Creation . In Nature he hath not made single Fruits , Flowers , Plants , Grain , or Beasts , Birds , or Fishes , but innumerable in number , and manifold in kind ; even so great variety and plenty , that even the wisest of Moralists or Naturalists scarce knew what need or end there is even of that variety or plenty , unless to commend the Creator . Men are often times at a loss how to improve , and not despise that plenty : Even so is it in spiritual and supernatural things ; Men are so fully provided of them , that they even surfeit and are wanton under God's Divine Ordinances and Provisions of Grace , as once Israel did of Manna ; yet it seems good to God , to have moreovers , and to minister himself in manifold wisdom to his People . To instance , thus God dealt with Israel ; he gave them not onely Moses , but Aaron also ; not onely Sacrifice , but Circumcision also ; nor Circumcision only , but the Passeover also ; nor the Tabernacle , but the Temple also ; not onely Priests and Levites , but Prophets and Nazarites likewise : That so God might say as Isaiah 5. What could I have done more for my Vineyard , which I have not done ? And this Job tells you , Chap. 33.14 , 15. So Solomon in the 9th of his Proverbs . Even so hath he done under the Gospel , not tying us to any one Way or Means , but affords us various Means and Seasons . We have the Heaven and the Earth declaring his Glory and Handywork , Psal. 19. Also we have the Law and Statutes of God in his Scripture , which is able to make the Man of God wise unto Salvation . We have also the Law written in our hearts . We have Instruments without , and Instincts within . We have the Word and Men without , and the Spirit within . We have Mercy and Judgment , all whispering to us , Fear ye the Lord . So that we may truly say , God as well as Man hath his Moreovers . And we serve not a hard Master , nor is our reproof and destruction less than sufficiently of our selves . Now the Grounds and Reasons why God walks thus towards his People are briefly these .

Reas. 1. That the Glory of the Wisdom , Power , and Bounty of God might the more gloriously appear , by the riches of his Liberality , and plenty of Provisions afforded to his People , Prov. 16.4 . Rom. 2.4 . Ephes. 1.18 , 19. Col. 1.27 .

Reas. 2. God makes his Provisions to be very large and plentiful , affording us moreovers , to the end that we might with the more ease and facility do his Will , and attain the knowledge and enjoyment of Salvation ; so Isa. 28.9 , 10 , 11 , 12. and this the Apostle seems to eye , Acts 17.30 , 31. And the Prophet Micah , Chap. 6.6 , 7 , 8. Christ saith , His Yoke is easie , and his Burthen light ; because he affords light sufficient to see it with , and strength enough to do what is required , and helps many to assist us ; and rewards full , and rich enough to quicken and incourage us . But again ,

Reas. 3. The Lord doth it to comply with our nature and frailty , which is not so well satisfied , nor so effectually furthered or helped by one Way or Means , as by diversity and variety , and therefore vouchsafeth us his Moreovers , or Line upon Line , and Precept upon Precept .

Reas. 4. And lastly , It is to stop the Mouth and leave silent and inexcusable all neglecters and despisers of Gospel-Grace and Provisions ; since God can say to all such , What need I have done more than what I have done ? This God pleads for himself , 2 Chron. 36.15 , 16. and Luke 13.7 , 8 , 9.

The first Vse is of Information .

By way of Improvement or Application briefly ; let this first admonish us to believe how inexcusable wicked and ungodly Men and Women are , who have God's overpluses and moreovers ; I mean , that living under the light of the Gospel among the Saints , enjoy such means to better them , and change them ; and yet remain ignorant , profane , and ungodly . Will not all this present favour and goodness of God to them , one day rise up in judgment against them , and be an aggravation against them , as Paul saith , Rom. 2.3 , 4 , 5 , 6. Oh! let such think seriously and timely upon two Scriptures , and I shall say no more to this Use , Luk. 19.41 , 42. And when he was come near , he beheld the City , and wept over it ; saying , If thou hadst known , even thou , at least in this thy day , the things which belong unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes ; compared with Heb. 6.4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. For it is impossible for those who were once inlightned , and have tasted of the Heavenly Gift , and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost , and have tasted the good Word of God , and the Powers of the World to come ; if they shall fall away , to renew them again unto repentance ; seeing they crucified to themselves the Son of God afresh , and put him to an open shame . For the Earth which drinketh in the Rain that cometh oft upon it , and bringeth forth Herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed receiveth blessing from God : But that which beareth Thorns and Briars , is rejected , and is nigh unto cursing , whose end is to be burned .

Secondly , Caution .

Secondly , Let it be a word of Caution to all of us , not to be wanton , and despise , and slight God 's moreovers , or his overplus kindnesses , as I am afraid too many do among Professors at this day ; like wanton Israel , that despised God's Manna , Numb. 11.4 , 5 , 6. calling it , light Bread , Chap. 21.5 . Even saying as Christ's Disciples , What need this waste ? Matth. 26.8 . Like unto many now-adayes that say , What need so much Preaching ? Yea , What need of such long Preaching ? Is not shorter Preaching better Preaching ? I beseech you take heed of such thoughts , lest God takes away our plenty , and give us scarcity enough : Oh let me perswade such wanton Christians to take the Counsel Peter gives to Simon Magus ; Repent therefore of this thy wickedness , and pray God if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee , Acts 8.22 , 23. Oh Friends ! take heed of such thoughts , of such vain , yea , vile thoughts , for surely we are not grown such quick Learners or good Scholars , or so soon taught what the good and perfect Will of the Lord is , as to conclude , we need few Preachers , or little Preaching . Neither is the Preaching of the Gospel such a mean Excellency , as worth little more than to be despised ; or hath the Lord Christ given Gifts to men in vain : Oh no ; he that hath given Gifts to many , not to one , he well knew many Preachers were necessary , that by here a little , and there a little , by Line upon Line , and Precept upon Precept , because the People are so hard to learn , Isa. 28.9 . Therefore the Lord hath conferred upon the Church diversity of Gifts , though they proceed from one Spirit : He hath set in his Church not only Teachers , but Prophets also ; and dare we despise Prophets or Prophesyings , and say , What need have we of these Ministrations ? Hath the Lord given diversly , as to Degrees or Measures , to one three , to another five Tallents , and shall he that hath received the least , be thought unmeet to have the freedom to improve his Measure for his Lords Honour , or his Brethrens Advantage ? or , where the Lord bestows a larger Measure , and his Servants are faithful in the Stewardship thereof ; dare any say the time is waste , and the Message too long ? Not remembring , that although he that can speak but five words understandingly , must be accepted ; yet he which can speak ten , must not be muzled or restrained . Christ , and his Spirit , ought to be free ; Wherefore remember that saying of Paul , Let no man blame us in this abundance which is administred by us , 2 Cor. 8.20 . And to cure this evil , take this short direction , Be more sensible of your want of the means of Grace , and more humble spirited , truly hungring and thirsting after Gospel-Ordinances .

Lastly , Let it be a word of Exhortation , If our Means and Provisions be abundant , and redundant , let not our fruitfulness be short , lest what the Lord Jesus said to Jerusalem , he say to us also , The Kingdom shall he taken from you , and given to a People bringing forth the Fruit thereof , and he let out his Vineyard to other Husbandmen , Matth. 21.34 , 41 , 43. with Heb. 6.8 . How dreadful then will thy state and mine be , to enjoy much means of Grace , and to bring forth none or little Fruit by it : Oh! consider this all you that forget God . So much for the first Particular , or word in the Text , Moreover .

Now let us consider the next Particular , which contains the Reason of what the Preacher said or did , that is in these words , Because the Preacher was Wise .

Before I go further , Three things need some clearing or Exposition .

First ; How this suits with some other of Scripture-Expressions , for Solomon to commend himself , or to say the Preacher was Wife , or Painful , yea , Useful also .

Secondly ; What a Preacher is , or what this Preacher was .

Thirdly ; What this Wisdom is that is here spoken of .

For the clearing of the first thing , Though this Book is Solomons , and bears his Name , and was by him Composed , yet is it not clear that this Copy , or these Words , were his own : But as David and other Kings had their Scribes and Pen-men which did write for them , and wrote after them ; even so might Solomon , and doubtless had , as his Story in 1 Kings 4.3 . compared with 2 Chron. 9.29 . doth declare . And so though he did not , yet they well might set him forth . But secondly , Although in moral respects , and at some time it is not fit for a man to commend himself , yet in two respects a man may ( especially a Preacher ) so do , and be innocent in so doing : First , in case of scandal , he may vindicate himself from unjust aspersion and reproach : So Samuel did ; the people had clouded and eclipsed his worthy and innocent Government , 1 Sam. 8.4 , 5. therefore , Chap. 12. he vindicates himself . So also did Jeremiah , Chap. 15.10 .

So Paul , in 2 Cor. 10.3 , 7. so in Chap. 12. with that of Job 29. Secondly , In furtherance of man's Work or Imployment , a man may commend himself : So Paul did , 2 Cor. 2. and it Gal. 1.12 , to 19. with chap. 2.6 , 7 , 8 , 9. An● thus Nehemiah acted , in chap. 5. from vers. 14 to the close of the Chapter . And thus I conceive if Solomon did commit this to the Churches Treasury , from his own Hand or Pen , in this latter sense he might humbly and innocently do it . B●● possibly the stick or obscurity may be from th● Translators so rendring the Words ; for if th● words be thus read , this difficulty is easily avoided and the sense preserved intire . Moreover , A Wis● Preacher will still give good heed , and so it speak Duty , and not Commendation .

Secondly , Let me a little open this Particular , What a Preacher is , or , this Preacher was that here is spoken of . A Preacher is not onely such as are under Ministerial Unction , or calling in Office o● Ministry . But a Preacher is any , or every such Person or Disciple of Christ that hath received Gifts of the Spirit to profit withal , and is able to speak a word in due season to him that is weary , for Edification , Exhortation , and Comfort ; and the●● in Scripture are called Prophets , or Prophesying . Preachers , as in that of Gen. 20.7 . 1 Cor. 12.28 . And such a Prophetical or Prophesying . Preacher was Solomon , the Preacher in my Text , and not an Official , Ordained , or Ministerial . Preacher , for such were only at that time the Tribe of Levi , the High Priest , Priests , and Prophets Extraordinary . But the Book tells us , this Preacher was by Office a King , not a Priest ; he was onely a Prophet , or Membral Preacher , even such a Preacher as that Church had many of , and any Brother or Member of that Church , who was able , though not so able , might as freely and as lawfully preach as Solomon , as that passage Acts 13.15 . compared with Luke 4.16 , 17. Ye men and brethren , if you have any word of exhortation for the People , say on : And such Preachers Moses and Paul allowed , Numb. 11.29 . And Moses said , Enviest thou for my sake ? Would God that all the Lord's people were Prophets , and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them ; compared with 1 Cor. 14.29 , 31. Let the Prophets speak , and let the other judge , for ye may all prophesie one by one , that all may learn , and all may be comforted . Many other Testimonies may be added , but because I shall speak to this more hereafter , let this at present suffice .

The third thing to be cleared is , What this Wisdom is , or what is this Wisdom that Solomon saith the Preacher had , and what that Wisdom is that every Preacher ought to have , that will thus wisely or profitably Preach . Wisdom , as Solomon phraseth it , doth not onely excel Folly , Eccles. 2.13 . but Wisdom also excels Wit. Wit is a quickness or acuteness of the Understanding to catch or apprehend things by . But Wisdom is that depth of Reason and Judgment , whereby Apprehensions , Thoughts , Sciences , Purposes , and Businesses are begun and compleated , or are honourably , profitably , and regularly performed . A Fool may have Wit , only a Wise Man can have Wisdom , or carry on his Design or Business wisely .

But still the Question is , What Wisdom that is that is here treated of ? or is Preaching Wisdom , even that Wisdom without which a man cannot be competent or profitable Preacher ?

To which Question I Answer first , Negative● It is neither Moral , Natural , or acquired Wisdo● as Languages , Tongues , Arts , or Sciences : Th● I not only affirm , but shall also confirm ; thou● when all is done , no doubt , but so saying , m● make some marvel , and others be mad with me , 〈◊〉 once the Silver-Smiths were with Paul , when 〈◊〉 cryed down their Diana , by whom they had a their Wealth , as have the School-masters , Tutor Academists , Collegiats , Parsons , Doctors , Pr●●lates , Popes , with all the residue of that crue 〈◊〉 Antichristian Clergy-men . But I am learning not to fear the faces of men , or respect these Pe●sons , but make known the Truth as it is in Jesus remembring what Zechariah saith will be their portion , even every one to be ashamed of his Vision Chap. 13. of that Book . But affirmatively , Answer , The reason why I affirm that this Wis●dom before specified is not the Gospel-Wisdom , i●

First , Because God hath not set this Ax or Hammer apart to do his or this work with .

Secondly , It is but a carnal natural Weapon and is onely fit for carnal , natural , weak , and wordly Work . And for such purposes , thi● Learning , Wisdom , or Furniture is fit , or very useful ; but no more fit for preaching , or a Preacher in order to preaching , than a Sword is to cut one Bread with , or a Plough to ride on , though for other uses both are profitable . But the Wisdom absolutely necessary to preaching , or for a Preacher , is Divine Wisdom , which descends from Above more immediately , and comes from the Father of Lights , James 1.5 , 17. and in Scripture is put in opposition to the Wisdom before mentioned , 1 Cor. 1. from 17 downwards , I will destroy the wisdom of the wise , and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent . Where is the Wise ? where is the Scribe ? where is the Disputer of this World ? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this World ? &c. So chap. 2.1 , 4 , 7 , 13. Brethren , when I came to you , I came not with excellency of Speech , or of Wisdom , declaring unto you the Testimony of God ; and my Speech , and my preaching was not with inticing words of man's wisdom , but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power : Not the Wisdom of this World , nor the Princes of this World , that come to naught , but we speak the Wisdom of God , which God ordained before the World unto our glory . Which things also we speak , not the words which man's wisdom teacheth , but which the Holy Ghost teacheth , comparing spiritual things with spiritual : The natural man receiveth not these things , neither can he know them , because they are spiritually discerned . And Peter tells us , that the Learned in the former sense , but unlearned or illiterate in the latter sense , are the Novices which do but wrest and pervert the Scripture , or the substance of all Scripture , 2 Pet. last , vers. 16. But more particularly , what this preaching Qualification or Wisdom is , I shall hereafter , the Lord assisting , discover .

From the Person spoken of , and that which of him is spoken , let me note these Observations .

Doct. 1. That Preaching by godly men , thereunto qualified , is God's Ordinance .

Secondly , From the kind of Preacher that Sol●mon here spoke of , note , this Observation .

Doct. 2. That Prophetical Preaching or Pr●phesying , by Members or Brethren of true Church● by virtue of Gifts and Membership , without Mi●stry , is God's very Ordinance . Else Solomon , ho● wise soever , had sinfully preached .

Thirdly , Note , Doct. 3. That such , or many Brethren as have Gifts and Abilities thus Preach , not onely may , but are bound to Prea● Else Solomon had done more than his Duty , o● what he was not bound to ; which is vanity in 〈◊〉 to imagine , for he had not been wise in so doing .

Fourthly , Note , Doct. 4. That every Gospe● Preacher ought to be wise ; or that Grace and Spiritual Wisdom are the only Requisites , and ●●ffi●ent for Gospel-preaching , or Preachers .

To begin with the first of these , though th● last of these is principally designed ; Note , The Preaching by Godly Men , thereunto qualified , is God Ordinance . For the proof of this , take the● Testimonies , Isa. 61.1 . The Spirit of the Lor● God is upon me , because he hath anointed me t● Preach glad-tydings to the Meek : He hath sent 〈◊〉 to bind up the broken-hearted , to proclaim liberty 〈◊〉 the Captives , and the opening of the Prison to the● that are bound , &c. Jonah 3.2 . Arise , go un●● Nineveh , that great City , and preach unto it th● Preaching that I bid thee . Mark 1.4 . Joh● preached the Baptism of Repentance for the remissio● of sins ; with chap. 3.14 . He ordained twelve that they should be with him , and that he might send them forth to preach . Acts 5.42 . And daily in the Temple , and in every House , they cease● not to Teach and Preach Jesus Christ ; and chap. 10.42 . And he commanded us to preach unto the People ; with Rom. 10.15 . How can they Preach except they be sent ? Many other Scriptures would give testimony to this , were not this that is offered sufficient . But a little further , to clear this by Argument or Reason , since this , as every Truth , hath its Opposition or Opposers .

Reas. 1. Had not this been God's Ordinance , that the Word by Men should be Preached or Revealed unto men , the best of men would never have been found so often , even in all Ages , transgressing against the God of men , through preaching unto men ; but the best of men have preached unto men . The Scripture shews us this in Noah's time , in that he was called a Preacher of Righteousness , 2 Pet. 2.5 . The like is said of Abraham , Gen. 18.19 . where Abraham's Teaching or Preaching , in and to his Houshould , is made the reason of God's Preaching or Declaring to him the destruction of Sodom . The like we have in chap. 49.1 , 2. So Moses , Deut. 31.1 , 2. with v. 19. compared also ; you have it chap. 32.1 . So did David , Psal. 40.9 , 10. So Solomon , you have it in the Text. So Samuel in his first Book , chap. 12.23 . So in 2 Chron. 17.7 , and 9 compared . And thus did the New-Testament Converts and Disciples practise , Acts 8.4 . Therefore I conclude , that Preaching is , and ever was , acknowledged God's Ordinance .

Reas. 2. Had not Preaching been God's Ordinance , though godly men might have mistook their Duty , yet the Lord Jesus Christ would doubtless not have preached . But the Lord Jesus Christ was a Preacher , and did frequently preach ; therefore Preaching is God's Ordinance . That the Lord Jesus Preached , is most evident , Mark 1.14 . with Luk. 8.1 . After John was put in Prison , Jesus came into Galilee , preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God . He went Preaching , and shewing the glad-tydings of the Kingdom of God ; and th● Twelve were with him .

Reas. 3. That which not onely Holy Men have approvedly done , and the Lord Jesus himself likewise did , but that which even Angels did teach and commanded the Saints to do , that must need● be owned to be an Ordinance , as appears Luk. 1.26 , to 37. Luk. 2.10 , 11. Rev. 14.6 . I sa● another Angel flie in the midst of Heaven , having the everlasting Gospel to Preach unto them that dwel● on the Earth , &c.

Reas. 4. That which God hath in all Ages most abundantly fitted some men for , must need● be his Ordinance : But God hath in all Ages fitted some men for Preaching-Work ; therefore Preaching-Work is God's Ordinance . The proof of this lies most apparent in the first Argument , and is confirmed further to us , Psal. 68.11 . The Lord gave the Word , great was the Company of them that published it ; compared with Ephes. 4.8 , 12. Wherefore he saith , when he ascended up on high , he led captivity captive , and gave gifts unto men : For the Perfecting of the Saints , for the Work of the Ministry , for the edifying of the Body of Christ . Yea , he that saith , No man lighteth a Candle in vain , or to put it under a Bushel ; Would not himself light so many Preaching-Candles , or make so many Preachers in vain , if Preaching were not his Ordinance .

Reas. 5. Satan and sinners would never have so opposed Preaching , had not Satan known that Preaching was God's Ordinance : Satan opposes not sin , no not the grossest wickedness ; but the purest and the most powerful Preachers and Preaching he hath alwayes most eagerly opposed ; witness Micah , Zechariah , Jeremiah , Peter , Paul , Stephen : And which of Christ's eminentest Preachers hath he not persecuted ? witness Acts 13.49 , 50. And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the Regions ; but the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable Women , and the chief Men of the City , and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas , and expelled them out of their Coasts ; compared with Acts 17. and Rev. 11. Yea , our own Times witness this , how much the design of the Devil and his Creatures is to obstruct and hinder the Spiritual Preaching of the Gospel : Like the Men Paul speaks of 1 Thess. 2.15 , 16. Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets , and have persecuted us , forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles , that they might be saved , to fill up their sins ; for the Wrath is come upon them to the utmost .

Reas. 6. I might add that which not onely good Men have both practised , and been persecuted for ; yea , both the Lord himself , and Angels have practised and Preached to us , as our Work , that must needs be God's Ordinance ; but this both Christ and his Apostles have taught and injoyned us : Therefore to Preach is their Duty , as they are able to Preach . Mat. 28.19 . Go , and teach all Nations ; with 2 Tim. 4.2 . Preach the Wor● be instant in season , out of season , reprove , rebuk● exhort with all long-suffering and Doctrine , w●● 1 Pet. 5.1 , 2 , 3 , 4.

First Vse of Reproof .

But now by way of Application , this may ser●● for conviction or confutation of all such sensua● sinful , anti-scriptural men , as deny the Preaching of the Gospel to be God's , or a Divine Ordinance but mens device and design to advance their h●nour or profit in the World . Do not some , th● would not be thought to be small Fools ; spurn 〈◊〉 Preaching as needless , uncertain , mens pride ? 〈◊〉 not men say , What can the Preachers tell us , b● what they have told us , and what we know a ready ? Nay , are there not some , even too many whose pride will not suffer them to own th● Preaching of the Word ? To these let me spea●● that word of Solomon , Prov. 1.22 . How long , simple ones , will ye love simplicity ? and ye scorne● delight in scorning , and fools hate knowledge ? 〈◊〉 that such that presume to question this undoubte● Truth of God , Preaching , even by men thereu●to qualified , to be God's Ordinance ; because me that Preach are not , nor ought to pretend to be in fallible , would but consider this ; Are none sit 〈◊〉 Preach to you fallible , ignorant , shallow things , i● things of Religion , but who are infallible ? Di● not Paul , that great Light , say , That he knew b●● in part , and prophesied but in part ? Yet was admitted to be a Preacher in full , or a Preacher full worth hearing . What these say , argues no mor● against Preaching , than for a Scholar to say , M● Master is not a Scribe or Teacher in perfection therefore I will not learn of him ; yet may he be very able to teach the Scholar that he hath not yet learned . Even so may an imperfect Preacher be very sufficient to teach an imperfect Christian .

Secondly , Though the best of Preachers are , or may be , in some things fallible , much of what Spiritual Preachers teach is infallible ; and you Hearers prove all things , refuse nothing , but hold fast only that which is good .

And thirdly , Though Preachers preach proudly , or may so do , yet hear Gospel-Preachers humbly , and the defect will be theirs , not yours . Else it will evidence pride in you not to hear such whom Christ appoints that you should hear ; Matth. 23.2 , 3. The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses Chair ; All therefore that they bid you observe , that observe and do , &c.

Fourthly , Are they covetous of your Wealth ? be you never the less covetous , yea , more covetous of Christ's Treasury in their earthen Vessels ; and remember Solomon's Counsel , Buy the Truth , and sell it not ; also Wisdom , Instruction , and Understanding , Prov. 23.23 . And in so doing , you shall at most but do as every wise Merchant-man ought to do , when he had found one Pearl of great price , he went and sold all that he had , and bought it , Mat. 13.46 .

Fifthly , Do you know afore-hand what your Preachers will or can tell you , which is more than you know yet ? Hear then , for if they can tell you no new things , they can tell what you should do with old things . If they can tell you no new things , they can tell you what you should do with old Truths , which you say you know : And 〈◊〉 arguing of yours , proves you have not yet learn even to practise what you know of God ; for 〈◊〉 the knowers , but the doers of the Law shall be ●●stified , Rom. 2.13 . And remember what Pe● . saith , in 2 Pet. 1.12 , 13. Wherefore I will not negligent to put you alwayes in remembrance of th● things , though you know them , and be establish in the present Truth : Yea , I think it meet , as l●● as I am in this Tabernacle , to stir up your p●● minds , by putting you in remembrance . Oh the●●fore receive and consider this reproof , Psal. 4. H● long , ye Sons of Men , will ye turn my Glory i● shame ? How long will ye love vanity , and foll●● leasing , or lying Arguments ? And consider wh● the Lord saith to such as you are ; O Generation see the Word of the Lord ; Have I been a Wilde●ness unto Israel ? a Land of darkness ? Wheref●● say my People , We are Lords , we will come no m● unto thee ? Jer. 2.31 . And to conclude th● Use , think upon that Scripture , Psal. 50.22 . Consider this , ye that forget God , lest he tear you 〈◊〉 pieces , and there be none to deliver you .

Second Use of Reproof .

This reproves such as own Preaching , yet oppose it ; and these are not mean illiterate , but glittering , potent , even learned Enemies of the preaching of the Gospel ; a Generation that are pure i● their own eyes , but are not washed from their own filthiness , Prov. 30.12 . These are such that deal with Preachers , and Gospel-Preaching , as once he did with Jeremiah , of whom we read ch. 32.3 . where we have it , that Zedekiah , King of Judah , had shut him up , saying , Wherefore dos● thou prophesie , and say , Thus saith the Lord ? Sinners cannot indure that God's Ministers should say , Thus saith the Lord . Thus dealt those with Amos , which said , O thou Seer , go flee thy way into the Land of Judah , and there eat Bread , and Prophesie , but Prophesie no more at Bethel , for it is the King's Chappel , and it is the King's Court , Amos 7.12 , 13. Oh that such Gospel-Opposers would but consider the two last Verses of this Chapter , and tremble , and not any more oppose and persecute the Gospel , and the faithful Preachers thereof . It is neither mens greatness in Authority , or excellency of Parts , will secure them from God's dreadful displeasure , except they repent . Oh how great is their sin , and how inexcusable will they one day be , that pretend love to Christ , and friendship to the Gospel , yet forbid the pure preaching thereof ! These are sinners of a double die , and it were well that they would all view and consider what Paul saith concerning them , 1 Thes. 2.16 . Forbidding us to Preach to the Gentiles , that they might be saved , to fill up their sins allway ; for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost . This is not onely a crying , but a filling sin . Sure , the sins of the Romish Prelates and Powers , is full near the uttermost , that have so long persecuted , forbidding God's faithful Labourers to Preach the Gospel of Christ . I shall only offer one Scripture to such mens consideration , and so leave them under this reproof , Isa. 30.8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. Now go , write it before them in a Table , and note it in a Book , that it may be for time to come , for ever and for ever ; That this is a rebellious People , lying Children , Children that will not hear the Law of the Lord : Which say to the Seers , See not ; and to the Prophets , Prophesie not unto us right things ; speak to us smooth things , prophesie deceits ; get ye out of the way , turn aside out of the path ; cause the holy One of Israel to cease from before us . Therefore thus saith the holy One of Israel , Because ye despise this Word , and trust in oppression and perversness , and stay thereon : Therefore this inquity shall be unto you as a breach ready to fall , swelling out in a high Wall , whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant , and he shall break it as the breaking of 〈◊〉 Potters Vessel that is broken in pieces , he shall not spare , so that there shall not be found , in the burstings of it , a shread to take fire from the hearth , or to take water withal out of the Pit .

Third Use of Reproof .

A third Use of Reproof , from this consideration , that Preaching of the Word is God's Ordinance , shall be , to reprove all such Preachers of the Gospel , as though not forbidden of men , yet forbid themselves , and neglect this so great a Work , and Ordinance , as the Preaching of the Gospel . Such idle Drones among the Bees , had need consider that word 1 Cor. 9.16 . For though I Preach the Gospel , I have nothing to glory of , for necessity is laid upon me , yea , woe is unto me if I Preach not the Gospel : and woe will be unto such as are able , and may , but do not preach the Gospel . Yea , though men did forbid , yet woe unto him that will be forbidden by any sort of men , and doth not faithfully and fully preach the Gospel . Such sleepy , idle , timerous , or unprofitable Preachers , that do not as the good Preacher did in my Text , and every good Preacher in the World ought to do , that is , To give good heed , and diligently set in order Parables .

But I shall not enlarge upon these mens Repoof ; hoping that a word to the Wise will be sufficient , which every Preacher ( as my Text implies ) ought to be . But to them , or so many Preachers of the Everlasting Gospel as are otherwise spirited , I would commend a Scripture or two to their consideration . The first is , Wo to the idol Shepheard , that leaveth the Flock , the Sword shall be upon his arm , and upon his right eye ; his arm shall be clean dryed up , and his right eye utterly darkned : But why , O Lord ? Mark , Because he hath not visited those that be cut off , neither doth seek the young Ones , nor heal that which is broken , nor feed that which standeth still , but doth eat the flesh of the fat , and tear their claws in pieces , Zach. 11.16 , 17. with Ezek. 13.4 , 5. O Israel ! thy Prophets are as the Foxes in the Desarts ; yea , have not gone up into the Gaps , neither made up the Hedge for the House of Israel , to stand in the Battel in the Day of the Lord ; therefore hear what the Lord saith , vers. 9. They shall not be in the Assemblies of my People , neither shall they be written in the writing of the House of Israel ; and ye shall know that I am the Lord .

Fourth Vse of Reproof .

But a fourth Use of Reproof is to such , and so many as own and acknowledge the preaching of the Gospel to be the Lord's Ordinance , and yet make not due and suitable improvement of it . God will one day say to these , without repentance , as to those of old ; Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth , and with their lips , do honour me , but have removed their heart far from me , and their fear to me is taught by the precepts of men : Therefore behold , I will proceed to do a marvellous work , and a wonder ; for the wisdom of the wise men shall perish , and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid , Isa. 29.13 , 14. There are two sorts of persons to whom this Reproof belongs :

First , Such as are careless in hearing the Word Preached .

Secondly , Such as are careless of doing of that , which by the preaching of the Word they are taught they ought to do , as well as know .

And I fear , how many soever there may be found under the first Reproof , or of the first sort , there are yet many more of the latter sort , even forgetful Hearers , deceiving their own souls , Jam. 1.22 , 25. First , Such sleepy , worldly , carnal , idle persons , that seldom can find time , and as seldom find an heart to come to hearing of the Word preached ; though God bring it even to the doors , yet they can scarce move their feet over the threshold to come to it ; but cry out , What need so much expence of time , or attendance upon Preaching ? or else complement over their neglect , as those did that were invited to the Feast ; make light of these opportunities or invitations , and cry , Pray you have me excused , I have bought a piece of Ground , and I must needs go see it . And another , I have bought Oxen , and I must needs go prove them . And a third sort , I have married a Wife , and therefore I cannot come , Luke 14.15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19. But will these excuses serve to leave such men excusable , that neglect or omit to come to the hearing of the Gospel . Oh no! mark the close of these Neglecters work ; When the King heard hereof , he was wroth , and he sent forth his Armies , and destroyed those Murderers , and burnt up their City , Mat. 22.7 . And therefore remember , If the Gospel be hid , it is only hid this day to such as perish , 2 Cor. 4.3 .

Fifth Use of Reproof .

But lastly , and mostly , This Doctrine reproves all such , how great Hearers soever , as are at highest but Hearers , not Doers of that they hear . Though it is good to hear , yet 't is not good to hear and not to practise ; it is bad not to hear , but is worse not to practise . That Servant must be beaten with many stripes , that knows his Master's Will and doth it not , Luk. 12.47 . Not the knowers , but the doers of the Word shall be blessed , John 13.17 . Oh! let such perverters of this so great and blessed an Ordinance , as is the Preaching of the Gospel , Consider , God will one day come , and call for an account of all the Sermons you have heard , and see what Fruit you bring forth , whether Fruit to Him or to your selves : And then will he deal with unfruitful Vines , barren Fig-trees , and unpractical Hearers , as with those we read of Isa. 5.5 , 6. Hos. 10.1 , 2 , 3. with Heb. 6.7 , 8. Oh! it is no small sin , and shall have no small punishment to be an unpractical Hearer of the Word , and perverter of this so great an Ordinance .

But this may suffice for that first Use , to wit , a Use of Reproof .

The second Vse is of Vindication .

The next Use of this Point , shall be for Vindication or Justification of all such as are faithful , painful , diligent Preachers of the Gospel ; who because Preaching of the Word is God's Ordinance , do Preach in season and out of season whoever forbids or sayes to the contrary ; saying as once Peter and John did , Whether it be right is the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God , judge ye : For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard , Acts 4.19 , 20. Where men have not sufficient power to command , it can be no sin there not to be obedient So here , these knew neither this Council , nor any were from God intrusted with any such power , as to forbid or hinder the Preaching of the Word ▪ therefore such Commands neither ought or need to be obeyed . Even so at this day , should the able Spiritual Preachers of the Word hold their peace , because men , even any sort of men , forbid them , or command them so to do ; the very Stones in the Street , and the very Ashes of these Apostles , might cry out against them , and say in the words of the Text ; Whether it is right to obey God or Man , judge ye . Oh! it will one day be dreadful , preferring Man's Commands before God's Commands , when God shall visit for this holding the Truth in unrighteousness , according to that expression , Son of Man , I have set thee a Watchman unto the House of Israel , therefore hear the Word at my Mouth , and give them warning from me ; When I say unto the wicked , Thou shalt surely die , and thou givest him not warning , nor speakest to the wicked : Oh! mark it , Nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way , to save his life , the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity , but his blood will I require at thy hand , Ezek. 3.17 . Oh! is not this a terrible word to all silenced Preachers this day , that have learned to be silent at the word of a man , and let the wicked go without warning from them , forgetting what God saith , Who art thou that thou shouldest be afraid of a Man , and the Son of Man , that shall be made grass , and forgettest the Lord thy Maker ? Isa. 5.12 , 13. Therefore let such be this day cleared , and acquitted , as innocent , and approved with the Lord , as have not in such a day as this made the Commands of God of none effect through mens traditions , but , like Levi , have said to their Father and Mother , I have not seen him , neither did he acknowledge his Brethren , nor knew his own Children ; for they have observed thy Word , and kept thy Covenant , Deut. 33.8 . Oh! when-ever you hear those Standard-bearers taxed , who have not fainted nor feared in such a day as this , but have humbly said , Shall such a man as I flee ? Shall such a man as I , whom Jesus Christ hath anointed and called to Preach the Gospel , shall I be dumb and silent ? I will not , I may not , I dare not be silent . Oh! vindicate these , and when railed upon for faction , folly , and disobedience to Authority , pride , passion , and the like ; Oh! then say as of old , David in a like case said , Is there not a cause ? 1 Sam. 17.29 . And you Worthies of Israel , be incouraged from the Word of the Lord , Thou therefore gird up thy loyns , and arise , and speak unto them all that I command thee ; be not dismayed at their faces , lest I confou● thee before them , Jer. 1.17 . So much for this Use

The third Use is of Exhortation .

A third and last Use is for Exhortation ; First To Preachers , who are intrusted with this great Ordinance , and have this Word of Life in these earthen Vessels . Be faithful in the improvement of this great Ordinance .

Secondly , Let it speak , before we part , a parting word or two to you that are Hearers . If th●preaching of the Word be God's holy and preciou● Ordinance , then be exhorted both to hear , and no● to despise him that speaketh on Earth , nor neglect so great Salvation , and also be exhorted to tak● heed how you hear .

First , Let the Preachers of the Gospel , I mean Christ's Spiritual Preachers , not Man's empty ordained Preachers , who are crept into Ministry for a morsel of bread ; I say , to you that are Christ's Witnesses and Preachers , preach the Word , be instant in season and out of season , reprove , exhor● with all long-suffering and gentleness ; because Preaching is God's Ordinance , and such bright Lights were not intended to be lighted in vain ; it is our Lord 's own expression , Mat. 5. Men do not light their Candles to put under a Bushel : Then let not glorious Lights be lighted in vain , but be diligent and laborious in this sin-condemning and Soul-saving Ordinance , remembring what Paul faith , 1 Cor. 4.2 . Moreover , it is required in a● Steward , that he be found faithful ; it will one day be required : Therefore in this day be faithful , lest he that has given us Talents , which we have not hearts and wisdom to improve , do , to our shame and loss , recal them , and take them from us , and give them to him that hath improved , Matth. 25.28 , 29 , 30. But because I shall have occasion to speak more to this hereafter in another Particular , I shall say no more to this part or branch of this Use at this time , but speak a few words to the second branch , which is ;

If Hearing be God's and not Man's Ordinance , then be exhorted , you that are or should be Hearers , to take heed how you hear , for God takes notice of you , both at Hearing , and when you omit and needlesly neglect to hear ; for he will not let his Name or Ordinances be taken in vain ; Exod. 20.7 . Remember that Text , Eccles. 5.1 . Take heed to thy foot , when thou goest to the House of God , and be more ready to hear , than to offer the Sacrifice of Fools , for they consider not that they do evil . Men and Women must not think 't is hearing of men , but hearing of God by men , or through men , it is not Man's Word , or Ordinance , but God's ; therefore take heed , slight it not , dally not with it , the God of this most sacred Ordinance will not bear it at your hands : Hearken what God saith , 2 Chron. 24.19 . Yet he sent unto them Prophets to bring them again unto the Lord , and they testified against them , but they would not give ear , and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Zachariah the Son of Jehoiada the Priest , which stood above the People , and said unto them , Thus saith God , Why transgress ye the Commandment of the Lord , that ye cannot prosper ? because ye have forsaken the Lord , he hath also forsaken you : Compare with this , what you have Mat. 23.34 , 3● 39. and then consider , if there be not need to receive this Exhortation , to take heed how you hear ▪ Oh! be not sleepy , proud , unbelieving , forgetful , unthankful , or unfruitful hearers of the Wor● of God ; for if the Lord Jesus , when he brough● forth but barley Bread , and small Fishes , said Gather up the Fragments , and let nothing be lost do you think then he will let such precious Brea● of Life , which none but the Son of Man can giv● you , be lost ? John 6.12 .

Therefore to conclude , Take heed that you despise not him that speaketh from Heaven , in th● Ministry of the Word . Consider it , and se● that you refuse not him that speaketh ; For if the escaped not who refused him that spake on Earth much more shall not we escape , if we turn aw● from him that speaketh from Heaven , Heb. 12.25 . Oh therefore be swift to hear , though slow to speak against what you hear ; and let every one that hath ears to hear , hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches , Jam. 5.19 . with Rev. 2.7 . Thu● much for this first Observation .

Doct. 2. That which I noted from the opening of the words , was , That Prophetical Preaching , or Prophesying by Saints , or Brethren , by vertue of Gifts , and Membership , without Office or Ministry conferred upon them , is God's very Ordinance , and a lawful way of Preaching . Else Solomon , how wise soever , had sinfully Preached .

For the clearing of this Truth , consider first what the Scripture speaks to this point . First , Moses that well understood the Mind of God , was thus minded , when he spake these words , Enviest thou for my sake ? Would God that all the Lord's people were Prophets , and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them , Numb. 11.29 . Two things among others we may note here .

First , That Moses did no● envy or disallow the Prophesying or Preaching of any that the Lord had made able ; and therefore puts by the envy and ignorance of those that did , with this reply ; Enviest thou for my sake ? as if he had said , you do evilly and sinfully in so doing .

Secondly , Observe Moses , how faithful soever in the House of God , and against Usurpations and Innovations in the Church , yet allows and approves that any one , and every such one that the Lord should put his Spirit upon and make able , might this do ; even Prophesie or Preach . I would all the Lord's People were Prophets , could , and would Preach , for I shall not forbid them .

Object . 1. But if any shall Object , and say , This is not to the thing in hand ; For , first , these were eminent Elders and Officers , or Rulers among the people , and not private persons , or ordinary Members of the Church .

I Answer , Though it be granted that these were such , even part of the seventy , yet note , they were not preaching Elders . Secondly , Neither preached they because such or such , but because they had the Spirit , and that moved , and also filled them with matter , and gave them utterance . Thirdly , Neither was this separation or pouring out of the Spirit mentioned vers. 17. the Spirit of Preaching , Gifts , or Qualifications , but the Spirit of Rule and Government , as is most clear , by considering what is offered , 't was a portion of Moses Spirit to assist Moses , not in Preaching , but in R●ling and Governing .

Object . 2. But if any shall object to this testimony , That it proves not the thing for which it brought , because this was extraordinary prophesying , and these were immediate Prophets , and not ●●dinary , or such as the Doctrine intends .

I answer , True it is , these were extraordinar● Persons , but whether their Prophesying in th● place spoken of were extraordinary Preaching o● Prophesying , doth not appear in this , or any othe● place that I know of , although I acknowled● there is such a kind of Prophesying : But howeve● this is clear from this place , That as many as t●● Lord will spirit , or qualifie , for one or other sort● Preaching , may , and ought to Preach : Else Mos● had wished too much , and not answered the ca●● propounded ; but this may serve , for this Object on .

But take a second Witness , which you ha●● 2 Chron. 17.7 , 8 , 9 , 10. where you find Jeh●shaphat sent out his Princes , as well as his Priest and Levites , to Teach in the Cities of Judah , an● the success was very glorious .

But take a third Witness , 1 Pet. 4.10 , 11 where we have the Apostle , not only allowing but also provoking and enjoyning every man th● feareth the Lord , to be a good Steward of the manifold Grace of God ; and he that hath receive that Gift of speaking a word in season , is to minister , and to speak according to that ability Go● giveth .

Take but one more , 1 Cor. 14.29 , 31. whe● the Apostle allows , and directs all the Prophets or prophesying Brethren in the Church , to Prophefie : Yea , he asserts the truth of this Doctrine , and justifies this for a lawful and laudable practice , for so many in the Churches of the Saints , as have preaching Gifts to Preach , saying , You may all prophesie one by one ; and let the Prophets prophesie , and let no man forbid , or envy it : And thus the Preacher in my Text preached , as a Prophet , or Member of the Church , not officially , or as a Minister ordained unto this Work of Preaching , is clear . For by Office he was a King , not a Preacher ; such were the high Priests and Levites only ; but our Preacher was a Membral Preacher , or one exercising his Gifts according to his Liberty and Duty . Yea , our Lord Jesus , who preached in the Jewish Synagogue , and was allowed so to do ; thus he preached in the account of the Congregation , not by virtue of that anointing by which he was Christ , and Lord : For though he were so , yet they knew it not , nor allowed it ; they only gave him the liberty and priviledge of other Members of the Church : Such a priviledge was given to Paul and the rest of his Companions , Acts 13.15 . when they said , Ye Men and Brethren , if you have any word of Exhortation for the people , say on . By all which we may see this Doctrine witnessed unto , and confirmed , beyond danger of any grounded or sober denyal ; to wit , that every one that hath received the Spirit , and Gifts for Preaching , may , yea ought to Preach and Exercise them . But let me give you a few Reasons or Arguments to inforce this .

Reas. 1. Else many should have Gifts and Talents for Preaching-work in vain ; but the Scripture tells us , God made nothing in vain , in t●● first or natural Creation : Even so the Lord Je●●● in the new Creation , hath dispensed nothing vain , but for use and profit ; as we find it express● in Ephes. 4.12 . It is the edifying of the Bo●● which is his end , in giving Prophets as well as ●●nisters to the Church : But what edification of the Church have from such mens Gifts , althoug● they have sufficient Gifts to edifie the Church , y● have no liberty so to do ; unless , as our Oppos●●● would have it , they will undertake Ministry an● Ordination , which many that are sufficiently qulified for prophetical Actions , are not sufficient qualified for ministerial Imployments .

Reas. 2. What we are bound to pray for t● enjoying of , that we are to promote the attain●● of : But we are to pray that the Lord 's Har●● may not want Labourers ; therefore we are , if 〈◊〉 abled so to be , even to be found labouring , 〈◊〉 loytering in the Lord's Vineyard . That we a● thus to pray , you find Luke 10.2 . with Matt● 9.37 , 38. The Harvest is truly great , but t●● Labourers are few : Pray ye therefore the Lord the Harvest , that he would send forth Labour●●● into his Harvest . Therefore all such as are able●● Labour , should go into the Harvest , and there labour in the Word and Doctrine , and not be idl● and only pray that the Labourers should be sent .

Reas. 3. If not preaching , when able to Preach be a thing that God will punish for ; then surely 〈◊〉 must be lawful for who-ever is able to Preach , t● be found even so doing : But that such as have Gis●● and do not use and exercise them in Preaching shall be punished , if not found Preaching , is mo●● clear : Therefore for all such to Preach as are able , must needs be lawful . That this is so , examine these Scriptures , Matth. 24.45 . Who then is a faithful and wise Servant , whom the Lord hath made Ruler over his Houshold , to give them meat in due season : But if that evil Servant shall say in his heart , My Lord delayeth his coming , and eat and drink with the Drunken ; The Lord of that Servant shall come in an hour that he is not aware of , and shall cut him asunder , and appoint him his portion with Hypocrites ; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . The like we have in chap. 25. where you have the sad judgment of the unprofitable Servant , that though he had not Talents , yet one small Gift or Talent ; Cast ye the unprofitable Servant into utter darkness , there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth . Take but one more ; Necessity ( saith Paul ) is laid upon me , and wo unto me if I preach not the Gospel , 1 Cor. 9.16 .

Reas. 4. This is God's way though not Man's , to fit Persons for Ministerial Imployments : Therefore to Preach without Ministry in order to a qualification or fitness for Ministry , must needs be lawful and approved . That this is God's way of preparing men for Ministerial Dignity , is most clear , Acts 1.21 , 22. where Peter tells the Church , That of those men that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out amongst us , must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his Resurrection ; And this is that favour which the Lord promised in that Parable that he spake concerning the Talents ; That unto every one that hath , shall be given , and he shall have abundance . Now this is the way to attain honourable Imployment in the Ministry , to be sound faithful and fruitful in the work of Prophecy . Having proved and cleared the Point , let me now make some Application .

The first Vse is of Vindication .

The first shall be for Information or Vindication of all such Persons or Churches , which sutable to this Doctrine , thus practise , and thus do , even improve and exercise what Gift or Gifts the Lord hath intrusted them with for Preaching-work ; freely , willingly , faithfully , and humbly , as they have opportunity in publick Assemblies , and Church-Fellowships , though they be neither Prophets nor Prophets Sons ; that is , neither educated in humane litteral Arts , nor called or admitted into any Office of Ministry , yet do Preach as the Spirit gives them utterance : I say , according to what hath been proved and opened in the Doctrine , That the way and work of such is lawful ; for ye may all , that fear the Lord , and are able , Prophesie one by one , Women only excepted : I say , not only he that hath five Talents , but he that hath but one Talent , may publickly by Preaching improve it . Mark , I say not as some would have it , that he that hath no Talent may Preach , but every one only that sears the Lord , and hath some sufficient degree or measure of Gifts for so doing ; Even he I do assert may and ought to Preach as he hath opportunity , and let the Prophets judge , 1 Cor. 14.29 , 32. Therefore know and consider this day , ye Rabbies of the World , ye learned , separated , and anointed Sons of Levi , I mean you Clergy-men , who are , or would be , the sole ingrossers and monopolizers of all Preaching-work in your own hands , as the alone Sons Eli ; reproaching and condemning the Preaching of the Gospel by Illiterate or Mechanick men , Lay-men , or Trades-men , as you please to call them , as not only foolish and disorderly , but an incroachment and usurpation upon the Priest's Office , even the Sin of Corah , Dathan , and Abiram ; never remembring , as you ought , what the Lord saith , Have you never read , Out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings thou hast perfected praise , Matth. 21.16 .

But since this Doctrine , if not too dark , is notwithstanding derogatory to the honour , reputation , and profit of the Learned Preachers of this day , I shall a little consider of their learned , but misapplyed Objections .

Object . 1. How can the Preaching of the Brethren , or private Christians , in or unto the Church , be parallel'd with the Act of those in that of Numb. 16. those reproached Ministry , even God's faithful Ministers , Moses and Aaron , crying out , You take too much upon you , vers. 3 , 4. but so do not the Prophesying Ones , they own Christ's Ministers and Official Ones , and their Preaching and Administrations to be of Christ , and not too much for such alone to be ministerially exercised in ; and so did not those .

Secondly , These were Ministers , but not content with their own Function or Ministry , they aspired to another higher , even Aaron and Moses 's Ministry , as appears vers. 9 , 10 , 11. But the Prophets that pretend to a liberty to Preach , neither pretend or affirm that every Preacher is an Official or Ordain● Minister of the Lord Jesus ; neither do they aspi● to equality or superiority with or above others 〈◊〉 Christ's Ministring Ones , but acknowledge they a● neither the one nor the other of Christ's Gospel Ministry , but Members in particular .

But thirdly , Note , There is no agreement be tween the design of those men , and the work of the●● men I plead for , their design was sacrificing or offering Incense , the work onely of Aaron , and hi● Sons , 't was Censering , not Preaching , as is cle●● vers. 15 , 16 , 17 , 18. But the highest of those me● or this Doctrines design , is Preaching , not offering or performing Ministerial Function , but priva● Mens and Brethrens liberty , as hath been prove from that passage , Ye may all prophesie or Pread one by one . To as little purpose will that Text answer our Clergy-mens design and errant for which they improve , as this Numb . 16. I mean th●● 1 Cor. 7.20 . Let every Man abide in the sam● Calling wherein he was called .

This might , if it had been written at that time have been applyed aptly by Moses in the busines● he had in hand ; but what is all this against the lawfulness of private Christians Preaching . Preaching , though an excellent Work , is no peculiar Calling , but may be performed by Persons of another Calling ; neither do such as assert our practice i● this way of Preaching , depart from their Callings , or not abide therein , though this is no satisfaction to their Adversaries : therefore these feeble Objections will not suffice to rational Christians enlightned in this Doctrine , as sufficient to oppose this way of Preaching . Therefore know and consider this day what I shall affirm , till you can more substantially oppose it ; to wit , That it is lawful and laudable , a Liberty , yea , a Duty incumbent upon every Man that feareth the Lord , and hath received the Gift , to speak a word in due season for Edification , Exhortation , and Comfort , to use and exercise the Gifts he hath received of the Lord in Prophesying or Preaching in the Congregation , That all may learn , and all may be edified , 1 Cor. 14.31 . Therefore not onely may Pastors , or Teachers , but any Brother of the Church that is qualified , whether Young or Old , Servant or Master , Son or Father , Rich or Poor , Learned or Unlearned , of what Imployment or Calling soever , whether Miller or Merchant , Inn-keeper or Shoop-keeper , Brick-layer or Taylor , Cobler or Shoo-maker , one or other lawful Imployment , For ye are all one in Christ Jesus , Gal. 3.8 . Thus much for this Use .

The second Vse is for Exhortation .

But a second Use , and the all that I shall make of this Doctrine , is , That if Prophesying or Preaching of Brethren , or such as have not received any Office or Ministry from Christ , be an Ordinance of Christ , and the duty of such as have received Gifts for Preaching to Preach . Then two things from hence I may add ,

First , A word of Exhortation to all the Churches of the Saints , to allow , admit , and incourage the Gifted-Brethren in this Work and Business of Preaching . Oh! be not so like to Antichrist and his Synagogue , as to forbid this liberty of the Saints , which Christ hath so dearly purchased with his most precious Blood . Consider what the Lor● saith to those Disciples of his , who told him , That they saw one casting out Devils in his Name , which followed him not , and they forbad him ; but Mar● the Answer of Christ , Forbid him not , Mark 9.38 , 39. Will not Christ have such forbad that follow not him , or his Disciples , and will you my Brethren forbid such as follow the Lamb , ( yea , and follow you too ) because not Ministers as you are , or competent or equal in Gifts with you ? My Brethren , I beseech you do not this wickedness , it smells of Rome , of an Antichristian spirit ; but think what the Lord saith , He that is not with me , is against me ; and he that gathereth not with me , scattereth abroad , Mat. 12.30 . You that will not joyn issue with Christ in furthering and permitting such to Preach whom Christ allows to Preach , you , even all you , who ever you be , how Wise , and Learned , and Pious soever , yet are you against Christ , and for Antichrist ; Enemies to Preaching , though never so great Preachers ; and it were well you would please to suffer me to commend two Scriptures to your serious consideration . The first is that of the Apostle , Be of the same mind one towards another ; mind not high things , but condescend to men of low degree , or estate : Be not wise in your own conceits , Rom. 12.16 . The second Scripture is that of Peter , Feed the Flock of God which is among you , taking 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 , but being Ensamples to the Flock , 1 Pet. 5.2 , 3.

But secondly , Let this be a second Branch of this Use to exhort all such , even such , or so many as have received but one Talent , or the least dogree of real competency or fitness , though neither Prophets or Prophets Sons , but of the meanest or most contemptible condition or Calling amongst men to Preach , and that in season and out of season . O remember it is your duty , your Priviledge , you may preach all one by one ; you are not only made Kings , but Priests ; and this Priestly Act you , yea , any Gifted Believer may perform , Rev. 1.6 . Beloved , Preaching is God's Ordinance , his Peoples Blessing , and your Duty . O therefore ! Preach as well as Pray continually , & forget not that exhortation , As every Man hath received the Gift , even so minister the same one to another , as good stewards of the manifold Grace of God , 1 Pet. 4.10 . Brethren , let not your fellow Spies discourage you , by telling you of the Sacredness , Excellency , and difficulty of Preaching ; But as every man hath received , so minister the same , as of the ability God giveth , that in all things God may be glorified , 1 Pet. 4.11 . Remembring , for your encouragement , two Scriptures , 2 Cor. 8.12 . For if there be first a willing mind , it is accepted , according to that a man hath , and not according to that a man hath not . Secondly , Think on these words of Christ , For unto every one that hath , shall be given , and he shall have abundance ; but from him that hath not , shall be taken away even that which he hath , Mat. 25.29 . Therefore quench not the Spirit , 1 Thess. 5.19 . But what the Disciple said , I may say to you , The Lord hath need of it , Luke 19.34 . The Souls of Sinners call for your Labours ; yea , the wants of your dear Brethren call for your words of Exhortation , Edification , and Comfort ; therefore , be not wanting in the practice of this Ordinance , even this great Ordinance of Preaching the Gospel . Therefore , my Brethren , be stedfast , unmoveable , alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord ; for a● much as you know your Labour is not in vain in the Lord .

Thirdly , Let this Doctrine exhort and quicken you that have ears to hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches . Take heed that you despise not prophesying , 1 Thess. 5.20 . Christians , despise not Christ's day of small things , Since out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings , he will ordain strength , because of the enemy and avenger , Psalm . 8.2 . compared with Matth. 21. Say not in your hearts as once Nathaniel did ; Can any good thing come out of Nazareth ? John 1.46 . But take heed you despise not him that speaketh on Earth , lest that sad word be your word , For with stammering lips , and another tongue , will he speak to this People . Read that Chapter at your leasure , and you shall see how dreadful God speaks to despisers of this Ordinance of Preaching , though by mean and outwardly contemptible Instruments : My Beloved , know God oft-times hangs great Blessings at the end of small Wyers . How great a victory did God give Israel by that Barley Cake , as Gideon is called , Judg. 7.13 , 14 , 15 , 16. As also how great a Blessing did Naaman the Syrian receive , by hearing the Voice of his Servants , 2 Kings 5. Yea , how great advantage did this very Ordinance bring to the Jews and Greeks , when the scattered Saints and Brethren went up and down , Preaching and Prophesying , Acts 11.19 , 20 , 21. Therefore despise not Prophesying , I mean Preaching , by Brethren that are gifted thereunto , although not Ministers or Officers in the Churches . So much for this second Doctrine .

I should now come to speak to the third Point , or Doctrine , which is ,

Doct. 3. That if Preaching be God's Ordinance , and Prophesying and Preaching by Men of Grace and Gifts , though no Ministers , or Ordained Persons , may lawfully Preach ; then such as are Prophets , though no Ministers or Officers of the Church , not only may , but ought to Preach .

But because I have spoke something to this in the close of the second Doctrine , I shall say no more to this , but proceed to the fourth and last Doctrine upon this Head , which is drawn from the Description of the qualification of this Prophetical Preacher Solomon ; to wit , That he was Wise , as you have it in the Text , Moreover , because the Preacher was Wise . Whence take this Observation , to wit ,

Doct. 4. That every Gospel preacher ought to be truly wise , or that Grace and Spiritual Wisdom are the true and onely , and sufficient Requisites or sufficiency for Gospel-preaching .

Let me , in the carrying on this Work , first clear this Point , and shew what this Wisdom , which every Preacher ought to have , is .

2ly , Give the Reasons why what is affirmed to be the Wisdom required , is that which is affirmed .

And 3ly , Resolve some Objections .

And lastly , Make Application of the Point .

First , Take some Witnesses that Gospel-Preachers ought to be Wise . This the Lord tells us 〈◊〉 that qualification , that all such ought to have a● draw near him in any peculiar or especial way o● service or ministration , as you have it laid dow● by Moses , in that saying , Take you wise men , ye understanding and known men among your Tribes , an● I will make them Rulers over you . And ma● what is further said ; And ye answered me , an● said , The thing which thou hast spoken , is good fo● us to do ; So I took wise men , and known , eve● the chief of your Tribes , and made them Heads ov● you ; this is God's and Moses way for the serving of Israel , Deut. 1.13 , 14 , 15. Again , tak● that place , Prov. 15.2 . where you have this expression , The Tongue of the Wise useth knowledge a right ; but the mouth of Fools poureth out foolishness . Oh mark ! it is the wise tongue that wil● Preach or use Knowledge aright ; compare thi● with what we have Vers. 7. The lips of the Wis● disperse Knowledge , but the heart of the Foolish doth not so ; It is wise lips either can or ought to Preach , or dispense Divine Knowledge . Again , take that Passage of our Lord Jesus , where he tell us what every Scribe or Teacher in Israel should be , one instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven , like unto a man that is a Housholder , that bringeth ou● of his Treasury things both new and old . Oh! this is the good Scribe or Preacher , Mat. 13.52 . the like you have Matth. 10.16 . with Prov. 1.5 , 6. further you have this confirmed , That a Preacher or Director of others should be wise ; Eccl. 1.10 . for he that sendeth a Message by the hand of a Fool , cutteth off the feet , and drinketh dammage : The legs of the Iame are not equal ; even so is a Parable in the mouth of fools , Prov. 26.6 , 7. By all which , with many Testimonies more that might have been offered , you have this Truth confirmed , That every Gospel-Preacher ought to be wise .

Now I come to open the Point , and shew you what it is to be Wise , or what that Wisdom is that every Gospel-Preacher ought to have . I told you in the opening of the words , by way of Negation , that the Wisdom spoken of in the Text , was neither natural , moral , or acquired Wisdom , as Languages , Tongues , Arts , or Sciences ; but a more sublime and transcendent Wisdom . I told you , God had not set this Ax or Hammer apart to do his or this Work with ; these Tools are strangers to any Divine designment for such an end , being neither appointed or required in Scripture . I told you secondly , This Wisdom is but a carnal or natural Weapon , and is only meet for carnal , natural , weak , and worldly work ; and for such purposes this Learning or Wisdom is very fit and useful , but no more apt or necessary essentially for Preachers , or Preaching , than a Sword is to cut ones Beard with , or a Plough to ride a Journey on : But the Wisdom absolutely necessary for Preaching , or a Preacher , is Divine Wisdom , as I told you , which descends from Above more immediately , and comes from the Father of Lights ; and this is that true Wisdom which is put in opposition to the Wisdom before mentioned , 1 Cor. 1.17 . where the Apostle saith , Christ sent him not to Baptize , but to Preach the Gospel ; not with wisdom of words , lest the Cross of Christ should be of none effect : Mark , it 's worldly Wisdom , or the wisdom of words , maketh Christ's Cross to be made ineffectual ; this is the likelyest good worldly Wisdom wil● do in Preaching . The same thoughts was th● Apostle Peter of , censuring humane Wisdom , tha● it might , and did furnish men to pervert , but no● Preach the Gospel , where he saith , As also in a his Epistles , speaking in them of these things , i● which are some things hard to be understood , which they that are unlearned and unstable , wrest , as the● do also the other Scriptures , unto their own destruction : Ye therefore , Beloved , seeing you know thes● things before , beware lest you also being led away with the error of the wicked , fall from your ow● stedfastness , 2 Pet. 3.16 , 17. Now if you would know who these unlearned and unstable wreste● and perverters of Paul , and of all Scriptures are Peter tells us not men wanting Arts and Languages such knew these things , as you have it , seeing y●● know these things ; but they he describes and call unlearned , are those he mentions in the second Chapter of this Epistle , whom he calls false Prophets , and false Teachers . Note , It is not the unlearned Hearers , but the learned Preachers that are the perverters and deceivers of the People , through mistaking Paul's Writings , and other Scriptures .

These are the Men the Church and the World are only beholden to , for privily bringing in damnable Heresies , and causing the Truth of God to be evil spoken of , Vers. 1 , 2. These are the Brute beasts , made to be taken and destroyed , speaking evil of the things they understand not , even the Saints and the Scripture , and the waies of God , Vers. 12. These learned Prophets are the Wel● without water , and the Clouds carried with a Tempest , vers. 17. These are the men that Speak great swelling words of vanity , and allure through the lusts of the flesh , through much wantonness , those that were clean escaped from them who live in Error . So that we may boldly conclude , That Humane Learning and Wisdome , is neither Prophets nor Preachers wisdome , or fit furniture for such work . But because I foresee that Demetrius , and his learned Crafts-men will make no small stir about this Doctrine concerning Humane Learning , I shall lay down some Arguments to back and confirm what hath been said .

Arg. 1. If Humane Wisdome or Learning be essential to qualifie a Preacher for preaching , then the Scripture Rule concerning a Preachers-qualification is imperfect and obscure , which is sinful to imagine ; because it neither requireth , or provideth for such low , earthly-membring Qualifications , as Tongues and Sciences , which teaches Preachers not to preach without it : What the Scripture requires as a Preachers Qualification , you may read 1 Acts 4.5 . It is the promise of the Father , expounded vers. 5. to be the Baptism of the Holy Ghost ; So 1 Timoth. 2.2 , to the 7.2 Tim. 2.2 . and 15. with Chap. 3.14 , 15 , 16 , 17.

Arg. 2. If Humane Learning , or Wisdome be the Preachers Wisdome , then the best of Preachers have slighted and neglected the main , or grand Qualification , 1 Corin. 2.1 . And I , Brethren , when I came unto you , I came not unto you with excellency of Speech , or of Wisdome declaring unto you the testimonies of God : And Paul gives the reason of his so doing : For I determine not to know any thing among you , save Jesus Christ , Vers. 2. and again saith he , My Speech , and my Preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdome , but in demonstration of the Spirit , and of power , vers. 4. yet Paul would have the Rabbies , and Sticklers for enticing words , and mans wisdome know , That his illiterate Preaching , was perfectly accomplisht Preaching ; Howbeit we speak wisdome among those that be perfect , yet not the wisdome of this world , nor of the Princes of this world , that come 〈◊〉 nought , vers. 6. Take but one place more , Act. 4.13 . Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John , and perceived that they were unlearned , and ignorant men , they marvelled : mark , these marvelous Preachers had preached most publickly , and resolved still to preach as publickly , yet neither had this Wisdome or Learning , but were ignorant and unlearned , and resolved so to remain . Therefore clear it is , this wisdome is not Preachers wisdome , else these great Preachers could not have wanted it ; or which is all one , if they had it , 〈◊〉 improving it about this great work , which some say doth so fit men for it ; Therefore this Wisdome in Controversie cannot be Preachers wisdome .

Thirdly , Take this Argument to prove that Humane Learning is not the Preachers Wisdome , because then many both allowed , and enjoined to Preach , would be found unable to preach , through want of this furniture or wisdome : as many o● the Prophets , or prophesying Members of th● Church , who though they have the gifts of the Spirit , and have passed through the New-birth● yet have never attained this Wisdome , or sat at Gamaliel's Feet ; But such may be allowed of as competent Preachers , as I have largely proved in the Second Doctrine .

Arg. 4. The consideration of who is the Spring of Gospel-preaching , will make it necessarily appear that humane Wisdom is not the Preachers Wisdom , but the Lord Jesus , and not man's how learned soever , Ephes. 4.7 , to 15. Vnto every one of us is given Grace , according to the measure of the Gift of Christ , and so forward , compared with Rev. 19.10 . which saith , The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie .

Arg. 5. Take this Argument , why I affirm that the Wisdom that the Gospel-Preacher ought to have , is not humane Learning or Wisdom , because the Gospel is that which is to be Preached , not humane Wisdom or Excellency , nor the Gospel in a way of humane Wisdom or Excellency : Nay , the Gospel is in the very nature thereof contrary to humane Excellency , being plain and simple , though most holy and pure in the Nature and Administrations thereof , therefore needs not Arts or Sciences to comprehend or reveal it : Nay , the Apostle seems to imply , that Learning mixed with , or used in the Preaching of the Gospel , doth but corrupt , or sophisticate , and adulterate it , as the Fly doth the Apothecaries Box of Oyntment , Eccl. 10.1 . 2 Cor. 2.17 . But to proceed ,

Arg. 6. Take this Argument ; The Subjects or Persons to whom the Gospel is to be preached or predicated , are not the Orators , Wise , and Excellent of Wit ; but the Simple , the Vulgar , the Mean and Contemptible , according to that word , Mat. 11.5 . The poor have the Gospel preached 〈◊〉 them , 1 Cor. 1.26 , 27 , 28. And Christ said That he was anointed to Preach the Gospel to 〈◊〉 poor : Therefore they need not learned , that 〈◊〉 humanely learned Preachers , but spiritual w●● Physitians : What need French-men to speak them that only understand English ? Or need Man Geometry or Mathematick , Logick or R●torick , to Preach to Men and Women of no h●● mane Understanding ? Only God hath promis● to teach them so much spirituality as conce●● their Souls : But as to this glorious literature , 〈◊〉 but as the gilded Trappings upon an Ass to ma● him to be respected .

Arg. 7. To require or injoyn humane Lear●ing or Wisdom , as necessary or essential to eve● Gospel-Preacher , is to require that for a requi●● which is directly contrary to the main end of G●spel-Preaching ; which is to Preach Christ , and Knowledge unto the People , and not to Preach 〈◊〉 Preacher or his Knowledge into the People ; 〈◊〉 great end of Gospel-Preaching , is not to Prea● forth , or declare man's breeding or learning in the People ; or to shew the Preachers excellency 〈◊〉 humane things , or excellencies , or breeding up m● in worldly or humane Knowledge ; but to t● men from Darkness to Light , and from the P●● of Satan into the glorious Liberty of the Sons of G● and to edifie and build up such as are converted the Knowledge and Grace of our Lord Je●● Christ .

Arg. 8. If the Church , even every unlearne● Church in humane Learning must judge and 〈◊〉 the Prophets , then certainly this must not be 〈◊〉 Preaching excellency and qualification , of which they have no share , nor can pass any competent judgment but they must try them , as you have it , 1 Thess. 5.21 . Prove all things , hold fast that which is good ; compared with 1 Joh. 4.1 . Beloved , believe not every Spirit , but try the Spirits whether they are of God ; because many false prophets are gone out into the World ; Therefore this Learning cannot be the Preaching qualification .

Arg. 9. And lastly : What need of these Arts , Logick , Grammar , or Rhetorick , for opening of Moses and the Prophets , or proving that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh ? Oh! bring better proof for Universities and Colledges , or else never plead for these impure puddles , and streams of impure waters for Preaching the Gospel .

But since this Truth and Argument lies so cross to some mens Interest , and other mens Understanding , I shall willingly consider of such Objections as I have met with , and indeavour to try their strength , and try whether their strength , or the power of this Doctrine will prevail ; and be pleased to excuse me if I enlarge upon this Head , since this Doctrine is so hotly , yea , so seemingly Scripturally opposed . Therefore I shall take the more pains to clear to your Understandings and Consciences , that the Learning and Wisdom which a Gospel-preacher needs for Gospel-preaching is not acquired humane Learning , or Wisdom , but is Spiritual and Divine ; for a man without Spiritual Wisdom , though a Scholar , and furnished with all Arts and Sciences , is but like a Crow made outwardly gay with other Birds Feathers , yet underneath he is a Crow still for all his outward bravery . Therefore be pleased to consider of a few Scriptures , and weigh the scope and tendency of them as that first , when the Lord promiseth to do grea● things for the conversion of sinners , and lifting 〈◊〉 of the Kingdom , where he tells us who shall b● the Ambassadors and Preachers in that Work Not the Wise , with this beggarly wisdom of th● flesh , but a quite contrary Generation , to wit , the foolish and the simple , even Babes and Suckling Isa. 29.9 , to 21. where we have these things offered ; first , That in the dayes of the Gospel-e●altation , when Lebanon the true Church shall be come a real fruitful Field , and the false Church 〈◊〉 Lebanon of foolish Virgins or Professors , shall 〈◊〉 turned into a Forrest ; then shall this be fulfilled God's Book shall not be read to the People by the● learned Ones , for they shall say and confess , 〈◊〉 well as the unlearned , I cannot read no more th●● the unconverted People or Multitude , and th● shall not be the care of idle Ones , or by accident but by the great design of God to glorifie himself another way , as he saith , I will do a marvellou● work , and a wonder , for I will turn the wisdom 〈◊〉 your prudent men backwards , and the meek in the Earth shall increase their joy , or divine knowledge and have my Vision opened to them , and by them vers. 18 , 19. therefore humane Wisdom an● Knowledge is not a Tool fit for this Work .

Object . 1. But it is Objected , This was spoken of the Jews and Priests of that time , and concer● not us .

To which I Answer , Grant that it were spoken of that Age first , yet not of them only ; for it appears to the Spiritual , Wise , and truly Learned , to be spoken of the way of God's dealing under the Man of Sin in the end of his dayes , as appears vers. 20 , 21. when the Lord saith , The terrible one is brought to nought , and the scorner is consumed , and all that watch for iniquity are cut off &c. That make a man an offender for a word , and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate , and turn aside the just for a thing of nought .

How truly these things are accomplished by the Man of Sin , is most evident ; therefore you may see , how clearly the former words concern his learned Clergy , will e're long be manifest ; and it is most clear , these Words or Prophesies are to be accomplished in that day when the Church shall be most fruitful ; but that is not in the day of the Jews apostacy or defection : but this Glory is a reserved Glory for that day , when the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord , and he shall reign for ever-more , even that good Day which is coming upon us .

But again , let any one shew me that the way of the Lord here spoken of is changed , and that now our Lord Jesus Christ hath sanctified Wisdom and Learning for Preaching-work , and is become reconciled to it , then they will say something to the Point that they contend for : But the Scriptures of the New Testament know no such reconciliation , as appears Matth. 11.25 . I thank thee , O Father , thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent , and hast revealed them to Babes , Luk. 10.21 . compared with 1 Cor. 1.20 , 21. Where is the Wise ? where is the Scribe ? where is the Disputer of this World ? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this World ? For after that , in the wisdom of God , the World by wisdom knew not Go● it pleased God , by the foolishness of Preaching , 〈◊〉 save them that believe ; and vers. 19. it is written I will destroy the wisdom of the Wise , and will bri●● to nothing the understanding of the prudent ; wi●● chap. 2.1 . And I Brethren , when I came to you , came not with excellency of speech , or of wisdom declaring unto you the Testimony of God . Whe● we have Paul answerably practising and vindication his so doing ; wherefore if by any other groun● more helpful to them , than what they have offered , they be able to prove that the Lord Christ ha●● taken their blunt Tools into favour , I desire the to declare it .

But again , consider that passage of Zachari● 13. concerning this learned Generation of th● Man of Sin 's Clergy-men , it is said , In that 〈◊〉 they shall voluntarily be ashamed , every one of 〈◊〉 Vision ; I hope not of Christ's , or the Gospe● Vision , but of the learned Vision , Education , and Trade of Preaching ; which is most clear , both with reference to the rise of this way of Preaching , and also the matter of this Preaching ; and lastly , the end of it . All that is there said , relate to the Preaching or Prophesying of our Times , and not of the Jews Time , they having no such Trade in fashion as an Artificial-Clergy , they having only the Tribe of Levi Prophets , and Nazarites : Neither would Tongues , Languages , Arts , or Sciences , help to Preach in that day , when onely or primarily Prophesie and Ceremony were to be Preached . Therefore this Prophesie relates principally to our Time , as a Prophesie of the Prophets or Clergy-men of the Man of Sin , and I shall pray , Come Lord Jesus , and make haste to shame these Prophets .

But again , I pray consider , when Paul directs to the choice of Ministers , I mean , Preaching-Ministers , he doth not once name or remember this great Diana , I mean , humane Learning , but layes down Rules for choice without this expedient , 1 Tim. 3.

Object . 2. But possibly some may say , Is it not there said , Let not him that is chosen be a Novice ? and is not that as much as to say , unlearned , or unskilful in learning ?

To which I Answre , 〈◊〉 but our learned Tribe Novices ? God forbid they should think so , or the Lord's Peoples Portion be no better , for then none besides the Learned should have been capable of choice ; but Paul acknowledgeth that the Corinths were wise , not only their Ministers , but they , 1 Cor. 1.4 , 5. with Epist. 2.11.19 . But to Answer this more fully ; Paul intends onely a young , unskilful , unexperienced Christian , and not a young Grammarian or Logician ; for he may be as proud as any that hath most skill in Arts ; as many Instances shew : and this is the reason laid down by the Apostle , why he must not be a Novice , lest he be puffed up with pride ; and surely if the learning here meant be Oxford & Cambridge , I mean of the Schools ; Paul it seems knew men were very quick to know what learning he meant , since Scripture and himself knew another Learning better , which the Scriptures shew as I have offered ; or else he foresaw men would , as at this day , idolize and dote upon these painted Feathers ; wherefore he saith , if any thing , but very little for this University-breeding , cryed up as so absolutely necessary for Preaching , although the Scriptures know nothing of it .

Object . 3. But some may say , Are not the Schools of the Prophets mentioned in Scripture , as in the place 2 Kings 22.14 ? Is it not said , that Huldah the Prophetess dwelt in a Colledge ? and had not the Prophets peculiar places of residence and habitation ; wherein , as in Vniversities or Nurseries of Learning , they studied and improved themselves in order to Preaching or Prophesying , as we real 2 Kings 2.3 , 5. 〈…〉 Acts 19.9 . If there were any more of these 〈◊〉 , I should have considered them also , but so many have onely come to my knowledge .

To all those Scriptures I Answer , they do not in the least oppose the Truth I have asserted , that not Humane but Spiritual Wisdom fits for Preaching the Gospel of Christ . For grant that these places intended Colledges and Universities , and such like places , yet it follows not that these were places imployed or improved for Trayning , or preparing Persons for Gospel-preaching ; for it doth not appear that any Gospel-preachers issued forth from thence .

And secondly , The Prophets and Prophetesses we read of , were extraordinary Prophets , and not such Preachers or Prophets as the Doctrine intends and speaks of ; but if Schools and Universities will fit us to be such Prophets as can declare things to come from the Lord , then let us all , that fear the Lord , go to these Schools that we may learn thus to Prophesie . But this is not a mediate , but an immediate Gift , either by Dreams , Visions , or Oracles .

And thirdly , For Tyrannus his School , mentioned in the forecited Acts 19. nothing is there declared concerning what he taught , nor whom he taught , but most probable it was not Gospel-knowledge ; and infallible it is , it was not how men might be qualified for Preaching ; for this was not permitted or allowed any open Schools in that place at that day , as appears by the contradiction Paul there met withal ; and how needless had it been to a learned Hebrew or Greek , since that was their Mother-Tongue , many of them being Jews and Greeks , as vers. 10. declares ; but Tyrannus was allowed to teach in his School , wherefore it is probable he taught nothing of this sort of Knowledge .

Object . 4. Some do Object and say , How can a Preacher know that the Scripture is rightly translated , that knows not the Original ?

I Answer , By the same way and means that the unlearned People of the Lord come to know it ; and it concerns them , and is necessary for them to know , though I say not of the same necessity . For if they be not assured that the Scriptures , as translated , are rightly translated ; what shall they build their Faith on , except on their learned Leaders , and Translators honesty and ability ? and this is to pin their Faith in a business of most weight and concernment , on the Priests sleeve ; and this is but to believe as the Church believes , and so the blind leading the blind , they may both fall into the Ditch .

Secondly , I Answer , It is not by knowing Arts and Sciences , or Languages , Preachers or People , can come to be assured that the Scriptures are the Word of God , and rightly translated ; but by the humble , sanctified , and diligent searching into , and studying of the Scriptures ; 't is by comparing things spiritually together , as the Apostle tells us , saying , Which things also we speak , not in the words which Man's wisdom teacheth , but which the Holy Ghost teacheth , comparing spiritual things with spiritual , 1 Cor. 2.13 . I say , by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus must we , nay , may we know the Power and Spirit , Truth and Purity of the Scriptures ; and it is the Godly judicious , Spiritual Christian , best knows how aptly or corruptly they are translated .

And thirdly , I Answer , Grant this were so , which I do not grant , yet this Learning and Excellency is more requisite and essential to a Translator , Examiner or Corrector of translated Copies , than to a Gospel-preacher .

But lastly , Since so many thousand Learned , as well as Godly , have sealed the Truth of the Scriptures Purity , and Divine Authority , notwithstanding all its humane Imperfections in Translation ; therefore we need not now , or continually University-Learning to do that Work which is already sufficiently done to our hands .

Object . 5. Some do Object and say , How can the Scripture be interpreted in dark passages without this help ?

I Answer , As a Lanthorn without a Candle will no way help to shew a man his way , though a Candle without a Lanthorn may , no more can this dark Lanthorn of humane Learning and Languages , without the Candle of the Lord , as too abundant experience hath witnessed ; but that Candle singly can and doth . Miserable Experience sheweth what Interpreters the School-men and Fathers have been ; and yet are even the Fathers of well-nigh all the Individual Errors in Judgment and Practice in the European World . The Devil and the Learned may be admired for them , if for any thing ; but take some Scriptures for proof of so weighty a Point , when our Lord comes to shew how Ministers and Interpreters of Scripture shall be furnished for this Work , he saith , When the Spirit of Truth is come , he will guide you into all Truth ; for he shall not speak of himself , but whatsoever he shall hear , that shall he speak , and he shall shew you things to come , John 16.13 . The like Testimony gives Paul , But we speak the wisdom of God in a Mystery , even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the World unto our Glory , which none of the Princes of this World knew ; for had they known it , they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory , 1 Cor. 2.7 , 8. But some may say , How came the Preachers of the Gospel in that day to this Wisdom ? Not from Universities or humane Learning , but from the Grace and Spirit of God , as you have it ; But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit ; for the Spirit searcheth all things , mark it , yea , the deep things of God , vers. 10. And this Paul proves , vers. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man , save the spirit of a man which is in him ? Even so the things of God knoweth no man , but the Spirit of God ; this is further witnessed unto vers. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16.

Object . 6. May some say , How shall a Preacher be able to withstand or confute gain-sayers without learning ? For every one that is a Scholar , and subtil , will sophisticate , and use fallacies , and wrest the Scriptures and his Arguments from him , if he be not a Scholar .

Now Beloved , I pray you do but consider what is said in this Objection , and you have here discovered the learned Man's Excellency , it is to sophisticate and deal fallaciously with the Simple and the Truth . Beloved , take heed of them as such who have learned the skill to deceive the simple . But yet a little further to Answer this seemingly so weighty an Objection . Know God's way , or the right way for a Preacher to answer Gain-sayers , is to have the Word of God dwell richly in him in all wisdom , that out of that Library or good Treasure , he may be able to convince them of the contrary part . Thus Paul taught , injoyning Preachers to hold fast the faithful Word , as he hath been taught , that he may be able , by sound Doctrine , both to exhort and convince the Gain-sayers , Tit. 1.9 , 10. the like you have in 2 Tim. 3.13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17.

Object . 7. Some may say , This is to subject Preachers , and Preaching to contempt and scorn : For if Preachers need not be learned , who will not be a Preacher ? Who more bold than the ignorant , or men of ignorance ? And who will reverence Preaching or Preachers , if it be so easie and common a work for any man that is unlearned ? Will it not be very simple , and mean Preaching , if Preachers want Breeding , Arts , Languages , and Sciences , to garnish and dress out their Preaching , with Lively and Apt Similes , Rhetorical and Elegant Words ?

To all which I thus Answer , in the fear of the Lord .

First , It is never the more easie , but much more the harder for any to Preach , whilst we affirm no humane Acquirements , but supernatural Attainments , that fits or qualifies Persons for Preaching .

Secondly , If all , or any seek , or undertake to Preach , it follows not that all shall or can Preach : No , there are many Learned , yea , and unlearned Intruders upon Preaching , which do not , nor can Preach ; for all they rush or run upon the work ; for it is written , A man can receive nothing , that is no such Gift , except it be given him from Above , John 3.27 . And saith Paul , How can one Preach except he be sent ?

And thirdly , Though this unnecessary Tool be laid aside , yet are there many other helps , which every Preacher must have , both Natural and Divine , which every man hath not , no not every Godly Man , nor can attain to ; therefore to be an Accomplished-Preacher is not so easie , though it matters not how easie .

But fourthly , If it be said , Who then will reverence Preaching or Preachers ?

I Answer , Though an undue reverence is not to be sought or desired , and every able Preacher is truly and most eminently worthy of reverence ; yet when the Love of God , and the Work of God lies warm upon the Preachers heart ; then the main business of a Gospel-Preacher will be to get Christ , not himself , reverenced : For we Preach not our selves , but the Lord Jesus , and our selves your Servants for Christ's sake , 2 Cor. 4.5 . And let me tell you , as David said to Michael , 2 Sam. 6. Even of the Hand-maids shall such be had into honour , whilst the proud Locusts of the bottomless Pit despise them . I say , Every such Soul that is Preached to , will reverence that lip which hath spoken Christ to his heart , as hereafter may more appear ; but if the blind cannot , yet the seeing eye will reverence such Preaching , and that the more , because it is plain and simple .

But lastly , Whereas they tell us that Preaching will be very mean and simple if the Preachers be unlearned , and want Arts , Sciences , Rhetorick , and Logick , to help them to apt Expressions , Similies , to set forth Heavenly things by . I Answer , No , if men be wise that Preach , it will not be simple Preaching . If Preachers be dayes-men , or men of experience in Christ's Gospel , and Satan's Wiles ; for if the Spirit of God can help the unlearned to words sufficient to speak to God in Prayer ; surely he is much more able to help the unlearned Preacher to sufficiency of words , to speak to the Satisfaction and Advantage of unlearned , simple , sinful , earthly , ignorant Men and Women , yea , Babes and Sucklings ; therefore no need to serve an Apprentiship for Words at the Schools . Thus I have Answered this Objection .

Object . 8. Some may say , If Preachers be not Scholars and Artists , there are many things in the Scripture which they cannot resolve or explain , at the weights of the Sanctuary of old , and Places and Countries , as where they lie , and in what Continent , Scituation , Latitude and Distance one from another , &c.

To which I Answer , This is but superfluous or unnecessary Knowledge , which every Gospel-Preacher may honourably be without . And if a Preacher cannot attain it without humane Learning , he may Preach as truly and as profitably Christ's Mysterie and Man's Duty from such Scriptures , as if he could resolve such Riddles , or unnecessary Questions . For could not Ezckiel , Amos , and the Prophets prophesie against Egypt , Tyrus , Moab , Babylon , and the rest of the Heathen-Countries , as well as if they knew their Longitude or Latitude ? Yes doubtless , as clearly as other-ways , for that did not concern them , but only to denounce the Judgments of God against them ; other knowledge of Places is onely or mostly necessary for such as are Travellers or Historiographers , who else may miss their way , or mar their Work ; but 't is not so with a Preacher , 't is enough for such to Preach that Babylon shall fall , because she hath sinned , and that Nineveh repented , and therefore was spared ; wheresoever the one or the other Country is , and that whatsoever Countrey or People soever they be that sin against the most High , and do not repent , shall also perish first or last ; yea , even England , though we know where it lies , without repentance , must doubtless perish .

Object . 9. May not some say to me , Doth not Solomon the Wise , even the Preacher in my Text say , Prov. 1.22 . It is fools only that hate or slight Knowledge ; so it is only unlearned , ignorant , mechanicks , that speak thus slightly and contemptibly of Learning and Knowledge ? Is not every thing beautiful in its season .

I Answer , It is not to hate Knowledge , to cry up the Spirit 's Teaching , and the Scriptures Wisdom , the best of Learning ; and to cry down this empty , dangerous , smoaky , humane Learning ; I say , 't is not slighting or despising Learning , to distinguish and difference it from Spiritual and Heavenly Knowledge ; to teach , that humane Learning , such as the difference is about , is not necessary or helpful for Preaching , doth neither deny or imply that Learning is useful or less than a Gift of God , and useful as other natural Gifts and Excellencies are . Is that Plant good for nothing which is not good for food , or delightful to smell on ? Oh no , for it may be good and profitable for Physick : Even so is Learning , even this Learning in Controversie , to teach men Civil and Political Government , or fit men for Magistracy , but dangerous for Gospel-Preachers ; good for Physitians , Lawyers , Historians , Navigators , Surveyors of Land , and the like , but needless for Preaching ; good for Travellers , Merchants , Souldiers , and the like , but not for Home-dwellers or Church-men ; doubtless there are many lawful and laudable uses for humane Learning , though this be spared ; therefore I hope none will say I despise it , though I affirm it ought not to be injoyned or imposed as essentially necessary for Gospel-Preaching .

And thus I have endeavoured to Answer all such Objections as I have met with , that are brought against that which hath been offered ; to wit , that humane , natural , or artificial Wisdom or Learning is not the Gospel-Preachers Wisdom mentioned in the Text , or that which will fit a man to be a Gospel-Preacher , or qualifie unto Wise and Gospel-preaching in the Negative .

Let me in the Affirmative now declare what this Wisdom is which every Gospel-Preacher ought to have , and cannot be competently qualified unto Preaching without it ; it is the saving , sanctifying Grace of God , and Spiritual Gifts , and assistance of the Spirit of God : This Divine Wisdom is Essential Wisdom for a Preacher ; and having this Wisdom , though without other Wisdom , a Preacher may be sufficiently accomplished unto Preaching .

For the better clearing of this , I shall more particularly open , wherein Preaching-Wisdom lies in three things .

First , That the Preacher be enriched with the Wisdom of Grace , or the fear of the Lord , which is the beginning of Wisdom , and a good understanding have all they that do thereafter , Prov. 1.7 . Psal. 119.10 . To be spiritually Wise , is to be seasoned with Salt of Grace , to be instated in Covenant with the Lord Jesus , who of God is made unto us Wisdom as well as Righteousness , 1 Cor. 1.30 , 31. Though every gracious Person is not a Preacher , yet he , who-ever he be , that undertakes to Preach , cannot be wise enough to be Christ's Preacher , that is not Holy , and Sanctified in Jesus Christ ; this the Lord seems to prove to Jeremiah 1.5 . Before I formed thee in the Belly , I knew thee , and before thou camest out of the Womb , I sanctified thee , and ordained thee a Prophet unto the Nations . Mark , God layes the Foundation of Prophecy or Preaching , in electing Love , and sanctifying of the Heart ; not education of Learning , or excellency in Brain . Thus the Lord Jesu● dealt with Paul to qualifie him for Preaching , Gal. 1.15 , 16. It pleased God , who separated 〈◊〉 from my Mothers Womb , and called me by h● Grace to reveal his Son in me , that I might Preac● him among the Heathen ; immediately I conferr● not with flesh or blood : neither went I up to Jerus●lem , to them which were Apostles before me , & ● So 2 Tim. 1.5 , 6. with chap. 3.14 , 15.

But secondly , Preaching-Wisdom , or the Gospel-preaching-Wisdom , consists in having muc● and plentiful experience of the way of God's dealing with poor Souls , when he delivers them out 〈◊〉 sin , and brings them into a state of Grace . Ever● wise Preacher , or skilful Work-man , that neede● not be ashamed , ought to have clear and plentiful acquaintance with Satans Wiles , Temptations , an● Delusions , and with all the Concernments of a po●● sinning , sinking , sorrowing Soul , and therefore ought not to be a Novice in the dealings or out goings of God with poor Creatures . He is 〈◊〉 Preach from Experience , not for Experience , a Merchants that travel to the Indies , or the Antichristian Priests of the World do . A Gospel-Preacher , should be able to say , as John saith i● his first Epistle , Chap. 1. vers. 1. That which was from the beginning , which we have heard , which we have seen with our eyes , which we have looked upon , and our hands have handled of the Word 〈◊〉 Life , that declare we unto you , v. 3. So saith Paul , 〈◊〉 are not ignorant of his wiles and devices , 2 Cor. 2.11 . He that Preacheth ●ithout or beyond Experience , is like a man that tells one his way to a Place or Countrey he never saw , he must do it very rawly and uncertainly : Even so it is in this case ; He that is to guide others in their way to Heaven , ought to have gone it before himself , or else he will prove an uncertain Guide to others .

Thirdly , and lastly , Every Gospel-Preacher's Wisdom , should lie in having rich and plentiful acquaintance with the Scripture ; not only , or so much in the Letter , as in the Sence , Scope , Doctrine , and real Interpretation of the Word : And if these things be in a Preacher , and abound with continual Prayer , and uninterrupted fellowship of the Spirit of Grace , he shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus , 2 Pet. 1.8 .

And thus having proved and opened this Doctrine , to wit , That every Gospel-Preacher ought to be wise , that is , spiritually Wise ; I shall proceed to make some Application of the Point .

The first Vse is of Information .

First , Let it be a word of Instruction or Information ; first , To shew us how unwise such Preachers are , and how unfit to be Preachers unto others , who are so unwise , as to oppose and deny this Doctrine , That Grace , and Spiritual Gifts , or Wisdom , is sufficient and essential to a Preacher . Nothing shames , and truly cloudes the honour and reputation of persons pretending to worth and judgment , more than to be ignorant or deceived in or about their own Callings or Imployments . For a Philosopher to mistake in the Nature of Philosophy , or a General of an Army to be ignorant of the very Theory or Discipline of War ; Is it not a great shame ? It is no less shameful for the Tr●●● of Levi , the Princes and Fathers of the Church the Popes and Prelates of our day , to be such ●●staken deceived Doves , as to be ignorant , and 〈◊〉 madly confident in bewraying their Egyptian blindness , concerning their professed Art at Trade , Preaching , and the right qualifications 〈◊〉 Preachers , although they get all their great Weal●● by Preaching , or Appendixes thereunto ; as 〈◊〉 Universities , Courts , Pulpits , and learned V●lumes , to assert this blind and Anti-scriptual Co●clusion , that Humane-Breeding , University-Lear●ing , Languages and Sciences , are essential Quali●cations , such , as without which no man can 〈◊〉 ought to meddle with Gospel-Preaching , contra●● to what hath largely been proved : May I not s●berly say of these great Rabies of our Day , wh● the Apostle saith Rom. 1.22 . Professing to be wis●● they became fools ? Surely even so hath God 〈◊〉 fooled this wise Generation , and discovered , th●● our World hath many grave and gay Fools : Eve● many more then wear motly-Coats , even most 〈◊〉 the Professors of Divinity , as they please to sti●● themselves , our Grave and Orthodox Roman Clergy .

I say , This Generation , how lofty soever thei● eyes are , are not washed from their filthiness , 〈◊〉 not of being sordidly ignorant what scripturally will qualifie sufficiently , and essentially un●● Preaching-Imployment , Prov. 30.12 , 13. Nay , so ignorant are they of a Preacher's Qualification , that some , and they no small men amongst that Tribe , have openly declared , That without a Miracle , it is impossible to be a sufficient Preacher to Preach the Gospel of Christ , without having sat at the feet of Gamaliel , or be brought up in an University , as if it were not possible with God , even without any Miracle , to kill Goliah by the hand of little David , when the Sons of Mars stand by and can do nothing : Even so this Clergy would perswade us , God's little David's , Spiritual and Experienced Christians , cannot Preach , except armed with an University-burthen upon their backs . Though God hath most abundantly , by innumerable Instances , disproved this Fallacy , yet once more let me rebuke the madness , and make manifest the folly of these Prophets , even those learned , but ignorant false-Prophets , who assert : That Humane Learning only can qualifie unto this end ; Yea , that it alone , without saving-Grace , and the Fellowship of the Spirit of God , can make sufficient Ministers to go forth and Preach the Gospel to Children of Men , especially if a Bishop do but Ordain them , and say , Receive the Holy Ghost , as plentiful experience witnesseth , and their Canons and Book of Ordination of Priests and Deacons declareth , where the Scripture-Qualifications are left out , and others set up .

Well , to conclude this Use , let these Prophets , that fill the World with Priests and Preachers of Jeroboam , the Son of Nebat's Order , of whom we read 1 Kings 12.31 . And he made Priests of the lowest and basest of the People , which were not of the Sons of Levi. But let these hear what the Lord saith to them that have apostatised from the right way ; These mad Prophets , these Wells without water , these Clouds carried with a tempest , 2 Pet. 2.15 , 16 , 17. Even thus saith the Lord God , Wo unto the foolish prophets , that follow their own spirit , and have seen nothing , Ezek. 13.3 .

The second Vse is for Reproof .

Secondly , This might reprove the darkness and delusion that is crept into , and seized on too many godly , sober , well-meaning Christians and Professors , that have dwelt so long in Egypt ; they can swear by the Life of Pharaoh , that is , ha●● traded too long with Antichrist's Clergy ; men that now they dare even swear to the truth of it , tha● no man but a Scholar of that sort they intend , either can or ought to meddle with Preaching , saying , Let every one keep in his own Calling , and 〈◊〉 go beyond his last ; forgetting that the Lord hath said , Ye may all Prophesie one by one , 1 Cor. 14.31 . And that by the alone study of the Scriptures . The Man of God may be throughly furnished u●●● every good Word and Work , 2 Tim. 3.17 . Oh let me beseech you , Have not mens Persons and Part so in admiration , as to plead for Baal , and call Good , Evil ; and Evil , Good , speaking evil of things you know not ; but search the Scripture diligently and humbly , and you will find other qualifications , appointed as necessary and sufficient for Preaching without that , I have so opposed ; unless the smoke of the Bottomless-Pit hath put out your eyes , Rev. 9. Oh my Brethren ! all you that fear the Lord , be more Scripturally-wise and Learned your selves , and then you will easily and plainly see the vanity , ignorance and emptiness of your supposed Orthodox Teachers ; but I shall spar● you , as being rather led than Leaders of your selves , seeing in this Point with other mens eyes . All I shall further do for you , is to pray for you , as sometime Elisha prayed for his Servants , saying , Lord , I pray thee open his eyes , that he may see , and the Lord opened his eyes , and he saw the Mountains full of Horses and Chariots of fire round about Elisha , 2 Kings 6.17 . Even so say I , for all the Saints , who are contrary minded to this Gospel-Truth ; Lord open the eyes of thy dear Children , my dissenting Brethren to see by thy Light , even the Light of Scripture , that Grace-saving , Sanctifying-Grace , and the Gifts and fellowship of the Spirit , without Humane or Vniversity Preparations , are truly , fully , most abundantly sufficient to make Christ's Gospel-Preachers wise enough for Soul-conversion , and the edification of the Body in love . And thus much for the second Use , I now come to a Third .

The third Vse is of Information .

Thirdly , Thus may I inform , whence the Romish and Learned Clergy-men of our day , do so blaspheme and oppose the Spirits-Teaching ; 't is surely because of their ignorance and sinful interest . This was the reason why Zedechiah , Son of Chenaanah , went near and smote Micaiah on the cheek , 1 Kings 22.24 . This also was the cause why Sanbalat and Tobiah , and their Companions , did so reproach good Nehemiah , and obstruct the Work of the Temple , Nehem. 2.19 . with chap. 6.1 , 2. And the same reason there was , why the Priests and Captains of the Temple , and the Sadducees came and opposed and persecuted the Apostles , Acts 4.1 , 2. And even at this very day the same reason is , why the Priests and Prelates of our day do so exclaim and reproach the Spirits , teaching , and the Spiritual-Ministers teaching . It is their own interest of profit , and ignorance of Truth , and right way of fitting men for Preaching : though they are ignorant of God's Will in this thing , yet are they well acquainted , that i● this kind of Truth , and these sort of Preachers , go up , their Trade , Honour , and Profits will soon go down ; according to that saying , The Fruits which thy Soul lusteth after , are departed from thee , and all things which are dainty and goodly , are departed from thee , and thou shalt find them no more at all , Rev. 18.14 . And this is the reason why these covetous Clergy-men do so cry out against this way of Preaching by men spiritually wise , but otherwise illiterate and unlearned , because such Preachers , if allowed , will soon cloud their Glory , and eclips their Credit , and humble their Pride , and hinder their Markets ; and who then can wonder that these so reproach the true Gospel-Preachers ; they must blaspheme and gnaw their tongues for pain ; therefore it is not to be wondred at , as long as this Antichristian-Priesthood endureth , as we have it Rev. 11.10 . There can be no joy to them that dwell thus in , or upon earthly Things , Orders , Riches , Credit , and Authority : You may as well look for Peace from Hell , as from the Learned Romish-Priesthood , Rev. 12.17 . Therefore cease marvelling , that the Pope's Clergy do so vilifie and reproach Christ's Gospel Spiritually-wise Preachers , stiling them , proud , busie-bodies in other mens business , self-will'd , presumptuous , ignorant , factious , enemies to Caesar , and what not ? that may render them odious , dealing with Christ's Ministers , and faithful Preachers , as formerly their fore-Fathers dealt with that faithful Witness and Martyr of the Lord Jesus John Huss ; who when they burned him , clad him in strange Garments , painting Images of Devils upon him to make him odious to the People ; as you have it recorded in the Book of Martyrs .

But to close this Use , Let all Christ's faithful Servants and Preachers , remember what the Lord Christ saith , Mat. 5.11 , 12. Blessed are ye , when men shall revile you , and persecute you , and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake : Rejoyce , and be exceeding glad , for great is your reward in Heaven ; for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you . And if men of this breeding do scoff and deride you for this Preaching ; say as David , If I be vile , I will be yet more vile , &c.

The next Use I shall make of this Point , shall be for Caution or Counsel .

The first Use is of Caution .

First , To all the Churches of Jesus Christ to consider , That if every Gospel-Preacher ought to be wise , and none may Preach but such who are Spiritual-wise , then take heed in your choice , and calling of men to Preach , that you observe this Rule , to Elect , Ordain , and Appoint to the Work of Preaching such ; have eye to this Rule . And as Moses said to Israel , let me now-say to you the Churches of the Saints ; Look you out wise and Spiritually understanding men , and appoint them to the Work of Preaching . Intrust no Spiritual Fools with so weighty and honourable a Work , remembring God hath no pleasure in Fools , Eccles. 5.4 . Fools , or unwise-Preachers , will Preach but foolishly , and his people can have little Soul-advantage , or few sinners be converted , or the Lord Jesus little glory from , or by , such Preachers ; Preaching is too weighty and difficult a Work for ignorant , unwise , Carnal , ungifted persons to accomplish ; therefore take the Counsel given Acts 6.3 . Wherefore Brethren , look out men for this Work , full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom , and them only appoint unto this business ; dishonour not Preaching , by sending dishonourable Preachers about Preaching Imployment ; and mistake not the Rule by which you should judge who is wise and fit to make a Preacher : Judge not according to appearance , or man's judgment , but remember what God said to Samuel in the like case ; Look not on his countenance , or on the height of his stature , because I have refused him ; for the Lord seeth not as man seeth ; for man looketh on the outward appearance , but the Lord looketh on the heart , 1 Sam. 16.7 . Beloved , in this business of judging who is fit to be admitted and allowed to Preach , consult not with flesh and blood , with the carnal , wise , and learned Rabies of the day , lest like Samuel , you be mistaken in your judgment , and call him God's Anointed , when the Lord saith , This is not the man ; but consult the Record and Charter of the New Testament , and see whom that Word calls Wise , and a man fit to Preach the Gospel ; and as hath been demonstrated , you shall find the Wisdom which comes from Above , from the Father of Lights , is the onely Wisdom that can fit persons unto Preaching . Grace , and Gifts of the Spirit of God , are best qualifications for a Preacher , as appears Acts 1.4 , 5. He will make the best Preacher which hath most Grace and Gifts of the Spirit . Therefore take heed to this business , I beseech you Brethren , who are Christ's Porters , see that no foolish , idle , or unholy Shepherds enter in at Christ's Doors , or be his Peoples Pastors ; for if there do , the sin and guilt , yea , and punishment also of such Preaching , will lie at your doors , John 10.3 .

Object . But me-thinks I hear some Object and say , This is preposterous , erroneous , and dangerous , to make Preachers to depend and spring from the Congregations Approbation and Mission ; This were to make Ministers or Preachers depend upon the People ; whereas , is it not better for Congregations to spring from , and depend upon the Ministry , or the Preachers and Dispensers of the Word ?

I Answer , This Objection smells strong of Rome , who-ever be the Objectors , and is calculated for the Interest of the Clergy , to maintain their Pride , Authority , and Avarice , and therefore may the rather be suspected to be Anti-scriptural , or of no great strength to withstand .

Therefore first , Though these suggest this to be preposterous , as if we would put the Cart to draw the Horses , and not the Horses to draw the Cart : My Answer is , Natural and Divine Reason would judge the contrary ; were it not preposterous that Servants should judge and chuse their Masters ; but Masters that are to have their service , and provide them their maintenance , should be judged unmeet to question or judge their ability . Is not the House-holder more honourable than his Household-Servants , and the House before the Household-Servants ? Even so in the Church of Christ ? Must Preachers and Ministers be the Churches , as well as Christ's Servants ; and shall not the Church be concluded honourable and wise enough to judge of the ability of her own Servants ? Only they must judge whether the Church or Congregation is fit for their Profit or Honour . God forbid : Must the Church maintain them , yet not call them to their work , and be allowed to judge of them ? Yea , the Church must try their Ministers , and yet shall they not be equal or superior to them , proved 1 John 4.1 .

Secondly , This is not erroneous , but most constaint , and agreeable to Scripture , and then it matters not what it is contrary to , or who calls it Error . But that this is agreeable to Scripture , take Acts the first into consideration , where Peter standing up in the midst of one hundred and twenty Disciples , sayes ; Of these men that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us , must one be chosen , or ordained , to be a witness with us of his Resurrection ; and they meaning the hundred and twenty , not the eleven ; appointed two , Josephus called Barsabas , who was sirnamed Justus , and Matthias , vers. 15 , 21 , 22 , 23. with chap. 18. from 24 to 28. Truth it is , this way of trying and sending forth , and judging of the Preacher's Gifts , and fitness for Gospel-Preaching , is an erring from the Canon of the Romish-Church , and their Book of Ordination of Priests and Deacons ; but is no erring from the Can●on of the New Testament , as hath been cleared . And ,

Thirdly , Whereas they say this Doctrine is dangerous ; give me leave to say thereto , Truth is not endangered by tryal , or good commodity by being searched into . The wiser , and more Spiritual Preachers are , the less danger of their corrupting the Scriptures , or ensnaring the people . If the Objectors intend the danger lies in this , That the ignorant People or Multitude of Believers being intrusted with this business , will chuse simple and unwise Preachers .

I Answer briefly , Their Rule in this business , prevents this Objection ; For they must be wise that ought to be admitted to Preach ; and the Church must not only be simple and ignorant , but undutiful and disobedient to Christ's commands , or else this danger is avoided . And though Babylons Builders are blind in this matter , yet Christ's Church is wise , and seeing , and the Spiritual Man discerneth all things , 1 Cor. 2.15 . 2 Thess. 2.15 . And so much for this Objection .

The second Use is of Caution .

Secondly , Let this Use be a word of Caution to all such as either design , or are already engaged in Preaching-work . Look to this Doctrine , That you are in God's , as well as his Peoples account , wise , truly wise , richly wise , with the Spiritual , Heavenly , Gospel-wisdom . Oh Beloved ! undertake not this weighty , glorious , honourable Work , or employment of Preaching , without sutable aptness and fitness thereunto . Run not before Jesus Christ sends you , remembring Rom. 10.15 . How can they Preach except they be sent 〈◊〉 Take not this honour , this undue honour to your selves to be judges of your sufficiency . For it is written Heb. 5.14 . No man taketh this honour t● himself , but he that is called of God , as was Aaron ; Be of the temper and spirit of Jeremiah , have lo● thoughts of your selves and abilities , and uprightly say as he did , Ah , Lord God , behold , I cannot speak , for I am a Child , Jer. 1.6 . And with Moses say , Oh , my Lord , I am not eloquent , neither heretofore , nor since thou hast spoken to thy Servant ; but I am slow of speech , and of a slow tongue , Exod. 4. Oh you Beloved , to whom I am now speaking in this Use , be mindful of that word , Eccles. 5.2 . Be not rash with thy Mouth , and let not thy Heart be hasty to utter any thing before God ; for God is in Heaven , therefore let thy words be few . 'T is Soul-work you are to do , therefore be wise ; 't is Christ's Work , therefore be wise ; 't is honourable Work , therefore be wise ; 't is hard Work , very difficult Work , therefore be wise : For who is sufficient for these things ? 't is dangerous Work , yea , most dangerous of all Work : If we do this deceitfully , or negligently , or foolishly , think on that word Eccles. 5.6 . Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin , neither say thou , it was an error : Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice , and destroy the work of thy hands ? Oh remember Ezek. 3.17 , 18. If thou warn not the wicked from his wicked way , the same wicked man shall surely die in his iniquity , but his blood will I require at thy hand . Be therefore wise , truly wise , Heavenly wise , spiritually wise , richly wise , in all the revealed wisdom of God ; for God hath said , He will be sanctified in them that draw nigh him , and before all the people he will be glorified , Numb. 10.3 .

But that you may be wise , take these few Directions and helps , as sufficient for the attainment of Preachers-wisdom .

Direct . 1. First , and above all , Be much in Communion with God by Prayer for wisdom , for every good and perfect Gift , cometh down from the Father of Lights ; and your way to have it , is by Prayer : So saith James , If any man lack wisdom , let him ask of God , who giveth liberally , and upbraideth not , chap. 1.5 . Beloved , all we that Preach , and all ye that desire this great Work of Breaching , we do all of us lack wisdom , yea , very much lack wisdom ; therefore pray , Oh pray , abundantly for wisdom , that we may receive it : Thus did Solomon , and pleased God , and obtained his request , 1 Kings 3.7 , 8 , 9. And this , Paul the great Apostle of the Gentiles , desired the Thessalonian-Church do do for him ; even to pray , that the Word of the Lord might have free course , and be glorified by him and his Companions . On Brethren , and Beloved , pray much and fervently for your selves , and beg also the constant fervent Prayers of all the Saints , and Churches of the Saints , that you , and all that labour in the Word and Doctrine , may be truly , richly , Spiritually wise .

Direct . 2. Secondly , Would you be Spiritually wise ? Be diligent , painful , and abundant in the study and searching into the Scriptures , for this is able , onely able , of outward helps , to make the Man of God wise , even throughly wise , unto Salvation , 2 Tim. 3.15 . with 1 Tim. 4.15 , 16. Meditate on these things , give thy self wholly to them , that thy profiting may appear to all ; continue in them , that thou mayest save thy self , and them that hear . Oh my dear Brethren and Friends ! this is a Preachers study and work , to search and study the Scriptures ; not Fathers , Commentators , or School-men , as his business , this is but a by-study ; it is Scripture-study , even the Old and New Testament , which is our great business , even our all to study , for 't is Scripture and Gospel that you must Preach , not Books , nor mens Opinions ; therefore study the Scripture diligently and humbly .

Direct . 3. Thirdly , Be very much in the practice of Godliness ; walk much with God if you would be wise , and know much of the mind of God . Thus God acted towards Abraham , Gen. 18.17 . He would not hide his Counsel from him , because he was Godly , and would command and reach his Family the fear of the Lord ; so in Danel's case . So our Lord also promiseth , John 7.17 . saying , If any man will do his Will , he shall know the Doctrine whether it be of God .

Direct . 4. Fourthly , Be much in Communion with Saints : for with the well-advised is wisdome , therefore if Preachers would be wise , they must walk in the way of good men , and keep the paths of the Righteous , Prov. 2.20 . Paul sat at the feet of Gamaliel , and thus Apollos became wise through converse with Aquila and Priscilla ; and thus Mary may be said to become wise , by sitting at the feet of our Lord Jesus , Acts 22.3 . with chap. 18.25 , 26. and Luke 10.25 . So that if a Preacher desire to be wise , his way is to hold and maintain much Christian-fellowship and Communion with the Saints , even with the wisest and most experienced among them . This may serve for direction in this matter ; therefore I beseech you that are Gospel-Preachers , to strive to be wise by the exercise of all holy Means ; for by so doing , you may obtain to be such Preachers , of whom it may be said , Moreover , because the Preacher was wise , he still taught the People knowledge .

And this shall suffice for the first Branch of this Verse , concerning what the Preacher was , and his qualification ; I come now to the second Branch of the Text , which contains the first part of the wise Preachers Act or Work , He still taught the People knowledge .

First , These words contain either the Preacher's persistency , or going on with his Work : Or ,

Secondly , His proficiency , or ripening at , or in his Work ; He still taught the people knowledge : Not as one that was at a stand , or height , but as one that grew and proceeded higher and higher in the measures of his Divine Attainments ; He still taught the people higher knowledge , or more profound Mysteries ; and this the after-words seem to declare .

I shall first take this word still , as it gives forth the Preacher's fixation , duration , and continuation at his Work : He did not tire , or wax weary of his Imployment , but he still went on teaching the People . Whence ,

Doct. 5. Take this Doctrine or Conclusion ; That every wise Preacher ought to persist , and continue , or go on with his Work of Preaching to the People : He still taught the people knowledge .

This is that frame of Spirit the Lord seems to injoyn and expect at the hands of his Servants , as the passage seems to imply , Cursed be the man the doth the Work of the Lord deceitfully , or as th● Margin hath it , negligently , Jer. 4.8 , 10. the li●● we have chap. 17.16 . where Jeremiah tells the Lord , I have not hastned from being a Pastor to f●low thee : Thus Jesus Christ practised , Luk. 8. ● . He went , saith the Text , throughout every City an Village , Preaching and shewing the glad-tydings 〈◊〉 the Kingdom of God : And this you have from th● Lord , given forth Luk. 9.60 . where Jesus saith ▪ No man having put his hand to the Plow , and looking back , is fit for the Kingdom of God . The likewise was Paul's practice , as he tells the Chur●● of Ephesus ; Therefore watch and remember , that fr●● the space of three years , he ceased not to warn eve● one of them , night and day , with tears , Acts 2● . 31 . To name but one place more , for the pro●● of the Doctrine , that every wise , holy , Gospel Preacher , once called to that Work , ought to persevere and continue diligent therein , as you have it , He still taught the people knowledge . The other passage I shall quote , is in 1 Tim. 4.13 , 14 , 15 , 16. where Paul directs Timothy , saying , Till 〈◊〉 come , give attendance to Reading , to Exhortaties , to Doctrine : Neglect not the Gift that is in the● which was given thee by Prophesie , with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery . Meditate on these things , give thy self wholly to them , that thy profiting may appear to all . Take heed unto thy self , and unto the Doctrine ; continue in them ; for in d●ing this , thou shalt both save thy self , and them that hear thee .

But a little further to open this , Let me give you some Reasons or Arguments to clear this to be a Truth , That every Preacher ought diligently to persist in Preaching .

Reas. 1. First , Because if the Preacher's opportunity be continued , his diligence and painfulness in Preaching ought also to be continued ; for not only Gifts and Grace are Talents to be faithfully and diligently improved , but Time also is a Talent to be improved , and that as conscionably and diligently by Preachers , as by any men . That Time and Opportunities are to be husbanded and improved , take Christ's own words upon this very occasion ; when his Disciples would have perswaded him to have desisted from Preaching for fear of the Jews ; a plausible Argument to avoid persecution ; but mark Christ's Answer , Are there not twelve hours in the day ? John 13.9 . Day-time is given us for day-work and walks , not to idle and loyter in . This the Ruler of the Synagogue well understood , though misapplyed , when he said to the people , There are six dayes in the which men ought to work , Luke 13.14 . Therefore , if Jesus Christ allow a Preacher life-time , health and opportunity , he ought to trade with that Talent , and improve that Opportunity , as the Apostle Paul witnesseth , saying , As we have opportunity , let us do good unto all , Gal. 6.10 .

Reas. 2. Secondly , Preachers should still persist and persevere in Preaching and Teaching the People Knowledge , because the people still need knowledge : and it is the peoples ignorance that calls for Preaching ; therefore while the people are short and wanting in knowledge , the wise Preacher must not beshort or wanting in Preaching , but stil● teach the people knowledge . This our Lord declares , he eyed in giving of Preaching-ministrations to the Church , even the supply of the Churches need , that the need of the Church should be removed , by being supplyed , as you find Ephes. 4. from 11 , to 16. where the Apostle tells us , That the Lord Jesus , when he gave Apostles , Prophets , Evangelists , Pastors , and Teachers , he gave then to the Church , and Gifts to them for the perfecting of the Saints . Note , It was not only to convert and beget Saints , but to perfect the state and grace of such as were through Preaching savingly begotten ; and vers. 13. the Apostle tells us again , That Preaching-Ministers are given to lay o●● themselves , until the Saints come to a perfect measure , and stature , in Faith and Knowledge , even beyond danger of being like Children tossed to and fro , and carried about with every wind of Doctrine . Now if these be the ends of Preachers , given and gifted by Jesus Christ ; then until the Saints be come to this stature , and full measure , in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus Christ , every wise Preacher ought to continue still to teach the people knowledge .

Reas. 3. Thirdly , Every wise and Gospel-Preacher , ought to persevere and go on in teaching of the people ; because , that which he hath to Preach or Declare to the People from the Lord , is not soon Preached or Declared ; therefore he had great need to attend diligently and continually upon this thing ; even still to teach the people knowledge : For as their ignorance is not soon removed , so is not the whole Truth of God soon preached . It will be long , yea , very long , e're the wisest of Preachers can either know or declare the whole Counsel of God to his People . Now the whole Counsel of God is to be declared , as appears Acts 20.26 , 27 , 28. The Commands of the Lord are exceeding broad , and the Truths of the Gospel very many . 'T is not a little time spent in Preaching will serve to reveal them ; Preachers may begin to Preach as young as Timothy , and die as old as Paul the Aged , and yet be behind-hand in this Work ; and therefore had need doubtless to be Preaching in season and out of season ; yea , to be instant in Preaching , that is , without unnecessary intermission , 2 Tim. 4.2 .

This is the third Argument why every wise Gospel-Preacher should still teach the People knowledge .

Reas. 4. And lastly , Those whose work is to Preach to others , ought not to be idle or negligent in the work of their Callings ; such ought not to be idle or negligent , working in their own Callings . But every wise Preacher hath this for his Work among other things , to teach the people of God , not only to remember , to keep holy the Sabbath day ; but also to remember , that six days they labour and do all that they have to do , Exod. 20. Therefore every wise and honest Preacher , ought to remember himself ; Six dayes shalt thou labour , and not do this Work of the Lord deceitfully : but as Paul teacheth Timothy , when he saith , But watch thou in all things , endure affliction , do the work of an Evangelist , make full proof of thy Ministry , 2 Tim. 4.5 . Wherefore what a sin and a shame is it for a Preacher to say to the people ; Be not idle or slothful in business , and yet he himself be idle in Preaching ? Such had need to read and consider that place Rom. 2. from 17 to 24. And therefore I conclude , Every wise Preacher ought diligently and continually to Preach , as did the Preacher mentioned in the Text ; He still taught the People knowledge .

Application ; Now by way of Application ; This serves for a full word of Reproof to all idle , lazy , negligent Preachers of the Word of God , by whatever Name or Title dignified or distinguished , who-ever they are , or where-ever they be , let this Doctrine reprove them ; for if every wise Preacher ought still to teach the people knowledge , and to persevere and persist in the Work of Preaching ; this looks wishly , and reproves loudly , all such Preachers or Idlers , that stand in the place or room of Preachers , and Preach not diligently , frequently , and continually . The Lord complain● of these , or such like , in Ezek. 13.4 , 5 : O Israel , thy Prophets are like the Foxes in the Desarts : Yea , have not gone up into the Gaps , neither made up the Hedge for the House of Israel , to stand it the battel in the day of the Lord .

How many such Foxes or Prophets are there in England at this day , which have not gone up as they ought to do in the Gaps , to stop God's Wrath from breaking forth upon poor sinners , or to help sinful Souls to know how to stand guiltless and secure in the day of the Lord 's fierce anger ? Have we not too many Preachers , that account Preaching a by-work ; and accordingly Preach seldom , even when they please , as well as how they please ? If so they be but Preachers , and Preach at all , though never , or not at all , but when constraint , or covetousness constrains or induces them , they will , it may be , Preach as much as Law , not Gospel , requireth , or as much as their profit provokes or calls them to , but no more . These are none of the wise Preachers in my Text spoken of , that still teach the people knowledge ; no , these are such of the foolish preachers or prophets , mentioned in the fore-cited Ezek. 13.3 . Let these idle , lazy , sleepy Drones , not wise Preachers , though pretenders thereunto , hear the reproof which the Lord gives them , Isa. 56. His Watchmen are blind , they are all ignorant , they are all dumb dogs , and cannot bark , sleeping , lying down , loving to slumber : Yea , they are greedy dogs , which can never have enough ; they are Shepherds that cannot understand , they all look to their own way , every one for his gain from his quarter . Come ye , say they , we will fetch Wine , and we will fill our selves with strong drink , and to morrow shall be as this day , and much more abundant , vers. 10 , 11 , 12.

How like to these Watchmen of Israel are too many Watchmen or Preachers in England , Lordly Preachers , and Learned Preachers , Cathedral Preachers , and Popish Preachers , is but too well known to as many as know any thing of the state of England .

We may say of England this day , as was said of Israel , Hos. 7.6 . Their Baker sleepeth all night ; and the height of this sin lies in this , That England's Preachers , not onely do not , and cannot Preach , but also teach and maintain , That they ought not , or need not Preach often , or frequently , Lording , and Reading of Forms of Prayers is more their business than Preaching , or most to be minded . Nay , have they not gone higher than most scandalously and unconscionably to omit , and neglect this blessed Work of Preaching , but also to make their sin out of measure sinful , they forbid , and command such as both can Preach and would Preach , that they should not Preach , or so much and so often Preach as they ought to do ? such enemies to the Gospel-preaching and prosperity , may read their doom and name , in Mat. 23.13 . But , wo unto you Scribes and Pharisees , Hyppocrites , for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men ; for ye neither go in your selves , neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in . Oh think of this ye Preaching-men that forget God , lest he tear you in pieces , and there be none to deliver you , Psal. 50. last . Let me tell you , non-Preaching Preachers , as your sin is out of measure sinful , so will one day your condition be out of measure woful ; as Paul saith , Necessity is laid upon me , and wo unto me if I Preach not the Gospel . Not to Preach , when engaged , called , and enabled to Preach , will make wo enough for such Preachers as feed not the Flock , but themselves , as you have it Ezek. 34.28 . Son of man , prophesie against the Shepherds of Israel ; prophesie , and say unto them , Thus saith the Lord unto the Shepherds ; Wo be unto the Shepherds of Israel , that do feed them ; should not the Shepherd feed the Flock ? But now , idle , non-Preaching Preachers or Shepherds , hear your doom at large ; Thus saith the Lord God , Behold , I am against the Shepherds , and I will require my Flock at their hand , and cause them to cease from feeding the Flock ; neither shall the Shepherds feed themselves any more , for I will deliver my Flock from their mouth , that they may not be meat for them : And therefore thus saith the Lord God ; Behold I , even I will judge between the fat Cattel and the lean Cattel , because ye have thrust with the side , and pushed with the shoulder , and pushed all the diseased with your horns , till you have scattered them abroad : Therefore will I save my Flock , and they shall be no more for a prey , and I will judge between Cattel and Cattel . Not to Preach , when enabled to Preach , is to quench the Spirit , and that 's no small sin ; 'T is to be unfaithful , and hide God's Talents in the Earth ; It is to starve Souls , yea , as much as in you lies , to damn Souls , by withholding the means of Salvation from them ; 'T is to multiply transgressors , and transgressions both , and under a Cloak of Sanctity ; and all this committed knowingly , not ignorantly . Therefore woful will be the state of all tyred , idle , dumb Preachers , that with-hold the Truth in unrighteousness . Solomon's Proverb will be your Portion , He that with-holdeth Corn , the people shall curse him , Prov. 11.26 . If such as with-hold bodily Bread , or Corn , are worthy of the peoples curse , What Curse or bitter Anathema Maranatha must these with-holders of God's Corn , and his Peoples Souls-bread from being given forth in due season , be thought worthy of ?

But to close ; Know , and consider , though men should keep their Curses from you , yet God will not hold such high-handed sinners as you are guiltless , whom I have been reproving of , as appears Jer. 23. Wo be unto the Pastors that destroy and scatter the Sheep of my pasture , saith the Lord . Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel , against the Pastors that feed my people ; Ye have scattered my Flock , and driven them away , and have not visited them , behold , I will visit upon you the evil of your doings , saith the Lord , vers. 1 , 2. Thus much for this first Use of Reproof .

The second Vse is of Exhortation .

Secondly , This may be for Exhortation to all such as are wise Preachers , and are called to the Work of Preaching . Be exhorted still , teach the people knowledge , go on to your and their perfection , and do not begin a good Work in the World , and in the hearts of the Children of God , and then leave it unwatched over , or unwatered , but still be teaching the people knowledge . I remember this is made a note of folly in the Ostrich , That she leaveth her Eggs in the Earth , and warmeth them , in the dust , and forgetteth that the foot may crush them , or that the wild Beasts may break them . She is hardned against her young ones , as though they were not hers . Her labour is in vain , without fear , because God hath deprived her of wisdom , neither hath he imparted to her understanding , Job 39.13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18. Oh! you that Preach the Gospel-Wisdom , and either are , or would be , counted wise Preachers , be exhorted not to be like the Ostrich ; leave not your Eggs in the Dust , nor to a foot that will crush them , but look well to your Seed sown , and secure your Conceptions ; and lose not or endanger your labours , but watch and pray , that you fall not into temptations , but still teach the people knowledge . If you decline to teach the people knowledge , the Devil and his Brokers will still teach your people error and folly , as you have it Mat. 13.25 . But while men slept , his enemy came , and sowed Tares among the Wheat , and went his way .

Now will not this grieve a wife Preacher , that sincerely Preaches for the good of the people , that through his negligence , ease , and idleness , that not still teaching the people knowledge , the people should be all over-grown with Tares and Errors ? Therefore my dear Brethren , who labour in the Word and Doctrine , still teach your people knowledge . The good Husband-man went to Plow last season , and will not forbear and lose this season ; and the good Merchant-man ventures to Sea his Goods in one Ship and another , to one part of the World , and another in another season ; so should a wise Preacher plow up the fallow-Ground this year , & the next send out his Commodity to this and the other good Port , in one and another good Ship ; take Fraight , send thy Winter and thy Summer-Adventures ; remembring Eccles. 11.4 , 5 , 6. Oh! he that observeth the Wind , shall not sow ; and he that observeth the Wind , shall not reap . As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit , nor how the Bones do grow in the Womb of her that is with Child ; even so thou knowest not the Works of God , who maketh all . In the morning sow thy Seed , and in the evening with-hold not thy hand , for thou knowest not whether shall prosper , either this or that , or whether they both shall be of like good .

Oh therefore be exhorted , who are wise Preachers , still to teach the people knowledge : And to this Work , let me give you a few Motives still to teach the people knowledge . For ,

Motive 1. First . It will much argue and evidence your love and affection to the Lord Jesus , that you love his Flock , and feed his Lambs , John 21.14 . 'T is the greatest evidence of love to Christ , and to the Lambs of Christ , to be diligently and constantly teaching and feeding the Flock of God with the Word of Knowledge . And if there be any Preacher that would have , or carry , a black and visible badge , of neither loving Christ , nor Saints , then , and not else , forbear to teach the people knowledge .

Motive 2. Secondly , Let this move Preachers , even every wise Preacher , still to teach the people knowledge ; Because , the more you teach others , the more Jesus Christ will teach you . If you would have much of the Teachings of the Lord Jesus , be much in the teaching of them that are Christ's ; For he that watereth , shall be watered ; and he that disperseth abroad , and giveth to the poor , his Righteousness remaineth for ever , Prov. 11.25 . with 2 Cor. 9.9 . Now consider , not only the people need to be Preached unto by you , but you and I have great , even abundant need to have Jesus Christ Preach unto us ; therefore still teach the people knowledge .

Motive 3. Thirdly , Still teach the people knowledge , because , 't is most honourable to be most diligent in this Work ; and honour is much taking in these dayes , when every one seeks the Rulers favour . Now this is the Preacher's way to honour , by diligent Preaching ; as skill comes by diligence , so honour , and deserved reputation , comes by frequent and painful Preaching . Look how Solomon commends the diligent Woman , Prov. last . vers . last . Even so shall the diligent Preacher be commended also , Prov. 11.30 . He that winneth Souls is wise ; with chap. 22.22 . Seest thou a man that is diligent in his business , he shall stand before Kings , he shall not stand before mean men . Therefore though we may not seek the honour that cometh of men , yet we may seek that which cometh of God , John 5.44 . Oh! How beautiful are the feet of them that Preach the Gospel of Peace , and bring glad-tydings of good things , Rom. 10.15 .

Motive 4. Fourthly , My dear Brethren , it will be very comfortable , in a dying hour , to have Preached diligently in the dayes of Life ; And when have we so much need of comfort as in dying hours ? When will sin , guilt , shame , and scorn , lie so heavy upon us , as in a dying hour ? Therefore still teach the people knowledge , that God may still continue your comforts , and cause your comforts to abound in dying hours . Thus should a wise Preacher strive to Preach , that with Samuel he may look a dying hour , with joy , in the face , 1 Sam. 12.2 , 3 , 5. So Paul comforted himself in the day of his departing , because he had finished his course , and made full proof of his Ministry , 2 Tim. 4.5 , 6 , 7 , 8. therefore still teach the people knowledge : Yea , our Lord Jesus useth this as a means to support him under the sting of Death , by this Consideration ; That he had finished the Work his Father committed him to do , in John 17.4 , 5. where our Lord saith , I have glorified thee on earth ; I have finished the Work thou gavest me to do : And now , O Father , glorifie thou me with thy own self . O! here is the way for a Preacher to find assured comfort in a day of Death , that he hath finished his Work in a day of Life ; and still taught the people knowledge . O! therefore , ye that are appointed to be Lights to men in a dark World ; let not , I beseech you , your Light be put under a Bushel , or at best , but shine in a dark Lanthorn ; but receive this Exhortation , and let me leave it as universal advice , for every Preacher that hath ears to hear what the Spirit saith , to hear and receive , even still to teach the people knowledge , Rev. 6.7 . So much for this fifth Doctrine .

I should come now to a second particular , offered from this first Act of the wise Preacher , That he still taught the people knowledge ; that is , He went forward , and made progression in Preaching ; He did not stick or remain upon first Principles , but rose higher and higher in his Preaching , he still taught the people knowledge ; that is , higher measures and degrees of knowledge : As he was wisely diligent , so was he wisely proceeding and going forward , from step to step , in the degrees and measures of his Knowledge and Preaching . The Point of Doctrine hence is ;

Doct. That wise Preachers are prospering or thriving Preachers .

They are not only diligent and constant Preachers , but also they are growing Preachers ; he still taught the people knowledge , that is , more and higher knowledge . This was shadowed out in the Waters of the Sanctuary , which rose first to the Ancles , then to the Knees , then to the Loyns , afterward to a River that could not be passed over : Even so do Preaching Qualifications , in a wise and painful Preacher ; who , as Paul saith , when in their Childhood , or first entrance , may speak like Children , and act like Children ; yet when they grow up to be men , they will Speak , Preach , and Act like men , 1 Cor. 13.11 . This is that which is promised Psal. 1. where David tells us , The blessedness of the man that walketh not in the way of the ungodly , but his delight is in the Law of the Lord , and in that Law doth he meditate day and night , he shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water , that bringeth forth his Fruit in season ; His leaf shall not wither , but whatsoever he doth shall prosper . This is the blessing , of not onely the Godly Christian , but especially of the truly wise , and Godly Preacher , he shall grow and flourish . The like promise we have in Psalm . 92.12 , 13 , 14 , 15. where the Psalmist tells us , how it will fare with Righteous and Wise Preachers ; They shall flourish like the Palm-Tree , and grow like the Cedar in Lebanon : Those that be plauted in the House of the Lord , shall flourish in the Court of our God ; they shall bring forth fruit in old age ; they shall be fat and flourishing ; to shew that the Lord is upright . This also Paul implies , in that saying of his to Timothy , 1 Epist. 4.15 . That thy profiting may appear to all men .

Thus we see the Point a little confirmed ; but because this Truth has in part already been spoken to , and will necessarily fall under consideration in another place ; I shall say no more to the proof of this , but only make one Use from it , and that is for encouragement to all wise and painful Preachers .

The fourth Vse is of Encouragement .

Know assuredly , the Lord will bless your Seed , and the fruit of your increase . You may reckon your selves Children , that cannot speak in the Name of the Lord ; but the Lord hath told you , He will be with you , and make you as a defenced City , and an Iron Pillar , and a Brazen Wall , Jer. 1.6 , 7. compared with vers. 18. Oh! be encouraged to be sound faithful and diligent ; for though you may go out to Preach , as Jacob went forth from his Fathers House , when he said , With my staff I passed over this Jordan , but now I am become two Bands , Gen. 32.10 . Even so you faithful Preachers shall have a time to say to the Glory of Free-Grace , I am become two Bands . The Lord hath promised , That his Spirit shall lead you , not only unto Truth , but from Truth to Truth , till you are guided into all Truth , John 16.13 . Therefore be encouraged to persist and go on in Preaching the Word in season and out of season ; for the Lord is with you , and he will uphold your goings in his Paths . Oh Beloved , be neither discouraged at your own weakness , nor your many discouragements , for the Righteous shall flourish like the Palm ; therefore still teach the people knowledge , guide them by the skilfulness of the Lord's hand upon you , from Truth to Truth , from first Principles to higher , and more ennobling Conclusions . Be not Children in your knowledge , but go on towards perfection , as good Ministers of Jesus Christ ; Preachers that receive freely or largely of the Spirit , should give forth as freely , and still teach the people knowledge . As Preachers grow in knowledge , they should seek that the people might grow in knowledge ; also as waters of knowledge flow into them , so should they flow forth unto the people : for as your day is , so shall your strength be ; Jesus Christ hath promised to be with you alwayes in such work , Matth. 28. And to conclude , take the Counsel of Solomon , Eccles. 9.10 . Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with all thy might ; for there is no work , nor device , nor knowledge , nor wisdom , in the Grave , whither thou goest .

You labouring Ones in this Work of the Lord , feed on that Promise Mat. 13.12 . For whosoever hath , to him shall be given , and he shall have more abundance .

And to close , take that good word 1 Cor. 15.58 . Therefore , my beloved Brethren , be ye stedfast , unmoveable , alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord , forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord .

I now come to the next particular in the Text , which is the Matter which the Preacher preached ; that is , Knowledge : He still taught the people Knowledge ; it was knowledge the Preacher taught . He Preached not to make himself known , or his knowledge known , but to make the people know ; for he still taught the people knowledge .

One Question may from hence be asked , and that is , What Knowledge is ?

Or , secondly , What knowledge this is the wise Preacher taught the people .

To speak a little to the first Query ; What knowledge is ? It is the opposite to ignorance , and consists in the enlightning or informing the Understanding , either concerning the Author , or the Nature of things , or the End and Use of things . I say , knowledge is an enriching excellency , enabling men to make true judgment concerning things . He that is destitute of knowledge , knows not how to discern things , or to difference one thing from an other . But I shall not inlarge here , though I might add there is a double sort of knowledge , Natural , and Supernatural ; or the knowledge of things or objects Divine and Heavenly , or the knowledge of things or objects Natural . This Supernatural knowledge consists either in the knowledge of God or his Will , or the knowledge of our selves or others .

But secondly , It may be inquired , What this knowledge in particular is which the Preacher taught the people , spoken of in the Text ?

I Answer , Not humane knowledge , or understanding , and skill in worldly things ; but it is knowledge of Divine things , or Heavenly things : More particularly it may be distinguished into the knowledge of God , as in Himself , Attributes , and Word . Considered secondly , It consists in the knowledge of our Spiritual Estates and Duties ; And under these two Heads , I humbly conceive all that Heavenly knowledge which a Preacher ought to give-diligence to teach the people the knowledge of may be comprised .

Thus having a little removed the scruple concerning knowledge , what it is , and what that knowledge is Preachers ought to teach the people , we may note this point of Doctrine .

Doct. 6. To wit , That every wise Preacher ought to teach the people the knowledge of Spiritual things ; or , that every wise Preacher ought to teach the people how they may know spiritual things , or be knowing in spiritual things .

This the Preacher , the wise Preacher in the Text did , and this every wise and Gospel-Preacher ought to do .

Again , the knowledge which a wise Preacher ought to teach and impart to the people , 't is the knowledge of God , and things appertaining to God : Or , secondly , the knowledge of our selves , and things belonging to our selves .

But let me a little clear and prove the point to you , That every wise Preacher ought to teach the people Heavenly knowledge , or the knowledge of God , and of themselves .

For proof of this , take that passage Exod. 24.12 . where the Lord commands Moses and Aaron to teach the people knowledge : So Moses tells us what Levi should and ought to do for God's people , Even teach Jacob God's Judgments , and Israel his Law , Deut. 33.10 . This Samuel well understood , 2 Sam. 12.23 . But I will teach you the good and the right way . This also was Ezra's practice , for saith the Text , Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord , and to do it , and to teach in Israel Statutes and Judgments . Oh! here is a good Minister indeed , that prepares his heart to teach the people , both by his Life , and doing the Will of God ; and also by teaching and instructing them in the knowledge of the Law of God . This also was the good Levites practice , in 2 Chro. 30.22 . That they taught Israel the good knowledge of the Lord . This is that the Lord by Malachi declares he expects at the hands of his Priests , chap. 2.7 . where he saith , The Priests Lips should , or ought to keep knowledge ; and they , meaning the people , should seek the Law at his mouth . But to trouble you with no more Quotations , to prove this clear Truth ; that every wise Preacher ought still to teach the people knowledge . The good knowledge of God , is that which every good Preacher ought to impart to the people ; I will therefore only add this one more , where we may hear what the Lord saith to such Preachers as do not teach the people knowledge . Wo , saith he , unto you Lawyers , for ye have taken away the Key of Knowledge , &c. Luke 7.52 . The Pharisees and Lawyers of that day , had great thoughts of their knowledge and abilities ; but saith Christ , We unto you Lawyers , for ye have taken away , or withheld the Key of Knowledge from the people . Oh Friends , it is woful and unworthy to with-hold knowledge from the people , if we have knowledge to impart to the people .

The second thing I shall do , is to demonstrate , by Argument or Reason , that this is Truth , to wit , That every wise Preacher ought to teach and impart knowledge to the people ; and that for these Reasons .

Reas● . 1. First , Because that is the end , the main end , the very end of their Knowledg . Christ imparts Gifts and Grace to Preachers , yea , makes Preachers upon this account , that they should teach , instruct , and inform the people . This the Scripture largely gives an account of , as in Ephes. 4.12 , 13. For the perfecting of the Saints , for the work of the Ministry , for the edifying of the Body of Christ ; till we all come to the unity of the Faith , in the knowledge of the Son of God , unto a perfect man .

Mark , The Preacher hath the Office of Ministry , and the Gifts of Ministry , or Gifts to minister with as a Minister ; all for the people , and that also for their Edifying , Unity , Knowledge , and Perfection ; therefore they ought to design this for their Business , Not to know for themselves onely , but principally to make the people knowing and wise in the knowledge of Christ . Now if this be the end of Preachers , certainly every thing should answer its end , or else it is Made , Created and Ordained in vain : But surely Preachers were not ordained in vain , but to teach the people knowledge ; they are the peoples eyes , not their own only ; they are the peoples Stewards , and therefore what Stewardship or Talent soever they have , they ought to improve them for the people , who are the final end , next to Christ's Glory , of all their Attainments . This also we have given us in 1 Cor. 4.2 . It is required , in Stewards , that a man be found faithful ; and Luke 22.32 . When thou art converted , strengthen thy Brethren .

Reas. 2. Secondly , The Preachers ought to Preach the people into knowledge , because this is that the Preachers profess to do for the people ; And are not Preachers bound to what they pretend and profess ? that is , to teach the people knowledge . Certainly , of all men under Heaven , they are most bound to do what they profess , because they reach other men so to do .

Secondly , Because they profess to know above the rate of others ; and is it not a shame for them to perform less than other men ?

And thirdly , They profess this to be their Conscience , and to be conscious of doing it ; and is it not then both shameful and sinful unconscionably to neglect it ? Should a Physician pretend to help and cure such as come to him in their sickness , and should not regard to inquire into their Diseases , nor regard to consult their good , or direct their Patients what to do ? Would we not groundedly say , He were both idle and dishonest ? Even so are all those Preachers that pretend to promote the peoples good and understanding in the Mystery of Christ , and do not .

Reas. 3. Thirdly , This is that the people do , or ought to expect at their hands ; Namely , That they should teach them the good knowledge of God ; and therefore this they ought to design , They should teach them the good knowledge of God ; and they should not only design it , but labour aster it : What was that which Cornelius and his Friends came together about , and he sent to Peter for , but this , That he might make them know what was the mind of God , Acts 10.33 ? The people expect not that you should fight for them , or trade and traffick for them , but only that you should instruct them in the Mysteries of Christ , and do all you can to make them know the Truth as it is in Jesus ; and of all men under Heaven , your Preachers are the most unconscionable deceivers and cheats , that neglect thus to do , and abuse the people by keeping them in ignorance .

Reas. 4. And lastly , Wise Preachers are not only bound thus to do , because made Preachers for this end , and such who have professed , and are expected thus to do ; but lastly , are able thus to do also ; therefore ought to be found likewise faithful Servants , thus doing , Mat. 24.45 . I say , Every wise Preacher is able to teach the people the good knowledge of God : I do not say , Every Preacher , or every one that is called a Preacher , or so calls himself , but I say , every one that God owns for a Preacher , and is truly a wise or spiritual Preacher , is able to teach the people , and ought so to do ; as John saith , That which we have seen and heard , and our hands have handled of the Word of Life , declare we unto you , that ye also may have fellowship with us , 1 John 1.3 .

Mark , What every wise Preacher can , and doth do , even declare the things of God , or the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the people ; and he can and doth endeavour that the people may be brought into the fellowship and enjoyment of their knowledge . Those are foolish Preachers , Lords over God's Heritage , evil Servants , and Self-seekers , that ingross knowledge for themselves , and design not the peoples knowledge , as one main end of all that knowledge they enjoy or design to be made partakers of .

And thus much for the clearing of this Doctrine , That it is the duty of every wise Gospel-Preacher , to make the people wise and knowing in the Mystery of Christ . Now to come to the Application .

The first Vse is of Information .

If this be Preachers Business and Duty to teach the people knowledge ; then this informs us how unwise and foolish Romish Preachers are , even the Pope and his Prelates , and Clergy , who are so unwise and ignorant of Gospel-Truths and Principles , that they not onely neglect and oppose this practice , but teach and maintain , that Ignorance is the Mother of Devotion , and that knowledge is enough for the Priests , and the people must hang their Knowledge and Faith upon their Priests Sleeves ; and that t is sufficient for the people to do that the Priest commands ; and believe as the Church believes . But this is to endanger the people to Hell with great Company , rather than to be saved by the Faith of the Church .

I shall not say much to this Generation of Vipers , these idle Shepherds , these blind Guides , leaders of the blind World ; only let such know , we shall not need to say they are foolish Shepherds , and Peter's unlearned ones , and none of Solomon's wise Preachers ; their own Works and Words are sufficient to make their madness manifest to all wise men , or spiritual Believers ; seeing what every wise Preacher doth , and ought to do , is even to teach the people knowledge , which they neither do , nor judge they ought to do . This shall suffice for this first Use .

The second Use is of Exhortation .

Let this serve for matter of Exhortation to all Gospel-Preachers , to make this their main business , to shew themselves truly wise and able Preachers , even Workmen that need not be ashamed , by teaching the people Knowledge . God hath given you Talents for this very purpose , and the peoples wants and expectations call loudly for this ; namely , that you should be their Lights , and Teachers of them as your Scholars and Children ; therefore intend and attend this as your great Work and Business , in , or by Preaching , to make the people wise and more knowing , in the saving and sanctified Knowledge of the Lord Jesus .

Beloved Brethren , this is your and my Business , let us give all diligence to add and contribute more and more to the peoples knowledge , doing as Paul , Not seeking our own profit , but the profit of many , that they may be saved , 1 Cor. 10.33 . Though wise Preachers must acquire knowledge first for themselves , that they may wisely Preach , or be wise for Preaching : Yet having obtained knowledge in themselves , they must disperse knowledge to their people , and lay out all their endeavours , that the people may know what they know : This Paul did make his business , to make the Ephesians to understand his knowledge in the Mystery of Christ . Ephes. 3.4 . When you read , you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ .

Mark , Paul is not content that he understand , but he Writes and Preaches , to make others understand his knowledge in Christ's Mysteries ; not that his aim was to make them understand or know that he had knowledge or understanding to admire or depend upon him , but that they might know , in and for themselves , what he knew in himself , and for them he laboured , that the people should know and understand what of Christ he understood ; and this seems to be his meaning , by what we find in vers. 8 , 9. where Paul saith , That unto him , less than the least of all Saints , is this Grace given , That I should Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ . But mark the end for which Paul , and every Gospel-Preacher , should Preach the unsearchable riches of Christ ; namely , to let all men see this is the end of Preaching , the peoples Seeing . Oh Preach , Seeing or Divine eye-sight into the people , infuse or distil your knowledge , or Christ's knowledge into the people , that you may be rightly called , as the Prophets were of old time , even Seers from seeing , and shewing the mind of God to the people , 1 Sam. 9.9 . Beloved , cause the Scales of Ignorance to fall from the eyes of the blind and ignorant people . Pity the people , and shew your burning love to Christ , by enlightning dark minds in the true knowledge of the Lord Jesus ; in striving to promote and enlarge the peoples knowledge , help the people to come to this necessary knowledge , the knowledge of themselves . The want of this knowledge , is the cause of the great prophaneness , security , and presumption that abounds in the World , men's gross ignorance of themselves ; men want true and sufficient acquaintance of themselves ; of their sinful , miserable , lost estate by Nature .

Oh! cause all men in their first Principle , and unconverted Estate , to know they are in a damnable and miserable condition ; there is but one step between them and Hell , For God is angry with the wicked all the day long , ( or every day ) Psal. 7.11 . Make them know there is none good in his natural condition ; there is none good , no not one that doeth good , no not one among all the multitude of unconverted Men and Women , for all are under sin , both Jews and Gentiles , Rom. 3.9 , 12.

Awaken mens Consciences that are asleep , to know and consider the danger of a sinful , Christless condition ; yea , make not only Publicans and Sinners know this to be their miserable estate , but make Pharisees , and morally righteous Ones , to know this to be also their misery ; and that except they be born again of Water , and of the Spirit , they can never enter into the Kingdom of God , Joh. 3.5 .

'T is not onely Drunkards , Swearers , Whoremongers , and Scoffers , cannot enter into the Kingdom of God , but also the lostiest pieces of Nature , that are but in a state of Nature , as it is written , Except your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees , ye cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven , Mat. 5.20 . Oh! let such understand , that though such persons actings Christ may love , yet oft-times he loves not the principle of their obedience , nor will save their Souls , as is hinted Mark 10.21 , 22 , 23. Man's good Nature , is bad Nature with God , and such men are as fit and fair for Hell , as the worst Natures , and vilest of men , as Christ saith , Mat. 21.31 . Preach to men the knowledge of themselves , and their undone condition , without the Lord Jesus and his Righteousness ; put them often in mind of that Scripture , 2 Tim. 3.5 . Having a form of Godliness , but denying the power thereof ; from such turn away . Forms of Godliness , or Worship , will no more help a sinful Creature to Heaven , than Food or Physick can give a dead man life , or strength , or empty dishes satisfie a hungry stomach . Though Rome say otherwise , that bare Forms will save sinful Souls ; as a little Water , Oyl , Cream , &c. used in Baptism , will save the Infant from damnation , and make it regenerate , and a Child of God ; and that every one that receives their idol Host in the Mass , receives infallibly Jesus Christ ; and so in other particulars . But you that are wise Preachers , teach your people knowledge , and make them understand , That without holiness no man shall see God , Heb. 12.14 . Without forms men may go to Heaven , though never Baptised , and though they have never received the Supper of the Lord ; but none without holiness . Doing of those things , whilst in a state of Nature , is not Holiness ; for the heart may be as unholy after as before , yea , in the very Act of Communion in the Ordinances , as Judas , Mat. 26.20 , 23. Isa. 1.11 , to 16. with that excellent place , Gal. 6.15 . Therefore Preach men into the understanding and knowledge of their own vileness and weakness , and unbottom men from leaning or depending on their moral or legal Righteousness ; make them know this was that Rock on which the Jews were split , and dropt into Hell . Wherefore because they sought it not ( meaning Righteousness ) by Faith , but as it ware , by the Works of the Law , Rom. 9.32 .

But again , You that are wise Preachers , Preach the people into the knowledge of God , as well as into the knowledge of themselves ; make them to understand the knowledge of God , as just , and as merciful . Oh let sinners know God is Just , Holy , and Righteous , And will by no means , or not at all clear the guilty , or acquit the wicked , Nahum . 1.3 . Cause the deceived Multitude to know the Just and Holy Nature of God , that they may not flatter and deceive themselves , with hopes and thoughts of happiness in a sinful state , and wayes of wickedness , because God is merciful and gracious ; for he is also equally written to be Just and Holy , and a God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children , and upon their Childrens Children , unto the third and fourth Generation , Exod. 34.7 . Oh beloved , Cause ignorant Souls to know and consider if God be just as well as merciful , that they must also be righteous and holy , or else God's justice will not spare them , but condemn them to all eternity , unless they believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus . Oh! cause sinners to know the Justice of God , and how impossible it is to walk on in wickedness and disobedience to the Mind of God , and Righteousness of the Gospel , and be happy , by causing them to know the sense of that Scripture , Deut. 29.19 , 20. And it come to pass , when he heareth the words of this curse , that he bless himself in his heart ; saying , I shall have peace , though I walk in the imaginations of my heart , to add drunkenness to thirst : The Lord will not spare him , but then the anger of the Lord , and his jealousie , shall smoke against that man , and all the curses that are written in this Book , shall lie upon him , and the Lord shall blot out his name from under Heaven .

Brethren , when you have done this , make them know , that are bitten with fiery Serpents , that God hath provided a ransom for wounded sinners ; and as Moses lifted up the brazen Serpent in the Wilderness , so lift up the Lord Jesus Christ in the Preaching of the Gospel : shew all wounded and undone sinners the way of healing , by the alone Righteousness and Satisfaction of the Lord Jesus ; make them know , when wounded in Conscience , and undone in themselves , that then if they come sinners , with their sin and misery upon them , without any Righteousness , Qualifications , Preparations , or Performances , only as sinners , with Ropes about their Necks , weary and heavy laden , he will ease them , and they shall find rest to their Souls ; and this without money , or monies worth ; without regard to their humiliation , repentance , reformation , and amendment of life . Oh , make them understand the free Grace of God to the vilest of returning sinners , make them to know the new and unchangeable Covenant of God with his people , even the Covenant of freest Grace to pardon , in pardoning all sinners , past , present , and to come , and never to alter or change the state and happiness of such Souls to all eternity , Jer. 31.31 , 32.

Oh be exhorted , all you that are and would be accounted wise Preachers , thus to Preach to your people , and teach them this good knowledge of God , both as just to all not in Christ , and merciful to all in Christ , how vile and miserable soever in themselves ; and thus to do , is to teach the people knowledge aright . Oh Brethren , you Nurses of the Children of God , draw out the Brests of your Consolation , and give the little ones of Christ nourishment ; nourish them with the Word of knowledge ; and having begotten them to Christ , do not starve those you have begotten to Christ , as bad Nurses do many times their Children ; but having begun a good work in any , perfect it to the day of Christ ; be Epaphrases , alwayes labouring , that the Saints may alwayes stand perfect and compleat in all the Will of God , Col. 4.12 .

Objection ; But some may possibly say to me , Is it in the Preachers power , how wise soever , to teach or infuse knowledge into the people ? Is not this the peculiar prerogative of Jesus Christ , to be eyes to the blind , and to give understanding to the simple ? And doth not Paul say , He may plant , and Apollo water , but God must give the increase , Prov. 8.14 , 20. 1 Cor. 3.6 . And therefore why do you urge it on the Preacher , as his Work and Duty , to distil and infuse knowledge into the people , as if it were in his power to teach the people to know .

Answer ; To this I Answer , Doubtless , and beyond a peradventure , it is in every wise Preachers power to do his duty , which is thus to lay out himself to the utmost , that the people may know .

And secondly , Every wise Preacher , and the most of Preachers , though wise , might do more at this work than they do .

But 3ly , Though without Divine concurrence and presence with them in the Work , their Work will produce little ; yet if they work not diligently at this work , very little advantage can be expected : But if they be faithful and painful , they may , yea , shall do much through him that strengtheneth them , and hath promised to be with them in their way . They are in God's way , and in God's way God will be found , as he hath said Exod. 4.12 . with Mat. 28.20 .

Lastly , Wise Preachers should still teach the people knowledge ; for though they know , they without God cannot teach the people knowledge ; yet God can by them teach his people knowledge , even then when they think they can do least for the people .

Therefore to conclude the Answer of this Objection , Let us that Preach the Gospel , consider that of Solomon , Eccles. 11.6 . In the morning sow thy Seed , and in the evening with-hold not thy hand , for thou knowest not whether shall prosper , either this or that , or whether they both shall be alike good . Therefore you who are Spiritually-wise Preachers of the Gospel , be prevailed upon , to make the peoples knowing , your main business and work in Preaching ; like Paul , that great Preacher of the Gentiles , whose work was to teach all men in or unto all wisdom , that he might present all men perfect in Christ Jesus : Whereunto , saith he , I also labour , striving , according to his working , which worketh in me mightily , Col. 1.28 , 29. And to conclude this Use ; Let as many as be perfect , be thus minded , Phil. 3.15 .

The third Use is for Direction .

The next Use or Improvement I shall make of this Point , is for Direction to such Preachers as faithfully endeavour thus to do .

First , Would you teach your people Knowledge , or make your Hearers knowing in the Knowledge of Christ ; Then let me beseech you to Preach humbly , for a proud Preacher is not likely to become a profitable Preacher . This was the frame of Spirit Paul went forth Preaching the Gospel with , Acts 20.19 . Serving the Lord in all humility , in that Work . A proud Preacher will more strive to Preach out himself unto the people , than the saving Knowledge of Jesus Christ into the people . A proud Preacher will be too high to stoop or condescend to the weakness of the capacities of the People ; as the proud in heart will not receive Commandments , even so the proud in heart will not teach Commandments . 'T is too hard for such to teach Knowledge , or for the people by such to be taught Knowledge : Such Preachers as desire to be profitable Preachers unto others , must learn of that wonderful Preacher the Lord Jesus , to be meek and lowly of heart , Mat. 11.29 . and do as Paul adviseth , Rom. 12.16 . Not to mind high things , but to condescend to men of low estate . To which I may add what he writes to the Bishops and Deacons of Philippi , saying , Let nothing be done through strife , or vain-glory , but in lowliness of mind , let each esteem others better than themselves . Look not every one on his own things , but every man also on the things of others , Phil. 2.3 , 4.

Secondly , Would you Preach profitably , and cause the people to get Knowledge ; then labour to Preach plainly . 'T is plain Preaching will only prove profitable-Preaching . This Paul seems to mind , in 1 Cor. 14. as the very scope of that Chapter , to provoke Preachers to Preach plainly within , not above the understanding of the People . Asserting , that if a Preacher preach never so rarely ; yet if he preach above the understanding of the people , he shall be but as a Barbarian to the people , and not beneficial to them at all . Plainness and Pureness are the two great excellencies of Preaching ; and as ever a Gospel-Preaches would be found a profitable Preacher , let him become a plain Preacher . Though high Strains , hard Notions , and obscure or hidden Expressions may most commend amongst men , yet plainness and profitableness will most commend to God , and be most acceptable and advantagious to those that are perfect and prudent . Oh therefore Brethren , all you that Preach the Gospel , so Preach as Paul did , as you have it 1 Cor. 2.1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5. compared with 2 Cor. 3.12 . as ever you intend to teach your people Knowledge .

Thirdly , If you would distil or infuse your Knowledge into the people , do not only Preach to the people , but live out that you Preach before the people ; be not only an Audible but a Visible word to the people . How shall the people learn that from our lips , which they cannot learn from out lives ! This made the Scribes and Pharisees , the great Preachers of that day , they could do no good to the people , but as blind Leaders , led the people blindly into the Ditch ; was it not from hence , because they say and do not ? Mat. 23.3 . with that of Jer. 23.18 , 22. Oh , as ever you would be profitable Preachers to others , be not unprofitable Preachers to your selves , practise what you Preach , if ever you mean to profit others by that you Preach . Nothing more dulls and blunts the edge of Preaching , than not living out the life of Preaching ; therefore let your light so shine before men , that they may see your good works , and glorifie your Father which is in Heaven , Mat. 5.16 .

Fourthly , And especially , Water all your Preaching with Praying , if ever you would reap the fruit of your Preaching . Oh! my beloved Brethren , Would you profit your people much by Preaching , then water your people much by Praying ; let the best Seed that can be sowen , be sowen into the best ground that can be , yet if showers be with-held , a fruitful crop will never be obtained : Even so here , the best Sermons will be but lost Sermons , unless they are watered Sermons . Oh therefore , water your Sermons by Prayers ; do not only pray for a Sermon , but for a blessing upon that Sermon ; pray not only publickly , but privately for a blessing upon your Labours ; lose not your Sermons through shortness , or wantingness in praying performances . This was Paul's way to get Knowledge to be the blessing of the Ephesians , Philippians , and Colossians , as you may see at large in the first Chapters of those Epistles .

Therefore to conclude these Directions , Watch and pray that the Enemy steal not your Seed , or Christ's Seed rather , away out of the minds and understandings of the people . If any shall say , This is no more then we knew before : yet let me , as once Peter did , tell you , I think it meet , as long as I am in this Tabernacle , to stir you up , by putting you in remembrance of those things , though you know them , and be established in the present truth , 2 Pet. 1.12 .

The fourth Vse is a word of Exhortation to the People .

The fourth Use shall be a word to the people enjoying wise Preachers , that thus labour among you . Let it be a word of Exhortation to all such to take the Apostle's counsel , 1 Thess. 5.12 , 13. We beseech you Brethren , to know them that labour among you , and are over you in the Lord , and admonish you ; and esteem them very highly for their work sake . Such are truly wise Preachers ; yea , such are painful Preachers , and therefore ought to be honoured Preachers ; such are profitable Preachers , therefore worthy to be honoured Preachers ; Therefore esteem highly them that are such . I do not mean to provoke you only so to honour , or esteem , as to approve , commend , or encourage such in their Labours ; but especially honour these , by submitting and subjecting your selves , yea , your Souls to their Doctrine ; by living and acting , according to their teaching , who teach according to the form of found Doctrine contained in the Scriptures .

Oh my dear Friends , this is the greatest honour , esteem , and encouragement you can possibly bestow upon painful Preachers ; thus saith the Apostle John , in 3 Epist. 3 , 4. I rejoyced greatly when the Brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee , even as thou walkedst in the truth ; I have no greater joy , then to hear that my Children walk in truth , or according to truth . The like saith Paul in that forecited 1 Thess. 2.19 , 20. For what is our hope , or joy , or crown of rejoycing ? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming ? For ye are our Glory and Joy . But what was the reason of this exceeding Joy , you have it declared in the first Chapter . We give thanks to God alwayes for you all , making mention of you in our prayers ; remembring , without ceasing , your work of faith , and labour of love , and patience of hope , &c. For our Gospel came not unto you in Word only , but also in Power , and in the Holy Ghost , and in much assurance , as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake ; and ye became followers of us and of the Lord , having received the Word in much affliction , with joy in the Holy Ghost : So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia ; For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord , not only in Macedonia and Achaia , but also in every place your Faith to Godward is spread abroad , so that we need not to speak any thing .

This , Beloved , is the honour , esteem , encouragement , and rejoycing , wise and Spiritual Preachers most desire ; that you that hear them , should be wise , truly wise , holy , diligent , fruitful Hearers . There is nothing so much discourages , grieves , and dishonours wise Preachers , as to find their Hearers unwise , idle , unthankful , unfruitful , and unholy ; this grieves them to the heart when they run in vain , and labour in vain , as you have his expression Phil. 2.16 . Oh , grieve not the Spirit of God , nor the Spirit of your Preachers , by quenching the Spirit , and despising Prophesie , as too many do . If it be a sin to neglect Preaching , and not to teach the people Knowledge , as I have largely proved ; yea , if it be not only a neglect , but a most unconscionable neglect not to teach the people Knowledge . Let me then tell proud , carnal , unbelieving , negligent , forgetful , disobedient , unfruitful Hearers , 't is not only a sin , but a complicated sin ; yea , it is not infirmity , but most unconscionable dealing with the Lord Jesus , your painful Preachers , and your own Souls . Therefore look well to it , for God will not bear it , nor hold such sinners guiltless that thus take his Name in vain , and turn his Grace into wantonness .

I beseech you think seriously of a Text or two , 2 Chron. 36.15 , 16 , 17. And the Lord God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers , rising up betimes , and sending ; because he had compassion on his people , and on his dwelling-place : But they mocked the Messengers of God , and despised his Words , and misused his Prophets , until the Wrath of the Lord arose against his people , till there was no remedy . Therefore he brought upon them the King of the Caldees , who slew their young men with the Sword in the House of their Sanctuary , and had no compassion upon young Man , or Maiden , old Man , or him that stooped for Age ; he gave them all into his hand .

Oh , mark how dreadful a sin it is to be a despiser , or an opposer of Preachers ! you may read the hainousness of the sin , in the dreadfulness of the judgment .

Take one place more , 2 Thess. 2.10 , 11 , 12. With all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish , because they received not the love of the Truth , that they might be saved .

Oh mark it , you that do , or might , if the fault be not your own , enjoy good Preachers , and pure Preaching , and will not , may , and care not for it ; God will send you Preachers sad , or bad enough , that shall only deceive and delude you , and for this very cause ; Even because , saith the Apostle , God will send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie , that they all might be damned that believed not through the Truth , but had pleasure in unrighteousness .

Oh think seriously of this , you sinful , proud , unthankful , forgetful , or unfruitful Hearers : God will not alwayes strive with you , or wait upon you , or continue the Preaching of the Gospel among you . Therefore provoke not the Lord to jealousie , by neglecting and perverting of his Ordinances .

But to close this Use , let me give you two or three Directions how to answer this Use .

First , Is this yet true acquaintance with the greatness and grossness of ignorance , and especially of your own ignorance in particular ? Pride makes men think they see , and despise the ignorance and simplicity of others ; but 't is ignorance and blindness that makes poor and proud Souls like their own ignorance . Therefore if you would be found the Friends and Preservers of Knowledge , learn to know your own ignorance in the things of Jesus Christ . Yea , consider how dishonourable and truly reproachful it is for a Professor , or a Christian , to be an ignorant person ; 't is as reproachful , as for a Guide to be blind , or a Ruler to be clad in Rags ; than which , what is more dishonourable ? A Fool , in Civil or Natural things , is counted a dishonour to a Family , and a burthensome Relation ; even such are foolish Christians , or persons ignorant in the Mysteries and Knowledge of Jesus Christ . Now that the most , yea , the best of Professors are too ignorant , take two Texts , 1 Cor. 13.9 . For we know but in part , and prophesie but in part ; therefore let none , how wise soever , think themselves wise enough ; but it is these thoughts keeps many Hearers from being wise ; Jer. 8.8 . How do you say we are wise , and the Law of the Lord is with us , and we will come no more unto the , Chap. 2.31 . Therefore , as the cure of this Disease in the first place , remember what Paul writes for this purpose , 1 Cor. 8.2 . If any man thinks that he knoweth any thing , he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know . Again ;

Secondly , Take this Direction if you would be a knowing people , be found a doing people , faithfully and humbly doing what you know of Jesus Christ . This is the way to know more and much of Jesus Christ , to be practical Christians ; Hos. 6.3 . Then shall we know ( that is , we shall then know what we knew not before , when or how ) if we follow on to know the Lord ; and in John 7.17 . If any man will do his Will , he shall know that the Doctrine is of God .

Thirdly , Be diligent about this business of Knowledge ; if ever thou wouldest know , as James saith , Let not a wavering-minded man think he shall receive any thing ; even so say I , Let not the slothful , or the idle Christian , think he shall receive , or ever attain Knowledge with such a frame of Spirit . With what sloth and idleness , neglectfulness and forgetfulness do too many Professors pursue Knowledge ? Therefore be not slothful in business of this nature , but be fervent in spirit , serving the Lord , Rom. 12.11 .

Fourthly , Hold much and close communion with knowing , wise , and holy Persons : This made Apollos become more wise and knowing , even his communion with Aquila , Acts 18. And this Solomon teacheth us , Prov. 13.20 . telling us , That he that walketh with wise men , shall be wise ; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed .

But lastly , If you would become a knowing people in the Knowledge of God , be a praying people ; Prayer must relieve both Preacher , and the preached to , in this thing ; Oh therefore be much in Prayer . This was David's practice , Psal. 119.18 . Open thou mine eyes , that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law . And to close , remember what James saith , chap. 1.4 . If any of you lack wisdom , let him ask it of God , that giveth to all men liberally , and upbraideth none , and it shall be given . Thus much for this Point .

Now to proceed in the Text , it is added ; Yea , he gave good heed . This is the next piece of the description of a wise Preacher , he gave good heed . From hence observe ;

Doct. 7. That he Preached not rashly , but heedfully .

'T is folly to be slight or rash in any business , but especially in God's Matters , or in the Matters of Preaching ; Yea , he gave good heed ; it is good to Preach heedfully . As Preaching is honourable Work , so it is to be honourably performed ; as it is weighty and difficult Work , even so ought Preachers warily and heedfully to perform and pursue it . This we find imposed upon Elders or Preachers , Acts 20.28 . Take heed therefore unto your selves ; so in 1 Tim. 4.16 . Take heed unto thy self , and to thy Doctrine . Preaching-Work ought to be heedfully , yea most heedfully performed .

Question ; But it may be demanded , What is that which a Preacher ought thus heedfully to mind ?

In general I Answer , It is his Preaching . This is clear in the Text , by that which is added , — and sought out , and set in order many Proverbs ; It was the setting in order of Parables the Preacher gave good heed unto .

But more particularly to Answer this Query ; First , He ought to give good heed to the observing what the present state and need of the people calls for ; for he is by Preaching , to feed the people with food seasonable and convenient for them : I do not say , That he is to eye or answer the wanton expectations of the Hearer , but the present necessity and need of the Hearer . This is laid down Mat. 24.45 . Who then is a wise and faithful Servant to give them meat in due season ? A wise Preacher must oversee the state of the Flock , in this regard , to know what they are , and what they want at the present , that he may by Doctrine give every one , not some , but every one his meat in due season . Sinners , and unconverted Souls in a Congregation , must be heedfully provided for ; and the Saints and Children of God in the Assembly , must much less be neglected ; the minds of the ignorant must be enlightned , and the mouth of the Adversary must be stopped . The Faith of the doubting must be strengthened , and the Faith of the established secured . The troubled Conscience must be comforted , and the Conscience of the sleepy and secure awakned . This is now to give good heed how we Preach , thus wisely to mind and consider them we Preach to .

Secondly , For a Preacher to give good heed how he Preachers , is needfully to observe or consider the present Vision of the Lord , or what the Spirit of the Lord at present layes warm and fresh in upon his heart to deliver as his present Message , and seasonable to the people . That Message which is very lawful and seasonable to deliver to the people at one time , is neither seasonable nor lawful to deliver at another time . There is a time , and but a time , that is seasonable for any thing ; so there is a time , and but a time , when some Truths are seasonable . Therefore this is that Preachers should heedfully mind , the teaching , moving , and turning of their Spirits , this or that way , by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus ; and give up themselves to the manuduction of that Spirit . Thus did the living Creatures , Ezek. 1.12 . And they went every one straight forward ; whither the Spirit was to go they went , and they turned not when they went . This is Preacher's motion , and thus to move , is heedfully to Preach . Thus did Isaiah , that good Watchman , Chap. 21.7 , 8. He hearkened diligently with much heed ; and he cryed , a Lyon ; My Lord , I stand continually upon the Watch-tower in the day time , and I am set in my Ward whole nights . But again ;

Thirdly , Heedfully to Preach , is heedfully to observe our scope and end in Preaching . As in some respects the end may be said to crown all , even so may I say of Preaching . If ends be not right and honourable , it will spoil all , as the dead Fly doth the Apothecaries precious Oyntment . A Preacher cannot think to do much good by Preaching , that hath low or poor aims or ends in Preaching . The goodness of the Work doth not argue the goodness of a Man's Aims or Ends in Preaching : But if ever Preachers would do good at Preaching , let them heedfully mind their Ends. When Ends are right , God usually blesseth ; but when Ends are naught and low , God usually blasts ; as you have it Haggi 1.6 , to 11. compared with Zech. 7.5 , 6. where the Lord renders the reason of all the blasts or disappointments they met with , was , Because of the corruptness of their ends . Had not sinful self lay at the bottom of the sacrificing , and fasting , and calling upon his Name , they should have had a Blessing ; but this with-held it from them : Self-endedness at Preaching , is heedless and fruitless Preaching , God will not bless , with any great success , such Preaching : therefore Preach heedfully or well-minding that your ends be holy , and pure , even the glorifying God , and the profiting the Souls of the people . In discharge of Duty , these are right Ends , and not to Preach for Applause , Credit , or much less Merchandize . But again ;

Fourthly , Preachers should heedfully ; yea , give good heed ( as in the Text ) to the Matter of their Preaching , and not rashly say , the Lord saith . They must Search the Scripture , as well as Preach the Scripture , remembring David , Psalm . 39. I said , I will take heed to my wayes that I sin not with my tongue ; and what Solomon saith , Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin ; neither say before the Angel it was a sin , Eccles. 5.6 . But this I must speak more to on another particular , and therefore shall come to the Reasons of the Point that Preachers had need to give good heed to what they Preach .

Reas. 1. First , Because if they Preach heedlesly , Christ will mind it heedfully . 'T is dangerous Preaching heedlesly in the ears of heedful Hearers , but especially in the ears of Jesus Christ , whose eyes are like a flame of fire , and observes all our deportments in his Concernments . If he hear us Preach heedlesly , he will set this sin in order before us , though he seem to over-look it , and we think he hath forgotten it . Carelesness and rashness in the Ministry of the Lord's Word , meets with swiftest Observation , and severest Chastisments : Therefore take heed , and be holy , ye that bear the Vessels of the Lord , remembring the case of Nadab and Abihu , Levit , 10. and of Vzzah , 2 Sam. 6.6 , 7.

Reas. 2. Secondly , The reason of Preachers heedfulness is this , The Observance of men . Are the Hearers , Sinners , and the worst of Hearers ? they will and do observe the best of Preachers , and lie , as it were , in wait to entrap and catch them , or intangle them in their talk or Preaching . Such as can observe little of the Marrow of Preaching , or a Sermon , will be able enough to observe all the Mistakes or Errata's of a Sermon : Therefore take away occasion from them that seek it , as Paul did , 2 Cor. 11.12 .

But again , 2ly , Let Preachers preach heedfully , because of Saints ; their eyes are upon you , and their ears open to you , and they are taught of God to know all things , and as Spiritual men judge all things , and have senses exercised ; and , like these noble Bereans , will try all things : Therefore , O therefore , Preach with good heed , and Preach only good things for their Knowledge .

Reas. 3. Thirdly , Preachers had need Preach heedfully , because that which they Preach is hard and difficult to Preach . Preaching is not easie Work , it is hard Work , 't is curious Work , it needs much wariness , wisdom , and circumspection , to draw Water out of these Wells of Salvation , and to fetch Gold out of these Mines of Divine Wisdom ; therefore ought they to give good heed to Preaching .

Reas. 4. And lastly , Preachers should give good heed how they Preach , because of the worth and excellency of what they Preach . Though men care not how they scatter their dross , yet they are very careful what they do with their refined Gold . Though the Husband-man passeth not what he doth with his Chaff , yet he is very careful what he doth with his Seed-corn . Even so should it be with Preachers , they should be very heedful where they Sow , and how they bestow their principal Wheat . Oh! Sow not upon the Rocks , nor on the High-way side , but on good Ground ; and carefully look to your Seed , to Christ's Seed ; it is too choice to sustain any loss ; Oh therefore , heedfully Preach , that you lose not your labour , nor your reward .

Thus much for the Reasons of this Point ; now to close this Head with a word or two of Application .

First of Reproof .

Application ; First , If Preachers ought to give good heed how they Preach , then this ministers a word of Reproof to such as are heedless Preachers , that think it is an easie facile Work to dispense and propagate Truth ; surely such do not remember the weightiness of Preaching , so they can but Preach pleasingly to men , profitably to themselves , and securely in respect of others ; they think it is enough , never applying themselves to over-see or consider the state of the Flock , the various state of their Hearers , the avoiding of their Enemies , the Salvation of Sinners , and the perfecting of the Saints , by an acute , exact , circumspect , thorough search and enquiry after Gospel-Truths , that they might Speak and Preach as the Oracles of God . Well , I shall not stand upon this , only be minding these of that sad word ; Cursed be he that doth the Work of the Lord negligently : And let these Preachers know , what God hath threatned to all slight Preachers , by the Prophet Jeremiah , saying , Therefore I am full of the fury of the Lord ; I am weary with holding in ; I will pour it out upon the children abroad , and upon the Assembly of young men together ; for even the Husband with the Wife shall be taken , the Aged with him that is full of dayes ; And their Houses shall be turned unto others , with their Fields and Wives together ; for I will stretch out my hand upon the Inhabitants of the Land , saith the Lord : For from the least of them , even unto the greatest of them , every one of them is given to covetousness ; and from the Prophet even unto the Priest , every one dealeth falsly . They have healed also the hurt of the Daughter of my people slightly , saying , Peace , peace , when there is no peace , Jer. 6.11 , 12 , 13 , 14.

Note ; And so I conclude this Use , 'T is a dangerous and a destructive evil , to be a sleighty Prophet or Preacher .

The second Vse is of Exhortation .

Secondly , Let this exhort all wise Gospel-Preachers to remember the Text , and also give good heed to the Work of Preaching : 'T is not only honourable , but difficult , likewise 't is high , 't is hard ; Oh therefore give good heed to this Work of Preaching . 'T is not man's Work , or a Work performed so much for men , as for God . 'T is Soul-Work ; as you love Souls , or have a value of immortal Souls , take heed to your selves in this Work , this blessed Work of Preaching . Oh be intent upon this thing , to seek the profit of many that they may be saved . Oh Speak or Preach as Paul words it , as you ought to speak , Ephes. 6.20 . study Scripture , study Men , listen to the Spirit , follow its Guidance , give your selves up to this Work , taking Solomon's Counsel , Eccles. 9.10 . Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do , do it with all thy might . Oh strive mightily , to be spiritually exact , and perfect Preachers . Oh remember , It is required of a Steward , that he be found faithful , 1 Cor. 4.2 . Therefore let me beseech you , Men , Brethren , and Fathers , even all you that are Christ's Stewards , and Gospel-Preachers , give good heed to this thing , that you may give up your account with joy , and not with grief of heart .

The third Use is of Vindication .

Thirdly , Let this Doctrine vindicate such Preachers as give good heed in Preaching , so to Preach , that they may approve themselves good Work-men , even Work-men that need not be ashamed , dividing the Word aright ; such as Preach not as pleasing men , but as pleasing God , which tryeth the hearts , 1 Thess. 2.4 .

I say , This Truth now cleared , will acquit and justifie all such sober , serious , exquisite , faithful , painful , wise Preachers , which give good heed , and apply themselves to be Physicians of Value , such as endeavour both to sound their own , and the peoples hearts , and to see that they Preach as the Spirit gives them utterance and guidance , Acts 2.4 . Such Preachers as seek not yours , but you , that your Souls may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus . I say , Let this justifie the exactness and diligence of those , that in the dividing of the Word , make it their business to divide it aright , and to omit , nor lose nothing of all the Riches of such Scriptures , as the Spirit of the Lord opens to them ; but endeavour to make full proof of their Ministry , in a ministration of the All committed to their trust , following that Direction of our Lord , Gather up the Fragments that nothing be lost , John 6.12 . So these painful and laborious Bees move from Flower to Flower , that is , from Text to Text , and from Syllable to Syllable , that they may help you to Honey , that by Line upon Line , and Precept upon Precept , here a little and there a little , seek to impart to you the whole Counsel of God ; I say , Let such Preachers be justified , and not taxed , as at this day , by some who make use of that saying , What need this waste ? Mat. 26.8 . What need this curiousness , this tediousness , so much dwelling upon a Text ?

Why , let this serve to Answer such ; Is there not a cause , when it is required of a Steward to be sound faithful ? And this is faithful dealing with Jesus Christ and his Word , to let nothing be lost .

But again , secondly , If your Preachers , wise Preachers , do give good heed , and consider the state of the Flock , and whereof they have need , and do deal home and plainly with your Consciences in all faithfulness , not sparing any man , or flattering any man , or pleasing any man , but dealing faithfully with all men , as approving themselves to God . Why then consider , I pray you , It is required of Stewards to be faithful , and such are Stewards even of the manisold Grace of God ; and therefore it is required of them that they be faithful . Oh , let this justifie all wise , holy , humble , diligent , painful , faithful Preachers , that seek to turn many from their iniquity ; that give good heed , and all diligence so to Preach , that they may declare that they have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty , not walking in craftiness , not handling the Word of God deceitfully , but by manifestation of the Truth , Commending our selves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God , 2 Cor. 4.2 .

And so much for this Use and this Point .

I now come to the next Word and Work of a wise Preacher , that is , He sought out .

This is the next Work ; and to search or seek out : A good or a wise Preacher , doth not only give out , and not keep in any thing of all that good Knowledge , or Will of the Lord Jesus made out to his Soul ; But further he seeks or searches out after more of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ to be further imparted to him ; in what is in part known by him , or in what as yet of Christ is not manifest , but hid from him and them , and may be imparted to them : For the choicest , or most comprehending Servant , or Preacher of the Lord Jesus , knows but in part , and prophesies but in part , and therefore had need to search , enquire , or hunt after that of the mind of Christ yet behind , or unknown of him , and which may , for ought he knows , be made manifest to him .

Three things I suppose this Phrase may import .

First , To examine and receive things already viewed or known .

Secondly , To clear and discharge what we know , from what-ever Objections or Cavils might be brought against what we know , or conceive we know .

Thirdly , To seek out , is to endeavour to get either fresh Visions of God in our Souls , or further and exacter insight into such Visions of God as already we have received .

All this seems clearly implyed in this Act of the wise Preacher , as is most clear , by considering the next word , And set in order , or in their due order , many Proverbs . The Work of the truly , or spiritually wise Preacher , is to search , or seek after ; or search , or seek into the knowledge of wha● is known , or should be known , or may be known . This is the Trade of God's Commands , in order to a Preacher's Duty .

Doct. 8. The Doctrine hence may be this ; That the wise Preacher's Work , is not an easie , but an hard task , to attain the comprehension or full understanding requisite to be found in every Minister of Christ .

His life is a continued act of seeking , or enquiring after fuller discoveries of the mind of Christ . This is plainly implyed in this phrase ; he sought out , or sought after , or sought into the way of setting Parables in order .

To clear up this Point , two things need proving ; First , That the Preacher's Task or Duty , is an hard Task or Duty . Secondly , His life is a continued Act of learning the mind of Christ . As he doth not do all at once he hath to do for Christ , neither doth he searn all at any one season he hath to learn from Jesus Christ : He is alwayes doing , and alwayes learning , until he dies . Therefore is the Preacher's Work hard Work . This Moses well understood , Exod. 3d , 4th , and 6th Chapters . This Jeremiah also apprehended in his first Chapter ; And this Paul concludes concerning his Ministry , 1 Cor. 16.15 . But not to heap up testimonies for a thing so clear ; Consider this , namely what the Preacher's Work is resembled to :

First 'T is called a Warfare , or they are resembled to valiant Souldiers ; and a Souldier's life is a l●fe of hazard and hardship , even so is the Preachers .

Secondly , 'T is stiled a Watchm●●'s life , and to be a good Watch-man , is a hard life , and laborious .

Thirdly , He is called a Shepherd , and that is no easie life .

Fourthly , They are called Husband-men , and Labourers , and Builders ; all which prove Preaching to be a hard Work .

But to make this more clear ; consider , 't is a Trade or Business that is alwayes carrying on , I had almost said night and day ; and therefore sure it can be no easie , but hard Work , because it is perpetual Work . But such is the Preacher's Work , He must not onely be alwayes preaching , but alwayes learning , yea , learning while teaching , in looking after the Mind of Christ : His Work is never done , alwayes doing , running on more and more after fresh and fuller discoveries of the Will of God . 'T is an every day , yea , night and day study of the Word and Wayes of God ; he sought out ; 't is opened to us in Prov. 2.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. 'T is a Work a man must cry for ; seek for , yea , ●●g for , and hunt for , that intends to find it ; compared with Job 3.21 .

Take one passage more , whe●e good and wise Preachers may be resembled to Servants , and the Hand maids David speaks of , Psal. 123.2 . Or to the good Woman , perceiving that her Merchandizing Commodity is good , therefore her Candle goeth not out by night . From all which may easily be gathered , what a hard and difficult , constant and painful life and labour , the wise Preacher's labour and life is .

Thus much for the proof of the Proposition . Let me now give you some Arguments to evince this , That Preachers Work is hard labour , and continual imployment .

Arg. 1. First , This must needs be thus , because of the matter of Preaching , which is the Mind and Will of Christ contained in the Scriptures . Now this Word of Scripture , is like deep , yea , very deep waters ; 't is hard to get the golden precious Truths , and Counsels of Christ , contained in the bottom or body of Scripture , forth of them . The Word of God is perfect and sufficient , but not so plain and obvious , that without much study and search , the whole Counsel or Will of God contained therein will be attained . In the Word lies contained the manifold wisdom of God ; but 't is hard to find out the sum and variety thereof without much diligence . This Solomon implyeth , when he saith , Counsel in the heart of man is like deep waters ; but a man of understanding will dra● it out , Prov. 29.5 . Now if that Wisdom or Counsel which is in the heart of wise men is like deep waters , and it requires wisdom and labour too for the drawing it out ; Oh , how much more doth it require the wisest Preachers wisdom and pains to dive into the Counsels of Christ , contained and centered in these most deep Wells of Salvation , or Waters of the Sanctuary , the Word of God! Yea , doubtless our experience witnesseth to it , and we daily find all Truth is in the Scripture contained ; yet can we hardly draw out or comprehend so much of Truth , as is essentially requisite for our selves , and such as we preach to . This David witnesseth , when he saith , Thy Righteousness is like the great Mountains , and thy Judgments are a great deep , Psal. 36.6 . Now if the Judgments , Statutes , Truths , Ordinances of Christ , all which the Preacher is to reveal , and declare to the People , be such a great Deep , and so hard to fathom ; Oh , how hard then is his work that is a wise Preacher , he may well be searching out and after this Will of God , and conclude , who is sufficient for these things ? But again ;

Arg. 2. Secondly , As the matter of their Preaching is high , and hard to attain ; even so the Work must needs be hard in respect of themselves . They are dull and hard of Learning in what they must deliver out . Oh! if a Preachers Lesson be hard , and he as hard to learn any Lesson ; sure their task must needs be a hard task : But that the best of Preachers are bad and dull Learners is most evident , both by Scripture and plentiful experience ; as in that glorious Saint and Preacher Job . How much pains did God take with Job from his Conversion , even till old age , and yet but in God's account a small shallow Scholar ; notwithstanding all God's pains in correcting of him , yet saith God , Who is it that darkneth counsel by words without knowledge ? Job 38.2 . Yea , God makes Job plead guilty to this Indictment , Chap. 40.3 , 4 5. with 42. And surely such Preachers are not Jobs , but proud Pharisees , who will , or dare say , or think otherwise of themselves . Such dull , bad , learners of the Mind of God , were Job's three Friends , Chap. 42.7 . Yea , such were Christ's Disciples and Apostles , those Master-Preachers , those Foundation-Layers ; Luke 24.25 . O Fools , and slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken . Oh Beloved ! if Preachers have hard and many Lessons to learn , and are exceeding dull and incapacious of learning ; yea , such that have neither head , heart , nor will to learn . O sure their work is hard , and they need be early and late seeking and searching out these acceptable words .

Arg. 3. Thirdly , Preaching-Work is hard Work , because of such to whom we preach . 'T is hard to find out what words they want , and it is not wisdom to preach such words as are not wanting , or at present necessary . For though every , and any word that is or can be preached , is pure and perfect , yet not at all times , seasonable or profitable ; you know whose rule it is , All things are lawful , but all things are not expedient , 1 Cor. 6.12 . Though every Truth not only may , but ought to be preached , yet not at all times , or to all sorts of Hearers . There is a peculiar or apt time for every purpose under the Sun .

Now the wisdom of the Preacher is to know how to time his Word or Doctrine to the present wants and necessities of the people , and this is very hard , and requires searching out of the peoples wants .

Secondly , This makes the Preachers Work hard , how wise a Preacher soever he be , to find out , not only their wants , but also how to apply that which is intended for them , to be received or accepted by them ; even God's own People are a wayward and indisposed People , or Children , to the receiving of Spiritual Food or Physick ; and 't is a great piece of Heavenly skill , and hard to attain . Paul himself writes it as a great piece of Heavenly Craft , 2 Cor. 12.16 .

But , thirdly , grant a Preacher hath wisely gone these steps , yet he must still be seeking out how to preserve and water the Seed he hath been admitted to Sow , that he lose not the things that he hath wrought ; for 't is the part of a foolish Preacher to preach , and preach much , and not regard what becomes of his Labours . 'T is to be like the foolish Ostrich mentioned Job 39.13 , 14 , 15 , 16. Now this Act makes the Preacher's Act hard work to water and watch his Seed sown , that he lose not his labour ; therefore his work is hard work .

Arg. 4. And lastly , The Preacher's task is very hard , because of that great opposition and difficulty , which Preachers and preaching-work must and doth meet withal ; that work how easie soever in it self , yet if it cannot be performed without much opposition , is then and thereby become hard work , even thus is preaching become hard work , because with much hardship , labour , and difficulty , it must be performed : Satan and Sinners , yea , even Saints themselves , make the Preacher's Work hard , yea , very hard and troublesome by their opposition . Look how the Enemies of the Jews withstood the building of the Temple ; even so doth Satan hinder the building of the Spiritual Temple , or preaching of the Gospel ; So Paul words it , 1 Thess. 2.18 . Thus he made the preaching of the Gospel decline from Jerusalem , Acts 8.1 . with Acts 13.50 . And although the preaching of the Word must not be hindred or declined because of Persecution , yet is Persecution a means to make Preachers look about them , and their work to be hard to them .

And again , The Preacher's task is made very hard by the opposition of false Teachers , which oppose the Truth of the Gospel ; and who , as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses , so do they also resist the Truth , 2 Tim. 3.8 . These constrain the wisest of Preachers to seek out how to preach , that such may not gain-say the Truth ; or at least , that their folly may be made manifest to all men of sober minds ; and this is hard work . How hard was Paul's work made to cut off occasion from them , that sought occasion , when he is to preach Justification by Faith only , without the Works of the Law ? How did the Jewish Teachers oppose him ? Acts 21.27 , 28 , 29 , 30. When he teaches the Doctrine of Free-Grace for the worst of sinners , notwithstanding the greatest of sins , is he not slandered as if he taught liberty to sin ? Rom. 3.8 . If he teach the cessation of the Law , as to life , How is his preaching opposed and slandred ? 1 Tim. 1.6 , 7. So when he preaches down legal Ceremonies , as Circumcision , and Mears , Drinks , Holy-dayes , New-Moons , and Sabbaths : What labour is Paul forced to use to defend this Doctrine against those Philosophers and Deceivers ? Gal. 6.11 , 12 , 13. with Col. 2.8 , 16 , 17. downwards to the close of that Chapter .

Again , when the Apostles preach the Kingly Power of the Lord Jesus Christ in his own Kingdom and Church , how are they opposed ? Acts 3. with Chap. 17. Now the silencing , answering , and preventing the designs of Satan , and his Instruments , slandering and opposing the Truth , makes the Preachers of the Gospel much labour to seek out how to defend and establish the truth of the Gospel .

But lastly , Preachers work is made laborious , and hard , by the subtilty , evasions , glosses , excuses , colours , and pretences , which poor sinners strive to hide themselves under , and to evade the power of the Word brought against them . This makes the Preacher's labour very hard ; so to Preach , that every Soul may be brought under the power of it , and every mouth may be stopped : By the doing of this Work , also by preaching among Saints , how much opposition do the Preachers of the Gospel procure by it ? as is clear 1 Cor. 4.14 . to the end of the Chapter ; so in 2 Cor. 12 and 13 Chapters : By all which it will appear , that the Preacher had need , yea , great need , to seek and search out Arguments to support , incourage , and uphold himself in the doing of his duty , and to deliver the Gospel from being perverted and made of no use , by the many designs and devices of Enemies and Friends .

Thus much for the clearing of the Point , to wit , That every wise Gospel-preacher's Work is not easie , but very hard , to seek after the attainment and comprehension of understanding requisite to be found in every Minister of the Lord Jesus .

Now by way of Application . First , If it be thus , it informs us and instructs us in two Particulars .

The first Vse is of Instruction .

First , How ignorant and mistaken such mens thoughts and principles are , as report and imagine that Preaching is easie work , and the Preacher's Life is an idle Life or Calling . It appears to me , as these never had the honour to be called to this Work , so these little know what Gospel-preaching is ; but like Peter's natural bruit-beasts , Speak evil of things and persons they know not , 2 Pet. 2.12 . Surely these never read , or never considered what Paul found Preaching to be , that thus speak contemptuously and foolishly of it , 2 Cor. 6.3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10. Can that be slight , easie , idle Work , which is Night and Day-Work , which is Soul and Body-Work ; that must be done faithfully , wisely , in season , and out of season ? Sure the ignorance , pride , and unbelief of such is very great . I shall say no more to such deceived Souls but only this , Consider what hath been upon this Doctrine offered , and read the Rules and Directions Paul gives to Timothy about Preaching ; and then tell me whether it be an easie , much less an idle trifling imployment , yea or no ?

The second Vse is of Instruction .

But secondly , If Preaching be such an hard Work , or Task , and Labour , to perform it wisely and spiritually ; Then this acquaints us what unwise and idle sinful Preachers such are as pretend to Preaching , yet take no pains in the performance of this Work , but trifle and idle in this weighty & honourable Imployment . Such may do well to bethink themselves , it is required of Stewards , that they be faithful ; and remember what God hath said , He will not hold such guiltless as take his Name in vain . Let such idle careless Shepherds , as pretend to be Gospel-Preachers , wise and honourable Preachers , view that word Ezek. 34. with Zech. 11.17 . Wo to the idol Shepherd that leaves the Flock ; the Sword shall be upon his Arm , and upon his right Eye ; his Arm shall be clean dryed up , and his right Eye shall be utterly darkned .

Such worthless Preachers are like the evil Spies we read of Numb. 13.32 . which brought up an evil report upon the good Land of Promise ; so these bring up an evil report upon the good Word and Ordinance of God , the preaching of the Gospel , by their light , idle , careless , carnal , and unprofitable preaching of the Word ; because they seek not out , nor search after the setting of Parables or Gospel . Mysteries aright ; neither take pains to consider what the Peoples wants are to supply them ; nor what the Peoples ignorance or error is , to avoid it , and deliver the preaching of the Gospel from their mistakings , pervertings ; or avoiding , by Armour on the right hand and on the left , leaving the People under such generalities , as that they can deceive and flatter themselves , that their condition is good , and the Promises belong to them , though they are in the Gall of Bitterness , and the Bond of Iniquity ; a form of Godliness , without the power of it , not making it their business , to take away the Cloaks and Shifts , Pleas and Excuses , Pretences and Fig-leaves , under which poor sinners shelter and hide themselves from the force of their Preaching , and the wrath of God , although they walk on in the stubbornness of their hearts , and add drunkenness to thirst , and cry , God will spare , Deut. 29.19 .

I say no more to these dumb idle Shepherds , or Preachers of our day , that by thus doing , cause their , or rather Christ's good Commodity , to be evil spoken of . But O that they would remember that saying of the Lord to their Brethren , the Sons of Eli , 1 Sam. 2.22 , 29 , 30. I say , Remember , those that honour God shall be honoured of him ; but they that despise him , shall be lightly esteemed of him . And wo to that Preacher that God esteems lightly of .

I shall say no more to these , who-ever they be , Prelates or Pesants , Doctors or Dunces , Batchelors or Novices in Divinity , for the pure preaching of the Gospel , who like unwise and foolish Shepherds and Preachers , lightly or flightly preach ; onely hear and consider that Scripture , Mal. 1.6 . Wo unto you , O Priests , that despise my Name ; and ye say , Wherein have we despised thy Name ? Yea , offer polluted Bread upon my Altar , and ye say , Wherein have we polluted it ? In that ye say , The Table of the Lord is contemptible : And if ye offer the blind for Sacrifice , Is it not evil ? And if ye offer the lame and the sick , Is it not evil ? But cursed be the Deceiver that hath in his Flock a Male , and voweth , and sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing ; for I am a great King , saith the Lord of Hosts .

The third Vse is of Exhortation .

But again , The next Use I shall make of this Point , is for Exhortation , ( in two Branches ) and that to two sorts of persons .

First , Such as Preach the Gospel .

Secondly , To such who hear the Gospel preached .

The first Branch .

First , Let me presume to speak a few words to all such as fear the Lord , and preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus ; first , Be exhorted so to Preach , or make manifest the Gospel , as it ought to be preached or made manifest , as Paul words it , Col. 4.3 , 4. Oh! as wise Preachers , and not unwise , seek and search after the mind of Christ , contained in the Proverbs , Problems , or Word of Christ . Oh! hunt as Hunts-men do for Game ; follow it hard , and follow it close , through thick and through thin , through Bryars and through Thorns , as such who are resolved not to lose their time , and labour or desire , if it be possible . Even so let every wise Gospel-Preacher endeavour to preach the Gospel , as striving not to lose his labour ; so Preaching , that he may reap the Harvest or Blessing of his preaching ; and not onely preach , but so preach , as every wise Preacher ought to preach ; not only unto men , or unto mens ears , but unto mens ears , and into mens hearts also , if possible . Thus Paul preached to the Galatians , travelling in Soul for the good of their Souls , until Christ was formed in them .

Oh Beloved ! study not only to preach Notions unto the People , so much as to preach Motions into the People , that Christ may be formed in them . Oh! study Soul-convincing , and Soul-converting Doctrine , striving and designing that all your Hearers may be delivered into the form of that Doctrine , which from Christ , by you , is to them delivered . Oh! this will cause you , not only to have matter of Peace , but of Joy and Thanksgiving also with Paul , Rom. 6.17 . It is easier to seek out , and find out a Sermon to preach unto the People , than to find out this skill and wisdom , how to be able to distil or preach a Sermon into the People ; for if God , that gives us a Door , yea , an open Door of Utterance unto the People , do not also graciously give us a Door , an open Door of Entrance into the People ; also our Preaching will be vain and lost Preaching , as to the People to whom we Preach ; no good will be done , the People will be undone rather by us , for the better the Preacher is , and the more he preaches , and the People not the better , but the worse ; the more dangerous is that peoples case and condition , and the greater will be their damnation . Wo to thee Capernaum , which art exalted to Heaven , thou shalt be brought down to Hell ; For if the mighty Works which have been done in thee , had been done in Sodom , it would have remained till this day : But I say , It shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom , in the Day of Judgment , than for thee , Mat. 11.23.24 . Oh therefore , as the High Priests of old bare the Children of Israels Names upon their Breasts , even so let all wise Preachers carry their Hearers upon their Hearts , that God would make their labour of love useful , and not a savour of death unto death , unto any of them .

But again , Let me perswade and exhort such as Preach , to seek that they may first be preached to , and that doubly .

Get thy Soul , first , preached into Christ , before ever thou goest to preach Christ unto any .

Secondly , Get the mind of Christ preached unto thy Soul , before thou goest about to preach the mind of Christ to any Soul ; remembring what is written , How can they preach except they be sent ? Rom. 10.15 . Oh Preachers ! seek before ever , or whensoever you go to preach to others , to get Christ to preach forth his blessed Truth ; to the which he would that day have preached forth by thee to others : For how can one receive any thing , except it be given him from Above , or from Heaven , Joh. 3.27 . Oh seek , and search out diligently what Message is most meet for the People ; and what Message Christ would have thee now hand forth to the People ; for 't is not every Message , but present Message , is a meet Message to be delivered to the People : This we have hinted in the Description of the wise Scribe , that he brings forth of his Treasury things new and old , things sutable and necessary for present concernment , Mat. 13.52 . The Peoples present need , should be every wise Preacher's business to supply , and that in the first place . Oh search , as after the Peoples Lessons , so after the Peoples profiting ; be not foolish Seedsmen as to sow your Seed , yea , Christ's principal immortal Seed of the Word , and never look after it ; be not like the World's Sons of Levi , that only preach , to preach themselves into the People , and the Peoples Money into their Pockets ; and having performed as much of this as Law requires , and will effect their end , they never care what becomes of their preaching . Oh , pray over your preaching , yea , pray after your preaching , that God would bless your preaching ; and add the upper , as the nether Springs to your preaching , and not let you run and labour in vain . Search after the profiting of your Hearers , and see how the Seed sown makes increase , in some thirty , in some sixty , in some an hundred fold , Mark 4.8 .

But again , Let me once more exhort wise Preachers to seek out the deep things of God , contained in the Mysteries of the Gospel , or manifold wisdom of God . Oh! be not blind Leaders of the blind World , lest you and they fall into the Ditch ; search and study the Scriptures , which are able to make the Preacher , or the Man of God , perfect , or throughly furnished unto preaching . Knowledge , Gospel-Knowledge , is deep Waters : Apply your diligence to draw it out of the Wells of Salvation .

But lastly , Suffer me to add one word of Exhortation more ; Search and see there be no root of Gall or Wormwood springing up to trouble you in your Work ; I mean , see that the mouths of gain-sayers , and such as oppose your preaching , or slander your good Conversation , be silenc'd , that they which speak evil of you may be ashamed . The better and more wisely any Preacher preaches , the more will be his opposition , and therefore his wisdom should be , to take away occasion from such as seek occasion , that they of the contrary part may be ashamed . Oh seek to preach preventingly , that whosoever be Hearers , they may not find any occasion against you , save onely in the matter of your God . Strive to countermine Satan and Sinners , that whilst you are sowing precious Seed , will not spare to sow the Tares . Therefore strive so to preach , as to leave them no place or advantage for the Tares ; yea , seek especially so to preach , as the Children that come to you for Bread may not meet with Stones , or suppose you give them Serpents for Fishes ; I mean , Fancies and Errors , instead of wholsome Food or Gospel-Truths . Oh! preach plainly , preach purely , preach powerfully , preach plentifully , preach wisely or warily , lest you offend one of those little Ones , or so much as give them any shew or appearance of exception o● stumbling ; nay , let them not have so much as subterfuge , evasion , shift , or project , to put by the force and scope of your preaching , or to hide themselves under from obeying the Truth ; but let every Soul be without excuse in the day of Christ ; and this is to be a wise Preacher , and to seek out and set in order many Proverbs and Parables . So much for this first Branch of the Exhortation .

The second Branch of Exhortation .

But secondly , Let me make from hence one word of Exhortation to such as are Hearers . If the Preachers must seek , hunt , and search after the mind of Christ to deliver it unto you , then do not you less , than seek , hunt and search after the comprehending and understanding what you hear . Take Christ's Counsel , Luk. 8.18 . Take heed therefore how you hear . Oh! if Preachers must be wise Preachers , be not you foolish or unwise Hearers ; if they must be painful and careful Preachers , be you not slothful careless Hearers ; if they must be watchful Preachers , I pray be not you sleepy Hearers : For if they must give a severe account how they Preach , think not but you Hearers must give a strict account how you hear ; for it is written , God will deal with the Scholar as with the Master , Isa. 24.2 .

Oh , my Beloved , did Preachers know truly and sufficiently the weight , want , and worth of preaching , they would doutbless take more heed how they preach ; even so would you Hearers , did you but consider the worth , want , and necessity of preaching , you would be more attentive , watchful , thankful , constant , fruitful Hearers : As negligent , careless , idle Preachers little know , or consider the worth , or the price , or the misery of Souls which are lost for want of wise and careful preaching ; no more do you idle , sleepy , forgetful , unfruitful Hearers , know or consider the worth or price of your immortal Souls , nor the danger of your eternal condition , if you obey not the Gospel .

Oh Beloved ! take heed to your selves , and to your feet , when you go to Hearing ; and if you have any respect for the Lord Jesus , value of the Gospel , love to your Preachers , or regard or pity to your own Souls , do not thus evilly requite the Lord , your Labourers , yea , your own Souls , a● to be unworthy , careless , heedless , mindless , heartless , fruitless Hearers of the Gospel ; which with so much wisdom and wariness ought to be preached to you . Should a most choice Physician take pity of a poor dying Patient , and sit down , and turn over all his Experiences , and take the greatest ca●● he can to consider his Patients condition , and prescribe a Potion most sutable , most safe and profitable for his Patient ; and then his Patient should either refuse to accept it , and neglect to read it , and resolve never to improve it ; would not you say , This was a most unwise , unworthy , and ungrateful Person , to deal thus unworthily with his loving Friend and faithful Physitian . Oh my Beloved ! know and consider this day , such , even such , are all such unwise , unworthy Hearers , a● when their loving , wise , and faithful Preache●● have been diligently examining and considering their Souls case and condition ; and having sound● not only their Disease , but their infallible Remedy , when they come and bring it unto you by the preaching of the Gospel , and you Hearers , with one consent slight it and neglect it ; one saying , He will not put himself or Family to the trouble to come out of doors to hear it ; another , he will come , but 't is to sleep ; a third , but 't is to carp and cavil at it through his own faults , and instead of watching his own heart , he watches for the Preachers halting ; a fourth may come and hear , but carelesly , more minding his ease , and his drest , and his company , than the Sermon or his duty ; a fifth may hear , but forget ; a sixth , but not believe , but dispute what he hears ; and a feventh , though he hears , and understands , and remembers , yet comes prepared and resolved to be Sermon proof , and not obey what he hears , say the Preacher what he pleases .

Oh my Beloved ! are not all these unthankful , and unworthy Hearers of the Word , and such as give both God and Men occasion to be weary of them , and to shake off the dust of their feet against them , and say , Since by this doing you judge your selves unworthy of the Gospel , Lo , we turn to the Gentiles , Acts 13.46 .

I have done now with this Use , and shall con●ude both this Doctrine and this Exhortation , with two Scriptures ; one is that James 1.19 , with 〈◊〉 Wherefore , my beloved Brethren , let every man 〈◊〉 swift to hear , slow to speak , slow to wrath ; being doers of the Word , and not Heares onely , decerving your own Souls , or your own selves . The other passage is Ephes. 5.15 , 16. See then , I say , Preacher and Hearer , see to it , that you walk circumspectly , not as fools , but as wise , redeeming the time , because the dayes are evil . Thus much for this particular .

I now proceed to the next , which are these , And set in order many Proverbs or Parables .

These words contain another description of the wise Preacher's Work , that is , To endeavour to set in order many Proverbs .

Two things need a little clearing .

First , What is meant by a Proverb .

Secondly , What it is to set Proverbs in order .

Proverbs , I suppose , either are to be taken literally and strictly ; or , secondly , more largely and figuratively . Litterally , by Proverbs , are intended any pithy , short , witty , or significant kind of Expression . Thus we have the word used , Prov. 1.6 . To understand a Proverb , and the interpretation ; the words of the wise , and their dark sayings . Proverbs , as strictly considered , are witty , wise , dark , and short Sayings ; and if we look upon some few of these Preachers Proverbs , you shall find all this in them ; as to instance Chap. 20.17 . with vers. 30. and a multitude besides . But although this Preacher's way and wisdom led him this way thus to declare his wisdom , and give forth himself ; yet we must take heed of tying all Preachers to this way , or in this sense to speak , or give forth Proverbs ; but to speak or set forth Proverbs in a more large and general signification , that is , wise Preachers should give forth wisdom and knowledge to the people , though not in the way or form of a Proverb strictly considered . He ought to make the People , with himself , to understand the Nature , Order , Sense , and right use of Divine-Things , Knowledge , or the Word of God ; and this is that the wise Preacher here intends or speaks of ; and this indeed is the Preacher's work and wisdom , to set forth the Proverbs of Scripture in order , or to unvail or declare their true Scope , Use , and Excellency .

The ninth Doctrine .

The observation we may hence learn , is , That every wise competent Preacher , ought with all diligence endeavour to comprehend , and cause others to comprehend the Wisdom , Sense , and Order of the Scripture . This is every Gospel-Preacher's Trade and Business .

Two Acts or Particulars the Doctrine includes .

First , With Relation to the Preacher .

Secondly With reference to the Preacher's Charge or Flock .

First ; In reference to himself : He is most diligently to design and endeavour to understand and comprehend the Mind and Will of God contained in the Word . This is , To set Proverbs , or God's dark Sayings or Truths in order as to himself .

Secondly ; In reference unto the People : His Duty , saith this Doctrine , is to help them to understand what he comprehends of the Proverbs of God , or meaning of the Scripture ; for as he neither is a Preacher for himself , much less preaches to himself ; no more ought he to know , understand , or comprehend the Proverbs or Mysteries of Truth for himself only , but for the People as well as for himself . That this is so , consider a few Scriptures , Nehem. 8.7 , 8. you shall find Jeshua , and Bani , and Sherebiah , Jamin , Akkub , Shabbethai , Hodijah , Maaseiah , Kelita , Azariah , Jozabad , Hanan , Palaiah , and the Levites , caused the people to understand the Law ; and the people stood in their places : They read in the Book of the Law of God distinctly , and gave the sense , and caused them to understand the reading . Here we have a large account of the Work and Design of wise Preachers , and good Ministers , it is to set Proverbs in order , or to clear and make known the sense of Scripture to the people ; and v. 13. it is said , That the People rejoyced at this enjoyment .

But again , Solomon tells us , That the Wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way , but the folly of fools is deceit , Prov. 14.8 . Whence mark , A wise or prudent Person , ( such every Gospel-preacher ought to be ) his work is to understand his way ; that is , his way of preaching , how to give the true sense of God's Word to his People , that is , setting Proverbs in order ; the contrary of this was that God complained of in the false Prophets , or foolish Preachers of Israel ; saying , His Watchmen are blind ; they are all ignorant , they are all dumb Dogs , they cannot bark ; sleeping , lying down , loving to slumber : Yea , they are greedy Dogs , which can never have enough , and they are Shepherds that cannot understand , &c. Isa. 56.10 , 11. Mark it well , They are foolish Shepherds , or unwise Preachers , that cannot understand the Mind of the Lord , and know not how to set his Parables and Proverbs in order ; the like you have Jer. 9.12 . Who is the wise Man that may understand this ? and who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord hath spoken that he may declare it ? Take that of Prov. 22. where you have Solomon the wise Preacher both doing this Work , and teaching wise Preachers also to do this work , when he saith , Have I not written unto thee excellent things in counsels and in knowledge , that I might make thee to know the certainty of the words of truth , that thou mightest answer the words of truth to those that send unto thee ? vers. 20.21 . also Chap. 10.31 , 32. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom , and the lips of the righteous knoweth what is acceptable . Take that also of Luke 1.1 , 2 , 3 , 4. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us , even as they delivered them unto us , which from the beginning were eye-witnesses and Ministers of the Word : It seemed good to me also , having had perfect understanding of things from the very first , to write unto thee in order , most excellent Theophilus , that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed . To name no more , take Paul's charge and direction to Timothy , Till I come , give attendance to Reading , to Exhortation , to Doctrine ; meditate on these things ; give thy self wholly to them , that thy profiting may appear to all , 1 Tim. 4.13 , 15. I should now give you the Reasons of the Point , I shall onely name them at present .

Reason 1.

First ; Every wise Preacher should thus do , because this is no more than they all profess to do ; and what men profess to do , that lawfully may be done , that they ought to do ; therefore thus wise Preachers not only may , but must do .

Reason 2.

Secondly ; This is that which wise and pious People warrantably promise themselves will be done for them , by such as preach to them ; and therefore ought not to be denyed unto them , nor can without sin be with-held from them .

Reason 3.

Thirdly ; If this be not done , how shall the People know what they have to do ? how shall the People prepare themselves to duty , if duty be not made plain to them , or the Parable set in order before them ? If Doctrine be not clear , Practice must be doubtful ; as Paul expresseth , If the Trumpet give an uncertain sound , who shall prepare himself to the Battel ? 1 Cor. 14 8.

Reason 4.

Fourthly ; If Preachers do not make it their business to set Proverbs , or God's Word , in order , or in due order ; nothing is more certain than this , That they will set them out of order : but let such that so do , think of that passage , what the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite , My wrath is kindled against thee , and against thy two Friends ; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right , Job 42.7 . Oh , what a dreadful thing is it for God to be angry with a Preacher ; view that of Numb. 10.1 , 2. with that of 2 Sam. 6.7 .

Reason 5.

Lastly ; This is that which wise Preachers may do , if they will but spiritually make it their business so to do , and therefore are without all excuse if this they do not ; for it is written , He maketh his Ministers a flame of fire , Heb. 1.7 .

But I told you , I should only name the Reasons and come to Application ; in the which I shall also be the briefer , because I have formerly had occasion , as you may remember , to speak to the substance of this Doctrine ; all I intend , I shall comprize in a few serious words of Exhortation to all that are , or would be esteemed wise and Gospel-Preachers .

Vse of Exhortation .

Oh , let such remember , and never forget , it is their Duty and Business to set God's Proverbs in order ; that is , in God's , or Gospel-order , that he that runs may read the Visions of God in the Scripture . Oh , let us not be like the foolish Preachers which the Lord reproveth by the Prophet , saying , Seameth it a small thing to you , to have eaten up the good pasture , but ye must tread down with your foot the residue of your pastures ? and to have drunk of the deep waters , but ye must foul the residue with your feet ? And as for my flock , they eat that which you have troden with your feet ; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet . Therefore , behold , saith the Lord , I will judge you , Ezek. 34.18 , 19 , 20.

I beseech you , dear Brethren , let it be our Work and Business to do what the Prophet was commanded to do , when the Lord answered and said , Write the Vision , and make it plain upon Tables , that he that runneth may read it , Habak. 2.2 . Oh , let it be our main business , not onely to know that the Lord hath Proverbs , and that our Lord Jesus spake nothing without a Parable , Mat. 13.34 . that is , little without a Parable : I say , This is not so much our business , as to comprehend and understand how to set these Parables in order , in due order , in their own order . Oh , this is necessary and becoming wise Preachers thus to do , and not to set Proverbs out of order , into their own or other mens order , labouring more in Preaching to keep close to their own or other mens sense and order in opening the Scripture , than unto Christ's and the Scriptures order . It matters not what Commentary , or Comment● or , we decline or contradict , so we harmonize the Scripture , and agree with the Original , Sense , and Scope thereof : Let such as preach , and would preach wisely and approvedly , b●onfult the Sense and Interpretation of Text , as well as Observation or Application of Text. For how can the Observation be true or natural , or the Application forcible and strong , if the Interpretation be wrong ? Oh , ta●e heed of wronging Proverbs , by knocking Proverbs , even God's Proverbs , out of order ; and lie , and say not the truth , when you say the Lord saith it , or the Lord's Word teacheth it ; and the Lord hath not said it , neither doth his Word reach it . Oh , think frequently of that word , Behold , I am against the Prophets , saith the Lord , that use their tongues , and say , The Lord saith it , Jer. 23.31 . Think it not wisdom or excellency , to darken , vail , or lobscure the Scripture , or the Proverbs thereof ; but to unvail or enlighten the Scripture ; that is , make its real Light appear : lest by so doing , we not only contract to our selves our own , but the sins of other men also , even the sin and right to the punishment of as many as have received and believed our dreams for the Visions of the Lord . 'T is more than we can well bear , our own guilt , and the chastisements of our own sins and errors : But O! how intolerable and heavy may it prove to us , to bear the guilt or punishment of the many deceived and corrupted by us . The greatest of Preachers and Writers , without conformity to this Doctrine , lie in greatest danger , as being the greatest of Deceivers .

But I shall say no more to this Use or Doctrine , save only a closing word , because I am speaking to the wise , and a word to the wise may suffice : and truly such as are otherwise , 't is not the many words will do any good , as Solomon tells us ; Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a morter among wheat with a pestle , yet will not his foolishness depart from him , Prov. 27.22 . Wherefore , my Brethren , let us therefore , as many as be perfect , be thus minded ; and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded , God shall reveal even this unto you , Philippians 3.15 . And so I come to the next verse , or next words of the Text ; though I might offer another Observation from the number of Proverbs , the wise Preacher set in order ; 't is many , or the All of the many Proverbs that are in the Scripture .

We might note , Wise Preachers are fruitful Preachers , not barren , lean , or dry Preachers , that can onely interpret some one or other single Proverb ; but can set in order the many or manifold Proverbs in the Scripture ; but I shall rather proceed and hasten to a close .

As this Scripture is Prophetical , and looks towards the truly wise , or transcendently wise Preacher , our Lord Jesus , that greater than Solomon , we might note divers things , but this I now shall want time for ; you find in vers. 10. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words ; and that which was written was upright , even words of truth .

In general , This Verse gives us account of what the Preacher sought , even acceptable words ; and this is the second thing he sought , as this verse compared with the former acquaints us .

But more particularly , In the Verse we have two things .

First ; An account of what the Preacher sought to find out , even acceptable words .

Secondly ; The excellency or property of those acceptable words , in these words , and that which was written , was upright , even words of truth , or according to truth ; not only upright , but also words of truth .

To begin with the first of these ; The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words . This is every wise Preacher's Work , to seek how to find out acceptable words , or how to make his words acceptable .

For the improvement of these words , one question is necessary to be resolved , to wit , What acceptable words are , or such acceptable words are which Preachers ought to seek out ?

I Answer ; First , Negatively , Not flattering words , or deceitful words , though sometimes such words Preachers seek out , and the People account them acceptable ; as in that passage of the false Prophets , who knowing the affection of the King to be for War , finds out acceptable , but deceitful words ; who said , with one consent , Go up , for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the King , 1 Kings 22.6 . But you find these were neither upright words , nor words of truth , but of deceit and falshood , as the consequent declared it ; but the words the wise Preacher sought to find out , as acceptable to the People , were upright , even words of truth .

But secondly , Affirmatively ; I say , Acceptable words , which wise Preachers should or do seek to find out , are words meet to be accepted from him that preaches , by them to whom he preaches ; and so is every word of truth in the general , though some words more especially ; as Paul implies in that expression , This is a saying worthy of all acceptation , that Jesus Christ came into the World to save sinners , of whom I am chief , 1 Tim. 1.15 .

Thirdly , Acceptable words , imply words which God accepts , and therefore should be acceptable with the People ; Though the People do not accept them , yet they may be accepted of God . Such were Mieaiah's words to the King , when he said , I saw all Israel scattered upon the Hills , as Sheep that have no Shepherd ; and the Lord said , These have no Master , let them return every man to his House in peace , 1 Kings 22.17 .

Fourthly , Acceptable words , imply sometimes such words as are not only words of truth in themselves , and so acceptable to God , but words accepted with the People , and so acceptable in all respects . Such were Philip's words to the Eunuch , If thou believest with all thy heart , thou mayest , Acts 8.37 . The former of these cannot be wanting in an acceptable word , the latter may , and yet the words be acceptable ; as in that of Jeremiah , when he told the King of Judah , Behold , Pharaohs Army which is come forth to help you , shall return to Egypt into their own Land , and the Caldeans shall come again , and fight against this City , and take it , and burn it with fire , Jer. 37.7 , 8. But though these words were acceptable , or truth in themselves , and so to the Lord , and should have been so to them , as being profitable to them : Yet for all this they were unacceptable to them , as is manifest vers. 15. Wherefore the Princes were wroth with Jeremiah , and smote him , and put him in Prison .

This may suffice for the Answer of this great Question : What acceptable words are ? Let me now raise this Observation or Conclusion .

The tenth Doctrine .

That the wisdom and work of wise Preachers , is , and ought to be , to preach acceptable words , or acceptably .

I shall the briefer pass through this Doctrine , because I have had occasion already to speak to the main things in it contained . Wherefore for the proof of what hath been asserted , to wit , That every wise Preacher's wisdom and work , is to preach acceptable words , or acceptably ; Consider , This is Paul's charge , not to Timothy only , but in him to all Preachers , to preach acceptable words , as you have it in the following words of the Text , words of Truth : Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard from me , 2 Tim. 1.13 . So to Titus , speaking what Preachers or Elders of Churches should be , he saith , They should be men able , by sound Doctrine , both to exhort and convince gain-sayers , Tit. 1.9 . so Chap. 2.1 . Speak thou the thing which becometh sound Doctrine ; and once more you have it given in charge among other Directions , Sound speech that cannot be condemned ; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed , having no evil thing to say of you , vers. 8. And this Paul begs the Prayers of Saints to God for him in this behalf , That he might not onely Speak , or Preach , but so Speak or Preach as he ought to do , Ephes. 6.20 . with Col. 4.4 .

But may not some say ; How doth it appear all this while , that preaching sound words , is preaching acceptable words ?

However I shall grant , That to unsound hearts , unsound words are and may be most acceptable , as we read where the People spake to the Prophet , saying , Prophesie not unto us right things ; speak unto us smooth things , prophesie deceits , Isa. 30.10 . Yet sound Hearts , or gracious Hearers , they count no words acceptably spoken , or worthy their acceptation , but sound and wholsome words ; as we read of the Church of Ephesus , that they hated the Deeds , or the Doctrine of the Nicholaitans , which the Lord also hated , Rev. 2.6 .

In the opening of this term , acceptable words , I told you it implyed words of truth ; which , and which only , ought of honest and wise Hearers to be accepted . Therefore to preach sound words , or words of Truth , is to preach acceptable words ; being such words which only should be preached , and are alwayes worthy of all mens acceptation . And doubtless , this among other things Paul also intended in that phrase , to speak as he ought ; that is , only and alwayes Truth , or the lively Oracles of God ; not but that Preachers have other things to mind , that their words may be acceptable words .

So , secondly ; Seasonable words are , or ought to be accounted acceptable words : Therefore Solomon , speaking of seasonable words , saith , A word spoken in due season , how good is it ? or , how acceptable is it ? Prov. 15.23 . Now , a word may be fitly said to be seasonable or seasonably spoken , either in reference to God's account , or the peoples concernments . First , In reference to God's , when God's Cause and Honour calls for our speaking , then to speak such words as may most conduce to the Cause and Case in hand , is to speak acceptable or seasonable words , such as wise Preachers ought to seek out , & speak out . Such were Mordecai's words to Hester , when he declared to her the state of the Jews , and charged her , That she should go in unto the King to make supplication to him , and to make request before him for her People , Chap. 4.8 . And when she seems to be backward to entertain these words , vers. 10 , 11. Mordecai doubles former seasonable words , as becomes wise Preachers so to do , and tells her , Think not that thou shalt escape in the Kings House , more than all the Jews : For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time , then shall their enlargement arise from another place , but thou and thy Fathers House shall be destroyed , vers. 13 , 14. The like seasonable were the words of Elijah , both to the King and to the People , when he told the King , I have not troubled Israel , but thou and thy Fathers House , in that ye have forsaken the Commandments of the Lord , and ye have followed . Baalim ; and to the People , when he said , How long halt ye between two Opinions ? If the Lord be God , follow him ; but if Baal , then follow him , 1 Kings 18.18 , 21. And such were Paul's words to the Athenians , when he saw them so given to Idolatry , Acts 17.16 , to the close of that Chapter .

And by the way note , That oft-times God , in a wonderful manner , stirs-up the Spirits of his Servants to be speaking such acceptable words as are timous and most seasonable , in order to present work , as in the instances cited , with many more may easily appear .

But secondly , Words may then be counted seasonable and acceptable , when most sutable to , or suiting with the Peoples present Case , State , and Necessities . The work of wise Preachers should be , to sute their words to such occasions , when a People are secure , setled in sin and sinful wayes ; then awakening , quickning , reproving words are most seasonable , and to God most acceptable when spoken , and should be so to the People . Such were John's words to the sinful Jews , when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his Baptism , he said unto them , O generation of Vipers , who hath warned you to fly from the wrath to come ? bring forth therefore fruit meet for repentance ; and think not to say within your selves , We have Abraham to our Father . When the Peoples case is trouble and sorrow for sin , then comforting words are seasonable and acceptable words . This the Lord himself teacheth , saying , Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem , and cry unto her , that her warfare is accomplished , Isa. 40.1 , 2. And in obedience hereunto , when Peter saw that the People were pricked at their hearts , he said unto them , Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ , and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost ; for the promise is to you , and to your Children , and to all that are after off , even as many as the Lord our God shall call , Acts 2.38 , 39. When the People are ignorant of Truths necessary , or in some sense of necessity to be at present known ; Now 't is wise Preachers work , to seek out seasonable and acceptable words of information , for the removing the peoples ignorance . Thus Peter did in that fore-cited Acts 2.14 , 15. And thus did those wise ones Aquila and Priscilla deal with Apollos , Acts 18.24 , 25 , 26.

To name no more Instances of this kind , When words may truly be seasonable and acceptable , or both ; I say , when we see the Peoples sin openly , and dangerous to the insnaring and indangering of others , then 't is most seasonable to step in with reproving words . Thus Paul dealt with Peter , Gal. 2.12 , 13 , 14. And with the same spirit we find him acting against Elimas the Sorcerer , when he sought to turn away the Deputy from the Faith , Acts 13.9 , 10 , 11.

Thus much may suffice for the proving and opening the Point ; let me now give you two or three Reasons or Arguments why this must needs be a Truth .

Reason 1.

First ; Because 't is then only , Preachers can be said in preaching to preach , or in doing the work of preaching to preach , when we preach acceptably , or speak seasonable words . All other preaching is foolish preaching , or for the present but lost preaching . But again ;

Reason 2.

Secondly ; Such Preachers and Preaching , are only acceptable to God , as such only should be to wise Hearers , as the Lord seems to imply in that expression of the Prophet , He that hath a Dream , let him tell a Dream ; and he that hath my Word , let him speak my Word faithfully . What is the Chaff to the Wheat ? saith the Lord , Jer. 23.28 .

Reason 3.

Lastly ; Preachers ought to seek out acceptable words , because such preaching will only answer our engagements and pretentions both to God and Man : Our engagement , who preach , is like our Lord Christ , who said , I came from Heaven , not to do my own Will , but the Will of him that sent me , John 6.38 . And no Preacher is so foolish or unwise a Preacher , as to pretend less than thus to do ; wherefore let as many as preach be so wise and honest to do what they pretend to do , and as Paul saith , Not to preach themselves , but Christ Jesus the Lord ; and themselves Servants for Jesus sake , 2 Cor. 4.5 .

I proceed now to the Application , because I promised to be short .

Use of Reproof .

The first Use may be for a word of Reproof to as many Preachers that are not so wise as to make this their work , to seek out acceptable seasonable words , even sound words , or words of truth and uprightness . Oh , how many foolish , careless , and unconscionable Preachers there are , that neither study the Scriptures to find out sounds words , nor consult with God , or with the People , to know what may be an acceptable word , or a word spoken in due season , either in reference to what God is a doing , or the People are wanting in . These may more aptly be stiled foolish than wise Preachers , who more study humane than divine Writ ; and consult the mind of men , especially great men , rather than the mind of God ; and their own gain and interest , more than the Peoples profit .

All I shall further say to these is , As their sin is great against God and the Souls of the People ; even so , without repentance , and more wisdom , their judgment will be heavy , and their damnation slumbers not . Let such think seriously of that saying of Peter , But these , as natural bruit beasts , made to be taken and destroyed , speak evil of the things they understand not , and shall utterly perish in their own corruption , 2 Pet. 2.12 . But to be brief .

Secondly , For Exhortation .

Secondly , This shall serve for a word of Exhortation , and that to two sorts of Persons .

First ; To such as Preach .

Secondly ; To such as Hear .

First ; Let me exhort and provoke all you that are wise Gospel . Preachers , to remember this word ; Seek out acceptable words , even words of Truth ; and let that which is written be upright . Oh , suffer me to beseech you to seek out seasonable words , both upon God's and his Peoples account . Oh , consider what Generation-work God hath in hand in your day , in the present day , and give it your word , as Nehemiah did in his day , Chap. 2. vers. 3. In times of abounding of iniquity , Lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet , cry aloud , spare not , shew the people their transgression , and the house of Jacob their sin , Isa. 58.1 . And take that encouraging word and charge you have given to the Prophet Jeremiah , Thou therefore gird up thy loyns , and arise , and speak unto them all that I command thee , and be not dismayed at their faces , Jer. 1.17 . Oh , my Brethren , be prevailed upon to make it your main business , next to the looking after your own Vines , to look after acceptable words for the People . Oh , search out the cause you know not , and see what your and Christ's Sheep want , and Preach words seasonable , or in due season . Oh Beloved , be not knowers but doers of the Word , not deceiving your own Souls : This will bring much honour to Christ , and you will then so do your work , as to have joy , and not grief , in the great day of Jesus Christ .

Secondly ; Let me exhort you that are Hearers , to suffer a word of Exhortation , not onely from me , but from your Preachers also , which enjoy wise and painful Preachers , that make it their business to seek out acceptable words for you . Oh , esteem such highly for their work sake , and their work for Christ's sake . Oh , slight not such words as cost them so dear , or so much , to find out for your use . Oh , sin not against such words as are seasonable , and should be to you acceptable . Suffer your Preachers to deal home and plainly with you ; 't is their duty , and their love to Christ and you , make their work easie ; take their labour of love kindly , despise not , pervert not prophesyings of such as seek out acceptable words ; and what-ever they speak is words of Truth , and of uprightness . If necessity be laid upon them to seek out acceptable words , do not think you are at liberty , whether you will receive or refuse them . Nay , think of that dreadful word , Lo , when this cometh to pass , then shall they know that a Prophet hath been among you , Ezek. 33.33 . The great God that made nothing in vain , hath not made wise Preachers in vain , or that you should turn a deaf ear , or a rebellious heart towards them . They must sift , hunt , and search out acceptable words for you ; and you ought to receive them with all readiness of mind , and take heed that they lose not through you the things which they have wrought . Oh believe it , your spiritual wise Preachers do bring you acceptable words , meat in due season , and therefore let him that hath ears , hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches .

And lastly ; If Preachers must seek out acceptable words for the People , then let their acceptable words be acceptably entertained of you : As Daniel said to the King , so let me say to all you to whom this Truth shall come , Let my Counsel be acceptable to you , and break off your sins by Righteousness , and your iniquities by shewing of mercy , Dan. 4.27 . I mean , your sins against wise Preachers , and their acceptable words from Jesus Christ .

Thus much for this Word and this Point . I proceed now from the Preacher's Work to the Preacher's Commendation ; And that which was written was upright , even words of Truth .

The eleventh Doctrine .

Whence I might observe , That as wise Preachers are wary and painful Preachers , and search and seek out acceptable and seasonable words for their People ; so a pious and deserving People will not be wanting to give , or afford them and their preaching , due and deserved incouragement and commendation , as might easily be made to appear .

But remembring what Solomon the Preacher hath writ in this case , Prov. 27.2 . Let another man praise thee , and not thine own mouth ; a stranger , and not thine own lips .

I shall forbear to proceed any further , and shall now consider the words , without relation to the Preacher , as they hint forth the commendation of uprightness and truth , not only in the Preacher's Spirit and Work , but in every Man's Spirit and Conversation .

The twelfth Doctrine .

And the Observation may be this , That a Spirit of Truth and uprightness , is an excellent frame of Spirit in all that profess the Name of Christ .

I shall not need to spend time about the opening or discovering what Truth and Uprightness is , because among such who enjoy wise Preachers , this is much discoursed of amongst wise and gracious Persons ; this is well known , if not better known than practised . Therefore I shall briefly give you the proofs of the Point , and then come to improve it .

That this frame of Spirit and walking is lovely and excellent , take the witness of a stranger in Israel concerning David , when he told him , Surely as the Lord liveth , thou hast been upright , and thy going out , and thy coming in with me in the Host , is good in my sight ; for I have not found evil in thee , since the day of thy coming unto me , to this day , 1 Sam. 29.6 . Take also David's own testimony , when he sings forth the excellency of his Spirit , saying , I was also upright before him , and have kept my self from mine iniquity , 2 Sam. 22.24 . But setting aside Man's testimony to this Truth , take the Lord 's own testimony concerning Job ; And the Lord said unto Satan , Hast thou considered my Servant Job ? there is none like him in the earth , a perfect and upright man , Chap. 1.8 . The like honourable acknowledgement doth our Lord give of Nathaniel , saying , Behold , an Israelite indeed , in whom there is no guile , John 1.47 . And Solomon tells us , Such as are upright in their way , are the Lord's delight , or his delightful ones , Prov. 11.20 .

But this may suffice for the proof of the Point , though manifold Texts might have been produced for the further demonstrating this , had it been necessary .

Let me now give you some Arguments to clear this Observation , That truth and uprightness in the Spirit , renders such Spirits excellent .

Argument 1.

First ; Because this is the frame of God's Spirit or Beeing , therefore to be like God in beeing , must needs render us excellent in beeing . That God is thus in his Beeing , take that saying for it , Good and upright is the Lord , Psal. 25.8 . Also that of Isaiah , Oh , thou most upright , dost weigh the path of the Just , Isa. 26.7 . Now to have our Spirits according to the frame of God's Spirit , is the most excellent frame that can be imagined . But again ;

Argument 2.

Secondly ; This must needs be a most excellent frame , because the contrary frame of Spirit is the most dishonourable and unlovely frame that can be . 'T is said of Satan , That he is transformed into an Angel of Light : This is the emphasis or height of his iniquity , he is not upright , he is not as he seems to be , he is really an Angel of darkness , and pretends to be an Angel of Light , 2 Cor. 11.14 . Therefore when our Lord would set forth the vileness and unworthiness of the Spirit of the Jews , he tells them , They are of their Father the Devil , and the lusts of your Father you will do , John 8.44 . And no Spirit is so disowned and detested of God , as the Spirit of Hypocrisie ; Wo unto Hypocrites , Math. 23.27 . read that place at your leasure . Therefore to be of the contrary Spirit to Hypocrisie , must needs be excellent ; that is , to be upright in Spirit . But again ;

Argument 3.

Thirdly ; 'T is that frame begun in us here , which will be our frame perfectly in the state of Glory . Now to be in such a frame here , as we shall be in glory , must needs be a glorious and excellent frame . When the Disciples saw Christ transfigured , That his Face did shine as the Sun , and his Rayment was white as the Light , Mat. 17.2 . Even so , how glorious are such Souls as are transfigured into the Image of Christ , even this image of Truth , and uprightness of Spirit ? Such are the most excellent in their Generation . But again ;

Argument 4.

Lastly ; This can be no other than a Truth , which both Heaven and Earth bear witness to ; but that this is excellent , even truth and uprightness , in whom-soever it be found , we have heard the testimony of Heaven and of the Scripture ; and if we enquire of all sorts of men under the Heavens , they will all seal to this Truth , that Men and Women , of honest Spirits , are most desirable and excellent Persons both to dwell with and converse with .

Therefore seeing this Doctrine knows no Adversaries as to the acknowledgment thereof , I shall cease any further demonstration , and come to Application ; wherein I shall speak some-thing by way of Information , some-thing of Exhortation , and then give some Motives .

Use of Information .

The first Use I shall make of this Point , is to present you with a word of Information , and that is , Whence it comes to pass that the Preachers and People of the Lord are no more valued and esteemed than they are this day ? 'T is , because they have no more of this excellent Spirit in them , this Spirit of Truth and of Uprightness . I do not say this is the only reason , or that there is no other reason , but I say it again , amongst other Reasons , this is one grand one : They say , Professors want Truth and Uprightness ; talk of Heaven , and of Love , and of Bounty and Patience , yet love the World , and pursue the World , and keep the World as much as any ; love few but themselves , and Men of their own Principles , judging all that believe not as they believe , and practise as they practise . They are as miserable and impatient , or forward upon every slight occasion , as any other men . Therefore men are apt to think that all is not true they say , and that they speak not as they think , but are deceitful , meer words and shews . Oh my dear Friends ! I wish that this were altogether groundless , and that there were not too much truth or ground for this complaint .

But Sirs , take notice how the want of visibility and activity in this frame of Spirit , causeth our good commodity to be evil spoken of ; therefore let it be our wisdom and business , to take away occasion from them that seek occasion , and take heed that we open not the mouths of the uncircumcised Philistines , to rejoyce or blaspheme . Let Professors know what they can , and talk what they will , 't wil signifie little , unless they walk also in this Spirit of Truth and Uprightness .

Vse of Exhortation .

But secondly , and especially , Let this be matter of Exhortation to us all , even as many as fear the Lord , both Preachers and Hearers , to labour for , and walk in a Spirit of Truth and Uprightness . This we have seen is a most excellent choice frame of Spirit , in the esteem both of God and Man . Oh therefore , labour to attain such a frame of Spirit ; For naturally our Spirits are otherwise in the frames of them ; for what the Prophet once said , is still truth , Every one is an hypocrite , and an evil doer , and every mouth speaketh folly or falshood , Isa. 9.17 . 'T is Mortification of earthly Members , and Sanctification of the Spirit , must make us Men or Women of this frame of Spirit ; for naturally we are born of another temper , and you who know what Mortification is , know it is not easie work to mortifie the deeds of the flesh ; but be it what it may be , yet be prevealed upon , in the fear of the Lord , to set upon this duty , even to get our Spirits into this frame , even into this good frame ; and if it will cost us the plucking out of our right eyes , or cutting off our right hands , yet subscribe to it .

And first , Let me freely tender this word of Exhortation to us that are Preachers , and should be wise Preachers , seeking out acceptable words ; and that which by us is at any time preached and written upon the heart of the People , should be upright , even words of truth . Let us be a living Word , as well as a speaking Word ; let our lips and our lives joyn together , and speak one thing , even Holiness to Jehovah . Oh , let not us reprove sin in others , and allow or indulge it in our selves . What is that but down-right dissimulation ? Oh , let us not commend Patience , and be impatient ; and Humility , and be Sons of Pride our selves . This is not to walk with the foot of uprightness according to the Gospel ; This is not to be a wise , but an unwise Preacher , if not a proud Pharisee , and a very Hypocrite . Wherefore , if a Preacher , be under such temptations ; as to pretend Christ , and preach Self ; and to seek Christ , and seek mostly Self ; as to cry down all sin , and yet live in cry'd down sins ; to commend Grace and Vertue , and yet live short in Grace , and empty of Virtue ; placing thy excellency and piety in seeming so , and saying so , and in washing the out-side , neglecting the inside ; make broad the Phylacteries , and enlarging the borders of your Garments , that is , in using singular or peculiar restraints , and modes of Gesture and Vesture , from other sober and pious Persons . Oh , know 't is not marring of our Beards or Locks , and having our Cloaks long , and our Girdles strait , that can or will prove us wise Preachers , or men of this excellent Spirit of Uprightness and Truth . Oh no! we may be Fools and Hypocrites for all this ; and therefore it nearly stands us upon to do as that great Preacher and Apostle of the Gentiles did ; Even to keep under ( or beat black and blew ) our body , and bring it into subjection , lest ( O mark it ) that by any means , when I have preached to others , I my self should be a cast-away , 1 Cor. 9.27 . And answer all temptations to contrary-mindedness or contrary-spiritedness to this Doctrine and frame of Spirit , as good Nehemiah did , saying , Shall such a man as I flee ? Who being as I am , would desist ? Chap. 6.11 . So let us . Who that is as I am , a Man , Ah more than a Man , a Christian ; yea more than a Christian , a Preacher to Christians , that would seek great things for himself , under pretence of seeking great things for Christ ? Oh , who that were a Preacher as I , and preached down Covetousness , Idleness , Earthly-mindedness in others , would live in these things himself ? Oh no , my Soul , I will not , I dare not , lest I be not found a wise , but an unwise Preacher , and that which by me is written or preached , be not words of Truth and Uprightness . And in the Close , what-ever I may be to others , I be to my self a cast-away . O therefore , let Preachers especially receive and improve this Exhortation , and see that our conversation be only as becometh the Gospel , Phil. 1.27 . And to close up this Head of Exhortation , Let as many as are and would be found wise Preachers , be perswaded to think often and deeply of that Scripture , 2 Cor. 4. Therefore , seeing we have this Ministry , as we have received Mercy , we faint not , but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty ; not walking in craftiness , nor handling the Word of God deceitfully , but by manifestation of the truth , commending our selves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God .

Having thus tendred my Mite to Preachers , let me now be your Exhorter that are Hearers ; Men and Women fearing the Lord , Oh , let this be your frame of Spirit , be like your Father Jacob , of a plain Spirit ; who hath his commendation in his youth , that he was a plain man , Gen. 25.27 . Oh , such let us that fear the Lord be , let our inside be manifest by our out-side ; let our Words and our Works agree ; our professions both to God and Man , and our performances agree and correspond together ; let our Light and our Life agree , our publick and private walking agree ; so shewing forth , that we are Israelites indeed , in whom there is no guile . Even the Epistle of Christ , written not with Ink , but with the Spirit of the living God ; not in Tables of Stone , but in fleshly Tables of the heart , as we have it 2 Cor. 3.3 . Oh , 't is living forth this Doctrine , will speak us forth clearly to be Christians , or the Epistles of Christ , when we have such frames of Spirit as are throughly seasoned with Uprightness and Truth . Christians , look to your frame of Spirit ; Hypocrites can look to their Words and Speeches . Look you to your Hearts , good Words and good Works Hypocrites have for God ; 't is Saints onely have good Hearts for God . Oh , look well to your Spirits , how the frame stands bent , whether for Truth and Uprightness , or for Falshood and Hypocrisie ; and forget not that word Mal. 2.15 . Take heed to your Spirits : Oh , dress your Spirits with Truth and Uprightness , for the dress of the Soul goes further with God , than all the dresses of the Body with men can do ; as Peter informs us , where he advises Women , Not to let their adorning be outward adorning , but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible , even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit , which in the fight of God is of great price , 1 Pet. 3.3 , 4. Oh my Brethren , look mostly after the dress and adorning of your Spirits , for God is not only a Spirit , but converseth most with the Spirits , and most delights in the well ordering and composure of the Spirit . Wherefore seeing the delight and sacrifice of God , is a broken and a contrite Spirit ; give unto God a plain Spirit of Truth and Uprightness , knowing that our God loves Uprightness .

And to quicken us to the acceptance of this Exhortation , let me give you and my self a few Motives and Encouragements to induce us to be of this blessed frame of Spirit .

Motive 1.

First ; This is the ready way to have God manifest his love abundantly to us , when he finds such a frame of Spirit in us , as we have it Psal. 11.7 . For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness , his Countenance doth behold the upright ; that is , favorably , or as one that God loves and respects . Oh , with what favorable respect did God behold upright Abraham , and upright Job , not only to approve them , but also to reward them or priviledge them ; as we find in that story of Abraham's offering up of Isaac ; whereby was manifested his uprightness , and God acknowledges it Gen. 22.12 . And when God saw that Abraham had such a frame of Spirit , God doth not only give him his Isaac from the dead , but tells him also , By my self have I sworn , saith the Lord ; for because thou hast done this thing , and hast not with-held thy Son , thine only Son , thine Isaac , that in blessing I will bless thee , and in multiplying I will multiply thy Seed as the Stars of Heaven , and as the Sand that is upon the Sea-shore ; and thy Seed shall possess the gate of his enemies , vers. 16 , 17. And lest this should not be enough , hear further what God promises him in the next Verse , saying , In thy Seed shall all the Nations of the Earth be blessed ; and all , because he was upright , and in uprightness obeyed the Voyce of God . Oh , see what favour God bears to upright Men and Women , as in Job , and David , and Paul , and others , might be largely manifested .

Secondly ; Consider , this is an encouragement , or an heart-strengthening frame of Spirit . Oh , how wonderfully will uprightness strengthen unto Truth ; according to that of Solomon , The Lord is strength to the upright , Prov. 10.29 . How did Daniel's uprightness give him humble and holy boldness in the day of his trouble ? as appears by his expression to the King , Then said Daniel unto the King , Live for ever ; my God hath sent his Angels , and hath shut the Lyons mouths that they have not hurt me ; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me , and also before thee have I done no hurt , Dan. 6.21 , 22. But on the contrary , How does the want of uprightness cause heart-trembling and weakness ? as you may see in that story of Haman , Hest. 7.6 , 7 , 8. Oh therefore , get and maintain such a frame of Spirit , as will cause and maintain in our Souls , a truly well-grounded confidence and boldness to look God and Man in the face withal , without blushing in any season . But again ;

Thirdly ; To move us to make it our business to get and maintain our Spirits in such a frame ; consider , 'T is a frame so desirable and lovely , that not only God and all good men love this frame of heart , but all men , even the vilest of men , approve of this in others , though they may be wanting in it themselves ; and this is the Apostles Argument , Whatsoever things are true , whatsoever things are honest , whatsoever things are just , whatsoever things are pure , whatsoever things are lovely , whatsoever things are of good report ; if there be any virtue , if there be any praise , think on these things , Phil. 4.8 . But again ;

Fourthly ; Take this for encouragement towards pressing after such a frame of Spirit : A deceitful Spirit is a vain Spirit , that goes about to deceive , or go beyond God or Man , by fraudes , by guiles , and deceits ; nay , deceives himself ; 't is like cloathing our selves with Fig-leaves , or hiding our heads under the Spider's Web ; 't is vain work , as the Lord tells us , Isa. 29.15 , 16 , 17. There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed , and hid , that shall not be known , Mat. 10.26 . For the folly of fools is deceit , Prov. 14.8 . For their folly shall be made manifest to all men , 2 Tim. 3.9 .

Fifthly , and lastly ; To hasten , consider but the danger of a contrary frame of Spirit to this Doctrine ; and if former Motives cannot induce and move us to this frame , yet peradventure this lower Motive of self-conveniency and concernment may . Though God is a resolved enemy against all sorts of sin and sinners , yet especially is he resolved to shew himself most quick and severe against persons of this frame . God hath said it , and will make it good ; Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their dayes , Psal. 53.23 . Hypocrites , of all men , must have their woes , and no portion of woe is sufficient for their punishment short of the Devils , weeping and gnashing of teeth , which must be the portion of Devils , and of Hypocrites , Mat. 24.51 . compared with Chap. 25.41 .

Take but an instance or two of this , of two great men in their day ; the one a King , and a choice one , but found playing the Hypocrite ; the other a Bishop , or an Apostle , but a bad one , and an Hypocrite . And behold how severe and quick God is in punishing both the one and the other . The one is David , who playing not only the Murderer and Adulterer , but the unworthy Hypocrite with Vriah ; pretending kindness , but contriving and effecting his death . How home doth God deal with this good man ! now therefore the Sword shall never depart from thy House : And if this were too light a punishment for secret but detestible iniquity and hypocrisie , God adds , Behold , I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house . I will take thy Wives before thine eyes and give them unto thy Neighbour , and he shall lie with thy Wives in the sight of the Sun ; The story you have at large in 2 Sam. 11 & 12 Chapters .

The other is Judas , one of the Twelve , that plaid the Hypocrite and Traytor with his Master , as you all know ; And what became of him ? No sooner is his hypocritical Act performed , but he departed and went and hang'd himself . Being a Preacher , could not preserve himself from bursting asunder , and all his Bowels gushing forth . Preachers of all Persons are in most danger , if found playing the Hypocrites , as God tells us Psal. 50.21 . These things hast thou done , and I kept silence ; thou thoughtest I were altogethor such a one as thy self ; but I will reprove thee , and set thy sins in order before thine eyes . Now consider this , ye that forget God , lest I tear you in pieces , and there be none to deliver you , vers. 22.

Therefore to close up this Use , and this Point ; Let it be the care and labour of the Souls of all wise Preachers , to share in the Commendation given to Christ by the Herodians , who said , Master , we know that thou art true , and teachest the way of God in truth ; neither carest thou for any mar , for thou regardest not the persons of men , Matth. 22.16 .

And to you Hearers , that are wise Hea●ers of the Word of God , take that counsel of Zechariah , These are the things ye shall do ; speak ye every man truth to his Neighbour ; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates ; and let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his Neighbour , and love no false Oath : for all these are things that I hate , saith the Lord , Zech. 8.16 , 17.

Thus I have briefly finished this Point , and this Verse , because I am not willing to detain you any longer .

I shall proceed to the next Verse and Words in the Text , Vers. 11. The words of the wise are as Goads , and as Nails fastned by the Masters of Assemblies , which are given from one Shepherd .

This is the close of this Argument , and of the Text , and is the third Particular asserted concerning all wise Preachers in the 9th Verse ; we have his pains and diligence mentioned in the 10th Verse ; we have his Doctrine vindicated ; and in this Verse we have the Original and Advantage of such Preachers and Preaching declared ; The words of the wise are as Goads , and as Nails fastned by the Masters of Assemblies , which are given from one Shepherd .

In which words generally we may observe two things .

First ; The Nature and Property of wise Words , or the words of the Wise ; They are as Goads , and as Nails fastned by Masters of Assembles .

Secondly ; We have presented to us the Rise and Original both of such Preachers and Preachings , they are given from one Shepherd .

In the first we have also two Particulars ; first , The Persons spoken of , only the Wise , and the Words , or the Words of the Wise . Secondly , That where-unto the Wise and their Words are resembled , and that is Goads and Nails .

In the second general we have also two Particulars ; First , The Person or Spring from whom wise Preachers and wise Words come ; that is , from the one Shepherd . Secondly ; Note how they come from the one Shepherd voluntarily , freely they are given from one Shepperd .

Let me briefly open or explicate the Text.

Explication .

First ; What are those Goads and Nails to which the words of the Wise are resembled ? A Goad seems to be that usual and necessary Instrument which Neat-herds or Drovers use about Oxen , at labour and in travel ; such we read of Judges 3.31 . and in 1 Sam. 13.21 . Nailes are either such as were used to fasten Tents , and the Tabernacle with , or other Habitations and things withal . Such was that Nail Jael took to kill Sisera with , Judges 4.21 . Masters of Assemblies , or Masters of Companies , or Master-workmen in all Occupations . Some are choicer Workmen than others ; one Shepherd , or the great and chief Shepherd is our Lord Jesus Christ .

The drift of these words , are only to imply the choiceness and usefulness of Wise-Preachers and Wise-Preaching . They and their Work are as perfect , useful , and necessary , as the choicest Artists and their Works : Such being as necessary and useful in Spirituals , as any other things can be in Humane Cases and Concernments .

From the words thus opened , divers Observations or Doctrines might be raised ; as from the Persons and work here spoken of , The Words of the Wise , We may note ;

Doctrine 1. That it t is not any Preacher or Preaching , but only the wise Preacher and wise Preaching that is the Peoples Blessing and Advantage ; such only will prove like to Goads and Nails .

The second , From the Comparison ; as Goads and Nails , which are not only good and exact in their Nature and Kind , but needful and necessary in their Use ; from which I might note ;

Doctrine 2. That wise Preachers and Preaching are very necessary and needful for the People .

Thirdly , From the ground and occasion of Goads and Nails , which are not only good , but also to quicken and fasten . From whence we may note ;

Doctrine 3. That the best of Saints need quickning and setling , which are the ends of Goads and Nails .

Fourthly , From the manner of attaining these , Note ;

Doctrine 4. Either to be wise Preachers , and capable to give wise words , or to be a People so priviledged , as to have wise Preachers , and wise Words , is a free gift of God ; as 't is said in the Text , which are given from one Shepherd .

Doctrine 5. Lastly ; Note , All divine Ministries and Ministrations come from the Lord Jesus , that one Shepherd , or that original Shepherd .

For brevity sake I shall only insist upon two Observations , into which I shall draw the substance of all the rest .

The first is this , That wise and spiritual Preachers and their words are very useful , and necessary for the spiritual service and benefit of God's People , as the things mentioned , or the choicest things in Nature are or can be for natural ends and purposes .

The second Conclusion is this , That all Divine Ministries and Ministrations , spring from the alone Will and Wisdom of the Lord Jesus , that one Shepherd , and are freely given for the advantage of his People , as we have it in the Text , which are given from one Shepherd , ( or from the one Shepherd . )

To begin with the first of these , to wit , That wise and spiritual Preachers and their words are very useful , and necessary for the spiritual service and benefit of God's People , as either the things mentioned , or the choicest things in Nature are or can be for natural ends or purposes .

The truth of this Conclusion shines evidently in Scripture ; as in that of Solomon , A word fitly spoken , is like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver ; As an ear-ring of Gold , and an Ornament of fine Gold , so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear ; or , as the cold of Snow in the time of Harvest , so is a faithful Messenger to them that send him , for he refresheth the Soul of his Masters , Prov. 25.11 , 12 , 13. Hear also what the Apostle saith , How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed ? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? And how shall they hear without a Preacher ? Oh , see the great necessity and utility of a wise Preacher . But lest this were not enough , he adds from the Prophet , as it is written , How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace , and bring glad tydings of good things ? Rom. 10.14 , 15.

To trouble you with no more , take that Ephes. 4. where we find the End and Use of wise Preachers ; it is for perfecting of the Saints , for the Work of the Ministry , for edifying of the Body of Christ ; that we hence-forth be no more Children cossed to and fro , and carried about with every wind of Doctrine , by the slight of men , and cunning craftiness , whereby they lie in wait to deceive , vers. 12 , 14. Two or three things in the Text clear this sufficiently .

Reason 1.

First ; The Appellation put upon Preachers , ( I mean , onely wise and profitable Preachers ) they are stiled wise ; and that is , as honourable to the Preacher , so also profitable to the People . For as that Peoples loss is great whose Preacher is a Fool ; even so that Peoples gain is much whose Preacher is wise , unless themselves be in fault . This our Preacher gives us , saying , The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them , because he knoweth not how to go to the City . Woe to thee , O Land , when thy King is a Child , and thy Princes eat in the morning . Blessed art thou , O Land , when thy King is the Son of Nobles , and thy Princes eat in due season , for strength and not for drunkenness , Eccles. 10.15 , 16 , 17.

Secondly ; They are stiled Masters of Assemblies or Societies , which is a title and place of honour . Now as it is Preachers honour thus to be accounted , so it is the Peoples blessing and advantage have such Master-Workmen to be their Servants , that can wisely and profitably serve them . That this is Preacher's honour , ( who are wise to be styled Master-Workmen in God's Israel , take a Text or two : Master , we know that thou art true , and teachest the way of God in truth , Mat. 22.16 . with 3 John 10. Therefore to have such Workmen , must needs be the Peoples blessing and advantage .

Objection .

But some may Object and say , Is it not written , But the Anointing which ye have received of him , abideth in you ; and ye need not that any man teach you , but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things , 1 John 2.27 ?

Answer .

To which I Answer , first , The Scripture no where really contradicts it self any where , but agrees with it self every where , and only so ought to be expounded . Therefore this of John must not contradict those of Paul which have been cited ; which it would , if this were admitted to be the sense , That sanctified or anointed Persons need not the teachings of any man , ( no though the wisest of men . ) Which what can be more contrary to this ; How shall they hear without a Preacher ? But let us take great heed of making Scripture so much as seem to fight with it self .

But , secondly ; to what hath been Objected , I Answer , The word [ need not ] may be taken comparatively , not absolutely or positively ; not no need at all , but not that need ye once had , and all have , that have not your anointing ; such as are partakers of the Unction of the Holy Ghost in a work of conversion , have not afterward such need of any to teach them as once they had , because now under the teachings of that Anointing .

Nor , thirdly , have they such a degree of need , as such have who are yet without this Unction , and are unregenerate . They mostly need teaching who are unregenerate , how much soever taught with other teaching .

But , fourthly ; Consult the place , and the scope is not to put by the preaching of wise , but of seducing Preachers , as appears vers. 26. These things have I written unto you , concerning them which seduce you . Now though they had no need of the teachings of such as would seduce them , yet it follows not that they had no need of the teachings of such who would not seduce them .

Fifthly ; Consider , that though those who lived under the Apostles teaching , had not such need of teaching , as such who wanted that teaching , yet that they wanted no teaching doth not follow .

And , lastly ; Take this for Answer , Such as have received the Anointing spoken of , though they never enjoy afterwards any humane or instrumental teaching , yet shall be taught by the Anointing , provided it be God's providence , not the improvidence which keeps other means of teaching from them . In extraordinary cases , God can and will work without means . In ordinary cases God will work by means , and ties us to attend upon him in the use of means ; and thus , Faith comes by Hearing , and Hearing by the Word of God , Rom. 10.17 . And so much for Answer of this Objection .

But now to return to the confirming of this Doctrine . As their Titles , so the Acts assigned to them by the Text , and which ought to be performed of them , ( or at least designed by them ) that is , to be as Goads and Nails in the sense given upon the place : They are Leaders , Conductors , or Guides of the Flock of Jesus Christ . And how unskilful are the choicest Sheep to lead and conduct themselves aright in their way or journey ? Any Pastor as well as their proper Pastor , shall become their Pastor , if not conducted and guided by wise and skilful Leaders or Overseers . Therefore saith the Psalmist , He chose David also his Servant , and took him from the Sheep-folds , from following the Ewes great with young , he brought him to feed Jacob his People , and Israel his Inheritance : So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart ; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands , Psal. 78.70 , 71 , 72.

But again , Wise Preachers are not onely necessary , because Master-Workmen , and so Skilful , and Guides , and Leaders of the Flock , and so useful ; But ,

Thirdly , They are resembled to Goads and Nails : and how necessary are they ? the use of Goads are to excite , and quicken dull and slothful Cattel to go forward ; and of such use is the wise Preacher , both towards Sinners and Saints : And thus practised Holy Peter , who saith , This second Epistle ( beloved ) I now write unto you , in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance ; that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the Holy Prophets , and of the Commandments of us the Apostles of the Lord and Saviour , 2 Pet. 3.1 , 2. And the need the Church hath of such Workmen , the Prophet Isaiah tells us , saying , There is none that calleth upon thy Name , that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee , Isa. 64.7 .

But , Lastly ; To set out the worth and need of wise Preachers , and their words , they are resembled to Nails ; alluding , as I suppose , to the fixing , stablishing Nails of the Tabernacle ; which how glorious a contrivance and workmanship soever in it self , yet would have been of little lustre , small use , and short continuance , if it had not injoyed these Stakes , Pins , or Nails , to fix and fasten it , as in a sure place , Isa. 22.23 , 24 , 25. In like manner , O how mutable , unsetled , and like unfixed and wandering Meteors would the World and the People of God be , were they without these sure hold-fasts , these divine Nails and Pins , as witnesseth Moses , where he saith , For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt your selves , and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you , Deut. 31.29 . Which Prophesy was fulfilled , Judges 2.10 , 11.

But this may suffice to confirm and clear this Doctrine , That wise and Spiritual-Preachers , and their words , are very useful and necessary for the spiritual benefit and service of God's People ; as the things mentioned , or the choicest things in Nature can be for natural use or service . Let me now come to the Application hereof .

The first Vse is of Information .

The first Use shall be for Information : If wise Preachers , and their words , be such choice blessings to that People which enjoy them ; then how mistaken are such as think otherwise of them , as burthensome and unprofitable persons , such as there is little or no need of ; and they can live well enough without knowing so much as others , or that which others can tell them , and have Grace and Light within , and need not such to guide them , and are wise enough to know the things of their own concernment , and therefore need not others to teach them . All that I shall say to these is , what the Lord said by Moses ; O that they were wise , that they understood this , that they would consider their latter end , Deut. 32.29 . To which I add , Wo unto them that are wise in their own eyes , and prudent in their own sight , Isa. 5.21 .

And , Lastly ; Let these hear the Word of the Lord ; How do you say we are wise , and the Law of the Lord is with us . Lo , certainly in vain made he it ; the Pen of the Scribes is in vain , the wise men are ashamed , they are dismayed and taken ; Lo , they have rejected the Word of the Lord , and what wisdom is in them , Jer. 8.8 , 9.

Exhortation .

But , Secondly ; This Doctrine affords us a double word of Exhortation . First , To such as are or ought to be wise Preachers .

First ; As Goads , and as Nails , and as Masters of Assembles : Let your Light so shine before men , that they may see your good Works , ( as well as hear your good Words ) . Thus Paul did , saying , Be ye followers of us , as we are of Christ . For we have given you an Example , that so doing you should feed the Flock , 1 Cor. 11.1 . and Acts 20. O , let us that preach to others , preach to our selves , to be like what we are resembled to , even Goads , and Nails , and Masters of Assemblies , ( though under that great Shepherd the Lord Jesus ) as Peter tells us , as not being Lords , but skilful Master-workmen , quickning and exciting the Flock to love and good Works . And for this end take we care of two things .

First ; Be shining Examples in the practice of what-ever light of Doctrine we hold forth to others ; Practice in our selves is best preaching unto others .

But , Secondly ; Since we are resembled to such useful necessary things , let us , as Leaders of the Flock , both know and take care of the state of the Flock , quickning and provoking such as are backward , dull , and wanting , both by encouragement and reprehension , as the Peoples case requires ; imitating Holy Peter , who resolved , so long as he was in this Tabernacle , to stir the People up , by putting them in remembrance , 2 Pet. 1.13 . That so the state of Jerusalem may be a quiet Habitation , a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down , nor one of the Stakes thereof ever be removed , neither any of the Cords thereof be broken , Isa. 30.20 .

Exhortation 2.

But , Secondly ; Let me now offer a word of Exhortation to you that are Hearers , which is : If wise Preachers should be like goads , and nails , and masters of Assemblies ; then let me persuade you to suffer them so to be unto you , suffer them to oversee your state , and to deal wisely , and faithfully with you , quickning , and exciting you , rebuking , and reproving you , when your Condition calls for it , and let them stablish , strengthen , settle you , according to their Duty , as Joshua , Ezra , Nehemiah , and Paul , and other Master-workmen did , as you may read , Josh. 23. with Ezra 10. and Nehemiah 5. with Acts 20. And consider , although this is the Preachers Duty thus to do , yet is this more than many Hearers and Church-members can bear , either to be observed , rebuked , quickened , or fixed in their places , to their work and duty : But are rather like those Psalm 2. who say , Let us break their bonds asunder , and cast their cords from us ; or like those that said , Our tongues are our own , who shall controul us ? Psal. 12. And how then can a Preacher , how wise , how diligent , how zealous , how faithful , how loving , how watchful soever , do his Duty , to be as goads and as nails , when the People cannot submit to him , but are like those the Lord complains of , saying , Let no man strive , or reprove another ; for this people are as they that strive with the Priest , Hos. 4.4 . O therefore let me exhort you , that are wise Hearers , and enjoy wise Preachers , accept of the Counsel given , Obey them that have the rule over you , and submit your selves : For they watch for your Souls , as they that must give an account , that they may do it with joy , and not with grief ; for that is unprofitable for you , Heb. 13.17 . But again ,

Lastly ; If wise Preachers be such great Blessings , such useful , necessary enjoyments ( even almost of necessity to be enjoyed ) then all you that enjoy such Blessings , bless God abundantly for them , and be a blessing to them , by accepting them , and their Labours , by obeying , and submitting to them , and their Doctrine . Be enlightned by their enlightning words , and quickened by their quickning words , and fixed by their fixing , stablishing words , and Arguments . Not being wavering-minded ones , carried about with every wind of Doctrine , or cunning craftiness of men , Heb. 13.9 . Eph. 4 4. But suffer your Preachers to say , as Job did , When the ear heard me , then it blessed me ; and when the eye saw me , it gave witness to me : I was eyes to the blind , and feet was I to the lame ; I was a Father to the poor , and the Cause which I knew not , I searched out . I brake the Jaws of the wicked , and pluckt the spoil out of his teeth , Job 29.11 , 15 , 16 , 17. and so much for this Doctrine .

One thing more I shall speak to , and so conclude the Text , which is this ;

The Fourteenth Doctrine .

That all Ministries and Ministrations spring from the alone will , and wisdome of the Lord Jesus , that one Shepherd , and are freely given for the advantage of his people ; As we have it in the Text , Which are given from one Shephard .

Take for the proof hereof these Testimonies , Wisdome hath builded her house , she hath hewed out her seven Pillars ; she hath killed her beasts , she hath mingled her wine , she hath also furnished her Table , she hath sent forth her Maidens , &c. Prov. 9.1 , 2 , 3. But again hear what John saith , All things were made by him , and without him was not any thing made , that was made , John 1.3 . and Paul tells us , Of him , and through him , and to him are all things , to whom be glory for ever , Amen , Rom. 11.36 . And again he tells us , God hath set some in the Church , first Apostles , secondly Prophets , thirdly Teachers , after that are Miracles , then Gifts in Healing , helps in Government , diversity in Tongues , 1 Cor. 14.28 . This may suffice for the proof of this point , That all Ministers , Ministries , Ministrations which are divine and evangelical , must and do come from the alone good will and wisdome of the Lord Jesus , and are freely given for the good of his People .

But for the better opening of this Doctrine , let me explain these few things , ( 1. ) What I mean by Ministers , Ministries , and Ministrations . ( 2. ) How they spring from the alone good will and wisdome of the Lord Jesus . ( 3. ) In what sense I intend they are freely given . ( 4. ) and lastly , why I say freely given , for the good of his Church and People .

First , Let me speak to the first ; By Ministers , I mean all , and only all such persons , as are in the Church of Christ , admitted into Ministry , or Office in the Church ; and so are disterenced , and distinguished from the Memoral part thereof , or such who are only Members therein : I speak not here of Ministers , or Officers Civil , or belonging to the Commonwealth , nor of Antichristian , or National Ministers ; but only of such as are , or pretend to be Christ's Ministers : I say all these must spring from him , Whom God hath made both Lord and Christ , and holdeth the seven stars in his right hand , Act. 2.36 . with Revel. 2.1 . By Ministries , I mean not Officers but Offices , or those Institutions and Appointments for making of Ministers .

Secondly , These also spring from the Headship , Authority , Will , and Wisdom of the Lord Jesus only . It is not allowable in any Kingdom , Free-State , or Common-Wealth , that any but the Head and Supream Power thereof , should assume the appointing or making Offices or Ministries therein . Even so none save the Lord Jesus is allowed to institute and appoint what Offices and Ministries shall be in the Church , that is , in his Church and Kingdom . For although the Father hath given all Authority and Power to the Son , to appoint Ministries for his Church , yet hath not the Son given or committed any such power , as to institute or appoint any Office or Ministry in the Church to any sort of Persons under the Sun ; but hath written , Thou shalt not make , Exod. 20. And this was the great sin of Jeroboam , that he made Priests , 1 Kings 12.31 .

But , Thirdly ; Let me open what I mean or intend by a Ministration , or by Ministrations ; to wit , such Acts or Works as Persons made Officers over the Church of God are to perform , in , and for the Church of God . Now , I say , that as none can appoint Christ a Minister , or determine by what Ministry he shall be served but himself , no more can or ought any but the Lord from Heaven , heavenly to appoint what Work or Ministration these shall perform to Christ , but the true Alpha and Omega , the beginning and end of all things , Rev. 22.13 . But as all Ministries come from him , even so from him must proceed all Gospel-Ministration or Performances . But again , when I say in the Doctrine , that they spring from the alone good Will and Wisdom of the Lord Jesus , I intend not to exclude God considered as the Father , who is God over all , blessed for ever-more ; but onely I would exclude all the Children of men from having any part or portion in the begetting or giving beeing to any Gospel Ministry or Ministration : This under the Father proceeds from the Lord Jesus Christ , who when he ascended up on high , gave Gifts unto Men for the Work of the Ministry , Ephes. 4. 'T was good Will , none could have constrained him so to have done ; and 't was his own Wisdom , without the wisdom of the flesh , contrived and concluded the mode and manner of his own Service , Mat. 28.18 , 19 , 20. with Acts the first , abundantly declare . And further , when I say Ministers , Ministries , and Ministrations are freely given , I intend , that as the Church had never been purchased by Christ , but that he freely gave himself for it ; so no more had the Church ever attained , or enjoyed , any Ministry , or Institution , and Appointment about Gospel-Ministers , and Gospel-Ministrations , but onely through the good Will and good Pleasure of him that dwelt in the Bush , ( for indeed all Institutions spring onely from the Will and Pleasure of the Institutor ) as not being moral , but instituted Beeings . Further , I mean , no man can come to be one of Christ's Ministers , but by the free will of Christ . He can neither attain Grace or Gifts to qualifie and fit him , nor choice into any Ministry under Christ , but by the free-will and good-pleasure of Christ , as Paul acknowledgeth , saying , Whereof I was made a Minister , according to the Gift of the Grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power , Ephes. 3.7 , 8. And as to Choice , Solomon tells us , The Lot is cast into the Lap , but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord , Prov. 16.33 . But further , I mean by this Expression freely of the Lord , that when such a People attain such a Ministry , and such a Minister such a Congregation , this is , or ought to be , of the Lord .

And , Lastly ; When I tie up all Ministries , Ministrations , or Ministers , onely to the Church and People of God , as given and provided for them ; I mean , exclusively . They are neither instituted nor appointed for the use and service of the World , but of the Church and Elect of God ; further then accidentally , and by way of redundancy , as Paul tells us , in 1 Cor. 14.24 , 25. I say further , then accidentally : 'T is Childrens Bread , and ought not to be given to Dogs , Mat. 15.26 . Thus much for Explication .

Let me now confirm this by Argument or Reason ; to wit , that all Ministers , Ministries , and Ministrations , meet to be owned for Christ's , or Evangelical , do all spring from the alone Will and Authority of the Lord Jesus , and are freely given for the service of himself and People .

Reason 1.

First ; This must needs be thus , because it is said of Christ , That God hath highly exalted him , and given him a Name which is above every Name ; That at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow , of things in Heaven , and things in Earth , and things under the Earth ; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is the Lord , to the glory of God the Father , Phil. 2.9 , 10 , 11. But this could not be affirmed of Christ , if he had not this Priviledge and Prerogative , which Princes on Earth are not denyed , even to give a beeing to his own Ministers and their Ministrations . That this Priviledge earthly Powers have assumed and been allowed ; witness Pharaoh , Gen. 41.38 , 39 , 40 , 41. The like we read done by Solomon , 1 Kings 2.35 . Thus did Ahasuerus , Hester , 10.2 , 3. And the like did Darius , Dan. 6.1 , 2. with many others that might be produced . And shall not the King of Kings , and Lord of Lords , be allowed the same priviledge which other subordinate and inferior Princes are allowed , even to institute , nominate , and appoint his own Servants , or Ministers , and their Ministrations ? Yes doubtless , for as the Text alledged tells us , He is exalted to a Name above every Name ; and David speaking of the Lord Christ , tells us , This must be his priviledge , That God the Father will make him his first born higher than the Kings of the earth , Psal. 89.27 . Therefore this Prerogative must needs be allowed him .

Reason 2.

Secondly ; I conclude , this must be the Prerogative of Christ , to give the Rise and Beeing to his own Ministers , and their Ministrations , because none of the Children of men are wise enough for so great and glorious an undertaking ; Paul speaking but of the accomplishment of the Work of one of Christ's Ministers , saith , and who is sufficient for these things ? Then surely , much less sufficient to institute a Frame & Constitution for Ministers and Ministrations , which requires a greater capacity or sufficiency then the former ; wherefore John tells us , No man in Heaven , nor in Earth , neither under the Earth , was able to open this Book , neither to look thereon , Rev. 5.3 , 4. Wherefore this concern must be let alone to him , to whom of right it doth appertain , even to the Lyon of the Tribe of Judah , our Lord Jesus , for he onely is worthy and capable thereof , as we read vers. 5. compared with vers. 9. But to proceed .

Reason 3.

Thirdly ; This must needs be the peculiar Prerogative of Christ , to appoint his own Ministers , and Worship , or Service , because 't is his own ; 't is for himself , 't is for his own Church and Kingdom ; and who shall appoint him Servants , or impose Servants and Services upon him ? It stands not with his honour or faithfulness to admit it . But again ;

Reason 4.

Lastly ; Ministries and Ministrations Spiritual , Ecclesiastical , appertaining to the Kingdom of Christ , must spring from the Free-will and Royal-Pleasure of the Lord Christ ; because that as it stands not with his Honour , Greatness , Wisdom , and Goodness to commit this concern into the hands of Angels or Men , being below true fitness or capacity for the work ; so neither can any created Power snatch Authority , or exercise Power of imposing Ministers and Ministrations upon him against his Royal Will and Pleasure ; and if they but attempt to do it , let them look to it , for he will one day dash them in pieces like a Potters Vessel , Ps. 2. And however the Sons of men may attempt to incroach this Power and Priviledge of the Lord Jesus into their hands ; yet let me say to these as the Prophet in a like case did , What is the Chaff to the Wheat , saith the Lord ? Jer. 23.28 . Even so , what is the Will or Power of Man , to the Will and Power of the Lord Jesus , that he should oppose him , or impose upon him ? 'T is truth , Man may impose upon the Son of Man ; but who can impose upon the Son of God ? Sampson and Peter were both imposed upon , and carried whither they would not ; but none can impose any thing upon Christ against his will , for he will , and can , refuse to drink such Gall and Vinegar , however they be that offer it to him . Therefore it remains most clear and visible from all that hath been offered , That this is the alone Glory and Prerogative of the Lord Jesus , to be the Spring and Fountaneous cause of all Ministries , Ministers , and Ministrations belonging to his own Church , upon whom he freely bestowed them .

Thus much for the confirming and clearing of the Doctrine ; I come now to the Application of this great Point .

Use of Information .

First ; This serves for Information in two or three Particulars .

First , It informs us how much such are mistaken , that conceive and affirm that it is left free and arbitrary to States and Princes to judge and conclude , what Ministry and Ministration the People of God should injoy in their Dominions ; whereas in truth it nothing at all appertains to them , but only to the Lord Jesus to appoint and determine what kind of Ministers and Ministrations his People shall fall under ; as the Arguments before alleadged do manifest . Men have liberty and freedom to judge and determine for themselves , but no power to impose or determine for others ; as Paul saith , Who art thou , O man , that judgest another Man's Servant ? to his own Master he standeth or falleth ; yea , he shall be holden up ; for God is able to make him to stand , Rom. 14.4 . But again , to proceed ;

Secondly , This informs us how far that assertion is from being a Scripture-Truth , which maintains , That Ministries and Ministrations depend upon the Christian Magistrate for confirmation ; whereas indeed it depends upon the good will and pleasure of none of the Sons of Men , but onely upon the Son of God , who is Lord of all things . I suppose in this case , I may say with truth , what Korah and his Complices said with falshood , Ye take too much upon you , who-ever you are that thus affirm and practise , Numb. 16.3 .

Thirdly , This acquaints us , that such Ministers , and Ministries , and Ministrations , that spring not from the Will , Wisdom , and Authority of the Lord Jesus , are none of his Ministers , Ministries , or Ministrations , but Man's , either their own or other mens creation or creating ; Let them be dignified or distinguished by what Names or Titles soever , even from the Pope to the Parator : and if such will not be called Antichristian Ministers , yet must they suffer me to call them Man's Minister● , and let all such Ministers of Man , and of the Will of Man , hear their doom ; Mine hand shall be upon the Prophets that see vanity and divine lies ; they shall not be in the Assembly of my People , neither shall they be written in the House of Israel , neither shall they enter into the Land of Israel ; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God , Zech. 13.9 . Further this informs us , That all such Ministrations as spring not from the Lord Jesus , neither are instituted by him , nor found in the Writings of the New Testament , are none of Christ's Ordinances , but mens sinful inventions and superstition , concerning which our Lord long time since gave his Judgment , saying , But in vain do they worship me , teaching for Doctrine the Commandments of men , Mat. 15.9 .

Fourthly , and Lastly ; This acquaints us , That the Innovation , or bringing into the Church of God such Ministers and Ministrations as our Lord Jesus Christ never instituted , neither spring from , nor depend upon him , is no small , but a magnified Transgression . If it be Treason against a King for any in his Dominion to introduce Offices , Officers , Laws and Ordinances , without his consent . O! what high Treason is it against our Sovereign Lord King Jesus , the King , or Prince of the Kings of the Earth , Rev. 1.5 . I say , What Treason is it for any man , or number of men , to make and appoint Ministers and Ordinances in his Church and Kingdom without him ! Let all such Traytors against the Lord Jesus think seriously on two or three Texts of Scripture I shall commend unto them ; one is that of Isaiah , Wherefore the Lord said , Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouths , and with their lips do honour me , but have removed their hearts far from me , and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men : Therefore behold , I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people , even a marvellous work and a wonder ; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish , and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid , Chap. 29.13 , 14. Again , think on that passage of Ezekiel ; And he said to me , Son of man , the place of my Throne , and the place of the soles of my feet , I will dwell in the midst of the Children of Israel for ever , and my holy Name shall the Children of Israel no more defile , neither they , nor their Kings in their high places ; in their setting of their Thresholds by my Thresholds , and their Posts by my Posts , and the Wall between me and them , they have even defiled my holy Name by their abominations they have committed ; wherefore I have consumed them in my anger , Chap. 43.7 , 8. So much for this first Use , or for Information .

The second Vse is Vindication or Justification .

A second Use of this Point may be for Vindication or Justification of all such Gospel-Ministers and Ministrations as proceed from the Will and Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ , manifest by his Word to be Divine and Warrantable , notwithstanding they are unapproved by humane Authority , ( nay though they should be by them forbidden ) ; my Reason is this ; If such Ministries , Ministers , and Ministrations , be given and allowed by the Lord Jesus , whom alone God the Father hath intrusted with these Affairs ; then they have Allowance and Approbation from him , whose Allowance and Approbation is only essential and sufficient for their Encouragement and Vindication ; and it very little matters , as to their Justification , whether such persons which are unconcerned in this Affair , do approve or disapprove , while the Lord , though not man , hath approved them . This the Lord told Ezekiel , Chap. 2. And he said unto me , Son of man , I send thee to the Children of Israel , to a rebellious Nation , that hath rebelled against me ; and their Fathers have transgressed against me unto this very day ; For they are impudent Children , and stiff-hearted ; I do send thee unto them , and thou shalt speak my words unto them , whether they will hear , or whether they will forbear , Vers. 2 , 3 , with 5 , 7.

To the Vindication of a Minister in his Work , it little matters whether men of what rank or degree soever they be , do allow , permit , or discourage him , whilst his Lord and Master hath but sent and commissionated him , he need not much be troubled with the prohibitions and oppositions of his fellow Servants : Nay , if he will not be rebellious like them , he must go on his Errand , and neither fear them , or be prohibited by them , but remember what is further added in that passage of Ezekiel , But thou , Son of Man , hear what I say unto thee ; Be not thou rebellious , like that rebellious house , open thy mouth , and eat that I give thee , vers. 8. And therefore Christ's Gospel-Ministers may warrantably answer any that inquire , by what Authority do you thus Administer ? Be it known unto you , that by the alone Name and Authority of the Lord Jesus , we thus administer ; and if any of their Mothers Children should be angry with them , and threaten them with their thorney Arguments of persecution and affliction , they may , as others have done before them , say , O Nebuchadnezzar , We are not careful to answer thee in this matter , Dan. 3.16 . with Acts 4.

Query .

But some may say , How shall a State or People know who are such Ministers , and what are such Ministrations as are truly Christ's , and arise from him , minister to him , and depend upon him ?

Answer .

I Answer , By doing that which God enjoyned all the Kings of Israel to do , in Deut. 17. And it shall be , when he sitteth upon the Throne of his Kingdom , that he shall write him a Copy of the Law in a Book , out of that which is before the Priests , the Levites ; And it shall be with him , and he shall read therein all the dayes of his life , that he may learn to fear the Lord his God , to keep all the words of this Law , and these Statutes , to do them , vers. 18 , 19. By thus doing , by Reading , and Learning what God hath written in his Book of the Scriptures may they come to know , who are the true Spiritual Gospel-Ministers of the Lord Jesus . Thus did that great Reformer Nehemiah , when he would know who were the Lord 's true Priests and Ministers ; He searched into the Register , and such of the Priests as could not produce and shew their Genealogy , he put , as polluted , from the Priesthood , Chap. 7.64 , 65.

Therefore if any profess themselves Ministers of the Lord Jesus , and you would know whether they be Christ's , or Antichrist's Ministers ; ask for their Genealogy , and let them shew their Line from Judah , not from Levi ; I mean , from Christ , and not from Men , whether Pope or Presbyter ; for our Lord took care of this Concern , when he spent forty dayes with his Disciples in setling the Things of his Kingdom , Acts 1.3 . And before he ascended upon High , he gave Gifts unto Men for the Work of the Ministry ; some Apostles , some Prophets , some Evangelists , some Pastors , some Teachers , Ephes. 4.8 , 11. But we read not of any Pope , or Vicar-General ; no Cardinals , Arch-Bishops , Lord-Bishops , Fryers , Monks , Deans , Doctors , Batchellors , Parsons , Curates , or the residue of these Locusts ; these never came into the World by Christ's Charter , or Deed of Gift , made over to the Church before his Ascention . No , no , these came in the back way , through the opening of the bottomless Pit , Rev. 9.1 , 2 , 3. That wisdom of the Father , even our Lord Jesus , who builed his House , killed his Fatlings , also provided his own Maidens , or Virgin-Servants , which are but few , yet not too few to do all his Work . As his House stands upon seven Pillers , even so he provided but seven sorts of Ministers , or Ministries , besides the Widdows , those helps to Government , as the New Testament testifies : and an Old Testament Inistitution , can give no beeing to a New Testament Ministration ; and in all the Records of Christ's Acts and Institutions , we read not of any other Ministry ordained for the Church than the Ministry of Apostles , Evangelists , Prophets , which three were extraordinary and temporary , and are ceased , and there remains only now to be enjoyed the Ministry of Pastor , Teacher , Elder , and Deacon ; with the fore-named helps to Government , as sufficient to all Ends and Purposes in Christ's Kingdom ; and of these we read Rom. 12. Having then Gifts , differing according to the Grace given to us , whether Prophesie , let us prophesie according to the proportion of Faith or Ministry . Let us wait on our Ministry ; he that teacheth , on Teaching ; he that exhorteth , on Exhortation ; he that giveth , let him do it with simplicity ; he that ruleth , with diligence , Vers. 6 , 7 , 8. Now such who have neither Name nor Nature of these Ministries , can be none of Christ's , but Man's , or Antichrist's .

But again , ask all such who pretend to be Ministers of Christ , by what Door or Way they came into the Ministry . For they , who ever they be , that come not in by Christ's Door into his Sheepfold , are Theeves and Robbers , John 10.1 . Now Christ's way for men to become his Ministers , is by , first , joyning and accompanying themselves with the Church or Congregation , whose Ministers they are to be ; as appears by Acts 1.21 . where we read Peter tells the Church , That of these men that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us , beginning from the Baptism of John , unto the same day that he was taken up from among us , must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his Resurrection , Vers. 22. And thus they chose Ministers , Acts 6. according to Apostolical Direction , who said , Wherefore Brethren , look you out from among your selves seven men of honest report , full of the Holy Ghost , and Wisdom , whom we may appoint to this business , vers. 4.

Again , ask those who profess themselves Christ's Ministers , Who put them into their Ministry , the Church , or any particular sort of men distinct from the Congregation , whose Ministers they are ? For none but the Church ( I mean , a particular Church ) can make a Man a Minister of any of Christ's particular Churches , or Golden Candlesticks ; It was the Church , not the Apostles , chose , accepted , and admitted those into the Office of Deaconship , which we read of Act. 6.5 , 6. And they chose Steven , a man full of Faith , and of the Holy Ghost , and Philip , and Prochorus , and Nicanor , and Timon , and Parmenos , and Nicolas a Proselyte of Antioch , whom they set before the Apostles . And if the Churches of Christ should not have this power , to give the Beeing and Ordination to their own Servants and Ministers , without dependance on others , then should the power and priviledges of Christ's Churches , be less than of civil Corporations , or private Families , which were absurd to imagine . Not to grant this to every individual and particular Church and Congregation , were to maintain , That Christ's Churches are in Bondage , and not Free States , or Politick Bodies , which were derogatory both to Christ and to his Church .

Further , either the Church , or persons less than the Church , must make Ministers ; but the Text tells us , The lesser must be blessed of the greater . Therefore every Church of Christ , and not any distinct sort of Persons there-from must make Ministers for themselves . Heb. 7.7 . we read , And without all contradiction , the less is blessed of the greater , yea , and subjected to the greater , even every Gospel-Minister to his Congregation , who may not only , when occasion requires , say to Archippus , Take heed to the Ministry thou hast received of the Lord , to fulfil it , Col. 4.17 . But likewise if Archippus will not here reform , and obey them ; as they gave him admittance into their Fellowship , and into his Ministry , they also may take from him both the one and the other ; and let him be unto them as an Heathen and a Publican , Mat. 18.17 .

Again , ask these what Ministers of Christ they are ? Apostles , Evangelists , and extraordinary Prophets they cannot be , who-ever they be , for they ceased with Foundation-work , and Dayes ; and as they were raised up , and filled with Gifts and Grace , suiting such who were to lay the Foundation of Faith , Church-Worship , Ministry and Ministrations , according to commission from Christ , Mat. 28.19 , 20. So they were to be but twelve in number , as Acts 1. with Rev. 21. where it is said , And the Wall of the City had twelve Foundations , and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb , Vers. 14. The last Vision John saw , and the most glorious City that upon Earth the Saints shall ever see , will have but twelve Apostles names in the Foundation thereof ; wherefore try them that say they are Apostles , and they will be found lyars , Rev. 2.2 . And for Evangelists to assist Apostles in writing Scripture , and such like Services , there being now no Apostles to assist , or Scripture to write or fill up , there is no need of these , as no way to attain these , for all these extraordinary Officers came not into the Church by the Door or Way that ordinary Ministers or Officers do , but by a more immediate way from Heaven ; as Paul witnesseth , Gal. 1.1 . Paul an Apostle , not by man , nor of man , but by Jesus Christ , and God the Father who raised him from the dead . And for extraordinary Prophets , as we have none , so all that are acquainted with the Scripture , know they were immediately made Prophets by the Lord : All therefore that say they are Christ's Gospel-Ministers , must profess or acknowledge themselves to be either Pastors , or Teachers , or Elders , or Deacons and Deaconnesses .

Now he that is a Pastor , cannot at the same time be a Teacher , that is , an official Teacher , whose Work and Office is distinct , as well as his name from the Pastor , and the Elder or Ruler is distinct in Name and Work from both the former , and the Deacon from all the rest , as the formentioned Scriptures declare .

Now if they have neither Name , nor Gifts of Christ's Ministers , then can they be none of Christ's but another sort of Ministers : I do not say that a bare assuming , or owning a Man's self to be a Pastor , or Teacher , or Elder , will prove him one of Christ's Ministers ; but try what men are called into the Office and Ministry of .

Objection .

And if any should Object and say , But are not these common names , viz. Pastors , Elders , Teachers , Bishops , and the like ?

Answer .

I Answer , In a common acceptation and use of the term they are , and may be so improved ; but yet these names , are properly the names of Christ's distinct and peculiar Ministers ; and answerable to their proportionableness thereunto are they to be chosen into that very Ministry they are mostly fitted and adapted for : As he whose Gift and Spirit mostly disposes him to Exhortation and Application of Principles , received and believed , ought to be chosen into the Pastor's Office ; and he whose Gifts and Qualification bends most to Expound , Interpret , and open the sense and meaning of the Word , is meetest to be chosen into the Office of a Teacher ; and so he that is wise , zealous , grave , vigilant , and most disposed to see the Churches Affairs done decently , and in order , is most meet for the Office of ●uling-Elder , or Governor in the Church of Christ : And he that is most inclined to mercy , kindness , charity , bountifulness , liberality , and giving , is meetest of all the Church for the Office of Deaconship in the Church . For as Adam called every thing by its proper name ; even so would the Second Adam have his Ministers called by their proper , not improper names ; from their fitness and sutableness to their Work chosen , and called either Pastors , Teachers , Elders , or Deacons .

But , lastly ; Would you know whether Persons pretending to be Christ's Ministers be so or no ? ask them whose Servants they are , and whom they obey , Christ and his Will , or Man and his Will ? For you know who said it , His Servants ye are , to whom ye yeeld your selves obedient , Rom. 6.16 . Now try whose Will and Mind Ministers obey , Christ's or Man's ; whose Word they walk by , Christ's or Man's ; whose Worship they offer up , Christ's or Man's ; For by their Fruits , saith our Lord , you shall know whether men are true or false Prophets , Mat. 7.15 , 16. Christ's Ministers offer no strange Fire , nor make any composition to anoint God's Kings , Priests , or Prophets with , but according to divine Direction and Institution ; remembring that word , See that thou makest all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the Mount , Heb. 8.8 . compared with Exod. 25.40 . Christ's Ministers are to administer according to Christ's appointment , not Man's , for they are His and not Man's Servants , and therefore must teach themselves and the People to observe all things that Christ hath commanded , and nothing which he hath not commanded to be observed or taught ; Dare they observe or teach others to observe , as our Lord teacheth , Mat. 28.20 . and Paul practised , 1 Cor. 11.23 . saying , That which I received of the Lord , that delivered I also unto you , and nothing else ?

Christ's Ministers are not to seek what to do in the Administration of their Office , but have all things plainly written in the Tables of the Scripture , that he which runneth may read his Duty ; their Rule , is Scripture ; their Help , the Spirit ; their Work , Christ's instituted Will and Worship ; and their Ability and Sufficiency , the Grace and Gifts of the Spirit , and their Wages only the good Will of Christ's People , among whom they Iabour , they need not any man to teach them , but as that Anointing teacheth them all things ; they can Pray without a Prayer-Book , and Preach without Common-Places , or the help of Commentators , and Administer Sacraments and Censures without a Directory or Book of Canons of Man's making , being throughly made wise , and sufficiently furnished unto every good and Gospel-Work , by Grace and Scripture , without any of Saul's Armour ; they need no Garments of Distinction , nor shews of Piety , or Purity , or Gravity without Substance . Neither want they any vain unwarrantable Ceremonies or Gestures of Man's devising , to make their Administrations appear beautiful , and prove edifying ; and yet all their things to be done decently , and according to due or Gospel order .

Now if thus you please to try , and prove , or measure Christ's professed Ministers , and their Ministrations , by the Golden Reed of the Scripture , you may certainly know who they are , that say they are Apostles and are not , but do lie , and as polluted ; let all such be put from the Priesthood .

'T is these Wise-Preachers , and Gospel-Ministers that I only assert , spring from the good Will of Christ , and appertain to Christ ; the rest are but Apocrypha-Writing , and as groundless and useless , meet to be of all that belong to Christ the Lord rejected .

And this I suppose may be sufficient for Gospel-Ministers , and the Ministrations Vindication , against any that shall dare to traduce or slander them as Incroachers and Intruders into other mens Work , and none of Christ's Ministers , but a sort of Factious , Schismatical and Heretical Persons , disobedient , and turbulent or troublesome to the Government .

Yet let what hath been said be but weighed and considered , and it will appear , that they are given forth from the one great Shepherd of the Sheepfold . And , O how beautiful are the feet of such who bring glad tydings of peace !

So much for this Use , in which I have been the larger , because of the weight and consequence of these things .

The third Vse is for Exhortation .

The third , and I suppose the last Use I shall make of this Doctrine , is for Exhortation .

First ; To such as are Christ's Ministers .

Secondly ; To all you that are Christ's Churches and Servants .

First ; Let me beseech and exhort you all , Fathers and Brethren , that are Gospel-Ministers under the Lord Jesus : If your Office and Ministry be given and derived from the Lord Jesus ; O then , as that great Preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles , Paul , said , Let us magnifie our Office , Rom. 11.13 . Even by so doing , as he did , by labouring , if by any means we may provoke to emulation them that are our flesh , and might save some of them . O let us who are Christ's , serve the great design of Christ ; and let not us , as some do , serve our own Bellies , and not the Lord Jesus , Rom. 16.18 . O , if not only our Ministry be of Christ , and from Christ , but a Ministry for Christ . O then , be exhorted to make it our great and main business , to seek not our own things or glory , but the things of our Lord Jesus , and his great glory , to whom belongs all honour , and glory , and blessing , for ever and ever , Amen . If we have his glory as great in our eye , then let our great business be , to get or procure his glory , as our Lord tells us he did before us , John 8.50 . I seek not my own glory ; yea , our blessed Lord makes it a Character of a true Minister , that he is thus minded , telling us , He that speaketh of himself , seeketh his own glory ; but he that seeketh his glory that sent him , the same is true , and no unrighteousness in him , John 7.18 . Servants must not so much , whilst Servants , promote their own Interest and Credit as their Lord and Masters ; even no more should we promote our own Glory or Interest in the World but Christ's .

Secondly ; Let me Exhort you my Brethren , if you are Christ's Ministers , and spring from him , then pray you approve your selves to him ; remember how you have received , and be faithful in your ministration to him . Let us not forger that saying ; Behold , I send an Angel before them to keep them in the way , and to bring them to the place that I have prepared : But beware of him , and obey his V●●ce , and provoke him not , for he will not pardon your transgressions ; for my Name is in him , Exod. 23.20 , 21. O consider , he will not spare Levites , Priests , nor Ministers of the House of Israel no more , no nor so much as others of the House of Jacob : You know what is written , Then Moses said unto Aaron , This is it the Lord spake , saying , I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me , and before all the People I will be glorified , Levit. 10.3 . Wherefore let us be faithful Stewards of the manifold Mysteries of God ; let not us neglest Christ's Work , nor corrupt his Work . Cursed is and shall he be that doth the Work of the Lord negligently , which is deceitfully ; not doing as many which corrupt the Word of God ; but of sincerity , but as of God , in the sight of God speak we in Christ , 2 Cor. 2.17 .

But to come nearer , Let me humbly offer a few things , which I would desire all that are Christ's Ministers to take special care of .

First ; Consult often your Commission , ponder your instruction for Ministration , and do not be a stranger to the Weight and Duty of your Ministry . If the Kingly Ministry had need daily to be Looking or Reading in the Book of the Law , what his Office and Duty towards God and the People is ; as from that passage of Deuteronomy was declared ; certainly even so have Christ's Priestly Ministers much more need to study the Scripture , which are Christ's Book of Ordination that we may know how we ought to behave our selves in the House of God , the Pillar and Ground of Truth ; 1 Tim. 3.15 . Study to know our o●● Ministry , and our own proper and peculiar Work . 'T is , I fear , a cause of the wantingness of many , even Gospel-Ministers , That they are too much ignorant of this thing , even the Nature , Property , and Duty of their Office and Ministry ; like persons newly entered into the World , or the Affairs thereof ; make more haste to get into , than wisely to consider their Duty therein . Even so I fear is it with too many of us Preachers or Ministers of the Lord Jesus ; They make more haste to be Christ's Ministers , than to consult the great Duty of that Office and Ministry .

But , Secondly ; Let me offer this sense ; We are Christ's Ministry or Ministers , and the Treasure in our Earthen Vessels is his , and none of ours : Then let us be careful of giving away any of Christ's our Sovereigns Right and Priviledges , who ever they be that demand it . Be like Moses and Israel , who would not part with , nor leave in Egypt any thing of God's Portion , as we read in that passage Exod 9.16 . There shall not an Hoos be left behind us . And thus did Israel deal with the Kings of Canaan ; So whomsoever the Lord our God shall drive out before us , them will we possess , Judg 11.24 . Even so , give not away to any the right of your Sovereign Lord King Jesus , whose Ministers we are ; divide not the living Child to please the Harlot ; I mean , mingle not Christ's and Antichrist's Ordinances together ; Plow not with an Ox and an Ass together ; nor wear Linsey-Woolsey Garments , but remember , it is written , Thou shalt not sow thy Vineyard with divers Seeds , ( much less may we sow God's Vineyard with divers Seeds ) Deut. 22.9 , 10 , 11. For the Ark and Dagon , Christ our Lord , and Belial cannot agree together , 1 Sam. 5.3 , 4. with 2 Cor. 6.14 , 15. But remember , the Lord our God is a Jealous God , and he will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain . Though there are some whose Prudence , Moderation , and Zeal to Preaching , will permit them to do otherwise , namely , to mingle the Holy Seed , and do that they otherwise would not do ; namely , to conform to men , that they may preach Christ to the People , Administer Prayer and Sacraments by a formal Service-Book ; Baptize all Children , even the Seed of the Adulterer and the Adulteress ; though God of old said , Such Seed shall not enter into the Congregation of the Lord ! to the tenth Generation , Deut. 23.2 . Nay more , if all this was too little , they rather then stand out , will spread the Lord's Table for that Troop , which his Soul abhors , even a People that neither have nor can examine themselves , or discern the Lord's Body ; yet these must be Communicants , and pay for it , or else be Excommunicants .

Yea , to make the measure full , they dare meddle with Civil Actions , and deceive the People , as if to Marry and Bury the Dead , were part of the Administrations committed by Jesus Christ into the hand of his Ministers ; then which nothing is more false : For if it were unfit for some of Christ's Ministers to tend the Tables of the Living , 't is much more unmeet for any of Christ's Ministers to tend the Dead , or intermmeddle with Civil Concerns , and Marry the living ; but these pass for pious , sober , peaceable men ; but let them remember , who said , of two evils , they must chuse the least . 'T is not to be taken of sins , of clear and real sins ; for here we must chuse nor take neither ; for it is written , Thou shalt not do evil that good may come thereof ; for if we do , damnation is just , Rom. 3.18 . 'T is not wisdom , but folly to conform against Conscience to man's Inventions , though to preach the Gospel . 'T were better to say with Paul , If I must sin , and unwillingly , and against Knowledge Conform that I may Preach , I will chuse rather never to Preach , than to Conform and so to Preach . These sober men , are unsober men , wise beyond sobriety of Scripture , and drunken with the intoxicating Wine of the Whore of Rome's Cup , that thus stagger and reel up and down from one thing to another , even to whatsoever is uppermost in their dayes .

Whether the men that thus do , be pious , I shall not determine ; onely this I may safely conclude ; Such mens practices , which we have hinted , are not pious practices , but impious and ungodly , as not being warranted and founded upon the Word of God .

Lastly ; 'T were well if this Zeal of theirs for Preaching be not but a blind Zeal , and a bad Zeal , a Zeal rather to preach out themselves , and preach in themselves , than to preach out Christ to or into the People . But because I hope this Leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees , neither hath , nor shall leaven many of you , that are wise , even Spiritually-wise Preachers , I shall add no more to this but that word of Peter , Repent therefore of this thy wickedness , and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee , Acts 8.22 . O Conforming Ministers , if possible , repent of this your wicked conformity ; and you , my dearly Beloved , who have yet escaped the corruption that is in the World through lust ; O , take you heed lest you also be led away with the dissimulations of such .

But once more , If you are Christ's Ministers , and derive Office and Administration from him , then let me intreat you to provide for the Cross , and be neither afraid nor ashamed of it ; for if they of the World called the Master of the House Beelzebub , how much more shall they call them of his Houshold ? Mat. 10.25 . Think not much , in such a day as this is , to be evil spoken of , traduced and slandered , knowing that these afflictions are already accomplished in your Brethren , and the best of Christ's Ministers have met with no better usage from the men of the Throne of Iniquity , as Paul witnesseth , saying , I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last , as it were appointed to death ; for we are made a spectacle unto the World , and to Angels , and to Men : We are Fools for Christ's sake ; we are weak , we are despised : Even unto this very hour we both hunger and thirst , and are naked , and are buffeted , and have no certain dwelling places , and labour , working with our hands : Being reviled , we bless ; being persecuted , we suffer it ; being defamed , we intreat : We are made as the filth of the World , and are the off-scouring of all things unto this day , 1 Cor. 4.9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13. O start not from your Ministry or Ministrations of the holy things of Christ , because of such things as these ; knowing , that in and from the World you must have persecution , if you be the Ministers of the Lord Jesus , John 16.33 . But say with Paul , None of these things move me , neither count I my life dear unto my self , so that I might finish my course with joy , and the Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus , to testifie the Gospel of the Grace of God , Acts 20.24 .

And , Lastly ; Let me offer this to your consideration that are the Ministers of Christ ; Be professed and resolved Enemies to the Ministers and Ministrations of Antichrist ; take part with Christ , and follow him upon white Horses , clothed in fine linnen , white and clean , Rev. 19.14 . Say not a confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say a confederacy , Isa. 8.12 . But remember that charge , Put you selves in array against Babylon round about ; all ye that bend the Bow , shoot at her , spare no Arrows , for she hath sinned against the Lord , Jer. 50.14 . Ye Angels of Christ , Pour out the Vials of the Wrath of God upon the Earth ; even upon this Babylonish Earth ; Pour out your Vials , filled not with yours , but the Lord's wrath , Rev. 16.1 . 'T is just work to destroy Babylon , For she hath sinned , and hath corrupted the Kings and the Inhabitants of the Earth , and hath made even all Nations drunk with the Wine of the Cup of her Fornications , Rev. 18.3 . Strip her , and make her naked as in the day she was born ; for in her will be found the blood of the Prophets , and of Saints , and of all that were slain upon the Earth , Rev. 18.24 . Discover , by a light of Scripture , her Adulteries , and lay open the filthiness of her Skirts , the beastliness of her Power , the earthliness of her Church and Members , Chap. 13.12 , 13 , 14 , 16. Shew and discover the nature and vileness of her Locusts , or Clergy-Men , Chap. 9. Discover their even killing Wormwood , or bitterness of her Waters or Doctrine , Chap. 8.10 , 11. Shew that she is the great Whore , great Cheat , and greatest Enemy that ever the Lord Jesus or his People had or shall have ; even the same power of unrighteousness which put our Lord , them , and his Saints now to death . Bid defiance to her , and to all her Power , and all her Romish Trinkets ; and cry aloud to all the people of God , to have neither more nor less to do with her ; but speedily to obey that voice , Come out of her my people , partake not of her sins , lest that ye partake also of her plagues , Chap. 18.4 . Never think of her Repentance , for Repentance is , and shall be hidden from her eyes : She is none of those Whores that know how to be ashamed , or repent , as Chap. 9.21 , 22. She is the great Traytor against the Crown and Dignity of our Sovereign Lord King Jesus ; no such Treason hath been hatched or plotted against the Lord Jesus throughout all the World , as in and by the Roman Church and Synagogue . Therefore plead you Worthies of the Lord with her , and against her , and pray without ceasing . Down with her , down with her , down with her , as a Mill-stone into the bottom of the Sea , and let her never rise any more , and set Faith and Patience to work in this case ; for is it not written , And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb , and the word of their Testimony , and they loved not their lives unto the death ; and he that leadeth into captivity , shall go into captivity ; he that killeth with the Sword , must be killed with the Sword . Here is the Faith and Patience of the Saints , Rev. 12.11 . and Chap. 13.10 .

O therefore , to conclude , Let all the Gospel-Ministers of the Lord Jesus this day in the World be Antipasses , men for Christ , but against Antichrist , and whatsoever is truly of Antichrist both Root and Branch .

So much for the first part of this Exhortation , which was to the Ministers of Jesus Christ .

Let me now close with a few closing words to the Churches and Servants of Christ .

If Christ's Ministers spring from him , and both they and their Ministrations depend upon him , and are given of him for the good of you his People , then let me exhort you , who are the Churches and Servants of Christ , to two or three things , and so I shall conclude this Doctrine , and the Text , because I would not be too prolix .

First ; Be you Christ's Porters , and the Instruments of making Christ's Servants his Ministers . Be very careful and circumspect to whom you open the Door , or a Door of Entrance or Admittance in any Office of Ministry under the Lord Jesus . Be sure you consult diligently your Charter , the New-Testament Institution concerning Ministers ; and when you are to chuse any , be sure you ask Wisdom of God , who giveth liberally , and upbraideth not , James 1.5 .

Secondly ; Set your thoughts and choice onely upon such men as are of honest report , and full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom , Acts 6.

Thirdly ; Chuse men competently , and sufficiently endued with such Gifts , as may truly enable and furnish them unto Ministry , yea , unto that particular sort of Ministry whereunto you ordain and appoint them , whether it be to the Office of Teacher , Pastor , Elder , or Deacon ; do not chuse idle Shepherds into the place of Christ's Shepherds , such as may wear the Name of Christ's Ministers , but want the Gifts of Christ's Ministers ; such will exercise the Instruments of foolish Shepherds among you , rather than of Wise Ministers or Preachers , and be like neither Goads or Nails to you . Yea further , be very circumspect that you mistake not the Gifts of your Ministers , and appoint them to that Ministry in particular , which though they have Gifts for Ministry , yet may not have the proper Gift of that Ministry you chuse them for ; for every one hath his proper Gift of God , that fits and disposes Persons for some one or other particular work , not for every , or all the works to be performed in his Church . It were to make your Ministers lying Signs , and like tinkling Brass , and a sounding Cimbal , to appoint them to one Ministry , when their Grace and Gift propenses and disposes them to another . Therefore as you would honour Christ , or have him honoured by his and your Ministers , be careful and wary in this particular Concern .

Fourthly ; Watch over your Ministers that watch over you in the Lord , that they make full proof of their Ministry , and fulfil it in the Lord ; lest your watchlesness over them , make them presume to be watchless over themselves , their Ministry , and you also , and so you partake of other mens sins , 1 Tim. 5.22 .

Fifthly ; You that want such , and may enjoy them , neglect not so great a Mercy , neither hinder Christ of so great a Glory , as the Glory of his own Ministry in his own Church , through your want of Zeal and forwardness to promote his and your own concern ; but I shall hope I need not enlarge here .

Sixthly ; If Christ's Ministers flow from him , and depend upon him , then when you enjoy them , bless and magnifie him for them , who hath not left you Orphans , or as Sheep without a Shepherd . Wise Gospel-Ministers such as we have all along been discoursing of , are very great blessings to a People that enjoy them . Wherefore , when God loves a People , he promiseth them that he will set Watchmen upon their Walls , which shall never hold their peace day nor night ; and also that their Teachers shall no more be removed into Corners , Isa. 62.6 . & 30 , 20. Therefore you that enjoy wise , faithful , able , painful Gospel-Ministers , bless God , through Jesus Christ , for this singular Gift of Grace , &c.

But again , Are Ministers of the Gospel such as have been described Christ's Gift and Ordinance , both they and their Ministrations ? then let none intrude or impose upon you , the Churches of Christ , a Ministry , or Ministrations , which are none of Christs , nor to be found contained in Scripture ; but being free , be not the Servants of Men , but remember Paul's Counsel ; Beware lest any man spoil you through Philosophy and vain deceit , after the tradition of men , and after the rudiments of the World , and not after Christ . Let no man at his pleasure bear rule over you by humbleness of mind , and worshipping of Angels , intruding into these things , which he hath not seen , vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind , Col. 2.8 , 18.

Further , let me , in the fear of the God , Exhort you , that injoy Christ's Ministry and their Ministrations ; Remember to obey them that have the Rule over you , and submit your selves ; for they watch for your Souls , as they that must give an account , that they may do it with joy , and not with grief ; for that is unprofitable for you , Heb. 13.17 . Their Work is hard enough from the men of this World . O , let it be good from you for whom they endure all things , or at least very many things , 2 Tim. 2.10 . They do not only do much for you , but also endure much for you . O! therefore , let them not indure any thing from you , but rather , according to Paul's advice , Let the Elders that rule well , be counted worthy of double honour , especially such as labour in the Word and Doctrine , 1 Tim. 5.17 . remembring what is said concerning them , without the least shadow of pride or vanity . How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad-tydings of peace , Rom. 10.15 . Now if you would eminently honour and rejoyce your Ministers , pray then labour greatly to improve and profit by their Administrations ; for such as are Christ's faithful Ministers , seek not yours but you , 2 Cor. 13.14 . and have no greater joy , than to hear that their Children walk in or according to truth , 3 John 4. This makes great rejoycing and thanksgiving by Christ's Ministers , when they either hear or see , that those they labour among do prosper , and their graces grow , as we have it , Ephes. 1.15 , 16. Wherefore I also , when I heard of your Faith in the Lord Jesus , and love unto all the Saints , cease not to give thanks for you , making mention of you in my prayers ; whereas to find the Saints and Churches of Christ , in a poor , low , beggarly state of Soul , not improving nor profiting under means of Grace , this will cause Christ and his Ministers to weep and complain , and even sit down and bemoan themselves in the sense of it , according to that prophesie , Isa. 33.7 . Behold , their valiant ones shall cry without ; the Ambassadors of Peace shall weep bitterly , fulfilled by this Prophet the Type of Christ . Then I said , I have laboured in vain , I have spent my strength for nought , and in vain , Chap. 49.4 . And how fully was this Prophesie made good by Christ , who , when he was come near , he beheld the City and wept over it , Luke 19.41 . Wherefore Sirs , if you have any love to Christ , or compassion towards your Ministers , improve them , and strive to prosper under their Ministration , so will you prevent their grief , and give them a good reward for their labour .

But again , to hasten to a conclusion , and closing up of the Use of Exhortation ; pray you , if your Ministers be Christ's Ministers , and Christs Ministers flow from him , depend upon him , and minister for him ; pray you joyn with , and assist them in what-ever they for Christ have need of you ; as Paul directed the Church of the Romans , To do for Phebe , that ye receive her in the Lord , as becometh Saints , and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you , Rom. 16.2 . So say I , pray assist your Ministers with your watchfulness , with your observation of those they labour among and for . Help them with your Informations , concerning what you observe wanting either in them or others . Help them with your Zeal and readiness , to joyn issue with them in any business of Christ , like those Holy Ones we read of , Exod. 36.1 . Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab , and every wise-hearted man , in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding , to know how to work all manner of work , for the service of the Sanctuary , according to all that the Lord commanded . The like frame of Spirit we read of in those mentioned , Ezra 1.5 , 6. with Nehem. 2.18 . where the People of the Lord are found thus doing ; And they said , Let us rise up and build : So they strengthened their hands for this good Work .

But lastly ; Pray you , let me Exhort you to assist Ministers with your Prayers for their good , and the prosperity of Christ's work in their hand ; remembring , That whilst Moses 's hands were uplitld by Aaron and Hur , Israel prevailed , Exod. 17.11 , 12. Even so my Brethren , your incessant Prayers in your Ministers behalf , will utterly overthrow Amalek , and help Joshua and Israel to prevail .

And thus I have done with this Exhortation , and with what I shall offer to your consideration upon this Scripture ; wherein I have , with what clearness and brevity conveniently I could , set before you what Preaching is , and whose Ordinance it is ; who is a truly wise Preacher , and what his Work is ; and the Blessing and Duty of all that enjoy such Preachers .

Now consider and examine what hath been said , and the Lord give you wisdom in all things . Amen , Amen .

FINIS .