a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ._n a_o funeral_n sermon_n for_o the_o reverend_n mr._n richard_n steel_n a_o faithful_a and_o useful_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v novemb_n 27._o 1692._o by_o george_n hamond_n m._n a._n and_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n london_n print_v for_o samuel_n sprint_v at_o the_o bell_n in_o little-britain_n and_o john_n laurence_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o the_o poultry_n m_n dc_o xciii_o the_o preface_n to_o my_o respect_a and_o belove_a friend_n who_o be_v the_o special_a charge_n of_o reverend_a mr._n steel_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o give_v the_o occasion_n of_o write_v this_o preface_n 1._o that_o i_o may_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o make_v this_o particular_a address_n to_o you_o 2._o that_o i_o may_v take_v this_o advantage_n to_o offer_v some_o request_n to_o you_o 1._o the_o follow_a discourse_n be_v now_o expose_v to_o public_a view_n because_o the_o subject_n insist_v upon_o in_o it_o be_v of_o general_a use_n and_o concernment_n to_o all_o who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o real_o look_v after_o the_o welfare_n of_o their_o precious_a immortal_a soul_n for_o therein_o they_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o such_o as_o feed_v they_o only_o with_o chaff_n or_o ash_n and_o those_o that_o break_v to_o they_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n between_o such_o as_o subvert_v they_o and_o those_o that_o build_v they_o up_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n between_o such_o as_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o furious_a contention_n and_o those_o that_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o bond_n of_o peace_n between_o such_o as_o follow_v cunningly-devised_n fable_n and_o speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n and_o those_o that_o right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n of_o what_o importance_n these_o thing_n be_v the_o serious_a and_o considerate_a will_n quick_o apprehend_v but_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o they_o who_o be_v immerse_v in_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n or_o infatuate_v with_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n will_v despise_v or_o ridicule_n they_o if_o what_o be_v therein_o offer_v shall_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n make_v impression_n upon_o any_o and_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o inquire_v and_o search_v into_o the_o holy_a will_n of_o god_n declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n touch_v these_o matter_n i_o shall_v great_o rejoice_v but_o i_o think_v that_o you_o be_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n concern_v to_o review_v and_o ponder_v this_o sermon_n upon_o those_o very_a ground_n that_o induce_v i_o to_o make_v this_o particular_a inscription_n of_o it_o to_o you_o and_o my_o reason_n be_v two_o first_o because_o it_o be_v upon_o your_o invitation_n and_o request_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o that_o i_o undertake_v the_o preach_v of_o my_o brother_n steel_n funeral_n sermon_n it_o be_v true_a that_o application_n be_v make_v to_o a_o very_a reverend_n and_o excellent_a servant_n of_o god_n to_o have_v perform_v that_o labour_n of_o love_n and_o that_o i_o do_v earnest_o importune_v he_o to_o accept_v it_o but_o he_o absolute_o refuse_v it_o for_o though_o he_o profess_v his_o very_a great_a esteem_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o mr._n steel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o show_v it_o yet_o he_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o i_o to_o perform_v that_o service_n as_o be_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v into_o such_o a_o conjunction_n with_o he_o in_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o gospel_n whereby_o i_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o change_v his_o resolution_n or_o to_o invalidate_v his_o reason_n this_o i_o now_o mention_v to_o you_o that_o you_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a though_o brief_a account_v of_o that_o procedure_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v some_o surmise_n which_o it_o may_v be_v have_v be_v entertain_v by_o such_o as_o determine_v thing_n mere_o according_a to_o their_o own_o preconception_n or_o prejudices_fw-la and_o now_o i_o hope_v that_o none_o will_v interpret_v my_o solicit_v of_o that_o eminent_a person_n to_o have_v yield_v to_o that_o request_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o any_o unwillingness_n in_o i_o to_o afford_v my_o service_n such_o as_o it_o be_v towards_o the_o solemnize_n of_o my_o decease_a brother_n funeral_n for_o to_o that_o i_o be_v forward_o enough_o both_o out_o of_o that_o affection_n and_o honour_n which_o i_o have_v for_o he_o and_o out_o of_o the_o desire_n which_o i_o have_v to_o gratify_v you_o especial_o in_o that_o which_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o your_o faith_n holiness_n and_o comfort_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o think_v my_o first_o reason_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v its_o weight_n that_o the_o motion_n of_o preach_v the_o sermon_n come_v from_o you_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o now_o it_o shall_v be_v tender_v to_o you_o the_o second_o reason_n why_o i_o direct_v these_o paper_n to_o you_o be_v because_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sermon_n be_v preach_v you_o request_v i_o to_o make_v it_o public_a in_o this_o also_o i_o comply_v with_o your_o desire_n though_o not_o without_o some_o reluctance_n from_o my_o own_o temper_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v forward_o to_o thrust_v out_o any_o thing_n of_o i_o into_o the_o world_n for_o i_o see_v there_o be_v other_o far_o better_a qualify_v for_o write_v who_o have_v abundant_o furnish_v those_o that_o will_v make_v use_n of_o their_o labour_n with_o great_a variety_n of_o profitable_a and_o excellent_a book_n and_o let_v i_o have_v leave_n to_o add_v far_o that_o though_o i_o comply_v with_o your_o motion_n to_o print_v the_o sermon_n without_o much_o gainsay_n yet_o i_o have_v be_v inflexible_a to_o the_o importunity_n of_o other_o in_o some_o like_a instance_n see_v then_o that_o from_o first_o to_o last_o you_o have_v influence_v i_o in_o this_o undertake_n you_o may_v reasonable_o claim_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o will_v kind_o accept_v this_o tender_a of_o it_o to_o you_o 2._o have_v lay_v before_o you_o the_o reason_n that_o move_v i_o to_o give_v you_o a_o special_a interest_n in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v now_o subjoin_v those_o request_n which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v grant_v by_o you_o i_o have_v you_o see_v comply_v with_o your_o proposal_n and_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v show_v yourselves_o as_o ductil_v to_o my_o demand_n especial_o when_o you_o find_v that_o i_o ask_v nothing_o of_o you_o but_o what_o your_o duty_n and_o concernment_n oblige_v you_o to_o yield_v unto_o 1._o i_o entreat_v you_o frequent_o and_o serious_o to_o revolve_v in_o your_o mind_n and_o careful_o to_o recollect_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o or_o observe_v in_o your_o late_a worthy_a pastor_n that_o may_v in_o a_o more_o special_a manner_n be_v instructive_a or_o directive_n to_o you_o in_o your_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o that_o not_o only_o what_o he_o teach_v you_o in_o his_o public_a preach_v but_o also_o in_o his_o visit_n and_o conference_n with_o you_o for_o therein_o he_o use_v to_o drop_v something_o that_o may_v more_o near_o touch_v your_o circumstance_n as_o by_o answer_v your_o case_n or_o by_o exciting_a and_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o your_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man._n 2._o i_o desire_v you_o who_o be_v trader_n and_o dealer_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v frequent_a recourse_n to_o his_o book_n entitle_v the_o tradesman_n call_v and_o to_o peruse_v it_o not_o only_o as_o a_o divertisement_n to_o entertain_v your_o spare-time_n withal_o but_o to_o select_v those_o rule_n and_o direction_n that_o be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o your_o employment_n and_o to_o observe_v they_o that_o you_o may_v please_v god_n obtain_v his_o blessing_n and_o be_v a_o credit_n to_o religion_n 3._o i_o recommend_v to_o you_o his_o book_n entitle_v a_o antidote_n against_o distraction_n and_o so_o to_o acquaint_v yourselves_o with_o it_o that_o it_o may_v become_v come_v familiar_a to_o you_o and_o leave_v such_o impression_n upon_o you_o as_o may_v abide_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o actual_o to_o excite_v they_o when_o you_o be_v exercise_v yourselves_o in_o religious_a duty_n 4._o endeavour_v to_o write_v after_o his_o copy_n and_o to_o imitate_v he_o in_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o mercy_n in_o which_o he_o be_v very_o abundant_a and_o very_o prudent_a 5._o approve_v the_o sincerity_n of_o that_o love_n and_o respect_n which_o you_o profess_v yourselves_o to_o bear_v to_o your_o decease_a pastor_n by_o your_o readiness_n to_o perform_v any_o office_n of_o love_n kindness_n or_o assistance_n to_o his_o disconsolate_a
or_o convince_v those_o who_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o impertinency_n nonsense_n or_o most_o gross_a absurdity_n but_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v vindicate_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v at_o once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n to_o be_v contend_v for_o and_o holiness_n to_o be_v propugn_v the_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v be_v bold_a as_o a_o lion_n and_o pray_v earnest_o to_o god_n for_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o behold_v i_o have_v make_v thy_o face_n strong_a against_o their_o face_n and_o thy_o forehead_n against_o their_o forehead_n as_o a_o adamant_n hard_a than_o a_o flint_n have_v i_o make_v thy_o forehead_n fear_v they_o not_o neither_o be_v dismay_v at_o their_o look_n though_o they_o be_v a_o rebellious_a house_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o active_a sense_n and_o this_o way_n do_v the_o syriac_a version_n look_v show_v thyself_o a_o workman_n without_o confusion_n and_o many_o of_o the_o greek_a commentator_n be_v report_v to_o concur_v therein_o but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o passive_a sense_n which_o may_v well_o be_v admit_v and_o that_o our_o own_o translator_n do_v prefer_v and_o as_o i_o think_v do_v best_a suit_n with_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o apostle_n discourse_n that_o a_o good_a minister_n shall_v so_o carry_v it_o in_o all_o his_o ministerial_a work_n that_o he_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a the_o apostle_n do_v apparent_o insist_v upon_o that_o antithesis_fw-la which_o be_v between_o a_o contentious_a sophister_n who_o strive_v about_o word_n that_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o vain_a and_o a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a when_o the_o design_n and_o management_n of_o a_o fallacious_a fiery_a disputation_n be_v detect_v the_o workman_n have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a for_o his_o folly_n will_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o men._n but_o when_o the_o good_a minister_n work_n be_v most_o narrow_o search_v and_o sift_v he_o may_v hold_v up_o his_o face_n without_o spot_n yea_o his_o infirmity_n be_v gracious_o cover_v and_o pardon_v he_o may_v have_v confidence_n and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a before_o christ_n at_o his_o come_v this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o three_o property_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o to_o be_v ashamed_a 4thly_a the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v conclude_v with_o this_o property_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v unto_o which_o may_v be_v dispatch_v with_o convenient_a brevity_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o subject_a or_o matter_n about_o which_o his_o principal_a study_n and_o labour_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2._o what_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o right_o divide_v it_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o and_o about_o which_o the_o thought_n and_o study_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v not_o in_o doubtful_a disputation_n nor_o in_o the_o bare_a opinion_n and_o dictate_v of_o man_n though_o of_o great_a reputation_n and_o authority_n much_o less_o in_o frame_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o golden_a legend_n which_o may_v raise_v in_o the_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_n admiration_n superstition_n and_o rapture_n but_o in_o the_o considerate_a and_o prudent_a disdain_n and_o indignation_n the_o apostle_n have_v inform_v we_o how_o the_o great_a apostasy_n from_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v and_o carry_v on_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2._o by_o give_v heed_n to_o seduce_a spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_v in_o hypocrisy_n but_o the_o good_a minister_n must_v firm_o and_o entire_o adhere_v to_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o great_a repository_n whereof_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o bear_v upon_o it_o that_o glorious_a inscription_n the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n dan._n 10._o 21._o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o salvation_n eph._n 1._o 13._o and_o again_o the_o word_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o hence_o must_v the_o good_a minister_n derive_v confirm_v and_o improve_v all_o his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o whole_a scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n for_o reproof_n for_o correction_n for_o instruction_n in_o righteousness_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n may_v be_v perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o all_o good_a work_v they_o then_o offer_v a_o intolerable_a affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n or_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o job_n 13._o 7._o 2._o what_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o christ_n wherein_o he_o be_v to_o be_v occupy_v with_o reference_n to_o this_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o be_v right_o to_o divide_v it_o 〈◊〉_d which_o can_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a but_o in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n the_o conjecture_n of_o man_n about_o the_o explicate_a of_o the_o metaphor_n have_v be_v various_a some_o think_v it_o speak_v in_o way_n of_o allusion_n to_o the_o priest_n cut_v abroad_o and_o divide_v the_o sacrifice_n into_o their_o several_a part_n in_o which_o they_o be_v very_o curious_a and_o exact_a other_o conceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v respect_n to_o those_o 〈◊〉_d section_n into_o which_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v divide_v by_o the_o jew_n in_o order_n to_o their_o read_n of_o it_o in_o their_o synagogue_n other_o think_v the_o metaphor_n to_o be_v take_v from_o mother_n or_o nurse_n who_o cut_v the_o meat_n which_o they_o give_v their_o child_n into_o small_a piece_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o receive_v and_o digest_v it_o but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o critical_a part_n i_o think_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a right_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n tractantem_fw-la and_o by_o the_o syriac_a right_o preach_v praedicantem_fw-la but_o if_o we_o expect_v something_o instructive_a from_o the_o metaphor_n make_v use_v of_o i_o suppose_v it_o may_v afford_v we_o some_o light_n if_o compare_v these_o passage_n of_o scripture_n together_o 1._o the_o apostle_n do_v style_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o 2._o our_o saviour_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o property_n of_o a_o good_a and_o faithful_a steward_n who_o be_v set_v over_o the_o household_n that_o he_o may_v give_v to_o every_o one_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n luk._n 12._o 42._o 〈◊〉_d distribute_v to_o every_o one_o their_o proper_a dimensum_fw-la or_o allotment_n as_o exod_a 16._o 16._o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o eat_v herein_o then_o lie_v much_o of_o the_o good_a minister_n prudence_n care_n and_o tenderness_n so_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n that_o every_o one_o may_v have_v their_o proper_a portion_n he_o must_v provide_v milk_n for_o babe_n and_o strong_a meat_n for_o they_o that_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5._o 13_o 14._o accommodate_v his_o teach_v to_o the_o necessity_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o hearer_n in_o this_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n christ_n go_v before_o they_o and_o have_v leave_v they_o a_o example_n for_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n as_o the_o people_n be_v able_a to_o hear_v i._n e._n to_o understand_v and_o profit_n by_o it_o mar._n 4._o 33._o it_o be_v a_o singular_a grace_n or_o mercy_n that_o god_n bestow_v on_o his_o minister_n the_o tongue_n of_o the_o learned_a that_o they_o shall_v speak_v a_o word_n in_o season_n 4._o a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o weary_a that_o they_o may_v be_v refresh_v a_o word_n in_o season_n to_o the_o sorrowful_a that_o they_o may_v be_v comfort_v a_o word_n to_o the_o doubt_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v and_o establish_v a_o word_n to_o the_o secure_a and_o impenitent_a that_o they_o may_v be_v awaken_v and_o convince_v and_o so_o to_o other_o as_o their_o case_n and_o condition_n may_v require_v for_o than_o be_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n right_o divide_v and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v before_o you_o the_o delineation_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o those_o four_o property_n which_o be_v suggest_v in_o and_o from_o the_o text._n and_o now_o if_o you_o have_v attend_v unto_o and_o due_o consider_v that_o character_n which_o have_v be_v give_v of_o a_o good_a minister_n i_o presume_v that_o many_o of_o you_o will_v be_v apprehensive_a that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n that_o i_o intimate_v in_o the_o
must_v not_o strive_v but_o be_v gentle_a unto_o all_o man_n apt_a to_o teach_v patient_a in_o meekness_n instruct_v those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o if_o god_n peradventure_o will_v give_v they_o repentance_n to_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o truth_n 25._o the_o contentious_a wrangler_n be_v one_o who_o will_v dispute_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o shake_n of_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n but_o will_v have_v nothing_o settle_v or_o determine_v it_o be_v the_o grave_a aphorism_n of_o a_o person_n of_o great_a experience_n among_o we_o that_o the_o itch_n of_o dispute_v breed_v the_o scab_n in_o the_o church_n ecclesiae_fw-la it_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o such_o as_o love_v truth_n and_o peace_n to_o see_v so_o many_o volume_n of_o controversal_a write_n in_o which_o the_o contend_a party_n do_v asperse_v and_o damn_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o when_o the_o matter_n in_o debate_n be_v calm_o state_v it_o will_v appear_v in_o several_a instance_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o strife_n about_o word_n 〈◊〉_d that_o fill_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wrangle_n and_o therefore_o do_v we_o attend_v unto_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n here_o declare_v we_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o sober_a person_n to_o be_v for_o ever_o out_o of_o love_n with_o all_o hot_a and_o furious_a contention_n for_o he_o fix_v two_o black_a and_o disgraceful_a blot_n upon_o they_o 1._o that_o these_o strife_n about_o word_n be_v unprofitable_a they_o have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o may_v make_v a_o man_n wise_a or_o better_o and_o to_o disparage_v they_o the_o more_o he_o add_v titus_n 3._o 9_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o vain_a 〈◊〉_d every_o discreet_a person_n before_o he_o engage_v in_o any_o undertake_n of_o consequence_n will_v deliberate_v and_o consider_v cui_fw-la bono_fw-mi what_o advantage_n or_o benefit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v it_o be_v a_o very_a serious_a question_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v propound_v to_o many_o disputer_n to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o pester_v the_o church_n of_o god_n with_o their_o needless_a unprofitable_a and_o vain_a controversy_n and_o thereby_o disorder_v themselves_o and_o disturb_v other_o whatsoever_o do_v not_o edify_v be_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o charge_n and_o employment_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ._n he_o have_v work_n enough_o to_o do_v about_o thing_n necessary_a and_o profitable_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o other_o thing_n may_v be_v lawful_a yet_o if_o they_o be_v not_o expedient_a if_o they_o do_v not_o edify_v he_o may_v let_v they_o alone_o and_o not_o meddle_v with_o they_o not_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n be_v better_o observe_v by_o we_o all_o 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edify_v 2._o though_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o caution_n we_o against_o strife_n about_o word_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o vain_a yet_o to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o great_a aversation_n to_o they_o the_o apostle_n add_v that_o they_o be_v very_o mischievous_a for_o they_o subvert_v the_o hearer_n and_o will_v increase_v to_o more_o ungodliness_n the_o work_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o build_v up_o his_o hearer_n in_o knowledge_n faith_n holiness_n and_o comfort_n and_o to_o that_o end_n to_o nourish_v they_o with_o the_o sound_a doctrine_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n act_v 20._o 32._o and_o now_o brethren_n i_o commend_v you_o to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v able_a to_o build_v you_o up_o they_o be_v then_o the_o minister_n of_o satan_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o subvert_v their_o hearer_n to_o turn_v they_o upside_o down_o as_o the_o word_n signify_v matth._n 21._o 12._o and_o overthrow_v the_o table_n of_o the_o money-changer_n 〈◊〉_d satan_n be_v half_a sure_a to_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o such_o as_o he_o have_v so_o unsettle_a as_o that_o they_o have_v no_o stable_a foundation_n to_o bottom_n upon_o when_o man_n become_v sceptic_n in_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n they_o be_v in_o the_o next_o disposition_n to_o become_v atheist_n and_o such_o instrument_n of_o satan_n as_o will_v serve_v he_o to_o subvert_v their_o hearer_n will_v also_o lend_v he_o their_o help_n aedificare_fw-la in_o gehennam_fw-la to_o build_v they_o up_o for_o hell_n and_o the_o effectual_a way_n to_o do_v so_o be_v for_o they_o to_o deride_v and_o ridicule_n all_o serious_a godliness_n and_o to_o flatter_v or_o harden_v man_n in_o their_o vicious_a course_n and_o than_o you_o may_v be_v sure_o they_o will_v be_v good_a or_o rather_o bad_a proficient_n in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o they_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o 〈◊〉_d in_o brief_a it_o be_v the_o devil_n who_o be_v the_o great_a gainer_n by_o unprofitable_a sermon_n and_o furious_a contention_n for_o by_o they_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v exasperate_v the_o secure_a sinner_n be_v harden_v charity_n be_v expel_v division_n be_v perpetuate_v edify_v doctrine_n be_v exclude_v and_o every_o evil_a work_n befriend_v for_o where_o envy_v and_o strife_n be_v maintain_v there_o will_v be_v confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n 16._o have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o the_o bad_a minister_n who_o we_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o apostle_n point_v he_o out_o to_o we_o we_o shall_v dismiss_v he_o and_o commend_v to_o you_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 5._o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o from_o such_o turn_n away_o and_o now_o we_o shall_v prosecute_v the_o fair_a and_o amiable_a character_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o lay_v it_o before_o timothy_n for_o his_o imitation_n q._n d._n o_o my_o son_n timothy_n be_v not_o thou_o like_v unto_o those_o affecter_n of_o vainglory_n and_o applause_n who_o by_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o disprove_v whatsoever_o their_o humour_n or_o interest_n shall_v prompt_v they_o unto_o their_o word_n may_v be_v copious_a and_o well_o place_v their_o period_n handsome_a and_o of_o a_o artificial_a composure_n but_o what_o will_v all_o this_o advantage_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v according_a to_o godliness_n nay_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a their_o frivolous_a dispute_n and_o fiery_a contention_n will_v obstruct_v it_o therefore_o do_v thou_o o_o man_n of_o god_n bid_v defiance_n to_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o do_v thou_o follow_v after_o righteousness_n godliness_n faith_n love_n patience_n meekness_n 11._o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n continue_v in_o they_o for_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o 16._o and_o to_o sum_n up_o all_o study_v to_o show_v thyself_o approve_v unto_o god_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n if_o thou_o observe_v these_o thing_n thou_o shall_v be_v a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 6._o that_o you_o may_v then_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a view_n of_o such_o a_o excellent_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o delineate_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v he_o in_o his_o several_a graceful_a property_n as_o they_o be_v lay_v before_o we_o in_o the_o text_n e._n gr_n 1._o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v one_o who_o be_v very_o studious_a and_o industrious_a one_o that_o sincere_o design_n and_o sedulous_o endeavour_n with_o fidelity_n to_o discharge_v that_o trust_n which_o be_v repose_v in_o he_o by_o god_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o may_v be_v confident_a of_o his_o assistance_n and_o blessing_n in_o his_o work_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 12._o i_o thank_v christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n who_o have_v enable_v i_o for_o that_o he_o count_v i_o faithful_a put_v i_o into_o the_o ministry_n this_o property_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n may_v be_v extract_v out_o of_o that_o monitory_a word_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o make_v use_v of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v by_o our_o translation_n render_v study_n by_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a be_v very_o careful_a cura_fw-la by_o another_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o primitive_a theme_n make_v haste_n enitor_fw-la we_o may_v take_v in_o all_o and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v more_o pregnant_a q._n d._n lose_v no_o time_n but_o present_o set_v about_o and_o effectual_o bestir_v thyself_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o thy_o ministerial_a office_n and_o duty_n excite_v and_o preserve_v in_o thyself_o such_o a_o active_a and_o vigorous_a frame_n of_o spirit_n as_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o slothfulness_n rom._n 12._o 11._o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n
office_n of_o a_o pastor_n the_o shepherd_n work_n in_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v very_o busy_a and_o toilsome_a jacob_n who_o have_v be_v long_o exercise_v in_o it_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o gen._n 31._o 40._o thus_o be_v i_o in_o the_o day_n the_o drought_n consume_v i_o and_o the_o frost_n by_o night_n and_o my_o sleep_n depart_v from_o i_o neither_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o shepherd_n in_o the_o metaphorical_a sense_n shall_v exonerate_v himself_o of_o all_o care_n and_o indulge_v himself_o in_o his_o ease_n it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o a_o title_n to_o a_o office_n shall_v discharge_v a_o man_n from_o his_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n we_o may_v infer_v what_o god_n require_v and_o expect_v from_o those_o who_o he_o constitute_v shepherd_n whether_o in_o a_o political_a or_o in_o a_o ecclesiastical_a sense_n by_o the_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o severe_a menace_n which_o he_o use_v against_o the_o negligent_a ezek._n 34._o 2_o 3_o 4._o son_n of_o man_n prophesy_v against_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n prophesy_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n against_o the_o shepherd_n woe_n to_o the_o shepherd_n of_o israel_n that_o feed_v themselves_o shall_v not_o the_o shepherd_n feed_v the_o flock_n the_o disease_a have_v you_o not_o strengthen_v neither_o have_v you_o heal_v that_o which_o be_v sick_a neither_o have_v you_o bind_v up_o that_o which_o be_v break_v neither_o have_v you_o bring_v again_o that_o which_o be_v drive_v away_o neither_o have_v you_o seek_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v but_o with_o force_n and_o with_o crueley_a have_v you_o rule_v they_o i_o shall_v desire_v no_o more_o of_o any_o man_n that_o think_v a_o pastor_n life_n to_o be_v a_o life_n of_o ease_n and_o divertisement_n than_o to_o make_v experiment_n though_o it_o be_v but_o among_o a_o few_o and_o those_o well-disposed_a people_n and_o he_o shall_v quick_o find_v how_o much_o his_o work_n will_v daily_o grow_v upon_o his_o hand_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_v and_o scrupulous_a to_o set_v in_o joint_a the_o bone_n which_o have_v be_v dislocate_v or_o break_v by_o the_o fall_v of_o such_o as_o have_v be_v overtake_v or_o surprise_v by_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d to_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n slowness_n of_o capacity_n and_o untowardness_n of_o such_o as_o he_o labour_v to_o instruct_v to_o apply_v suitable_a remedy_n to_o their_o various_a spiritual_a distemper_n to_o look_v after_o and_o bring_v back_o such_o as_o have_v go_v astray_o either_o through_o their_o own_o levity_n or_o the_o craftiness_n of_o seducer_n with_o patience_n pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o bear_v with_o those_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o meek_o to_o treat_v the_o petulant_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o to_o cicure_n or_o tame_v such_o as_o have_v altogether_o break_v the_o yoke_n and_o burst_v the_o bond_n 3._o they_o be_v call_v servant_n or_o minister_n sometime_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a or_o matter_n of_o their_o ministration_n and_o so_o they_o be_v style_v minister_n of_o the_o word_n luk._n 1._o 2._o even_o as_o they_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d sometime_o to_o set_v forth_o their_o relation_n to_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o who_o or_o in_o who_o service_n they_o do_v minister_v so_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v of_o we_o as_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o original_a greek_a translate_v minister_n do_v primary_o signify_v a_o rower_n one_o that_o do_v tug_v and_o sweat_v at_o the_o oar_n general_n the_o poet_n can_v say_v that_o they_o who_o handle_v the_o oar_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o two_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o help_v they_o with_o a_o good_a wind_n and_o of_o their_o own_o labour_n the_o appellation_n then_o of_o a_o rower_n be_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a sense_n apply_v to_o a_o servant_n or_o minister_n of_o christ_n may_v admonish_v he_o to_o continue_v his_o care_n and_o industry_n without_o any_o intermission_n for_o ordinary_o the_o wind_n and_o tide_n be_v against_o he_o and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o if_o the_o rower_n sit_v still_o but_o a_o little_a his_o vessel_n may_v be_v carry_v far_o backward_o and_o he_o may_v lose_v more_o in_o one_o hour_n than_o he_o can_v recover_v in_o many_o if_o a_o minister_n be_v remiss_a when_o false_a doctrine_n or_o immorality_n in_o practice_n like_o a_o tempest_n bear_v down_o all_o before_o they_o such_o disorder_n will_v quick_o follow_v as_o will_v not_o soon_o or_o easy_o be_v rectify_v or_o reform_v let_v he_o therefore_o animate_v himself_o with_o the_o apostle_n spirit_n and_o resolution_n gal._n 2._o 5._o to_o who_o we_o give_v place_n by_o subjection_n no_o not_o for_o a_o hour_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v continue_v with_o you_o 4._o they_o be_v frequent_o style_v minister_n or_o servant_n but_o by_o a_o word_n differ_v very_o much_o in_o the_o original_a from_o the_o former_a which_o also_o do_v engage_v they_o to_o much_o diligence_n and_o hard_a labour_n and_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o word_n be_v use_v sometime_o in_o the_o strict_a acceptation_n and_o then_o it_o be_v render_v a_o deacon_n as_o 1_o tim._n 3._o 8._o likewise_o also_o must_v the_o deacon_n be_v grave_a 〈◊〉_d the_o occasion_n of_o erect_v that_o order_n in_o the_o church_n you_o may_v find_v record_v in_o act_n 6._o and_o their_o proper_a work_n be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o to_o manage_v the_o stock_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o in_o ver_fw-la 2._o be_v set_v forth_o by_o their_o serve_v of_o table_n 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o use_v of_o the_o word_n in_o the_o large_a acceptation_n be_v far_o more_o frequent_a to_o denote_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o new-testament_n 2_o cor._n 3._o 6._o the_o minister_n of_o god_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 4._o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 6._o that_o which_o i_o intend_v by_o add_v this_o appellation_n be_v as_o a_o far_a demonstration_n that_o the_o call_v of_o a_o good_a minister_n require_v much_o industry_n and_o diligence_n in_o those_o who_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o fidelity_n for_o the_o verb_n from_o which_o the_o word_n which_o we_o render_v minister_n be_v derive_v do_v signify_v to_o make_v haste_n or_o to_o work_v dust._n thus_o you_o have_v have_v a_o account_n of_o this_o property_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o be_v a_o workman_n to_o which_o i_o have_v add_v four_o title_n more_o of_o the_o same_o import_n because_o this_o seem_v most_o conspicuous_a and_o eminent_a in_o that_o character_n which_o the_o text_n set_v upon_o he_o and_o there_o remain_v a_o little_a more_o to_o be_v speak_v touch_v that_o adjunct_n which_o be_v add_v concern_v he_o for_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o call_v he_o a_o workman_n but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o amplification_n he_o subjoin_v that_o he_o be_v a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a the_o text_n have_v it_o in_o one_o word_n unashamed_a 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o lead_v interpreter_n into_o several_a way_n of_o explain_v the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o for_o some_o understand_v it_o active_o a_o good_a minister_n must_v be_v a_o well-resolved_n person_n that_o no_o shame_n disgrace_n or_o reproach_n of_o man_n shall_v daunt_v or_o discourage_v he_o from_o profess_v or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o apostle_n paul_n be_v well_o fortify_v against_o those_o impression_n which_o shame_n may_v make_v upon_o weak_a mind_n for_o he_o say_v rom._n 1._o 16._o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d and_o often_o mention_v his_o parrhesia_n his_o speak_v open_o with_o liberty_n and_o confidence_n as_o act_n 9_o 29._o and_o he_o speak_v bold_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act_n 13._o 46._o then_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n wax_v bold_a and_o say_v 〈◊〉_d neither_o can_v all_o the_o calumny_n raise_v against_o he_o nor_o injury_n do_v he_o make_v he_o ashamed_a 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o for_o which_o cause_n i_o also_o suffer_v these_o thing_n nevertheless_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a impudence_n be_v indeed_o most_o hateful_a in_o a_o evil_a matter_n and_o draw_v down_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n upon_o brazen-faced_a sinner_n jer._n 6._o 15._o be_v they_o ashamed_a when_o they_o have_v commit_v abomination_n nay_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o ashamed_a neither_o can_v they_o blush_v therefore_o they_o shall_v fall_v among_o they_o that_o fall_v he_o have_v a_o hard_a province_n who_o be_v diepute_n with_o ignorance_n when_o it_o be_v patronise_v by_o impudence_n for_o how_o shall_v he_o instruct_v