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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n good_a lord_n way_n 4,531 5 4.7348 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A51323 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 More, Stephen. 1650 (1650) Wing M2687; ESTC R213884 133,568 256

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spiritual_a estate_n and_o duty_n and_o under_o these_o two_o head_n i_o humble_o conceive_v all_o that_o heavenly_a knowledge_n which_o a_o preacher_n ought_v to_o give-diligence_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o knowledge_n of_o may_v be_v comprise_v thus_o have_v a_o little_a remove_v the_o scruple_n concern_v knowledge_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o that_o knowledge_n be_v preacher_n ought_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n we_o may_v note_v this_o point_n of_o doctrine_n doct._n 6._o to_o wit_n that_o every_o wise_a preacher_n ought_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n or_o that_o every_o wise_a preacher_n ought_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n how_o they_o may_v know_v spiritual_a thing_n or_o be_v know_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n this_o the_o preacher_n the_o wise_a preacher_n in_o the_o text_n do_v and_o this_o every_o wise_a and_o gospel-preacher_n ought_v to_o do_v again_o the_o knowledge_n which_o a_o wise_a preacher_n ought_v to_o teach_v and_o impart_v to_o the_o people_n it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n appertain_v to_o god_n or_o second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o thing_n belong_v to_o ourselves_o but_o let_v i_o a_o little_a clear_a and_o prove_v the_o point_n to_o you_o that_o every_o wise_a preacher_n ought_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n heavenly_a knowledge_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o take_v that_o passage_n exod._n 24.12_o where_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n and_o aaron_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n so_o moses_n tell_v we_o what_o levi_n shall_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o god_n people_n even_o teach_v jacob_n god_n judgement_n and_o israel_n his_o law_n deut._n 33.10_o this_o samuel_n well_o understand_v 2_o sam._n 12.23_o but_o i_o will_v teach_v you_o the_o good_a and_o the_o right_a way_n this_o also_o be_v ezra_n practice_n for_o say_v the_o text_n ezra_n have_v prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o seek_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o do_v it_o and_o to_o teach_v in_o israel_n statute_n and_o judgement_n oh_o here_o be_v a_o good_a minister_n indeed_o that_o prepare_v his_o heart_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n both_o by_o his_o life_n and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o teach_v and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n this_o also_o be_v the_o good_a levite_n practice_n in_o 2_o chro._n 30.22_o that_o they_o teach_v israel_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n by_o malachi_n declare_v he_o expect_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o priest_n chap._n 2.7_o where_o he_o say_v the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o mean_v the_o people_n shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n but_o to_o trouble_v you_o with_o no_o more_o quotation_n to_o prove_v this_o clear_a truth_n that_o every_o wise_a preacher_n ought_v still_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o every_o good_a preacher_n ought_v to_o impart_v to_o the_o people_n i_o will_v therefore_o only_o add_v this_o one_o more_o where_o we_o may_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o such_o preacher_n as_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n wo_n say_v he_o unto_o you_o lawyer_n for_o you_o have_v take_v away_o the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 7.52_o the_o pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n of_o that_o day_n have_v great_a thought_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n but_o say_v christ_n we_o unto_o you_o lawyer_n for_o you_o have_v take_v away_o or_o withhold_v the_o key_n of_o knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n oh_o friend_n it_o be_v woeful_a and_o unworthy_a to_o withhold_v knowledge_n from_o the_o people_n if_o we_o have_v knowledge_n to_o impart_v to_o the_o people_n the_o second_o thing_n i_o shall_v do_v be_v to_o demonstrate_v by_o argument_n or_o reason_n that_o this_o be_v truth_n to_o wit_n that_o every_o wise_a preacher_n ought_v to_o teach_v and_o impart_v knowledge_n to_o the_o people_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n reas●_n 1._o first_o because_o that_o be_v the_o end_n the_o main_a end_n the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o knowledge_n christ_n impart_v gift_n and_o grace_n to_o preacher_n yea_o make_v preacher_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o shall_v teach_v instruct_v and_o inform_v the_o people_n this_o the_o scripture_n large_o give_v a_o account_n of_o as_o in_o ephes_n 4.12_o 13._o for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n mark_v the_o preacher_n have_v the_o office_n of_o ministry_n and_o the_o gift_n of_o ministry_n or_o gift_n to_o minister_v with_o as_o a_o minister_n all_o for_o the_o people_n and_o that_o also_o for_o their_o edify_v unity_n knowledge_n and_o perfection_n therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o design_n this_o for_o their_o business_n not_o to_o know_v for_o themselves_o only_o but_o principal_o to_o make_v the_o people_n know_v and_o wise_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o preacher_n certain_o every_o thing_n shall_v answer_v its_o end_n or_o else_o it_o be_v make_v create_v and_o ordain_v in_o vain_a but_o sure_o preacher_n be_v not_o ordain_v in_o vain_a but_o to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n they_o be_v the_o people_n eye_n not_o their_o own_o only_a they_o be_v the_o people_n steward_n and_o therefore_o what_o stewardship_n or_o talon_n soever_o they_o have_v they_o ought_v to_o improve_v they_o for_o the_o people_n who_o be_v the_o final_a end_n next_o to_o christ_n glory_n of_o all_o their_o attainment_n this_o also_o we_o have_v give_v we_o in_o 1_o cor._n 4.2_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a and_o luke_n 22.32_o when_o thou_o be_v convert_v strengthen_v thy_o brethren_n reas_n 2._o second_o the_o preacher_n ought_v to_o preach_v the_o people_n into_o knowledge_n because_o this_o be_v that_o the_o preacher_n profess_v to_o do_v for_o the_o people_n and_o be_v not_o preacher_n bind_v to_o what_o they_o pretend_v and_o profess_v that_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n certain_o of_o all_o man_n under_o heaven_n they_o be_v most_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o they_o profess_v because_o they_o reach_v other_o man_n so_o to_o do_v second_o because_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v above_o the_o rate_n of_o other_o and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o shame_n for_o they_o to_o perform_v less_o than_o other_o man_n and_o three_o they_o profess_v this_o to_o be_v their_o conscience_n and_o to_o be_v conscious_a of_o do_v it_o and_o be_v it_o not_o then_o both_o shameful_a and_o sinful_a unconscionable_o to_o neglect_v it_o shall_v a_o physician_n pretend_v to_o help_v and_o cure_v such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o in_o their_o sickness_n and_o shall_v not_o regard_v to_o inquire_v into_o their_o disease_n nor_o regard_n to_o consult_v their_o good_a or_o direct_v their_o patient_n what_o to_o do_v will_v we_o not_o ground_o say_v he_o be_v both_o idle_a and_o dishonest_a even_o so_o be_v all_o those_o preacher_n that_o pretend_v to_o promote_v the_o people_n good_a and_o understanding_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o reas_n 3._o three_o this_o be_v that_o the_o people_n do_v or_o aught_o to_o expect_v at_o their_o hand_n namely_o that_o they_o shall_v teach_v they_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o they_o ought_v to_o design_n they_o shall_v teach_v they_o the_o good_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o design_v it_o but_o labour_v aster_n it_o what_o be_v that_o which_o cornelius_n and_o his_o friend_n come_v together_o about_o and_o he_o send_v to_o peter_n for_o but_o this_o that_o he_o may_v make_v they_o know_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n act_v 10.33_o the_o people_n expect_v not_o that_o you_o shall_v fight_v for_o they_o or_o trade_n and_o traffic_v for_o they_o but_o only_o that_o you_o shall_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v all_o you_o can_v to_o make_v they_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jesus_n and_o of_o all_o man_n under_o heaven_n your_o preacher_n be_v the_o most_o unconscionable_a deceiver_n and_o cheat_n that_o neglect_v thus_o to_o do_v and_o abuse_v the_o people_n by_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n reas_n 4._o and_o last_o wise_a preacher_n be_v not_o only_o bind_v thus_o to_o do_v because_o make_v preacher_n for_o this_o end_n and_o such_o who_o have_v profess_v and_o be_v expect_v thus_o to_o do_v but_o last_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o do_v
if_o we_o follow_v on_o to_o know_v the_o lord_n and_o in_o john_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v of_o god_n three_o be_v diligent_a about_o this_o business_n of_o knowledge_n if_o ever_o thou_o will_v know_v as_o james_n say_v let_v not_o a_o wavering-minded_n man_n think_v he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n even_o so_o say_v i_o let_v not_o the_o slothful_a or_o the_o idle_a christian_a think_v he_o shall_v receive_v or_o ever_o attain_v knowledge_n with_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n with_o what_o sloth_n and_o idleness_n neglectfulness_n and_o forgetfulness_n do_v too_o many_o professor_n pursue_v knowledge_n therefore_o be_v not_o slothful_a in_o business_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o be_v fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rom._n 12.11_o four_o hold_v much_o and_o close_a communion_n with_o know_v wise_a and_o holy_a person_n this_o make_v apollo_n become_v more_o wise_a and_o know_v even_o his_o communion_n with_o aquila_n act_v 18._o and_o this_o solomon_n teach_v we_o prov._n 13.20_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o a_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v but_o last_o if_o you_o will_v become_v a_o know_a people_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o pray_a people_n prayer_n must_v relieve_v both_o preacher_n and_o the_o preach_v to_o in_o this_o thing_n oh_o therefore_o be_v much_o in_o prayer_n this_o be_v david_n practice_n psal_n 119.18_o open_v thou_o my_o eye_n that_o i_o may_v behold_v wondrous_a thing_n out_o of_o thy_o law_n and_o to_o close_o remember_v what_o james_n say_v chap._n 1.4_o if_o any_o of_o you_o lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n that_o give_v to_o all_o man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v none_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v thus_o much_o for_o this_o point_n now_o to_o proceed_v in_o the_o text_n it_o be_v add_v yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n this_o be_v the_o next_o piece_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o wise_a preacher_n he_o give_v good_a heed_n from_o hence_o observe_v doct._n 7._o that_o he_o preach_v not_o rash_o but_o heedful_o it_o be_v folly_n to_o be_v slight_a or_o rash_a in_o any_o business_n but_o especial_o in_o god_n matter_n or_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o preach_v yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n it_o be_v good_a to_o preach_v heedful_o as_o preach_v be_v honourable_a work_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v honourable_o perform_v as_o it_o be_v weighty_a and_o difficult_a work_n even_o so_o ought_v preacher_n wary_o and_o heedful_o to_o perform_v and_o pursue_v it_o this_o we_o find_v impose_v upon_o elder_n or_o preacher_n act_n 20.28_o take_v heed_n therefore_o unto_o yourselves_o so_o in_o 1_o tim._n 4.16_o take_v heed_n unto_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n preaching-work_a aught_o to_o be_v heedful_o yea_o most_o heedful_o perform_v question_v but_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v what_o be_v that_o which_o a_o preacher_n ought_v thus_o heedful_o to_o mind_n in_o general_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v his_o preach_v this_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o text_n by_o that_o which_o be_v add_v and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n it_o be_v the_o set_n in_o order_n of_o parable_n the_o preacher_n give_v good_a heed_n unto_o but_o more_o particular_o to_o answer_v this_o query_n first_o he_o ought_v to_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o the_o observe_v what_o the_o present_a state_n and_o need_n of_o the_o people_n call_v for_o for_o he_o be_v by_o preach_v to_o feed_v the_o people_n with_o food_n seasonable_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v to_o eye_n or_o answer_v the_o wanton_a expectation_n of_o the_o hearer_n but_o the_o present_a necessity_n and_o need_n of_o the_o hearer_n this_o be_v lay_v down_o mat._n 24.45_o who_o then_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o faithful_a servant_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n a_o wise_a preacher_n must_v oversee_v the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n in_o this_o regard_n to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o want_v at_o the_o present_a that_o he_o may_v by_o doctrine_n give_v every_o one_o not_o some_o but_o every_o one_o his_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n sinner_n and_o unconvert_v soul_n in_o a_o congregation_n must_v be_v heedful_o provide_v for_o and_o the_o saint_n and_o child_n of_o god_n in_o the_o assembly_n must_v much_o less_o be_v neglect_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o ignorant_a must_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o adversary_n must_v be_v stop_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o doubt_n must_v be_v strengthen_v and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o establish_v secure_v the_o trouble_a conscience_n must_v be_v comfort_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o sleepy_a and_o secure_a awake_v this_o be_v now_o to_o give_v good_a heed_n how_o we_o preach_v thus_o wise_o to_o mind_n and_o consider_v they_o we_o preach_v to_o second_o for_o a_o preacher_n to_o give_v good_a heed_n how_o he_o preacher_n be_v needful_o to_o observe_v or_o consider_v the_o present_a vision_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n at_o present_a lay_n warm_a and_o fresh_a in_o upon_o his_o heart_n to_o deliver_v as_o his_o present_a message_n and_o seasonable_a to_o the_o people_n that_o message_n which_o be_v very_o lawful_a and_o seasonable_a to_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n at_o one_o time_n be_v neither_o seasonable_a nor_o lawful_a to_o deliver_v at_o another_o time_n there_o be_v a_o time_n and_o but_o a_o time_n that_o be_v seasonable_a for_o any_o thing_n so_o there_o be_v a_o time_n and_o but_o a_o time_n when_o some_o truth_n be_v seasonable_a therefore_o this_o be_v that_o preacher_n shall_v heedful_o mind_n the_o teach_n move_a and_o turn_v of_o their_o spirit_n this_o or_o that_o way_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o manuduction_n of_o that_o spirit_n thus_o do_v the_o live_a creature_n ezek._n 1.12_o and_o they_o go_v every_o one_o straight_o forward_o whither_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o go_v they_o go_v and_o they_o turn_v not_o when_o they_o go_v this_o be_v preacher_n motion_n and_o thus_o to_o move_v be_v heedful_o to_o preach_v thus_o do_v isaiah_n that_o good_a watchman_n chap._n 21.7_o 8._o he_o hearken_v diligent_o with_o much_o heed_n and_o he_o cry_v a_o lion_n my_o lord_n i_o stand_v continual_o upon_o the_o watchtower_n in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o i_o be_o set_v in_o my_o ward_n whole_a night_n but_o again_o three_o heedful_o to_o preach_v be_v heedful_o to_o observe_v our_o scope_n and_o end_n in_o preach_v as_o in_o some_o respect_v the_o end_n may_v be_v say_v to_o crown_v all_o even_o so_o may_v i_o say_v of_o preach_v if_o end_n be_v not_o right_a and_o honourable_a it_o will_v spoil_v all_o as_o the_o dead_a fly_n do_v the_o apothecary_n precious_a ointment_n a_o preacher_n can_v think_v to_o do_v much_o good_a by_o preach_v that_o have_v low_a or_o poor_a aim_n or_o end_n in_o preach_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o work_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o man_n aim_n or_o end_v in_o preach_v but_o if_o ever_o preacher_n will_v do_v good_a at_o preach_v let_v they_o heedful_o mind_v their_o ends._n when_o end_n be_v right_a god_n usual_o bless_v but_o when_o end_n be_v naught_o and_o low_o god_n usual_o blast_v as_o you_o have_v it_o haggi_n 1.6_o to_o 11._o compare_v with_o zech._n 7.5_o 6._o where_o the_o lord_n render_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o blast_n or_o disappointment_n they_o meet_v with_o be_v because_o of_o the_o corruptness_n of_o their_o end_n have_v not_o sinful_a self_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sacrifice_a and_o fast_v and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n they_o shall_v have_v have_v a_o blessing_n but_o this_o withhold_v it_o from_o they_o self-endedness_a at_o preach_v be_v heedless_a and_o fruitless_a preach_v god_n will_v not_o bless_v with_o any_o great_a success_n such_o preach_a therefore_o preach_v heedful_o or_o well-minding_a that_o your_o end_n be_v holy_a and_o pure_a even_o the_o glorify_v god_n and_o the_o profit_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o people_n in_o discharge_v of_o duty_n these_o be_v right_a end_n and_o not_o to_o preach_v for_o applause_n credit_n or_o much_o less_o merchandise_n but_o again_o four_o preacher_n shall_v heedful_o yea_o give_v good_a heed_n as_o in_o the_o text_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o preach_v and_o not_o rash_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v they_o must_v search_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o preach_v the_o scripture_n remember_v david_n psalm_n 39_o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n and_o what_o solomon_n say_v suffer_v not_o thy_o
enough_o for_o so_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o undertake_n paul_n speak_v but_o of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n of_o one_o of_o christ_n minister_n say_v and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n then_o sure_o much_o less_o sufficient_a to_o institute_v a_o frame_n &_o constitution_n for_o minister_n and_o ministration_n which_o require_v a_o great_a capacity_n or_o sufficiency_n then_o the_o former_a wherefore_o john_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n in_o heaven_n nor_o in_o earth_n neither_o under_o the_o earth_n be_v able_a to_o open_v this_o book_n neither_o to_o look_v thereon_o rev._n 5.3_o 4._o wherefore_o this_o concern_n must_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o he_o to_o who_o of_o right_n it_o do_v appertain_v even_o to_o the_o lion_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n our_o lord_n jesus_n for_o he_o only_o be_v worthy_a and_o capable_a thereof_o as_o we_o read_v vers_fw-la 5._o compare_v with_o vers_n 9_o but_o to_o proceed_v reason_n 3._o three_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o christ_n to_o appoint_v his_o own_o minister_n and_o worship_n or_o service_n because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o it_o be_v for_o himself_o it_o be_v for_o his_o own_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o who_o shall_v appoint_v he_o servant_n or_o impose_v servant_n and_o service_n upon_o he_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o honour_n or_o faithfulness_n to_o admit_v it_o but_o again_o reason_v 4._o last_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n spiritual_a ecclesiastical_a appertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n must_v spring_v from_o the_o freewill_n and_o royal-pleasure_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n because_o that_o as_o it_o stand_v not_o with_o his_o honour_n greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o commit_v this_o concern_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o angel_n or_o man_n be_v below_o true_a fitness_n or_o capacity_n for_o the_o work_n so_o neither_o can_v any_o create_a power_n snatch_v authority_n or_o exercise_v power_n of_o impose_v minister_n and_o ministration_n upon_o he_o against_o his_o royal_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o they_o but_o attempt_v to_o do_v it_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o for_o he_o will_v one_o day_n dash_v they_o in_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n ps_n 2._o and_o however_o the_o son_n of_o man_n may_v attempt_v to_o encroach_v this_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n into_o their_o hand_n yet_o let_v i_o say_v to_o these_o as_o the_o prophet_n in_o a_o like_a case_n do_v what_o be_v the_o chaff_n to_o the_o wheat_n say_v the_o lord_n jer._n 23.28_o even_o so_o what_o be_v the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o man_n to_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o he_o shall_v oppose_v he_o or_o impose_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v truth_n man_n may_v impose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o who_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n samson_n and_o peter_n be_v both_o impose_v upon_o and_o carry_v whither_o they_o will_v not_o but_o none_o can_v impose_v any_o thing_n upon_o christ_n against_o his_o will_n for_o he_o will_v and_o can_v refuse_v to_o drink_v such_o gall_n and_o vinegar_n however_o they_o be_v that_o offer_v it_o to_o he_o therefore_o it_o remain_v most_o clear_a and_o visible_a from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v offer_v that_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a glory_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountaneous_n cause_n of_o all_o ministries_n minister_n and_o ministration_n belong_v to_o his_o own_o church_n upon_o who_o he_o free_o bestow_v they_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o confirm_v and_o clear_v of_o the_o doctrine_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o great_a point_n use_v of_o information_n first_o this_o serve_v for_o information_n in_o two_o or_o three_o particular_n first_o it_o inform_v we_o how_o much_o such_o be_v mistake_v that_o conceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v leave_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a to_o state_n and_o prince_n to_o judge_v and_o conclude_v what_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n the_o people_n of_o god_n shall_v enjoy_v in_o their_o dominion_n whereas_o in_o truth_n it_o nothing_o at_o all_o appertain_v to_o they_o but_o only_o to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o appoint_v and_o determine_v what_o kind_n of_o minister_n and_o ministration_n his_o people_n shall_v fall_v under_o as_o the_o argument_n before_o allege_v do_v manifest_a man_n have_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v for_o themselves_o but_o no_o power_n to_o impose_v or_o determine_v for_o other_o as_o paul_n say_v who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o own_o master_n he_o stand_v or_o fall_v yea_o he_o shall_v be_v hold_v up_o for_o god_n be_v able_a to_o make_v he_o to_o stand_v rom._n 14.4_o but_o again_o to_o proceed_v second_o this_o inform_v we_o how_o far_o that_o assertion_n be_v from_o be_v a_o scripture-truth_n which_o maintain_v that_o ministries_n and_o ministration_n depend_v upon_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n for_o confirmation_n whereas_o indeed_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o none_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o thing_n i_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n i_o may_v say_v with_o truth_n what_o korah_n and_o his_o complice_n say_v with_o falsehood_n you_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o you_o whoever_o you_o be_v that_o thus_o affirm_v and_o practice_v numb_a 16.3_o three_o this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o such_o minister_n and_o ministry_n and_o ministration_n that_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o will_n wisdom_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n be_v none_o of_o his_o minister_n ministry_n or_o ministration_n but_o man_n either_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n creation_n or_o create_v let_v they_o be_v dignify_v or_o distinguish_v by_o what_o name_n or_o title_n soever_o even_o from_o the_o pope_n to_o the_o parator_n and_o if_o such_o will_v not_o be_v call_v antichristian_a minister_n yet_o must_v they_o suffer_v i_o to_o call_v they_o man_n minister●_n and_o let_v all_o such_o minister_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n hear_v their_o doom_n my_o hand_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o prophet_n that_o see_v vanity_n and_o divine_a lie_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o my_o people_n neither_o shall_v they_o be_v write_v in_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n neither_o shall_v they_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n god_n zech._n 13.9_o further_o this_o inform_v we_o that_o all_o such_o ministration_n as_o spring_v not_o from_o the_o lord_n jesus_n neither_o be_v institute_v by_o he_o nor_o find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v none_o of_o christ_n ordinance_n but_o man_n sinful_a invention_n and_o superstition_n concern_v which_o our_o lord_n long_a time_n since_o give_v his_o judgement_n say_v but_o in_o vain_a do_v they_o worship_v i_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n mat._n 15.9_o four_o and_o last_o this_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o innovation_n or_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n such_o minister_n and_o ministration_n as_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n never_o institute_v neither_o spring_n from_o nor_o depend_v upon_o he_o be_v no_o small_a but_o a_o magnify_a transgression_n if_o it_o be_v treason_n against_o a_o king_n for_o any_o in_o his_o dominion_n to_o introduce_v office_n officer_n law_n and_o ordinance_n without_o his_o consent_n o_o what_o high_a treason_n be_v it_o against_o our_o sovereign_a lord_n king_n jesus_n the_o king_n or_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n rev._n 1.5_o i_o say_v what_o treason_n be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n or_o number_n of_o man_n to_o make_v and_o appoint_v minister_n and_o ordinance_n in_o his_o church_n and_o kingdom_n without_o he_o let_v all_o such_o traitor_n against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n think_v serious_o on_o two_o or_o three_o text_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v commend_v unto_o they_o one_o be_v that_o of_o isaiah_n wherefore_o the_o lord_n say_v forasmuch_o as_o this_o people_n draw_v near_o i_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o with_o their_o lip_n do_v honour_n i_o but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o i_o and_o their_o fear_n towards_o i_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o man_n therefore_o behold_v i_o will_v proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n among_o this_o people_n even_o a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o wise_a man_n shall_v perish_v and_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o prudent_a man_n shall_v be_v hide_v chap._n 29.13_o 14._o again_o think_v on_o that_o passage_n of_o ezekiel_n and_o he_o say_v to_o i_o son_n of_o man_n the_o place_n of_o my_o throne_n and_o the_o place_n
to_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n and_o this_o i_o have_v do_v so_o far_o as_o i_o may_v without_o sin_n or_o flattery_n wherefore_o vouchsafe_v to_o peruse_v sober_o and_o thorough_o these_o line_n and_o know_v here_o be_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o strong_a one_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o god_n be_v now_o speak_v to_o you_o and_o say_v to_o you_o as_o of_o old_a how_o long_o you_o simple_a one_o will_v you_o love_v simplicity_n and_o the_o scorner_n delight_v in_o scorn_v and_o fool_n hate_v knowledge_n turn_v you_o at_o my_o reproof_n behold_v i_o will_v pour_v out_o my_o spirit_n unto_o you_o and_o make_v know_v my_o word_n unto_o you_o prov._n 1.22_o 23._o it_o be_v now_o your_o day_n of_o grace_n jesus_n christ_n be_v woo_v all_o his_o people_n to_o come_v out_o of_o babylon_n but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o fear_v and_o repent_v yourselves_o you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o partake_v of_o her_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o of_o her_o sin_n rev._n 18.4_o o_o do_v not_o think_v superstition_n or_o idolatry_n or_o will-worship_n or_o man_n invention_n in_o god_n worship_n a_o small_a sin_n but_o remember_v that_o dreadful_a word_n do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o o_o no_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v for_o whatsoever_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o also_o reap_v 1_o cor._n 10.22_o gal._n 6.10_o wherefore_o do_v nothing_o partial_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o circumspect_a about_o doctrine_n and_o careless_a about_o discipline_n or_o church_n way_n be_v not_o strict_a for_o second-table-duty_n and_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o first-table-sin_n neither_o make_v it_o all_o your_o holiness_n to_o mind_n family-duty_n but_o also_o look_v well_o to_o your_o publick-worship_n or_o your_o walk_n with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o public_a worship_n such_o thing_n as_o these_o christian_a reader_n be_v in_o this_o little_a treatise_n present_v to_o thy_o view_n and_o consideration_n be_v please_v to_o take_v nothing_o in_o the_o evil_a or_o worse_a part_n but_o as_o thou_o have_v all_o from_o love_n so_o let_v thy_o love_n accept_v of_o all_o that_o carry_v christ_n image_n and_o superscription_n upon_o it_o and_o with_o thy_o mantle_n of_o love_n cover_v all_o thou_o meet_v with_o of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o if_o by_o all_o or_o any_o thing_n herein_o present_v to_o thou_o thou_o reape_v any_o real_a benefit_n or_o profit_n i_o request_v you_o to_o give_v god_n all_o the_o glory_n and_o say_v of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o which_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v and_o will_v remain_v thou_o to_o serve_v thou_o s._n more_o the_o content_n ecclesiaste_n 12.9_o moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n in_o general_a contain_v a_o account_n of_o a_o accomplish_v preacher_n 1._o as_o to_o his_o qualification_n 2._o as_o to_o his_o work_n act_n and_o dispensation_n 3._o the_o blessing_n and_o advantage_n of_o enjoy_v such_o preacher_n but_o more_o particular_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n follow_v 1._o a_o preface_n in_o this_o word_n moreover_o 2._o a_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v do_v because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a 3._o the_o person_n speak_v of_o the_o preacher_n 4._o that_o which_o be_v relate_v or_o declare_v concern_v he_o and_o that_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o act_n his_o constancy_n in_o teach_v etc._n etc._n 2._o perseverance_n in_o this_o work_n he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n 3._o his_o wariness_n or_o circumspection_n in_o manage_v this_o great_a work_n yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n 4._o his_o diligence_n industry_n or_o laboriousness_n he_o seek_v he_o do_v not_o catch_v up_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o have_v seek_v out_o and_o find_v meet_v to_o be_v deliver_v 5._o we_o have_v his_o fidelity_n or_o perfection_n in_o preach_v he_o do_v set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n he_o set_v in_o not_o out_o of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n his_o preach_n or_o proverb_n amplify_v in_o these_o word_n the_o preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n but_o again_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o have_v the_o property_n or_o excellency_n of_o that_o which_o be_v preach_v or_o write_v it_o be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n 6._o last_o we_o have_v the_o use_v and_o benefit_n of_o the_o property_n of_o such_o preach_n or_o preacher_n in_o these_o word_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n the_o wise_a gospel-preacher's_a praise_n and_o practice_n eccles_n 12.9_o 10_o 11._o 9_o moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o seek_v out_o and_o set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n 10._o the_o preacher_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o acceptable_a word_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n 11._o the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n and_o as_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v give_v by_o one_o shepherd_n solomon_n the_o wise_a be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o composer_n of_o this_o book_n and_o it_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o last_o he_o write_v the_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o positive_o determine_v nor_o whether_o these_o three_o verse_n be_v he_o because_o they_o seem_v more_o probable_a to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o his_o historian_n or_o that_o hand_n which_o commit_v this_o book_n to_o the_o church_n treasury_n rather_o than_o by_o himself_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o book_n as_o to_o the_o book_n itself_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o the_o word_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o thing_n that_o go_v before_o unless_o to_o commend_v it_o and_o encourage_v to_o improve_v it_o because_o both_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v write_v or_o preach_v the_o word_n in_o general_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o a_o accomplish_v preacher_n first_o as_o to_o his_o qualification_n second_o as_o to_o his_o work_n act_n or_o dispensation_n three_o the_o blessing_n and_o advantage_n of_o enjoy_v such_o preacher_n but_o more_o particular_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o these_o verse_n 1._o a_o preface_n in_o this_o word_n moreover_o 2._o a_o reason_n of_o what_o be_v do_v because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a 3._o the_o person_n speak_v of_o the_o preacher_n 4._o that_o which_o be_v relate_v or_o declare_v concern_v he_o and_o that_o in_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o act_n his_o constancy_n in_o teach_v etc._n etc._n second_o perseverance_n in_o his_o work_n he_o still_o teach_v the_o people_n knowledge_n his_o wariness_n or_o circumspection_n in_o manage_v this_o great_a work_n yea_o he_o give_v good_a heed_n three_o his_o diligence_n industry_n or_o laboriousness_n he_o seek_v out_o he_o do_v not_o catch_v up_o or_o deliver_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o have_v seek_v out_o and_o find_v meet_v to_o be_v deliver_v four_o we_o have_v his_o fidelity_n or_o perfection_n in_o preach_v he_o do_v set_v in_o order_n many_o proverb_n he_o set_v in_o not_o out_o of_o god_n or_o due_a order_n his_o preach_n or_o proverb_n amplify_v in_o these_o word_n the_o preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n but_o again_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o have_v the_o property_n or_o excellency_n of_o that_o which_o be_v preach_v or_o write_v it_o be_v upright_o even_o word_n of_o truth_n last_o we_o have_v the_o use_v and_o benefit_n or_o property_n of_o such_o preach_a and_o preacher_n in_o these_o word_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a be_v as_o goad_n and_o nail_n fasten_v by_o the_o master_n of_o assembly_n which_o be_v give_v from_o one_o shepherd_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o open_n or_o clear_v of_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o text_n at_o this_o time_n but_o refer_v that_o till_o afterward_o where_o more_o convenient_o i_o may_v dispatch_v it_o but_o shall_v proceed_v to_o some_o doctrine_n or_o conclusion_n hence_o observable_a the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o first_o word_n or_o preface_n moreover_o we_o may_v take_v these_o word_n not_o only_o literal_o as_o speak_v of_o the_o typical_a solomon_n but_o as_o prophetical_a and_o point_v at_o a_o great_a than_o solomon_n our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o so_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v john_n 7.46_o and_o also_o we_o may_v eye_v these_o word_n as_o dogmatical_a or_o instruct_v what_o every_o wise_a gospel-preacher_n
exhort_v and_o quicken_v you_o that_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v to_o the_o church_n take_v heed_n that_o you_o despise_v not_o prophesy_v 1_o thess_n 5.20_o christian_n despise_v not_o christ_n day_n of_o small_a thing_n since_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n he_o will_v ordain_v strength_n because_o of_o the_o enemy_n and_o avenger_n psalm_n 8.2_o compare_v with_o matth._n 21._o say_v not_o in_o your_o heart_n as_o once_o nathaniel_n do_v can_v any_o good_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o nazareth_n john_n 1.46_o but_o take_v heed_n you_o despise_v not_o he_o that_o speak_v on_o earth_n lest_o that_o sad_a word_n be_v your_o word_n for_o with_o stammer_a lip_n and_o another_o tongue_n will_v he_o speak_v to_o this_o people_n read_v that_o chapter_n at_o your_o leisure_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v how_o dreadful_a god_n speak_v to_o despiser_n of_o this_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v though_o by_o mean_a and_o outward_o contemptible_a instrument_n my_o belove_a know_v god_n ofttimes_o hang_v great_a blessing_n at_o the_o end_n of_o small_a wire_n how_o great_a a_o victory_n do_v god_n give_v israel_n by_o that_o barley_n cake_n as_o gideon_n be_v call_v judg._n 7.13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o as_o also_o how_o great_a a_o blessing_n do_v naaman_n the_o syrian_a receive_v by_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n 2_o king_n 5._o yea_o how_o great_a advantage_n do_v this_o very_a ordinance_n bring_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n when_o the_o scatter_a saint_n and_o brethren_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v and_o prophesy_v act_v 11.19_o 20_o 21._o therefore_o despise_v not_o prophesy_v i_o mean_v preach_v by_o brethren_n that_o be_v gift_v thereunto_o although_o not_o minister_n or_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n so_o much_o for_o this_o second_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o point_n or_o doctrine_n which_o be_v doct._n 3._o that_o if_o preach_v be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o prophesy_v and_o preach_v by_o man_n of_o grace_n and_o gift_n though_o no_o minister_n or_o ordain_v person_n may_v lawful_o preach_v then_o such_o as_o be_v prophet_n though_o no_o minister_n or_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o preach_v but_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v something_o to_o this_o in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o second_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o to_o this_o but_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o doctrine_n upon_o this_o head_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o description_n of_o the_o qualification_n of_o this_o prophetical_a preacher_n solomon_n to_o wit_n that_o he_o be_v wise_a as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o text_n moreover_o because_o the_o preacher_n be_v wise_a whence_o take_v this_o observation_n to_o wit_n doct._n 4._o that_o every_o gospel_n preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v true_o wise_a or_o that_o grace_n and_o spiritual_a wisdom_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_o and_o sufficient_a requisite_n or_o sufficiency_n for_o gospel-preaching_a let_v i_o in_o the_o carry_n on_o this_o work_n first_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o show_v what_o this_o wisdom_n which_o every_o preacher_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v 2_o give_v the_o reason_n why_o what_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n require_v be_v that_o which_o be_v affirm_v and_o 3_o resolve_v some_o objection_n and_o last_o make_v application_n of_o the_o point_n first_o take_v some_o witness_n that_o gospel-preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a this_o the_o lord_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d that_o qualification_n that_o all_o such_o aught_o to_o have_v a●_n draw_v near_o he_o in_o any_o peculiar_a or_o especial_a way_n o●_n service_n or_o ministration_n as_o you_o have_v it_o lay_v dow●_n by_o moses_n in_o that_o say_n take_v you_o wise_a man_n you_o understanding_n and_o know_a man_n among_o your_o tribe_n an●_n i_o will_v make_v they_o ruler_n over_o you_o and_o ma●_n what_o be_v further_o say_v and_o you_o answer_v i_o an●_n say_v the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v speak_v be_v good_a fo●_n we_o to_o do_v so_o i_o take_v wise_a man_n and_o know_v eve●_n the_o chief_a of_o your_o tribe_n and_o make_v they_o head_n ou●_fw-mi you_fw-mi this_o be_v god_n and_o moses_n way_n for_o the_o serve_v of_o israel_n deut._n 1.13_o 14_o 15._o again_o tak●_n that_o place_n prov._n 15.2_o where_o you_o have_v this_o expression_n the_o tongue_n of_o the_o wise_a use_v knowledge_n a_o right_a but_o the_o mouth_n of_o fool_n pour_v out_o foolishness_n oh_o mark_n it_o be_v the_o wise_a tongue_n that_o wil●_n preach_v or_o use_v knowledge_n aright_o compare_v thi●_n with_o what_o we_o have_v verse_n 7._o the_o lip_n of_o the_o wis●_n disperse_v knowledge_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o foolish_a do_v not_o so_o it_o be_v wise_a lip_n either_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o preach_v or_o dispense_v divine_a knowledge_n again_o take_v that_o passage_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o what_o every_o scribe_n or_o teacher_n in_o israel_n shall_v be_v one_o instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n like_v unto_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o housholder_n that_o bring_v ou●_n of_o his_o treasury_n thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a oh_o this_o be_v the_o good_a scribe_n or_o preacher_n mat._n 13.52_o the_o like_v you_o have_v matth._n 10.16_o with_o prov._n 1.5_o 6._o further_n you_o have_v this_o confirm_v that_o a_o preacher_n or_o director_n of_o other_o shall_v be_v wise_a eccl._n 1.10_o for_o he_o that_o send_v a_o message_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n cut_v off_o the_o foot_n and_z drinketh_z damage_n the_o leg_n of_o the_o jame_n be_v not_o equal_a even_o so_o be_v a_o parable_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o fool_n prov._n 26.6_o 7._o by_o all_o which_o with_o many_o testimony_n more_o that_o may_v have_v be_v offer_v you_o have_v this_o truth_n confirm_v that_o every_o gospel-preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a now_o i_o come_v to_o open_v the_o point_n and_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a or_o what_o that_o wisdom_n be_v that_o every_o gospel-preacher_n ought_v to_o have_v i_o tell_v you_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o word_n by_o way_n of_o negation_n that_o the_o wisdom_n speak_v of_o in_o the_o text_n be_v neither_o natural_a moral_a or_o acquire_v wisdom_n as_o language_n tongue_n art_n or_o science_n but_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a wisdom_n i_o tell_v you_o god_n have_v not_o set_v this_o axe_n or_o hammer_n apart_o to_o do_v his_o or_o this_o work_n with_o these_o tool_n be_v stranger_n to_o any_o divine_a designment_n for_o such_o a_o end_n be_v neither_o appoint_v or_o require_v in_o scripture_n i_o tell_v you_o second_o this_o wisdom_n be_v but_o a_o carnal_a or_o natural_a weapon_n and_o be_v only_o meet_v for_o carnal_a natural_a weak_a and_o worldly_a work_n and_o for_o such_o purpose_n this_o learning_n or_o wisdom_n be_v very_o fit_a and_o useful_a but_o no_o more_o apt_a or_o necessary_a essential_o for_o preacher_n or_o preach_v than_o a_o sword_n be_v to_o cut_v one_o beard_n with_o or_o a_o plough_n to_o ride_v a_o journey_n on_o but_o the_o wisdom_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o preach_v or_o a_o preacher_n be_v divine_a wisdom_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o which_o descend_v from_o above_o more_o immediate_o and_o come_v from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n and_o this_o be_v that_o true_a wisdom_n which_o be_v put_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o wisdom_n before_o mention_v 1_o cor._n 1.17_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v christ_n send_v he_o not_o to_o baptise_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v of_o none_o effect_v mark_v it_o be_v worldly_a wisdom_n or_o the_o wisdom_n of_o word_n make_v christ_n cross_n to_o be_v make_v ineffectual_a this_o be_v the_o likely_a good_a worldly_a wisdom_n wil●_n do_v in_o preach_v the_o same_o thought_n be_v th●_n apostle_n peter_n of_o censure_v humane_a wisdom_n tha●_n it_o may_v and_o do_v furnish_v man_n to_o pervert_v but_o no●_n preach_v the_o gospel_n where_o he_o say_v as_o also_o in_o a_o his_o epistle_n speak_v in_o they_o of_o these_o thing_n i●_n which_o be_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o they_o that_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrest_v as_o the●_n do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n unto_o their_o own_o destruction_n you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o ow●_n steadfastness_n 2_o pet._n 3.16_o 17._o now_o if_o you_o will_v know_v who_o these_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wreste●_n and_o perverter_n of_o paul_n and_o of_o all_o scripture_n be_v peter_n tell_v we_o not_o man_n want_v art_n and_o language_n such_o know_v
these_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v it_o see_v y●●_n know_v these_o thing_n but_o they_o he_o describe_v and_o call_v unlearned_a be_v those_o he_o mention_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n who_o he_o call_v false_a prophet_n and_o false_a teacher_n note_v it_o be_v not_o the_o unlearned_a hearer_n but_o the_o learned_a preacher_n that_o be_v the_o perverter_n and_o deceiver_n of_o the_o people_n through_o mistake_v paul_n write_n and_o other_o scripture_n these_o be_v the_o man_n the_o church_n and_o the_o world_n be_v only_o behold_v to_o for_o privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n and_o cause_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o verse_n 1_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o brute_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o even_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n verse_n 12._o these_o learned_a prophet_n be_v the_o wel●_n without_o water_n and_o the_o cloud_n carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n vers_fw-la 17._o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o speak_v great_a swell_a word_n of_o vanity_n and_o allure_v through_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n through_o much_o wantonness_n those_o that_o be_v clean_o escape_v from_o they_o who_o live_v in_o error_n so_o that_o we_o may_v bold_o conclude_v that_o humane_a learning_n and_o wisdom_n be_v neither_o prophet_n nor_o preacher_n wisdom_n or_o fit_a furniture_n for_o such_o work_n but_o because_o i_o foresee_v that_o demetrius_n and_o his_o learned_a craftsman_n will_v make_v no_o small_a stir_n about_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v humane_a learning_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o argument_n to_o back_n and_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v say_v arg._n 1._o if_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o learning_n be_v essential_a to_o qualify_v a_o preacher_n for_o preach_v than_o the_o scripture_n rule_v concern_v a_o preachers-qualification_n be_v imperfect_a and_o obscure_a which_o be_v sinful_a to_o imagine_v because_o it_o neither_o require_v or_o provide_v for_o such_o low_a earthly-membring_a qualification_n as_o tongue_n and_o science_n which_o teach_v preacher_n not_o to_o preach_v without_o it_o what_o the_o scripture_n require_v as_o a_o preacher_n qualification_n you_o may_v read_v 1_o act_n 4.5_o it_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n expound_v vers_fw-la 5._o to_o be_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o 1_o timoth._n 2.2_o to_o the_o 7.2_o tim._n 2.2_o and_o 15._o with_o chap._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o arg._n 2._o if_o humane_a learning_n or_o wisdom_n be_v the_o preacher_n wisdom_n than_o the_o best_a of_o preacher_n have_v slight_v and_o neglect_v the_o main_a or_o grand_a qualification_n 1_o corin._n 2.1_o and_o i_o brethren_n when_o i_o come_v unto_o you_o i_o come_v not_o unto_o you_o with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o of_o wisdom_n declare_v unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o paul_n give_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v for_o i_o determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n among_o you_o save_v jesus_n christ_n verse_n 2._o and_o again_o say_v he_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n vers_n 4._o yet_o paul_n will_v have_v the_o rabbi_n and_o stickler_n for_o entice_a word_n and_o man_n wisdom_n know_v that_o his_o illiterate_a preach_v be_v perfect_o accomplish_v preach_v howbeit_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o those_o that_o be_v perfect_a yet_o not_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n that_o come_v 〈◊〉_d nought_o vers_fw-la 6._o take_v but_o one_o place_n more_o act._n 4.13_o now_o when_o they_o see_v the_o boldness_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v mark_v these_o marvellous_a preacher_n have_v preach_v most_o public_o and_o resolve_v still_o to_o preach_v as_o public_o yet_o neither_o have_v this_o wisdom_n or_o learning_n but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a and_o resolve_v so_o to_o remain_v therefore_o clear_v it_o be_v this_o wisdom_n be_v not_o preacher_n wisdom_n else_o these_o great_a preacher_n can_v not_o have_v want_v it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o if_o they_o have_v it_o 〈◊〉_d improve_n it_o about_o this_o great_a work_n which_o some_o say_v do_v so_o fit_a man_n for_o it_o therefore_o this_o wisdom_n in_o controversy_n can_v be_v preacher_n wisdom_n three_o take_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o humane_a learning_n be_v not_o the_o preacher_n wisdom_n because_o then_o many_o both_o allow_v and_o enjoin_v to_o preach_v will_v be_v find_v unable_a to_o preach_v through_o want_n of_o this_o furniture_n or_o wisdom_n as_o many_o o●_n the_o prophet_n or_o prophesy_a member_n of_o th●_n church_n who_o though_o they_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o new-birth●_a yet_o have_v never_o attain_v this_o wisdom_n or_o sit_v at_o gamaliel_n foot_n but_o such_o may_v be_v allow_v of_o as_o competent_a preacher_n as_o i_o have_v large_o prove_v in_o the_o second_o doctrine_n arg._n 4._o the_o consideration_n of_o who_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o gospel-preaching_a will_v make_v it_o necessary_o appear_v that_o humane_a wisdom_n be_v not_o the_o preacher_n wisdom_n but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o not_o man_n how_v learn_v soever_o ephes_n 4.7_o to_o 15._o unto_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o forward_o compare_v with_o rev._n 19.10_o which_o say_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n arg._n 5._o take_v this_o argument_n why_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o wisdom_n that_o the_o gospel-preacher_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v not_o humane_a learning_n or_o wisdom_n because_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v not_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o excellency_n nor_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o way_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n or_o excellency_n nay_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o contrary_a to_o humane_a excellency_n be_v plain_a and_o simple_a though_o most_o holy_a and_o pure_a in_o the_o nature_n and_o administration_n thereof_o therefore_o need_v not_o art_n or_o science_n to_o comprehend_v or_o reveal_v it_o nay_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o imply_v that_o learn_v mix_v with_o or_o use_v in_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n do_v but_o corrupt_a or_o sophisticate_a and_o adulterate_a it_o as_o the_o fly_n do_v the_o apothecary_n box_n of_o ointment_n eccl._n 10.1_o 2_o cor._n 2.17_o but_o to_o proceed_v arg._n 6._o take_v this_o argument_n the_o subject_n or_o person_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v or_o predicate_v be_v not_o the_o orator_n wise_a and_o excellent_a of_o wit_n but_o the_o simple_a the_o vulgar_a the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a according_a to_o that_o word_n mat._n 11.5_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v 〈◊〉_d they_o 1_o cor._n 1.26_o 27_o 28._o and_o christ_n say_v that_o he_o be_v anoint_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o 〈◊〉_d poor_a therefore_o they_o need_v not_o learned_a that_o 〈◊〉_d humane_o learned_a preacher_n but_o spiritual_a w●●_n physician_n what_o need_v frenchman_n to_o speak_v they_o that_o only_o understand_v english_a or_o need_v man_n geometry_n or_o mathematic_a logic_n or_o rhetoric_n to_o preach_v to_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o no_o h●●_n mane_n understanding_n only_o god_n have_v promis●_n to_o teach_v they_o so_o much_o spirituality_n as_o conce●●_n their_o soul_n but_o as_o to_o this_o glorious_a literature_n 〈◊〉_d but_o as_o the_o gild_a trappings_o upon_o a_o ass_n to_o ma●_n he_o to_o be_v respect_v arg._n 7._o to_o require_v or_o enjoin_v humane_a learning_n or_o wisdom_n as_o necessary_a or_o essential_a to_o eve●_n gospel-preacher_n be_v to_o require_v that_o for_o a_o requi●●_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o main_a end_n of_o g●spel-preaching_a which_o be_v to_o preach_v christ_n and_o knowledge_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o not_o to_o preach_v 〈◊〉_d preacher_n or_o his_o knowledge_n into_o the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d great_a end_n of_o gospel-preaching_a be_v not_o to_o prea●_n forth_o or_o declare_v man_n breed_v or_o learn_v in_o the_o people_n or_o to_o show_v the_o preacher_n excellency_n 〈◊〉_d humane_a thing_n or_o excellency_n or_o breed_v up_o m●_n in_o worldly_a or_o humane_a knowledge_n but_o to_o t●_n man_n from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o p●●_n of_o satan_n into_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o g●_n and_o to_o edify_v and_o build_v up_o such_o as_o be_v convert_v the_o knowledge_n and_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n je●●_n christ_n arg._n 8._o if_o the_o church_n even_o every_o unlearned_a church_n in_o humane_a learning_n must_v judge_v and_o 〈◊〉_d the_o
glory_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o but_o some_o may_v say_v how_o come_v the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o that_o day_n to_o this_o wisdom_n not_o from_o university_n or_o humane_a learning_n but_o from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o you_o have_v it_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n mark_v it_o yea_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 10._o and_o this_o paul_n prove_v vers_fw-la 11._o for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o be_v further_a witness_v unto_o vers_fw-la 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o object_n 6._o may_v some_o say_v how_o shall_v a_o preacher_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v or_o confute_v gainsayers_a without_o learning_n for_o every_o one_o that_o be_v a_o scholar_n and_o subtle_a will_v sophisticate_a and_o use_v fallacy_n and_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o his_o argument_n from_o he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o scholar_n now_o belove_v i_o pray_v you_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o objection_n and_o you_o have_v here_o discover_v the_o learned_a man_n excellency_n it_o be_v to_o sophisticate_a and_o deal_v fallacious_o with_o the_o simple_a and_o the_o truth_n belove_a take_v heed_n of_o they_o as_o such_o who_o have_v learn_v the_o skill_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a but_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o to_o answer_v this_o seem_o so_o weighty_a a_o objection_n know_v god_n way_n or_o the_o right_a way_n for_o a_o preacher_n to_o answer_v gainsayers_a be_v to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n dwell_v rich_o in_o he_o in_o all_o wisdom_n that_o out_o of_o that_o library_n or_o good_a treasure_n he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o contrary_a part_n thus_o paul_n teach_v enjoin_v preacher_n to_o hold_v fast_o the_o faithful_a word_n as_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o he_o may_v be_v able_a by_o sound_a doctrine_n both_o to_o exhort_v and_o convince_v the_o gainsayers_a tit._n 1.9_o 10._o the_o like_o you_o have_v in_o 2_o tim._n 3.13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o object_n 7._o some_o may_v say_v this_o be_v to_o subject_a preacher_n and_o preach_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n for_o if_o preacher_n need_v not_o be_v learn_v who_o will_v not_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o more_o bold_a than_o the_o ignorant_a or_o man_n of_o ignorance_n and_o who_o will_v reverence_v preach_v or_o preacher_n if_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o common_a a_o work_n for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v unlearned_a will_v it_o not_o be_v very_o simple_a and_o mean_v preach_v if_o preacher_n want_v breed_n art_n language_n and_o science_n to_o garnish_v and_o dress_v out_o their_o preach_v with_o lively_a and_o apt_a simile_n rhetorical_a and_o elegant_a word_n to_o all_o which_o i_o thus_o answer_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n first_o it_o be_v never_o the_o more_o easy_a but_o much_o more_o the_o hard_a for_o any_o to_o preach_v whilst_o we_o affirm_v no_o humane_a acquirement_n but_o supernatural_a attainment_n that_o fit_v or_o qualify_v person_n for_o preach_v second_o if_o all_o or_o any_o seek_v or_o undertake_v to_o preach_v it_o follow_v not_o that_o all_o shall_v or_o can_v preach_v no_o there_o be_v many_o learned_a yea_o and_o unlearned_a intruder_n upon_o preach_v which_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v preach_v for_o all_o they_o rush_v or_o run_v upon_o the_o work_n for_o it_o be_v write_v a_o man_n can_v receive_v nothing_o that_o be_v no_o such_o gift_n except_o it_o be_v give_v he_o from_o above_o john_n 3.27_o and_o say_v paul_n how_o can_v one_o preach_v except_o he_o be_v send_v and_o three_o though_o this_o unnecessary_a tool_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o be_v there_o many_o other_o help_n which_o every_o preacher_n must_v have_v both_o natural_a and_o divine_a which_o every_o man_n have_v not_o no_o not_o every_o godly_a man_n nor_o can_v attain_v to_o therefore_o to_o be_v a_o accomplished-preacher_n be_v not_o so_o easy_a though_o it_o matter_n not_o how_o easy_a but_o fourthly_a if_o it_o be_v say_v who_o then_o will_v reverence_v preach_v or_o preacher_n i_o answer_v though_o a_o undue_a reverence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v or_o desire_v and_o every_o able_a preacher_n be_v true_o and_o most_o eminent_o worthy_a of_o reverence_n yet_o when_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n lie_v warm_a upon_o the_o preacher_n heart_n then_o the_o main_a business_n of_o a_o gospel-preacher_n will_v be_v to_o get_v christ_n not_o himself_o reverence_v for_o we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o christ_n sake_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o as_o david_n say_v to_o michael_n 2_o sam._n 6._o even_o of_o the_o handmaid_n shall_v such_o be_v have_v into_o honour_n whilst_o the_o proud_a locust_n of_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n despise_v they_o i_o say_v every_o such_o soul_n that_o be_v preach_v to_o will_v reverence_v that_o lip_n which_o have_v speak_v christ_n to_o his_o heart_n as_o hereafter_o may_v more_o appear_v but_o if_o the_o blind_a can_v yet_o the_o see_a eye_n will_v reverence_v such_o preach_a and_o that_o the_o more_o because_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o simple_a but_o last_o whereas_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o preach_a will_v be_v very_o mean_a and_o simple_a if_o the_o preacher_n be_v unlearned_a and_o want_v art_n science_n rhetoric_n and_o logic_n to_o help_v they_o to_o apt_a expression_n simile_n to_o set_v forth_o heavenly_a thing_n by_o i_o answer_v no_o if_o man_n be_v wise_a that_o preach_v it_o will_v not_o be_v simple_a preach_v if_o preacher_n be_v dayes-man_n or_o man_n of_o experience_n in_o christ_n gospel_n and_o satan_n wiles_n for_o if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v help_v the_o unlearned_a to_o word_n sufficient_a to_o speak_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n sure_o he_o be_v much_o more_o able_a to_o help_v the_o unlearned_a preacher_n to_o sufficiency_n of_o word_n to_o speak_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o advantage_n of_o unlearned_a simple_a sinful_a earthly_a ignorant_a man_n and_o woman_n yea_o babe_n and_o suckling_n therefore_o no_o need_n to_o serve_v a_o apprenticeship_n for_o word_n at_o the_o school_n thus_o i_o have_v answer_v this_o objection_n object_n 8._o some_o may_v say_v if_o preacher_n be_v not_o scholar_n and_o artist_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v or_o explain_v at_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n of_o old_a and_o place_n and_o country_n as_o where_o they_o lie_v and_o in_o what_o continent_n situation_n latitude_n and_o distance_n one_o from_o another_o etc._n etc._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v but_o superfluous_a or_o unnecessary_a knowledge_n which_o every_o gospel-preacher_n may_v honourable_o be_v without_o and_o if_o a_o preacher_n can_v attain_v it_o without_o humane_a learning_n he_o may_v preach_v as_o true_o and_o as_o profitable_o christ_n mystery_n and_o man_n duty_n from_o such_o scripture_n as_o if_o he_o can_v resolve_v such_o riddle_n or_o unnecessary_a question_n for_o can_v not_o ezckiel_n amos_n and_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v against_o egypt_n tyrus_n moab_n babylon_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen-country_n as_o well_o as_o if_o they_o know_v their_o longitude_n or_o latitude_n yes_o doubtless_o as_o clear_o as_o other-way_n for_o that_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o but_o only_o to_o denounce_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o other_o knowledge_n of_o place_n be_v only_o or_o most_o necessary_a for_o such_o as_o be_v traveller_n or_o historiographer_n who_o else_o may_v miss_v their_o way_n or_o mar_v their_o work_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o a_o preacher_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o such_o to_o preach_v that_o babylon_n shall_v fall_v because_o she_o have_v sin_v and_o that_o nineveh_n repent_v and_o therefore_o be_v spare_v wheresoever_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o country_n be_v and_o that_o whatsoever_o country_n or_o people_n soever_o they_o be_v that_o sin_n against_o the_o most_o high_a and_o do_v not_o repent_v shall_v also_o perish_v first_o or_o last_o yea_o even_o england_n though_o we_o know_v where_o it_o lie_v without_o repentance_n must_v doubtless_o perish_v object_n 9_o may_v not_o some_o say_v to_o i_o do_v not_o solomon_n the_o wise_a even_o the_o preacher_n in_o my_o text_n say_v prov._n 1.22_o it_o be_v fool_n only_o that_o hate_n or_o slight_a knowledge_n so_o it_o be_v only_o unlearned_a ignorant_a mechanic_n that_o speak_v thus_o slight_o and_o contemptible_o of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o its_o season_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v not_o to_o
sober_o say_v of_o these_o great_a rabbi_n of_o our_o day_n wh●_n the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 1.22_o profess_v to_o be_v wis●●_n they_o become_v fool_n sure_o even_o so_o have_v god_n 〈◊〉_d fool_v this_o wise_a generation_n and_o discover_v th●●_n our_o world_n have_v many_o grave_n and_o gay_a fool_n eve●_n many_o more_o than_o wear_v motly-coat_n even_o most_o 〈◊〉_d the_o professor_n of_o divinity_n as_o they_o please_v to_o sti●●_n themselves_o our_o grave_a and_o orthodox_n roman_a clergy_n i_o say_v this_o generation_n how_o lofty_a soever_o thei●_n eye_n be_v be_v not_o wash_v from_o their_o filthiness_n 〈◊〉_d not_o of_o be_v sordid_o ignorant_a what_o scriptural_o will_v qualify_v sufficient_o and_o essential_o un●●_n preaching-imployment_n prov._n 30.12_o 13._o nay_o so_o ignorant_a be_v they_o of_o a_o preacher_n qualification_n that_o some_o and_o they_o no_o small_a man_n among_o that_o tribe_n have_v open_o declare_v that_o without_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a preacher_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n without_o have_v sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o gamaliel_n or_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o a_o university_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a with_o god_n even_o without_o any_o miracle_n to_o kill_v goliath_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o little_a david_n when_o the_o son_n of_o mars_n stand_v by_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o even_o so_o this_o clergy_n will_v persuade_v we_o god_n little_a david_n spiritual_a and_o experience_a christian_n can_v preach_v except_o arm_v with_o a_o university-burthen_n upon_o their_o back_n though_o god_n have_v most_o abundant_o by_o innumerable_a instance_n disprove_v this_o fallacy_n yet_o once_o more_o let_v i_o rebuke_v the_o madness_n and_o make_v manifest_a the_o folly_n of_o these_o prophet_n even_o those_o learned_a but_o ignorant_a false-prophet_n who_o assert_v that_o humane_a learning_n only_o can_v qualify_v unto_o this_o end_n yea_o that_o it_o alone_o without_o saving-grace_n and_o the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v make_v sufficient_a minister_n to_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o child_n of_o man_n especial_o if_o a_o bishop_n do_v but_o ordain_v they_o and_o say_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o plentiful_a experience_n witness_v and_o their_o canon_n and_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o priest_n and_o deacon_n declare_v where_o the_o scripture-qualifications_a be_v leave_v out_o and_o other_o set_v up_o well_o to_o conclude_v this_o use_n let_v these_o prophet_n that_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o priest_n and_o preacher_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_n order_n of_o who_o we_o read_v 1_o king_n 12.31_o and_o he_o make_v priest_n of_o the_o low_a and_o base_a of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o son_n of_o levi._n but_o let_v these_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o they_o that_o have_v apostatise_v from_o the_o right_a way_n these_o mad_a prophet_n these_o well_n without_o water_n these_o cloud_n carry_v with_o a_o tempest_n 2_o pet._n 2.15_o 16_o 17._o even_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n wo_n unto_o the_o foolish_a prophet_n that_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o have_v see_v nothing_o ezek._n 13.3_o the_o second_o use_n be_v for_o reproof_n second_o this_o may_v reprove_v the_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n that_o be_v creep_v into_o and_o seize_v on_o too_o many_o godly_a sober_a well-meaning_a christian_n and_o professor_n that_o have_v dwell_v so_o long_o in_o egypt_n they_o can_v swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n that_o be_v ha●●_n trade_v too_o long_o with_o antichrist_n clergy_n man_n that_o now_o they_o dare_v even_o swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o tha●_n no_o man_n but_o a_o scholar_n of_o that_o sort_n they_o intend_v either_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o meddle_v with_o preach_v say_v let_v every_o one_o keep_v in_o his_o own_o call_v and_o 〈◊〉_d go_v beyond_o his_o last_o forget_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v you_o may_v all_o prophesy_v one_o by_o one_o 1_o cor._n 14.31_o and_o that_o by_o the_o alone_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v thorough_o furnish_v u●●●_n every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n 2_o tim._n 3.17_o oh_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o have_v not_o man_n person_n and_o part_n so_o in_o admiration_n as_o to_o plead_v for_o baal_n and_o call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a speak_v evil_a of_o thing_n you_o know_v not_o but_o search_v the_o scripture_n diligent_o and_o humble_o and_o you_o will_v find_v other_o qualification_n appoint_v as_o necessary_a and_o sufficient_a for_o preach_v without_o that_o i_o have_v so_o oppose_v unless_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o bottomless-pit_n have_v put_v out_o your_o eye_n rev._n 9_o oh_o my_o brethren_n all_o you_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v more_o scripturally-wise_a and_o learned_a yourselves_o and_o then_o you_o will_v easy_o and_o plain_o see_v the_o vanity_n ignorance_n and_o emptiness_n of_o your_o suppose_a orthodox_n teacher_n but_o i_o shall_v spar●_n you_o as_o be_v rather_o lead_v than_o leader_n of_o your_o self_n see_v in_o this_o point_n with_o other_o man_n eye_n all_o i_o shall_v further_o do_v for_o you_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o you_o as_o sometime_o elisha_n pray_v for_o his_o servant_n say_v lord_n i_o pray_v thou_o open_v his_o eye_n that_o he_o may_v see_v and_o the_o lord_n open_v his_o eye_n and_o he_o see_v the_o mountain_n full_a of_o horse_n and_o chariot_n of_o fire_n round_o about_o elisha_n 2_o king_n 6.17_o even_o so_o say_v i_o for_o all_o the_o saint_n who_o be_v contrary_a mind_v to_o this_o gospel-truth_n lord_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o thy_o dear_a child_n my_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o see_v by_o thy_o light_n even_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n that_o grace-saving_a sanctifying-grace_n and_o the_o gift_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o spirit_n without_o humane_a or_o university_n preparation_n be_v true_o full_o most_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o make_v christ_n gospel-preacher_n wise_a enough_o for_o soul-conversion_n and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o body_n in_o love_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o use_v i_o now_o come_v to_o a_o three_o the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o information_n three_o thus_o may_v i_o inform_v whence_o the_o romish_a and_o learned_a clergyman_n of_o our_o day_n do_v so_o blaspheme_v and_o oppose_v the_o spirits-teaching_a it_o be_v sure_o because_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o sinful_a interest_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o zedechiah_n son_n of_o chenaanah_n go_v near_o and_o smite_v micaiah_n on_o the_o cheek_n 1_o king_n 22.24_o this_o also_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o sanbalat_n and_o tobiah_n and_o their_o companion_n do_v so_o reproach_n good_a nehemiah_n and_o obstruct_v the_o work_n of_o the_o temple_n nehem._n 2.19_o with_o chap._n 6.1_o 2._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v why_o the_o priest_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o sadducee_n come_v and_o oppose_v and_o persecute_v the_o apostle_n act_n 4.1_o 2._o and_o even_o at_o this_o very_a day_n the_o same_o reason_n be_v why_o the_o priest_n and_o prelate_n of_o our_o day_n do_v so_o exclaim_v and_o reproach_v the_o spirit_n teach_v and_o the_o spiritual-minister_n teach_v it_o be_v their_o own_o interest_n of_o profit_n and_o ignorance_n of_o truth_n and_o right_a way_n of_o fit_a man_n for_o preach_v though_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n will_n in_o this_o thing_n yet_o be_v they_o well_o acquaint_v that_o i●_n this_o kind_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o sort_n of_o preacher_n go_v up_o their_o trade_n honour_n and_o profit_n will_v soon_o go_v down_o according_a to_o that_o say_n the_o fruit_n which_o thy_o soul_n lu_v after_o be_v depart_v from_o thou_o and_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v dainty_a and_o goodly_a be_v depart_v from_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v find_v they_o no_o more_o at_o all_o rev._n 18.14_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o these_o covetous_a clergyman_n do_v so_o cry_v out_o against_o this_o way_n of_o preach_v by_o man_n spiritual_o wise_a but_o otherwise_o illiterate_a and_o unlearned_a because_o such_o preacher_n if_o allow_v will_v soon_o cloud_v their_o glory_n and_o eclipse_v their_o credit_n and_o humble_a their_o pride_n and_o hinder_v their_o market_n and_o who_o then_o can_v wonder_v that_o these_o so_o reproach_n the_o true_a gospel-preacher_n they_o must_v blaspheme_v and_o gnaw_v their_o tongue_n for_o pain_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o as_o long_o as_o this_o antichristian-priesthood_n endure_v as_o we_o have_v it_o rev._n 11.10_o there_o can_v be_v no_o joy_n to_o they_o that_o dwell_v thus_o in_o or_o upon_o earthly_a thing_n order_n riches_n credit_n and_o authority_n you_o may_v as_o well_o look_v for_o peace_n from_o hell_n as_o from_o the_o learned_a romish-priesthood_n rev._n 12.17_o therefore_o cease_v marvel_v
that_o the_o pope_n clergy_n do_v so_o vilify_v and_o reproach_n christ_n gospel_n spiritually-wise_a preacher_n still_v they_o proud_a busybody_n in_o other_o man_n business_n self-willed_a presumptuous_a ignorant_a factious_a enemy_n to_o caesar_n and_o what_o not_o that_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a deal_v with_o christ_n minister_n and_o faithful_a preacher_n as_o former_o their_o forefather_n deal_v with_o that_o faithful_a witness_n and_o martyr_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n john_n huss_n who_o when_o they_o burn_v he_o clad_v he_o in_o strange_a garment_n paint_v image_n of_o devil_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v he_o odious_a to_o the_o people_n as_o you_o have_v it_o record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o martyr_n but_o to_o close_v this_o use_n let_v all_o christ_n faithful_a servant_n and_o preacher_n remember_v what_o the_o lord_n christ_n say_v mat._n 5.11_o 12._o bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o shall_v say_v all_o manner_n of_o evil_n against_o you_o false_o for_o my_o sake_n rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o so_o persecute_v they_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v before_o you_o and_o if_o man_n of_o this_o breed_n do_v scoff_n and_o deride_v you_o for_o this_o preach_a say_v as_o david_n if_o i_o be_v vile_a i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o vile_a etc._n etc._n the_o next_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v for_o caution_n or_o counsel_n the_o first_o use_n be_v of_o caution_n first_o to_o all_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o consider_v that_o if_o every_o gospel-preacher_n ought_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o none_o may_v preach_v but_o such_o who_o be_v spiritual-wise_a then_o take_v heed_n in_o your_o choice_n and_o call_v of_o man_n to_o preach_v that_o you_o observe_v this_o rule_n to_o elect_a ordain_v and_o appoint_v to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v such_o have_v eye_n to_o this_o rule_n and_o as_o moses_n say_v to_o israel_n let_v i_o now-say_a to_o you_o the_o church_n of_o the_o saint_n look_v you_o out_o wise_a and_o spiritual_o understand_v man_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v intrust_v not_o spiritual_a fool_n with_o so_o weighty_a and_o honourable_a a_o work_n remember_v god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n eccles_n 5.4_o fool_n or_o unwise-preacher_n will_v preach_v but_o foolish_o and_o his_o people_n can_v have_v little_a soul-advantage_n or_o few_o sinner_n be_v convert_v or_o the_o lord_n jesus_n little_a glory_n from_o or_o by_o such_o preacher_n preach_v be_v too_o weighty_a and_o difficult_a a_o work_n for_o ignorant_a unwise_a carnal_a ungifted_a person_n to_o accomplish_v therefore_o take_v the_o counsel_n give_v act_n 6.3_o wherefore_o brethren_n look_v out_o man_n for_o this_o work_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n and_o they_o only_o appoint_v unto_o this_o business_n dishonour_v not_o preach_v by_o send_v dishonourable_a preacher_n about_o preach_a employment_n and_o mistake_v not_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o you_o shall_v judge_v who_o be_v wise_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v a_o preacher_n judge_v not_o according_a to_o appearance_n or_o man_n judgement_n but_o remember_v what_o god_n say_v to_o samuel_n in_o the_o like_a case_n look_v not_o on_o his_o countenance_n or_o on_o the_o height_n of_o his_o stature_n because_o i_o have_v refuse_v he_o for_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o belove_a in_o this_o business_n of_o judge_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v and_o allow_v to_o preach_v consult_v not_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n with_o the_o carnal_a wise_a and_o learned_a rabbi_n of_o the_o day_n lest_o like_o samuel_n you_o be_v mistake_v in_o your_o judgement_n and_o call_v he_o god_n anoint_v when_o the_o lord_n say_v this_o be_v not_o the_o man_n but_o consult_v the_o record_n and_o charter_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o see_v who_o that_o word_n call_v wise_a and_o a_o man_n fit_a to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v you_o shall_v find_v the_o wisdom_n which_o come_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n be_v the_o only_a wisdom_n that_o can_v fit_v person_n unto_o preach_v grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v best_a qualification_n for_o a_o preacher_n as_o appear_v act_n 1.4_o 5._o he_o will_v make_v the_o best_a preacher_n which_o have_v most_o grace_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o take_v heed_n to_o this_o business_n i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n who_o be_v christ_n porter_n see_v that_o no_o foolish_a idle_a or_o unholy_a shepherd_n enter_v in_o at_o christ_n door_n or_o be_v his_o people_n pastor_n for_o if_o there_o do_v the_o sin_n and_o guilt_n yea_o and_o punishment_n also_o of_o such_o preach_a will_v lie_v at_o your_o door_n john_n 10.3_o object_n but_o methinks_v i_o hear_v some_o object_n and_o say_v this_o be_v preposterous_a erroneous_a and_o dangerous_a to_o make_v preacher_n to_o depend_v and_o spring_v from_o the_o congregation_n approbation_n and_o mission_n this_o be_v to_o make_v minister_n or_o preacher_n depend_v upon_o the_o people_n whereas_o be_v it_o not_o better_o for_o congregation_n to_o spring_v from_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o ministry_n or_o the_o preacher_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o word_n i_o answer_v this_o objection_n smell_v strong_a of_o rome_n whoever_o be_v the_o objector_n and_o be_v calculate_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o maintain_v their_o pride_n authority_n and_o avarice_n and_o therefore_o may_v the_o rather_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v anti-scriptural_a or_o of_o no_o great_a strength_n to_o withstand_v therefore_o first_o though_o these_o suggest_v this_o to_o be_v preposterous_a as_o if_o we_o will_v put_v the_o cart_n to_o draw_v the_o horse_n and_o not_o the_o horse_n to_o draw_v the_o cart_n my_o answer_n be_v natural_a and_o divine_a reason_n will_v judge_v the_o contrary_a be_v it_o not_o preposterous_a that_o servant_n shall_v judge_v and_o choose_v their_o master_n but_o master_n that_o be_v to_o have_v their_o service_n and_o provide_v they_o their_o maintenance_n shall_v be_v judge_v unmeet_a to_o question_n or_o judge_v their_o ability_n be_v not_o the_o householder_n more_o honourable_a than_o his_o household-servant_n and_o the_o house_n before_o the_o household-servant_n even_o so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n must_v preacher_n and_o minister_n be_v the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o christ_n servant_n and_o shall_v not_o the_o church_n be_v conclude_v honourable_a and_o wise_a enough_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o ability_n of_o her_o own_o servant_n only_o they_o must_v judge_v whether_o the_o church_n or_o congregation_n be_v fit_a for_o their_o profit_n or_o honour_n god_n forbid_v must_v the_o church_n maintain_v they_o yet_o not_o call_v they_o to_o their_o work_n and_o be_v allow_v to_o judge_v of_o they_o yea_o the_o church_n must_v try_v their_o minister_n and_o yet_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v equal_a or_o superior_a to_o they_o prove_v 1_o john_n 4.1_o second_o this_o be_v not_o erroneous_a but_o most_o constaint_n and_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o then_o it_o matter_n not_o what_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o who_o call_v it_o error_n but_o that_o this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o scripture_n take_v act_n the_o first_o into_o consideration_n where_o peter_n stand_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o disciple_n say_v of_o these_o man_n that_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o must_v one_o be_v choose_v or_o ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o we_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o they_o mean_v the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o not_o the_o eleven_o appoint_v two_o josephus_n call_v barsabas_n who_o be_v surname_v justus_n and_o mathias_n vers_fw-la 15_o 21_o 22_o 23._o with_o chap._n 18._o from_o 24_o to_o 28._o truth_n it_o be_v this_o way_n of_o try_v and_o send_v forth_o and_o judge_v of_o the_o preacher_n gift_n and_o fitness_n for_o gospel-preaching_a be_v a_o err_a from_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o romish-church_n and_o their_o book_n of_o ordination_n of_o priest_n and_o deacon_n but_o be_v no_o err_v from_o the_o can●on_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o have_v be_v clear_v and_o three_o whereas_o they_o say_v this_o doctrine_n be_v dangerous_a give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v thereto_o truth_n be_v not_o endanger_v by_o trial_n or_o good_a commodity_n by_o be_v search_v into_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o spiritual_a preacher_n be_v the_o less_o danger_n of_o their_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n or_o ensnare_a the_o people_n if_o the_o objector_n intend_v the_o danger_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o ignorant_a
mouth_n to_o cause_v thy_o flesh_n to_o sin_n neither_o say_v before_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n eccles_n 5.6_o but_o this_o i_o must_v speak_v more_o to_o on_o another_o particular_a and_o therefore_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o point_n that_o preacher_n have_v need_v to_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o what_o they_o preach_v reas_n 1._o first_o because_o if_o they_o preach_v heedless_o christ_n will_v mind_v it_o heedful_o it_o be_v dangerous_a preach_v heedless_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o heedful_a hearer_n but_o especial_o in_o the_o ear_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o eye_n be_v like_o a_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o observe_v all_o our_o deportment_n in_o his_o concernment_n if_o he_o hear_v we_o preach_v heedless_o he_o will_v set_v this_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o we_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o overlook_a it_o and_o we_o think_v he_o have_v forget_v it_o carelessness_n and_o rashness_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o lord_n word_n meet_v with_o swift_a observation_n and_o severe_a chastisement_n therefore_o take_v heed_n and_o be_v holy_a you_o that_o bear_v the_o vessel_n of_o the_o lord_n remember_v the_o case_n of_o nadab_n and_o abihu_n levit_fw-la 10._o and_o of_o vzzah_n 2_o sam._n 6.6_o 7._o reas_n 2._o second_o the_o reason_n of_o preacher_n heedfulness_n be_v this_o the_o observance_n of_o man_n be_v the_o hearer_n sinner_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o hearer_n they_o will_v and_o do_v observe_v the_o best_a of_o preacher_n and_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v in_o wait_n to_o entrap_v and_o catch_v they_o or_o entangle_v they_o in_o their_o talk_n or_o preach_v such_o as_o can_v observe_v little_a of_o the_o marrow_n of_o preach_v or_o a_o sermon_n will_v be_v able_a enough_o to_o observe_v all_o the_o mistake_v or_o errata_n of_o a_o sermon_n therefore_o take_v away_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v it_o as_o paul_n do_v 2_o cor._n 11.12_o but_o again_o 2_o let_v preacher_n preach_v heedful_o because_o of_o saint_n their_o eye_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o their_o ear_n open_a to_o you_o and_o they_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n to_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o as_o spiritual_a man_n judge_v all_o thing_n and_o have_v sense_n exercise_v and_o like_o these_o noble_a berean_o will_v try_v all_o thing_n therefore_o o_o therefore_o preach_v with_o good_a heed_n and_o preach_v only_o good_a thing_n for_o their_o knowledge_n reas_n 3._o three_o preacher_n have_v need_n preach_v heedful_o because_o that_o which_o they_o preach_v be_v hard_a and_o difficult_a to_o preach_v preach_v be_v not_o easy_a work_n it_o be_v hard_a work_n it_o be_v curious_a work_n it_o need_v much_o wariness_n wisdom_n and_o circumspection_n to_o draw_v water_n out_o of_o these_o well_n of_o salvation_n and_o to_o fetch_v gold_n out_o of_o these_o mine_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n therefore_o ought_v they_o to_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o preach_v reas_n 4._o and_o last_o preacher_n shall_v give_v good_a heed_n how_o they_o preach_v because_o of_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v though_o man_n care_v not_o how_o they_o scatter_v their_o dross_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o careful_a what_o they_o do_v with_o their_o refine_a gold_n though_o the_o husbandman_n pass_v not_o what_o he_o do_v with_o his_o chaff_n yet_o he_o be_v very_o careful_a what_o he_o do_v with_o his_o seed-corn_n even_o so_o shall_v it_o be_v with_o preacher_n they_o shall_v be_v very_o heedful_a where_o they_o sow_v and_o how_o they_o bestow_v their_o principal_a wheat_n oh_o sow_v not_o upon_o the_o rock_n nor_o on_o the_o highway_n side_n but_o on_o good_a ground_n and_o careful_o look_v to_o your_o seed_n to_o christ_n seed_n it_o be_v too_o choice_a to_o sustain_v any_o loss_n oh_o therefore_o heedful_o preach_v that_o you_o lose_v not_o your_o labour_n nor_o your_o reward_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o point_n now_o to_o close_v this_o head_n with_o a_o word_n or_o two_o of_o application_n first_o of_o reproof_n application_n first_o if_o preacher_n ought_v to_o give_v good_a heed_n how_o they_o preach_v than_o this_o minister_v a_o word_n of_o reproof_n to_o such_o as_o be_v heedless_a preacher_n that_o think_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a facile_a work_n to_o dispense_v and_o propagate_v truth_n sure_o such_o do_v not_o remember_v the_o weightiness_n of_o preach_v so_o they_o can_v but_o preach_v pleas_o to_o man_n profitable_o to_o themselves_o and_o secure_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o they_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o oversee_v or_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n the_o various_a state_n of_o their_o hearer_n the_o avoid_n of_o their_o enemy_n the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n by_o a_o acute_a exact_a circumspect_a through_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o gospel-truths_n that_o they_o may_v speak_v and_o preach_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n well_o i_o shall_v not_o stand_v upon_o this_o only_o be_v mind_v these_o of_o that_o sad_a word_n curse_v be_v he_o that_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o and_o let_v these_o preacher_n know_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v to_o all_o slight_a preacher_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v therefore_o i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o weary_a with_o hold_v in_o i_o will_v pour_v it_o out_o upon_o the_o child_n abroad_o and_o upon_o the_o assembly_n of_o young_a man_n together_o for_o even_o the_o husband_n with_o the_o wife_n shall_v be_v take_v the_o age_a with_o he_o that_o be_v full_a of_o day_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v turn_v unto_o other_o with_o their_o field_n and_o wife_n together_o for_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n say_v the_o lord_n for_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o even_o unto_o the_o great_a of_o they_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v give_v to_o covetousness_n and_o from_o the_o prophet_n even_o unto_o the_o priest_n every_o one_o deal_v false_o they_o have_v heal_v also_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o my_o people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n jer._n 6.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o note_v and_o so_o i_o conclude_v this_o use_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o a_o destructive_a evil_n to_o be_v a_o sleighty_a prophet_n or_o preacher_n the_o second_o use_n be_v of_o exhortation_n second_o let_v this_o exhort_v all_o wise_a gospel-preacher_n to_o remember_v the_o text_n and_o also_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o the_o work_n of_o preach_v it_o be_v not_o only_o honourable_a but_o difficult_a likewise_o it_o be_v high_a it_o be_v hard_a oh_o therefore_o give_v good_a heed_n to_o this_o work_n of_o preach_v it_o be_v not_o man_n work_n or_o a_o work_n perform_v so_o much_o for_o man_n as_o for_o god_n it_o be_v soul-work_n as_o you_o love_v soul_n or_o have_v a_o value_n of_o immortal_a soul_n take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o in_o this_o work_n this_o bless_a work_n of_o preach_v oh_o be_v intent_n upon_o this_o thing_n to_o seek_v the_o profit_n of_o many_o that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v oh_o speak_v or_o preach_v as_o paul_n word_n it_o as_o you_o ought_v to_o speak_v ephes_n 6.20_o study_v scripture_n study_v man_n listen_v to_o the_o spirit_n follow_v its_o guidance_n give_v yourselves_o up_o to_o this_o work_n take_v solomon_n counsel_n eccles_n 9.10_o whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n oh_o strive_v mighty_o to_o be_v spiritual_o exact_a and_o perfect_a preacher_n oh_o remember_v it_o be_v require_v of_o a_o steward_n that_o he_o be_v find_v faithful_a 1_o cor._n 4.2_o therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v you_o man_n brethren_n and_o father_n even_o all_o you_o that_o be_v christ_n steward_n and_o gospel-preacher_n give_v good_a heed_n to_o this_o thing_n that_o you_o may_v give_v up_o your_o account_n with_o joy_n and_o not_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n the_o three_o use_n be_v of_o vindication_n three_o let_v this_o doctrine_n vindicate_v such_o preacher_n as_o give_v good_a heed_n in_o preach_v so_o to_o preach_v that_o they_o may_v approve_v themselves_o good_a workman_n even_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a divide_v the_o word_n aright_o such_o as_o preach_v not_o as_o please_a man_n but_o as_o please_a god_n which_o tri_v the_o heart_n 1_o thess_n 2.4_o i_o say_v this_o truth_n now_o clear_v will_v acquit_v and_o justify_v all_o such_o sober_a serious_a exquisite_a faithful_a painful_a wise_a preacher_n which_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o be_v physician_n of_o value_n such_o as_o endeavour_v both_o to_o sound_v their_o own_o and_o the_o people_n heart_n and_o to_o see_v that_o they_o preach_v as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o guidance_n act_v 2.4_o such_o
preacher_n as_o seek_v not_o you_o but_o you_o that_o your_o soul_n may_v be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n i_o say_v let_v this_o justify_v the_o exactness_n and_o diligence_n of_o those_o that_o in_o the_o divide_n of_o the_o word_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o divide_v it_o aright_o and_o to_o omit_v nor_o lose_v nothing_o of_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o such_o scripture_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n open_v to_o they_o but_o endeavour_v to_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o a_o ministration_n of_o the_o all_o commit_v to_o their_o trust_n follow_v that_o direction_n of_o our_o lord_n gather_v up_o the_o fragment_n that_o nothing_o be_v lose_v john_n 6.12_o so_o these_o painful_a and_o laborious_a bee_n move_v from_o flower_n to_o flower_n that_o be_v from_o text_n to_o text_n and_o from_o syllable_n to_o syllable_n that_o they_o may_v help_v you_o to_o honey_n that_o by_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a seek_v to_o impart_v to_o you_o the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n i_o say_v let_v such_o preacher_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o tax_v as_o at_o this_o day_n by_o some_o who_o make_v use_v of_o that_o say_n what_o need_v this_o waste_n mat._n 26.8_o what_o need_v this_o curiousness_n this_o tediousness_n so_o much_o dwell_v upon_o a_o text_n why_o let_v this_o serve_v to_o answer_v such_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v require_v of_o a_o steward_n to_o be_v sound_a faithful_a and_o this_o be_v faithful_a deal_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o word_n to_o let_v nothing_o be_v lose_v but_o again_o second_o if_o your_o preacher_n wise_a preacher_n do_v give_v good_a heed_n and_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o whereof_o they_o have_v need_n and_o do_v deal_v home_o and_o plain_o with_o your_o conscience_n in_o all_o faithfulness_n not_o spare_v any_o man_n or_o flatter_v any_o man_n or_o please_v any_o man_n but_o deal_v faithful_o with_o all_o man_n as_o approve_v themselves_o too_o god_n why_o then_o consider_v i_o pray_v you_o it_o be_v require_v of_o steward_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o such_o be_v steward_n even_o of_o the_o manisold_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v require_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v faithful_a oh_o let_v this_o justify_v all_o wise_a holy_a humble_a diligent_a painful_a faithful_a preacher_n that_o seek_v to_o turn_v many_o from_o their_o iniquity_n that_o give_v good_a heed_n and_o all_o diligence_n so_o to_o preach_v that_o they_o may_v declare_v that_o they_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n not_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 4.2_o and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o use_n and_o this_o point_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o next_o word_n and_o work_n of_o a_o wise_a preacher_n that_o be_v he_o seek_v out_o this_o be_v the_o next_o work_n and_o to_o search_v or_o seek_v out_o a_o good_a or_o a_o wise_a preacher_n do_v not_o only_o give_v out_o and_o not_o keep_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o all_o that_o good_a knowledge_n or_o will_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n make_v out_o to_o his_o soul_n but_o further_o he_o seek_v or_o search_v out_o after_o more_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v further_o impart_v to_o he_o in_o what_o be_v in_o part_n know_v by_o he_o or_o in_o what_o as_o yet_o of_o christ_n be_v not_o manifest_a but_o hide_v from_o he_o and_o they_o and_o may_v be_v impart_v to_o they_o for_o the_o choice_a or_o most_o comprehend_v servant_n or_o preacher_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o prophecy_v but_o in_o part_n and_o therefore_o have_v need_n to_o search_v inquire_v or_o hunt_v after_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n yet_o behind_o or_o unknown_a of_o he_o and_o which_o may_v for_o aught_o he_o know_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o he_o three_o thing_n i_o suppose_v this_o phrase_n may_v import_v first_o to_o examine_v and_o receive_v thing_n already_o view_v or_o know_v second_o to_o clear_v and_o discharge_v what_o we_o know_v from_o whatever_o objection_n or_o cavil_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o what_o we_o know_v or_o conceive_v we_o know_v three_o to_o seek_v out_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o get_v either_o fresh_a vision_n of_o god_n in_o our_o soul_n or_o further_o and_o exacter_n insight_n into_o such_o vision_n of_o god_n as_o already_o we_o have_v receive_v all_o this_o seem_v clear_o employ_v in_o this_o act_n of_o the_o wise_a preacher_n as_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o consider_v the_o next_o word_n and_o set_v in_o order_n or_o in_o their_o due_a order_n many_o proverb_n the_o work_n of_o the_o true_o or_o spiritual_o wise_a preacher_n be_v to_o search_v or_o seek_v after_o or_o search_v or_o seek_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o wha●_n be_v know_v or_o shall_v be_v know_v or_o may_v be_v know_v this_o be_v the_o trade_n of_o god_n command_n in_o order_n to_o a_o preacher_n duty_n doct._n 8._o the_o doctrine_n hence_o may_v be_v this_o that_o the_o wise_a preacher_n work_n be_v not_o a_o easy_a but_o a_o hard_a task_n to_o attain_v the_o comprehension_n or_o full_a understanding_n requisite_a to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o minister_n of_o christ_n his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a act_n of_o seek_v or_o inquire_v after_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n this_o be_v plain_o employ_v in_o this_o phrase_n he_o seek_v out_o or_o seek_v after_o or_o seek_v into_o the_o way_n of_o set_v parable_n in_o order_n to_o clear_v up_o this_o point_n two_o thing_n need_v prove_v first_o that_o the_o preacher_n task_n or_o duty_n be_v a_o hard_a task_n or_o duty_n second_o his_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a act_n of_o learning_n the_o mind_n of_o christ_n as_o he_o do_v not_o do_v all_o at_o once_o he_o have_v to_o do_v for_o christ_n neither_o do_v he_o searn_v all_o at_o any_o one_o season_n he_o have_v to_o learn_v from_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v always_o do_v and_o always_o learning_n until_o he_o die_v therefore_o be_v the_o preacher_n work_n hard_o work_n this_o moses_n well_o understand_v exod._n 3d_o four_o and_o 6_o chapter_n this_o jeremiah_n also_o apprehend_v in_o his_o first_o chapter_n and_o this_o paul_n conclude_v concern_v his_o ministry_n 1_o cor._n 16.15_o but_o not_o to_o heap_v up_o testimony_n for_o a_o thing_n so_o clear_a consider_v this_o namely_o what_o the_o preacher_n work_n be_v resemble_v to_o first_o it_o be_v call_v a_o warfare_n or_o they_o be_v resemble_v to_o valiant_a soldier_n and_o a_o soldier_n life_n be_v a_o l●fe_n of_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n even_o so_o be_v the_o preacher_n second_o it_o be_v style_v a_o watchm●●'s_n life_n and_o to_o be_v a_o good_a watchman_n be_v a_o hard_a life_n and_o laborious_a three_o he_o be_v call_v a_o shepherd_n and_o that_o be_v no_o easy_a life_n four_o they_o be_v call_v husbandman_n and_o labourer_n and_o builder_n all_o which_o prove_v preach_v to_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n but_o to_o make_v this_o more_o clear_a consider_v it_o be_v a_o trade_n or_o business_n that_o be_v always_o carry_v on_o i_o have_v almost_o say_v night_n and_o day_n and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o easy_a but_o hard_a work_n because_o it_o be_v perpetual_a work_n but_o such_o be_v the_o preacher_n work_n he_o must_v not_o only_o be_v always_o preach_v but_o always_o learning_n yea_o learning_n while_n teach_v in_o look_v after_o the_o mind_n of_o christ_n his_o work_n be_v never_o do_v always_o do_v run_v on_o more_o and_o more_o after_o fresh_a and_o full_a discovery_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o every_o day_n yea_o night_n and_o day_n study_v of_o the_o word_n and_o way_n of_o god_n he_o seek_v out_o it_o be_v open_v to_o we_o in_o prov._n 2.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o it_o be_v a_o work_n a_o man_n must_v cry_v for_o seek_v for_o yea_o ●●g_v for_o and_o hunt_v for_o that_o intend_v to_o find_v it_o compare_v with_o job_n 3.21_o take_v one_o passage_n more_o whe●e_o good_a and_o wise_a preacher_n may_v be_v resemble_v to_o servant_n and_o the_o hand_n maid_n david_n speak_v of_o psal_n 123.2_o or_o to_o the_o good_a woman_n perceive_v that_o her_o merchandize_v commodity_n be_v good_a therefore_o her_o candle_n go_v not_o out_o by_o night_n from_o all_o which_o may_v easy_o be_v gather_v what_o a_o hard_a and_o difficult_a constant_a and_o painful_a life_n and_o labour_n the_o wise_a preacher_n labour_n and_o life_n be_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o
point_n i_o proceed_v now_o from_o the_o preacher_n work_n to_o the_o preacher_n commendation_n and_o that_o which_o be_v write_v be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n the_o eleven_o doctrine_n whence_o i_o may_v observe_v that_o as_o wise_a preacher_n be_v wary_a and_o painful_a preacher_n and_o search_v and_o seek_v out_o acceptable_a and_o seasonable_a word_n for_o their_o people_n so_o a_o pious_a and_o deserve_a people_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o give_v or_o afford_v they_o and_o their_o preach_n due_a and_o deserve_a encouragement_n and_o commendation_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v make_v to_o appear_v but_o remember_v what_o solomon_n the_o preacher_n have_v write_v in_o this_o case_n prov._n 27.2_o let_v another_o man_n praise_v thou_o and_o not_o thy_o own_o mouth_n a_o stranger_n and_o not_o thy_o own_o lip_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o proceed_v any_o further_a and_o shall_v now_o consider_v the_o word_n without_o relation_n to_o the_o preacher_n as_o they_o hint_n forth_o the_o commendation_n of_o uprightness_n and_o truth_n not_o only_o in_o the_o preacher_n spirit_n and_o work_n but_o in_o every_o man_n spirit_n and_o conversation_n the_o twelve_o doctrine_n and_o the_o observation_n may_v be_v this_o that_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n be_v a_o excellent_a frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v time_n about_o the_o open_n or_o discover_v what_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n be_v because_o among_o such_o who_o enjoy_v wise_a preacher_n this_o be_v much_o discourse_v of_o among_o wise_a and_o gracious_a person_n this_o be_v well_o know_v if_o not_o better_o know_v than_o practise_v therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n and_o then_o come_v to_o improve_v it_o that_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n and_o walk_v be_v lovely_a and_o excellent_a take_v the_o witness_n of_o a_o stranger_n in_o israel_n concern_v david_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o sure_o as_o the_o lord_n live_v thou_o have_v be_v upright_o and_o thy_o go_v out_o and_o thy_o come_n in_o with_o i_o in_o the_o host_n be_v good_a in_o my_o sight_n for_o i_o have_v not_o find_v evil_a in_o thou_o since_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o come_n unto_o i_o to_o this_o day_n 1_o sam._n 29.6_o take_v also_o david_n own_o testimony_n when_o he_o sing_v forth_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o spirit_n say_v i_o be_v also_o upright_o before_o he_o and_o have_v keep_v myself_o from_o my_o iniquity_n 2_o sam._n 22.24_o but_o set_v aside_o man_n testimony_n to_o this_o truth_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v own_o testimony_n concern_v job_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o satan_n have_v thou_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o upright_a man_n chap._n 1.8_o the_o like_a honourable_a acknowledgement_n do_v our_o lord_n give_v of_o nathaniel_n say_v behold_v a_o israelite_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n john_n 1.47_o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o such_o as_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o way_n be_v the_o lord_n delight_n or_o his_o delightful_a one_o prov._n 11.20_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n though_o manifold_a text_n may_v have_v be_v produce_v for_o the_o further_o demonstrate_v this_o have_v it_o be_v necessary_a let_v i_o now_o give_v you_o some_o argument_n to_o clear_v this_o observation_n that_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n in_o the_o spirit_n render_v such_o spirit_n excellent_a argument_n 1._o first_o because_o this_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o god_n spirit_n or_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o be_v must_v needs_o render_v we_o excellent_a in_o be_v that_o god_n be_v thus_o in_o his_o be_v take_v that_o say_n for_o it_o good_a and_o upright_o be_v the_o lord_n psal_n 25.8_o also_o that_o of_o isaiah_n oh_o thou_o most_o upright_o do_v weigh_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a isa_n 26.7_o now_o to_o have_v our_o spirit_n according_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o god_n spirit_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o again_o argument_n 2._o second_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a frame_n because_o the_o contrary_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a and_o unlovely_a frame_n that_o can_v be_v it_o be_v say_v of_o satan_n that_o he_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n this_o be_v the_o emphasis_n or_o height_n of_o his_o iniquity_n he_o be_v not_o upright_o he_o be_v not_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v he_o be_v real_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o angel_n of_o light_n 2_o cor._n 11.14_o therefore_o when_o our_o lord_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o vileness_n and_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o your_o father_n you_o will_v do_v john_n 8.44_o and_o no_o spirit_n be_v so_o disowned_a and_o detest_a of_o god_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o hypocrisy_n woe_n unto_o hypocrite_n math._n 23.27_o read_v that_o place_n at_o your_o leisure_n therefore_o to_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a spirit_n to_o hypocrisy_n must_v needs_o be_v excellent_a that_o be_v to_o be_v upright_o in_o spirit_n but_o again_o argument_n 3_o three_o it_o be_v that_o frame_n begin_v in_o we_o here_o which_o will_v be_v our_o frame_n perfect_o in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n now_o to_o be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n here_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o glory_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a frame_n when_o the_o disciple_n see_v christ_n transfigure_v that_o his_o face_n do_v shine_v as_o the_o sun_n and_o his_o raiment_n be_v white_a as_o the_o light_n mat._n 17.2_o even_o so_o how_o glorious_a be_v such_o soul_n as_o be_v transfigure_v into_o the_o image_n of_o christ_n even_o this_o image_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n of_o spirit_n such_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a in_o their_o generation_n but_o again_o argument_n 4._o last_o this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o truth_n which_o both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n bear_v witness_n to_o but_o that_o this_o be_v excellent_a even_a truth_n and_o uprightness_n in_o whom-soev_a it_o be_v find_v we_o have_v hear_v the_o testimony_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o inquire_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n under_o the_o heaven_n they_o will_v all_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n that_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o honest_a spirit_n be_v most_o desirable_a and_o excellent_a person_n both_o to_o dwell_v with_o and_o converse_v with_o therefore_o see_v this_o doctrine_n know_v no_o adversary_n as_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n thereof_o i_o shall_v cease_v any_o further_a demonstration_n and_o come_v to_o application_n wherein_o i_o shall_v speak_v something_o by_o way_n of_o information_n something_o of_o exhortation_n and_o then_o give_v some_o motive_n use_v of_o information_n the_o first_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o point_n be_v to_o present_v you_o with_o a_o word_n of_o information_n and_o that_o be_v whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o preacher_n and_o people_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o more_o value_v and_o esteem_v than_o they_o be_v this_o day_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o more_o of_o this_o excellent_a spirit_n in_o they_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o of_o uprightness_n i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o i_o say_v it_o again_o among_o other_o reason_n this_o be_v one_o grand_a one_o they_o say_v professor_n want_v truth_n and_o uprightness_n talk_v of_o heaven_n and_o of_o love_n and_o of_o bounty_n and_o patience_n yet_o love_v the_o world_n and_o pursue_v the_o world_n and_o keep_v the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o any_o love_v few_o but_o themselves_o and_o man_n of_o their_o own_o principle_n judge_v all_o that_o believe_v not_o as_o they_o believe_v and_o practice_v as_o they_o practise_v they_o be_v as_o miserable_a and_o impatient_a or_o forward_o upon_o every_o slight_a occasion_n as_o any_o other_o man_n therefore_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o all_o be_v not_o true_a they_o say_v and_o that_o they_o speak_v not_o as_o they_o think_v but_o be_v deceitful_a mere_a word_n and_o show_v oh_o my_o dear_a friend_n i_o wish_v that_o this_o be_v altogether_o groundless_a and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o too_o much_o truth_n or_o ground_n for_o this_o complaint_n but_o sir_n take_v notice_n how_o the_o want_n of_o visibility_n and_o activity_n in_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n cause_v our_o good_a commodity_n to_o be_v evil_o speak_v of_o therefore_o let_v it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o business_n to_o take_v away_o occasion_n from_o they_o that_o seek_v occasion_n and_o take_v
heed_n that_o we_o open_v not_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o uncircumcised_a philistine_n to_o rejoice_v or_o blaspheme_v let_v professor_n know_v what_o they_o can_v and_o talk_v what_o they_o will_v it_o will_v signify_v little_a unless_o they_o walk_v also_o in_o this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n use_v of_o exhortation_n but_o second_o and_o especial_o let_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o exhortation_n to_o we_o all_o even_o as_o many_o as_o fear_v the_o lord_n both_o preacher_n and_o hearer_n to_o labour_v for_o and_o walk_v in_o a_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n this_o we_o have_v see_v be_v a_o most_o excellent_a choice_n frame_v of_o spirit_n in_o the_o esteem_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n oh_o therefore_o labour_v to_o attain_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n for_o natural_o our_o spirit_n be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o frame_v of_o they_o for_o what_o the_o prophet_n once_o say_v be_v still_o truth_n every_o one_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n and_o a_o evil_a doer_n and_o every_o mouth_n speak_v folly_n or_o falsehood_n isa_n 9.17_o it_o be_v mortification_n of_o earthly_a member_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n must_v make_v we_o man_n or_o woman_n of_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n for_o natural_o we_o be_v bear_v of_o another_o temper_n and_o you_o who_o know_v what_o mortification_n be_v know_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a work_n to_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o be_v it_o what_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o be_v prevealed_a upon_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o set_v upon_o this_o duty_n even_o to_o get_v our_o spirit_n into_o this_o frame_n even_o into_o this_o good_a frame_n and_o if_o it_o will_v cost_v we_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o our_o right_a eye_n or_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n yet_o subscribe_v to_o it_o and_o first_o let_v i_o free_o tender_v this_o word_n of_o exhortation_n to_o we_o that_o be_v preacher_n and_o shall_v be_v wise_a preacher_n seek_v out_o acceptable_a word_n and_o that_o which_o by_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n preach_v and_o write_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v upright_o even_a word_n of_o truth_n let_v we_o be_v a_o live_a word_n as_o well_o as_o a_o speak_a word_n let_v our_o lip_n and_o our_o life_n join_v together_o and_o speak_v one_o thing_n even_o holiness_n to_o jehovah_n oh_o let_v not_o we_o reprove_v sin_n in_o other_o and_o allow_v or_o indulge_v it_o in_o ourselves_o what_o be_v that_o but_o downright_a dissimulation_n oh_o let_v we_o not_o commend_v patience_n and_o be_v impatient_a and_o humility_n and_o be_v son_n of_o pride_n ourselves_o this_o be_v not_o to_o walk_v with_o the_o foot_n of_o uprightness_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o wise_a but_o a_o unwise_a preacher_n if_o not_o a_o proud_a pharisee_fw-mi and_o a_o very_a hypocrite_n wherefore_o if_o a_o preacher_n be_v under_o such_o temptation_n as_o to_o pretend_v christ_n and_o preach_v self_n and_o to_o seek_v christ_n and_o seek_v most_o self_n as_o to_o cry_v down_o all_o sin_n and_o yet_o live_v in_o cry_v down_o sin_n to_o commend_v grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o yet_o live_v short_a in_o grace_n and_o empty_a of_o virtue_n place_v thy_o excellency_n and_o piety_n in_o seem_v so_o and_o say_v so_o and_o in_o wash_v the_o outside_n neglect_v the_o inside_n make_v broad_a the_o phylactery_n and_o enlarge_a the_o border_n of_o your_o garment_n that_o be_v in_o use_v singular_a or_o peculiar_a restraint_n and_o mode_n of_o gesture_n and_o vesture_n from_o other_o sober_a and_o pious_a person_n oh_o know_v it_o be_v not_o mar_v of_o our_o beard_n or_o lock_n and_o have_v our_o cloak_n long_o and_o our_o girdle_n straight_o that_o can_v or_o will_v prove_v we_o wise_a preacher_n or_o man_n of_o this_o excellent_a spirit_n of_o uprightness_n and_o truth_n oh_o no_o we_o may_v be_v fool_n and_o hypocrite_n for_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o it_o near_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o do_v as_o that_o great_a preacher_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n do_v even_o to_o keep_v under_o or_o beat_v black_a and_o blue_a our_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o o_o mark_v it_o that_o by_o any_o mean_n when_o i_o have_v preach_v to_o other_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v a_o castaway_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o answer_v all_o temptation_n to_o contrary-mindedness_a or_o contrary-spiritedness_a to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o good_a nehemiah_n do_v say_v shall_v such_o a_o man_n as_o i_o flee_v who_o be_v as_o i_o be_o will_v desist_v chap._n 6.11_o so_o let_v we_o who_o that_o be_v as_o i_o be_o a_o man_n ah_o more_o than_o a_o man_n a_o christian_a yea_o more_o than_o a_o christian_n a_o preacher_n to_o christian_n that_o will_v seek_v great_a thing_n for_o himself_o under_o pretence_n of_o seek_v great_a thing_n for_o christ_n oh_o who_o that_o be_v a_o preacher_n as_o i_o and_o preach_v down_o covetousness_n idleness_n earthly-mindedness_a in_o other_o will_v live_v in_o these_o thing_n himself_o oh_o no_o my_o soul_n i_o will_v not_o i_o dare_v not_o lest_o i_o be_v not_o find_v a_o wise_a but_o a_o unwise_a preacher_n and_o that_o which_o by_o i_o be_v write_v or_o preach_v be_v not_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n and_o in_o the_o close_a whatever_o i_o may_v be_v to_o other_o i_o be_v to_o myself_o a_o castaway_n o_o therefore_o let_v preacher_n especial_o receive_v and_o improve_v this_o exhortation_n and_o see_v that_o our_o conversation_n be_v only_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n phil._n 1.27_o and_o to_o close_o up_o this_o head_n of_o exhortation_n let_v as_o many_o as_o be_v and_o will_v be_v find_v wise_a preacher_n be_v persuade_v to_o think_v often_o and_o deep_o of_o that_o scripture_n 2_o cor._n 4._o therefore_o see_v we_o have_v this_o ministry_n as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o have_v renounce_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n have_v thus_o tender_v my_o mite_n to_o preacher_n let_v i_o now_o be_v your_o exhorte_a that_o be_v hearer_n man_n and_o woman_n fear_v the_o lord_n oh_o let_v this_o be_v your_o frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v like_o your_o father_n jacob_n of_o a_o plain_a spirit_n who_o have_v his_o commendation_n in_o his_o youth_n that_o he_o be_v a_o plain_a man_n gen._n 25.27_o oh_o such_o let_v we_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n be_v let_v our_o inside_n be_v manifest_a by_o our_o outside_n let_v our_o word_n and_o our_o work_n agree_v our_o profession_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o our_o performance_n agree_v and_o correspond_v together_o let_v our_o light_n and_o our_o life_n agree_v our_o public_a and_o private_a walk_n agree_v so_o show_v forth_o that_o we_o be_v israelites_n indeed_o in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n even_o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n write_v not_o with_o ink_n but_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n not_o in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o in_o fleshly_a table_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o we_o have_v it_o 2_o cor._n 3.3_o oh_o it_o be_v live_v forth_o this_o doctrine_n will_v speak_v we_o forth_o clear_o to_o be_v christian_n or_o the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o have_v such_o frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o be_v thorough_o season_v with_o uprightness_n and_o truth_n christian_n look_v to_o your_o frame_n of_o spirit_n hypocrite_n can_v look_v to_o their_o word_n and_o speech_n look_v you_o to_o your_o heart_n good_a word_n and_o good_a work_n hypocrite_n have_v for_o god_n it_o be_v saint_n only_o have_v good_a heart_n for_o god_n oh_o look_v well_o to_o your_o spirit_n how_o the_o frame_n stand_v bend_v whether_o for_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n or_o for_o falsehood_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o forget_v not_o that_o word_n mal._n 2.15_o take_v heed_n to_o your_o spirit_n oh_o dress_v your_o spirit_n with_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n for_o the_o dress_n of_o the_o soul_n go_v further_a with_o god_n than_o all_o the_o dress_n of_o the_o body_n with_o man_n can_v do_v as_o peter_n inform_v we_o where_o he_o advise_v woman_n not_o to_o let_v their_o adorn_v be_v outward_o adorn_v but_o let_v it_o be_v the_o hide_a man_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o that_o which_o be_v not_o corruptible_a even_o the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o quiet_a spirit_n which_o in_o the_o fight_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a price_n 1_o pet._n 3.3_o 4._o oh_o my_o brethren_n look_v most_o after_o the_o dress_n and_o adorn_v of_o your_o spirit_n for_o god_n be_v not_o only_o a_o spirit_n but_o converse_v most_o with_o
the_o spirit_n and_o most_o delight_n in_o the_o well_o order_v and_o composure_n of_o the_o spirit_n wherefore_o see_v the_o delight_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o god_n be_v a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n give_v unto_o god_n a_o plain_a spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o uprightness_n know_v that_o our_o god_n love_v uprightness_n and_o to_o quicken_v we_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o this_o exhortation_n let_v i_o give_v you_o and_o myself_o a_o few_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o be_v of_o this_o bless_a frame_n of_o spirit_n motive_n 1._o first_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o have_v god_n manifest_v his_o love_n abundant_o to_o we_o when_o he_o find_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n in_o we_o as_o we_o have_v it_o psal_n 11.7_o for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a that_o be_v favourable_o or_o as_o one_o that_o god_n love_v and_o respect_n oh_o with_o what_o favourable_a respect_n do_v god_n behold_v upright_a abraham_n and_o upright_a job_n not_o only_o to_o approve_v they_o but_o also_o to_o reward_v they_o or_o privilege_v they_o as_o we_o find_v in_o that_o story_n of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o of_o isaac_n whereby_o be_v manifest_v his_o uprightness_n and_o god_n acknowledge_v it_o gen._n 22.12_o and_o when_o god_n see_v that_o abraham_n have_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n god_n do_v not_o only_o give_v he_o his_o isaac_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o tell_v he_o also_o by_o myself_o have_v i_o swear_v say_v the_o lord_n for_o because_o thou_o have_v do_v this_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o withhold_v thy_o son_n thy_o only_a son_n thy_o isaac_n that_o in_o blessing_n i_o will_v bless_v thou_o and_o in_o multiply_v i_o will_v multiply_v thy_o seed_n as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o the_o sand_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o seashore_n and_o thy_o seed_n shall_v possess_v the_o gate_n of_o his_o enemy_n vers_fw-la 16_o 17._o and_o lest_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v enough_o hear_v further_o what_o god_n promise_v he_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n say_v in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v and_o all_o because_o he_o be_v upright_o and_o in_o uprightness_n obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n oh_o see_v what_o favour_n god_n bear_v to_o upright_a man_n and_o woman_n as_o in_o job_n and_o david_n and_o paul_n and_o other_o may_v be_v large_o manifest_v second_o consider_v this_o be_v a_o encouragement_n or_o a_o heart-strengthening_a frame_n of_o spirit_n oh_o how_o wonderful_o will_v uprightness_n strengthen_v unto_o truth_n according_a to_o that_o of_o solomon_n the_o lord_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a prov._n 10.29_o how_o do_v daniel_n uprightness_n give_v he_o humble_a and_o holy_a boldness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o trouble_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o expression_n to_o the_o king_n then_o say_v daniel_n unto_o the_o king_n live_v for_o ever_o my_o god_n have_v send_v his_o angel_n and_o have_v shut_v the_o lion_n mouth_n that_o they_o have_v not_o hurt_v i_o forasmuch_o as_o before_o he_o innocency_n be_v find_v in_o i_o and_o also_o before_o thou_o have_v i_o do_v no_o hurt_n dan._n 6.21_o 22._o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o do_v the_o want_n of_o uprightness_n cause_n heart-trembling_a and_o weakness_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o that_o story_n of_o haman_n hest_n 7.6_o 7_o 8._o oh_o therefore_o get_v and_o maintain_v such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o will_v cause_v and_o maintain_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o true_o wellgrounded_n confidence_n and_o boldness_n to_o look_v god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o face_n withal_o without_o blush_v in_o any_o season_n but_o again_o three_o to_o move_v we_o to_o make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o get_v and_o maintain_v our_o spirit_n in_o such_o a_o frame_n consider_v it_o be_v a_o frame_n so_o desirable_a and_o lovely_a that_o not_o only_a god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n love_v this_o frame_n of_o heart_n but_o all_o man_n even_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n approve_v of_o this_o in_o other_o though_o they_o may_v be_v want_v in_o it_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o apostle_n argument_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4.8_o but_o again_o four_o take_v this_o for_o encouragement_n towards_o press_v after_o such_o a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n a_o deceitful_a spirit_n be_v a_o vain_a spirit_n that_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v or_o go_v beyond_o god_n or_o man_n by_o fraud_n by_o guile_n and_o deceit_n nay_o deceive_v himself_o it_o be_v like_o clothing_n ourselves_o with_o figleaf_n or_o hide_v our_o head_n under_o the_o spider_n web_n it_o be_v vain_a work_n as_o the_o lord_n tell_v we_o isa_n 29.15_o 16_o 17._o there_o be_v nothing_o cover_v that_o shall_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o hide_v that_o shall_v not_o be_v know_v mat._n 10.26_o for_o the_o folly_n of_o fool_n be_v deceit_n prov._n 14.8_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n 3.9_o five_o and_o last_o to_o hasten_v consider_v but_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o contrary_a frame_n of_o spirit_n to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o if_o former_a motive_n can_v induce_v and_o move_v we_o to_o this_o frame_n yet_o peradventure_o this_o low_a motive_n of_o self-conveniency_n and_o concernment_n may_v though_o god_n be_v a_o resolve_a enemy_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n and_o sinner_n yet_o especial_o be_v he_o resolve_v to_o show_v himself_o most_o quick_a and_o severe_a against_o person_n of_o this_o frame_n god_n have_v say_v it_o and_o will_v make_v it_o good_a bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n psal_n 53.23_o hypocrite_n of_o all_o man_n must_v have_v their_o woe_n and_o no_o portion_n of_o woe_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o punishment_n short_a of_o the_o devil_n weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n which_o must_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o devil_n and_o of_o hypocrite_n mat._n 24.51_o compare_v with_o chap._n 25.41_o take_v but_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o this_o of_o two_o great_a man_n in_o their_o day_n the_o one_o a_o king_n and_o a_o choice_n one_o but_o find_v play_v the_o hypocrite_n the_o other_o a_o bishop_n or_o a_o apostle_n but_o a_o bad_a one_o and_o a_o hypocrite_n and_o behold_v how_o severe_a and_o quick_a god_n be_v in_o punish_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o the_o one_o be_v david_n who_o play_v not_o only_o the_o murderer_n and_o adulterer_n but_o the_o unworthy_a hypocrite_n with_o vriah_n pretend_v kindness_n but_o contrive_v and_o effect_v his_o death_n how_o home_n do_v god_n deal_v with_o this_o good_a man_n now_o therefore_o the_o sword_n shall_v never_o depart_v from_o thy_o house_n and_o if_o this_o be_v too_o light_a a_o punishment_n for_o secret_a but_o detestible_a iniquity_n and_o hypocrisy_n god_n add_v behold_v i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o story_n you_o have_v at_o large_a in_o 2_o sam._n 11_o &_o 12_o chapter_n the_o other_o be_v judas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o that_o play_v the_o hypocrite_n and_o traitor_n with_o his_o master_n as_o you_o all_o know_v and_o what_o become_v of_o he_o no_o soon_o be_v his_o hypocritical_a act_n perform_v but_o he_o depart_v and_o go_v and_o hang_v himself_o be_v a_o preacher_n can_v not_o preserve_v himself_o from_o burst_v asunder_o and_o all_o his_o bowel_n gush_v forth_o preacher_n of_o all_o person_n be_v in_o most_o danger_n if_o find_v play_v the_o hypocrite_n as_o god_n tell_v we_o psal_n 50.21_o these_o thing_n have_v thou_o do_v and_o i_o keep_v silence_n thou_o think_v i_o be_v altogethor_n such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o but_o i_o will_v reprove_v thou_o and_o set_v thy_o sin_n in_o order_n before_o thy_o eye_n now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v you_o vers_n 22._o therefore_o to_o close_v up_o this_o use_n and_o this_o point_n let_v it_o be_v the_o care_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o wise_a preacher_n to_o share_v in_o the_o commendation_n give_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o herodian_o who_o say_v master_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v true_a and_o teach_v the_o way_n of_o god_n in_o truth_n neither_o care_v thou_o for_o any_o mar_v for_o thou_o