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.  Isa. 52.7. How beautiful upon the Mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, etc. 
Printed for the Author.   

To that Congregation over whom the Lord hath made me an Overseer; Increase of Grace here, and Glory hereafter.  
BRethren and Beloved in our Lord Jesus, these Sermons as they were preached amongst you, even so was their Publication earnestly solicited by some of you, at whose request I have yielded to that I designed not in their Preaching, nor intended to have done long since that task was finished: But remembering I am not only a Debtor to Jew and Gentile, but more especially to you also, not only by one means, but by every means, to endeavour your furtherance in the Faith, I judged myself obliged to help you with that Printed, which the Lord gave you in Preaching: And I may safely say, so near as I could, your Eyes now have only what once your Ears heard. As to you my Beloved, whose importunity prevailed upon me to undertake this Work, know two Arguments prevailed upon me to Answer your Request; The one, My Love towards you; the other, My desire of your Spiritual and Eternal Welfare; and if my Labour of Love for your sakes may providentially extend or reach to the advantage of any others that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, I therein shall and will rejoice. I need not here give you any account of the Nature of this Treatise, you well know, it is to open both the Wise-Preachers and the Wise-Hearers Work and Business; you know I need the one, and I also judge you want not need sufficient to learn the other: As to the Method it is and aught to be plain, as best becoming Gospel-Mysteries; 'twas Truth, not Humane Wisdom or Eloquence that I designed to manifest; and surely should I thus have acted, I should have pulled down with one hand what I was setting up with the other, and so should have been found a transgressor: As to my often hinting of any thing minded in this Discourse, know the nearness of the Phrases in the Text one to another constrained it, except I should have broke the bounds, and dealt partially with the Text; and my thoughts are, that Plenty may even conduce to Profit: And as for those Phrases, Titles, and Denominations of Persons, which in this Discourse may seem unto any tender ear to be plain, harsh, or reproachful to any, know this, I have warily considered to fasten them only on persons really deserving such names; and although I have herein followed the footsteps of the Saints & Penmen of the Scripture, yet have I abated, rather than exceeded their practice; as is most evident, if you consider of some expressions wherein how great or learned or seemingly pious soever some sinners were, yet both Christ himself, and the Prophets and Apostles, have spoken very home and hard against such Persons, styling them Hypocrites, Devils Children, Wolves, Dogs, Lions, Foxes, Vipers, painted-Sepulchres, whited Walls, Princes of Sodom, Rulers of Gomorrah, Adulterers, Adulteresses, and such like, as the Scripture witnesseth; wherefore marvel not at my freedom of expression to sinners of the same dye. And lastly, My resolution was to avoid the reproof due to such as give flattering Titles unto men; and as Elihu saith, Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person; neither let me give flattering titles unto men; for I know not to give flattering titles; forin so doing my Maker would soon take me away, Job 32.21, 22. And further, If any suppose I have in this Discourse affected and discovered a Spirit of singularity, and diversity of Opinion from the most of even pious, judicious, and sober men of this Age. I Answer in uprightness, 'twas not affectedly but constrainedly done, and I suppose even such Objectors will not deny, 'tis better differing from men, how wise soever, than from Christ; and since all men know but in part, and Prophesy but in part, that may be Christ's Truth which is not acknowledged or understood by many; is it not written, Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause, to decline after many, to wrest judgement, Exod. 23.2. and as Paul saith, I believed, therefore have I spoken, 2 Cor. 4.13. I shall willingly receive better information, and then speedily change my present apprehension. Lastly, If any Object against the largeness of this Tract; my Answer is, 'Twas my desire to have prevented it, could I with fidelity and prudence have effected it; and the truth is, I have denied myself, and slipped over some Particulars, which might more largel have been insisted on, that this Exception might have been spared: And now my dearly Beloved, whose importunity begat me this labour, Let me now crave leave, before I conclude this Epistle, to request a few things of you. First, My Brethren, if you meet with any Advantage, Content, or Comfort, by perusing these Lines, pray give all the praise and glory to God, whose hand alone hath wrought it, and whose Spirit hath revealed it; and think often upon 1 Chron. 29.10, to 16. Secondly, Pray be not only knowers of these Truths, but doers of the same. Oh, be not only so principled, but so practising; also let the height of Holiness in this Discourse discovered, be your main business to attain, so shall I not want a good reward for this my labour. Thirdly, Labour to train up and educate your Families in this good knowledge of the Lord, and show them the good old way, wherein they should walk with God, as Moses adviseth, Deut. 4.9.10. saying, Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy Soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life; but teach them thy Sons, and thy Sons Sons: Especially the day that thou stoodst before the Lord thy God in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their Children, with 11, 19 Fourthly, Wonder not, neither be stumbled, if you find these Truth's evil spoken of, scorned, traduced; but remember, this was to be expected in such a day as this. And, lastly, Forget not him that you have prevailed upon, but in all your supplications remember me, and pray for me, both night and day, that I may be faithful to the Death, that I may be filled with the Spirit, that I may be abundant in the Work of the Lord, and that my Labours may be acceptable and successful among the Saints, that so I may finish my course with joy, and not with grief, according to the Will of God. And thus with my Prayers for you also, I commend you to God, and to the Word of his Grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an Inheritance among all them which are Sanctified.  
Your Servant for Christ, STEPHEN MORE.   

TO THE READER.  
Christian Reader,  
ALthough there is nothing new or strange now to be presented to thy view; for, as Solomon saith, The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done, is that which shall be done; and there is no new thing under the Sun: Is there any thing whereof it may be said, See, this is new? It hath been already of old time, which was before us, Eccles. 1.9, 10. Wherefore let me entreat thee peruse this Book for Truth, and not for Novelty, lest so doing, thou lose thy labour, and reap no profit by thy pains: And if any shall meet thee with their Outcry, crying, Take heed, for here are strange things presented to your eyes; say No, for there is nothing new or strange under the Sun: And if any thing here written be to any strange, I must take leave to tell them, 'Tis because they know not the Scripture, and are strangers in Jerusalem, and have not known the things that are come to pass there in these days, Luke 24.18. And if any should yet retort upon me as a troubler of Israel, or a bringer forth of strange Things, or new Doctrines, to their ears, I will not think it strange to be thus dealt with, for thus dealt their Fathers with the Prophets and Apostles, in that first Book of Kings we find that thus Ahab said to Elijah, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? But he answered, I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy Father's House, in that ye have forsaken the Commandments of the Lord, and hast followed Baalim, vers. 17, 18. And thus was holy Paul served, Acts 17. where you read, That certain Philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him; and some said, What will this Babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange Gods; because he preached unto them, Jesus, and the Resurrection: And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new Doctrine whereof thou speakest is? for thou bringest certain strange things to our ears; we would know therefore what these things mean? vers. 18, 19, 20. Therefore if such things befall me, I shall not be moved; for if thus they dealt with the green Trees, marvel not they thus deal with the dry: Wherefore, Christian Reader, notwithstanding such Out-cries as these, which probably thou mayest meet with, yet be pleased to read on, and consider what is said; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things, that thou mayest search the Scriptures, and try whether the things asserted for truth be so or no; for no more is imposed upon your Faith, than what evidence of Scripture doth demonstrate to be the Faith of Jesus, and of his Elect; and if any Fathers in our Israel shall say, To what purpose is this waste? Preachers doubtless know their Duty well enough, it were well if others knew theirs better. I shall only Answer these over-wise ones in the language of Job, No doubt but ye are the People, and wisdom shall die with you, Chap. 12.2. Yet bear with me to show my Love to Christ, and offer my Mite to you, remembering what Paul saith, And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know, 1 Cor. 8.2. And if you know these things already, O how happy shall both you and I be, when we shall be found doing the things we say we know, and are here revealed: And as for others, (or our Hearers) know, so far as the Work called for it, they are not forgotten; but remember, that the more fully, the Preacher lives up to his Duty, the more the People will be furthered in their Duty, Preachers being not only nominally called Stars and Shepherds, or Bishops and Fathers, but also they ought virtully to be Lights in their Candlesticks, Shepherds feeding of their Flocks, and Fathers laying up and laying out for their Children, as the Lord teacheth, saying, Ye are the Salt of the Earth; but if the Salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? Ye are the Lights of the World; a City set upon a Hill which cannot be hid: Neither do men light a Candle and put it under a Bushel, but on a Candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the House. Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good Works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven, Mat. 5.13, 14, 15, 16. But if notwithstanding what hath been said by me, my Mother's Children, and Elder Brethren will yet be angry with me; I will resolve not to pass for Man's Day, or to be angry with them, or to return evil for evil, or railing for revising, but pray for them, with holy Stephen, and cry, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, Acts 7.50.  
My end and ground, both in Preaching and Printing these Sermons, was an inward motion to follow the movings and workings of the Spirit upon my Soul, in conformity to those I read of in 2 Pet. 1.21. where it is said, Holy Men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost: 'Tis truth, as hath been already owned. When these Sermons were Preached, I thought not of Printing; but since being called upon so to do, I judged it my duty, as one of Christ's living Creatures, to walk straight forward whither the Spirit was to go, and not to turn when going, Ezek. 1.12. As for my great unfitness, yea, exceeding great unfitness for such a work, I profess I am not unsensible of it, neither shall be ashamed to own it to any that shall object it; yet notwithstanding, since God despiseth not the day of small things, and will accept of what a man hath, and not of what a man hath not, wherefore I am resolved to be found faithful, as becomes him that is a Steward, not forgetting what the Lord said to Ezekiel, Son of Man, I have made thee a Watchman unto the House of Israel, therefore hear the Word at my Mouth, and give them warning from me, Chap. 3.17. The Style is low, and the Method plain, and the Argument somewhat bold and impartial; wonder not at it, it being most like him that did it, even one who was resolved to be one of Paul's Scholars in this Work; to wit, Not to come ●o you with excellency of Speech, or of Wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God; for I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified, 1 Cor. 2.1, 2. Surely plainness will hurt or hinder none, though elegancy and obscurity might, although it could have profited none,  it might have pleased. If any think due respect hath not sufficiently been shown to Superiors, let me say to such, my aim and utmost endeavour hath been, not to offend or overlook such, but to give unto Cesar th● things which are Cesar's, though to God the things that are God's: And this I have done, so far as I might, without sin or flattery. Wherefore vouchsafe to peruse, soberly and throughly, these lines; and know here is Milk for Babes, and stronger Meat for stronger Ones. And let me tell you, God is now speaking to you, and saying to you as of old, How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in scorning, and fools hate knowledge? Turn you at my reproof; behold, I will pour out my Spirit unto you, and make known my words unto you, Prov. 1.22, 23. 'Tis now your day of Grace, Jesus Christ is wooing all his People to come out of Babylon; but if ye will not hear, and fear, and repent yourselves, ye must be sure to partake of her judgement as well as of her sins, Rev. 18.4. O! do not think Superstition, or Idolatry, or Will-worship, or men's invention in God's Worship a small sin; but remember that dreadful word, Do we provoke the Lord? are we stronger than he? (O no) be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap, 1 Cor. 10.22. Gal. 6.10. Wherefore do nothing partially in the matter of Religion; be not circumspect about Doctrine, and careless about Discipline or Church ways; be not strict for second-Table-Duties, and make no Conscience of first-Table-sins: Neither make it all your holiness to mind Family-Duties, but also look well to your publick-Worship, or your walking with Jesus Christ in his Public Worship.  
Such things as these, Christian Reader, are in this little Treatise presented to thy view and consideration; be pleased to take nothing in the evil or worse part, but as thou hast all from love, so let thy love accept of all that carries Christ's Image and Superscription upon it; and with thy Mantle of Love, cover all thou meetest with of humane frailty: And if by all, or any thing herein presented to thee, thou reapest any real benefit or profit, I request you to give God all the glory, and say, Of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory for ever; which is, and shall be, the earnest prayer of him who is, and will remain thine to serve thee,  
S. MORE.   

The Contents.  Ecclesiastes 12.9. Moreover, Because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge: Yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many Proverbs, etc. 
THe words, in general, contain an account of an Accomplished Preacher.  

1. As to his Qualification.  
2. As to his Work, Act, and Dispensation.  
3. The blessing and advantage of enjoying such Preachers.   
But more particularly take notice of these things following:  

1. A Preface in this word [Moreover].  
2. A Reason of what was done, [Because the Preacher was wise].  
3. The Person spoken of; The Preacher.  
4. That which is related or declared concerning him, and that in these particulars: 

1. The Act; his constancy in Teaching, etc.  
2. Perseverance in this Work; He still taught the People Knowledge.  
3. His wariness or circumspection in managing this great Work: Yea, he gave good heed.  
4. His diligence, industry, or laboriousness, He sought; he did not catch up, or deliver any thing, but what he had sought out, and found meet to be delivered.  
5. We have his fidelity or perfection in Preaching, he did set in order many Proverbs. He set in, not out of God's, or due order, his Preach or Proverbs; amplified in these Words; The Preacher sought out acceptable words.  
But again, In the next place we have the Property or Excellency of that which was Preached or Written; it was upright, even words of Truth.  
6. Lastly, We have the Use and Benefit of the properties of such Preach or Preachers; in these words, The words of the wise are as Goads and Nails.      

The Wise Gospel-Preacher's Praise and Practice.  ECCLES. 12.9, 10, 11. 
9 Moreover, because the Preacher was Wise, he still taught the People Knowledge; yea, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many Proverbs.  
10. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable Words, and that which was written was upright, even words of Truth.  
11. The words of the Wise are as Goads, and as Nails fastened by the Masters of Assemblies, which are given by one Shepherd.  
SOlomon the Wise is declared to be the Composer of this Book, and it may probably be the last he wrote, the which I shall not positively determine, nor whether these three Verses be his, because they seem more probable to have been wrote by his Historian, or that hand which committed this Book to the Church's Treasury, rather than by himself, and are part of the conclusion of this Book. As to the Book itself, I shall say nothing, the words I have pitched upon, having no dependence upon any thing that went before, unless to commend it, and encourage to improve it; because both of the excellency of the Preacher, and of that which was Writ or Preached. The words in general contain an account of an Accomplished Preacher.  

First, As to his Qualification.  
Secondly, As to his Work, Act, or Dispensation.  
Thirdly, The Blessing and Advantage of enjoying such Preachers. But more particularly take notice of these things in these Verses. 

1. A Preface in this word; Moreover.  
2. A Reason of what was done; Because the Preacher was Wise.  
3. The Person spoken of; The Preacher.  
4. That which is related or declared concerning him, and that in these Particulars.     
First, The Act; his constancy in teaching, etc.  
Secondly, Perseverance in his Work; He still taught the People Knowledge. His wariness or circumspection in managing this great Work; Yea, he gave good heed.  
Thirdly, His Diligence, Industry, or Laboriousness; He sought out: He did not catch up, or deliver any thing but what he had sought out, and found meet to be delivered.  
Fourthly, We have his Fidelity or Perfection in Preaching; He did set in order many Proverbs: He set in, not out of God's, or due order, his Preach or Proverbs, amplified in these words; The Preacher sought out acceptable words. But again, in the next place we have the Property or Excellency of that which was preached or written, it was upright, Even words of Truth.  
Lastly, We have the Use, and Benefit, or Properties of such Preaching and Preachers in these words; The words of the Wise are as Goads, and Nails fastened by the Masters of Assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd.  
I shall not trouble you with the opening or clearing of any obscurity in the Text at this time; but refer that till afterwards, where more conveniently I may dispatch it; but shall proceed to some Doctrines, or Conclusions hence observable. The first is taken from the first word, or Preface, Moreover. We may take these words not only literally, as spoken of the Typical Solomon; but as Prophetical, and pointing at a greater than Solomon, our Lord Jesus, That so spoke as never man spoke, John 7.46. And also we might eye these words as dogmatical, or instructing what every Wise Gospel-Preacher ought to be and do; whence we may collect thus much.  
Doct. 1. That the Lord is not sparing or scant in means of Grace to his Church and People; but hath provided, and doth afford them one, and another means of help, and advantage for Soul-Concernments.  
God, as God, hath in Mercy and Wisdom dealt with the Second Creation and state of Grace, as with the first Creation. In Nature he hath not made single Fruits, Flowers, Plants, Grain, or Beasts, Birds, or Fishes, but innumerable in number, and manifold in kind; even so great variety and plenty, that even the wisest of Moralists or Naturalists scarce knew what need or end there is even of that variety or plenty, unless to commend the Creator. Men are often times at a loss how to improve, and not despise that plenty: Even so is it in spiritual and supernatural things; Men are so fully provided of them, that they even surfeit and are wanton under God's Divine Ordinances and Provisions of Grace, as once Israel did of Manna; yet it seems good to God, to have moreovers, and to minister himself in manifold wisdom to his People. To instance, thus God dealt with Israel; he gave them not only Moses, but Aaron also; not only Sacrifice, but Circumcision also; nor Circumcision only, but the Passeover also; nor the Tabernacle, but the Temple also; not only Priests and Levites, but Prophets and Nazarites likewise: That so God might say as Isaiah 5. What could I have done more for my Vineyard, which I have not done? And this Job tells you, Chap. 33.14, 15. So Solomon in the 9th of his Proverbs. Even so hath he done under the Gospel, not tying us to any one Way or Means, but affords us various Means and Seasons. We have the Heaven and the Earth declaring his Glory and Handiwork, Psal. 19 Also we have the Law and Statutes of God in his Scripture, which is able to make the Man of God wise unto Salvation. We have also the Law written in our hearts. We have Instruments without, and Instincts within. We have the Word and Men without, and the Spirit within. We have Mercy and Judgement, all whispering to us, Fear ye the Lord. So that we may truly say, God as well as Man hath his Moreovers. And we serve not a hard Master, nor is our reproof and destruction less than sufficiently of ourselves. Now the Grounds and Reasons why God walks thus towards his People are briefly these.  
Reas. 1. That the Glory of the Wisdom, Power, and Bounty of God might the more gloriously appear, by the riches of his Liberality, and plenty of Provisions afforded to his People, Prov. 16.4. Rom. 2.4. Ephes. 1.18, 19 Col. 1.27.  
Reas. 2. God makes his Provisions to be very large and plentiful, affording us moreovers, to the end that we might with the more ease and facility do his Will, and attain the knowledge and enjoyment of Salvation; so Isa. 28.9, 10, 11, 12. and this the Apostle seems to eye, Acts 17.30, 31. And the Prophet Micah, Chap. 6.6, 7, 8. Christ saith, His Yoke is easy, and his Burden light; because he affords light sufficient to see it with, and strength enough to do what is required, and helps many to assist us; and rewards full, and rich enough to quicken and encourage us. But again,  
Reas. 3. The Lord doth it to comply with our nature and frailty, which is not so well satisfied, nor so effectually furthered or helped by one Way or Means, as by diversity and variety, and therefore vouchsafeth us his Moreovers, or Line upon Line, and Precept upon Precept.  
Reas. 4. And lastly, It is to stop the Mouth and leave silent and inexcusable all neglecters and despisers of Gospel-Grace and Provisions; since God can say to all such, What need I have done more than what I have done? This God pleads for himself, 2 Chron. 36.15, 16. and Luke 13.7, 8, 9  

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

Secondly, Caution.  
Secondly, Let it be a word of Caution to all of us, not to be wanton, and despise, and slight God 's moreovers, or his overplus kindnesses, as I am afraid too many do among Professors at this day; like wanton Israel, that despised God's Manna, Numb. 11.4, 5, 6. calling it, light Bread, Chap. 21.5. Even saying as Christ's Disciples, What need this waste? Matth. 26.8. Like unto many nowadays that say, What need so much Preaching? Yea, What need of such long Preaching? Is not shorter Preaching better Preaching? I beseech you take heed of such thoughts, lest God takes away our plenty, and give us scarcity enough: Oh let me persuade such wanton Christians to take the Counsel Peter gives to Simon Magus; Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee, Acts 8.22, 23. Oh Friends! take heed of such thoughts, of such vain, yea, vile thoughts, for surely we are not grown such quick Learners or good Scholars, or so soon taught what the good and perfect Will of the Lord is, as to conclude, we need few Preachers, or little Preaching. Neither is the Preaching of the Gospel such a mean Excellency, as worth little more than to be despised; or hath the Lord Christ given Gifts to men in vain: Oh no; he that hath given Gifts to many, not to one, he well knew many Preachers were necessary, that by here a little, and there a little, by Line upon Line, and Precept upon Precept, because the People are so hard to learn, Isa. 28.9. Therefore the Lord hath conferred upon the Church diversity of Gifts, though they proceed from one Spirit: He hath set in his Church not only Teachers, but Prophets also; and dare we despise Prophets or Prophesying, and say, What need have we of these Ministrations? Hath the Lord given diversely, as to Degrees or Measures, to one three, to another five Talents, and shall he that hath received the least, be thought unmeet to have the freedom to improve his Measure for his Lord's Honour, or his brethren's Advantage? or, where the Lord bestows a larger Measure, and his Servants are faithful in the Stewardship thereof; dare any say the time is waste, and the Message too long? Not remembering, that although he that can speak but five words understandingly, must be accepted; yet he which can speak ten, must not be muzzled or restrained. Christ, and his Spirit, aught to be free; Wherefore remember that saying of Paul, Let no man blame us in this abundance which is administered by us, 2 Cor. 8.20. And to cure this evil, take this short direction, Be more sensible of your want of the means of Grace, and more humble spirited, truly hungering and thirsting after Gospel-Ordinances.  
Lastly, Let it be a word of Exhortation, If our Means and Provisions be abundant, and redundant, let not our fruitfulness be short, lest what the Lord Jesus said to Jerusalem, he say to us also, The Kingdom shall he taken from you, and given to a People bringing forth the Fruit thereof, and he let out his Vineyard to other Husbandmen, Matth. 21.34, 41, 43. with Heb. 6.8. How dreadful then will thy state and mine be, to enjoy much means of Grace, and to bring forth none or little Fruit by it: Oh! consider this all you that forget God. So much for the first Particular, or word in the Text, Moreover.  
Now let us consider the next Particular, which contains the Reason of what the Preacher said or did, that is in these words, Because the Preacher was Wise.  
Before I go further, Three things need some clearing or Exposition.  
First; How this suits with some other of Scripture-Expressions, for Solomon to commend himself, or to say the Preacher was Wife, or Painful, yea, Useful also.  
Secondly; What a Preacher is, or what this Preacher was.  
Thirdly; What this Wisdom is that is here spoken of.  
For the clearing of the first thing, Though this Book is solomon's, and bears his Name, and was by him Composed, yet is it not clear that this Copy, or these Words, were his own: But as David and other Kings had their Scribes and Penmen which did write for them, and wrote after them; even so might Solomon, and doubtless had, as his Story in 1 Kings 4.3. compared with 2 Chron. 9.29. doth declare. And so though he did not, yet they well might set him forth. But secondly, Although in moral respects, and at some time it is not fit for a man to commend himself, yet in two respects a man may (especially a Preacher) so do, and be innocent in so doing: First, in case of scandal, he may vindicate himself from unjust aspersion and reproach: So Samuel did; the people had clouded and eclipsed his worthy and innocent Government, 1 Sam. 8.4, 5. therefore, Chap. 12. he vindicates himself. So also did Jeremiah, Chap. 15.10.  
So Paul, in 2 Cor. 10.3, 7. so in Chap. 12. with that of Job 29. Secondly, In furtherance of man's Work or Employment, a man may commend himself: So Paul did, 2 Cor. 2. and it Gal. 1.12, to 19 with chap. 2.6, 7, 8, 9 An● thus Nehemiah acted, in chap. 5. from vers. 14 to the close of the Chapter. And thus I conceive if Solomon did commit this to the Church's Treasury, from his own Hand or Pen, in this latter sense he might humbly and innocently do it. B●● possibly the stick or obscurity may be from th● Translators so rendering the Words; for if th● words be thus read, this difficulty is easily avoided and the sense preserved entire. Moreover, A Wis● Preacher will still give good heed, and so it speak Duty, and not Commendation.  
Secondly, Let me a little open this Particular, What a Preacher is, or, this Preacher was that here is spoken of. A Preacher is not only such as are under Ministerial Unction, or calling in Office o● Ministry. But a Preacher is any, or every such Person or Disciple of Christ that hath received Gifts of the Spirit to profit withal, and is able to speak a word in due season to him that is weary, for Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort; and the●● in Scripture are called Prophets, or Prophesying. Preachers, as in that of Gen. 20.7. 1 Cor. 12.28. And such a Prophetical or Prophesying. Preacher was Solomon, the Preacher in my Text, and not an Official, Ordained, or Ministerial. Preacher, for such were only at that time the Tribe of Levi, the High Priest, Priests, and Prophets Extraordinary. But the Book tells us, this Preacher was by Office a King, not a Priest; he was only a Prophet, or Membral Preacher, even such a Preacher as that Church had many of, and any Brother or Member of that Church, who was able, though not so able, might as freely and as lawfully preach as Solomon, as that passage Acts 13.15. compared with Luke 4.16, 17. Ye men and brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the People, say on: And such Preachers Moses and Paul allowed, Numb. 11.29. And Moses said, Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord's people were Prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them; compared with 1 Cor. 14.29, 31. Let the Prophets speak, and let the other judge, for ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. Many other Testimonies may be added, but because I shall speak to this more hereafter, let this at present suffice.  
The third thing to be cleared is, What this Wisdom is, or what is this Wisdom that Solomon saith the Preacher had, and what that Wisdom is that every Preacher ought to have, that will thus wisely or profitably Preach. Wisdom, as Solomon phraseth it, doth not only excel Folly, Eccles. 2.13. but Wisdom also excels Wit. Wit is a quickness or acuteness of the Understanding to catch or apprehend things by. But Wisdom is that depth of Reason and Judgement, whereby Apprehensions, Thoughts, Sciences, Purposes, and Businesses are begun and completed, or are honourably, profitably, and regularly performed. A Fool may have Wit, only a Wise Man can have Wisdom, or carry on his Design or Business wisely.  
But still the Question is, What Wisdom that is that is here treated of? or is Preaching Wisdom, even that Wisdom without which a man cannot be competent or profitable Preacher?  
To which Question I Answer first, Negative● It is neither Moral, Natural, or acquired Wisdom as Languages, Tongues, Arts, or Sciences: Th● I not only affirm, but shall also confirm; thou● when all is done, no doubt, but so saying, m● make some marvel, and others be mad with me, 〈◊〉 once the Silversmiths were with Paul, when 〈◊〉 cried down their Diana, by whom they had a their Wealth, as have the Schoolmasters, Tutor Academists, Collegiates, Parsons, Doctors, Pr●●lates, Popes, with all the residue of that crew 〈◊〉 Antichristian Clergymen. But I am learning not to fear the faces of men, or respect these Pe●sons, but make known the Truth as it is in Jesus remembering what Zechariah saith will be their portion, even every one to be ashamed of his Vision Chap. 13. of that Book. But affirmatively, Answer, The reason why I affirm that this Wisdom before specified is not the Gospel-Wisdom, i●  
First, Because God hath not set this Axe or Hammer apart to do his or this work with.  
Secondly, It is but a carnal natural Weapon and is only fit for carnal, natural, weak, and worldly Work. And for such purposes, thi● Learning, Wisdom, or Furniture is fit, or very useful; but no more fit for preaching, or a Preacher in order to preaching, than a Sword is to cut one Bread with, or a Plough to ride on, though for other uses both are profitable. But the Wisdom absolutely necessary to preaching, or for a Preacher, is Divine Wisdom, which descends from Above more immediately, and comes from the Father of Lights, James 1.5, 17. and in Scripture is put in opposition to the Wisdom before mentioned, 1 Cor. 1. from 17 downwards, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the Wise? where is the Scribe? where is the Disputer of this World? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this World? etc. So chap. 2.1, 4, 7, 13. Brethren, when I came to you, I came not with excellency of Speech, or of Wisdom, declaring unto you the Testimony of God; and my Speech, and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of Power: Not the Wisdom of this World, nor the Princes of this World, that come to naught, but we speak the Wisdom of God, which God ordained before the World unto our glory. Which things also we speak, not the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual: The natural man receiveth not these things, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. And Peter tells us, that the Learned in the former sense, but unlearned or illiterate in the latter sense, are the Novices which do but wrest and pervert the Scripture, or the substance of all Scripture, 2 Pet. last, vers. 16. But more particularly, what this preaching Qualification or Wisdom is, I shall hereafter, the Lord assisting, discover.  
From the Person spoken of, and that which of him is spoken, let me note these Observations.  
Doct. 1. That Preaching by godly men, thereunto qualified, is God's Ordinance.  
Secondly, From the kind of Preacher that Sol●mon here spoke of, note, this Observation.  
Doct. 2. That Prophetical Preaching or Prophesying, by Members or Brethren of true Church● by virtue of Gifts and Membership, without Mi●stry, is God's very Ordinance. Else Solomon, ho● wise soever, had sinfully preached.  
Thirdly, Note, Doct. 3. That such, or many Brethren as have Gifts and Abilities thus Preach, not only may, but are bound to Prea● Else Solomon had done more than his Duty, o● what he was not bound to; which is vanity in 〈◊〉 to imagine, for he had not been wise in so doing.  
Fourthly, Note, Doct. 4. That every Gospel Preacher ought to be wise; or that Grace and Spiritual Wisdom are the only Requisites, and ●●ffi●ent for Gospel-preaching, or Preachers.  
To begin with the first of these, though th● last of these is principally designed; Note, The Preaching by Godly Men, thereunto qualified, is God Ordinance. For the proof of this, take the● Testimonies, Isa. 61.1. The Spirit of the Lor● God is upon me, because he hath anointed me t● Preach glad-tydings to the Meek: He hath sent 〈◊〉 to bind up the , to proclaim liberty 〈◊〉 the Captives, and the opening of the Prison to the● that are bound, etc. Jonah 3.2. Arise, go un●● Nineveh, that great City, and preach unto it th● Preaching that I bid thee. Mark 1.4. Joh● preached the Baptism of Repentance for the remission of sins; with chap. 3.14. He ordained twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach. Acts 5.42. And daily in the Temple, and in every House, they cease● not to Teach and Preach Jesus Christ; and chap. 10.42. And he commanded us to preach unto the People; with Rom. 10.15. How can they Preach except they be sent? Many other Scriptures would give testimony to this, were not this that is offered sufficient. But a little further, to clear this by Argument or Reason, since this, as every Truth, hath its Opposition or Opposers.  
Reas. 1. Had not this been God's Ordinance, that the Word by Men should be Preached or Revealed unto men, the best of men would never have been found so often, even in all Ages, transgressing against the God of men, through preaching unto men; but the best of men have preached unto men. The Scripture shows us this in Noah's time, in that he was called a Preacher of Righteousness, 2 Pet. 2.5. The like is said of Abraham, Gen. 18.19. where Abraham's Teaching or Preaching, in and to his Household, is made the reason of God's Preaching or Declaring to him the destruction of Sodom. The like we have in chap. 49.1, 2. So Moses, Deut. 31.1, 2. with v. 19 compared also; you have it chap. 32.1. So did David, Psal. 40.9, 10. So Solomon, you have it in the Text. So Samuel in his first Book, chap. 12.23. So in 2 Chron. 17.7, and 9 compared. And thus did the New-Testament Converts and Disciples practise, Acts 8.4. Therefore I conclude, that Preaching is, and ever was, acknowledged God's Ordinance.  
Reas. 2. Had not Preaching been God's Ordinance, though godly men might have mistake their Duty, yet the Lord Jesus Christ would doubtless not have preached. But the Lord Jesus Christ was a Preacher, and did frequently preach; therefore Preaching is God's Ordinance. That the Lord Jesus Preached, is most evident, Mark 1.14. with Luk. 8.1. After John was put in Prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. He went Preaching, and showing the glad-tydings of the Kingdom of God; and th● Twelve were with him.  
Reas. 3. That which not only Holy Men have approvedly done, and the Lord Jesus himself likewise did, but that which even Angels did teach and commanded the Saints to do, that must need● be owned to be an Ordinance, as appears Luk. 1.26, to 37. Luk. 2.10, 11. Rev. 14.6. I sa● another Angel fly in the midst of Heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to Preach unto them that dwel● on the Earth, etc.  
Reas. 4. That which God hath in all Ages most abundantly fitted some men for, must need● be his Ordinance: But God hath in all Ages fitted some men for Preaching-Work; therefore Preaching-Work is God's Ordinance. The proof of this lies most apparent in the first Argument, and is confirmed further to us, Psal. 68.11. The Lord gave the Word, great was the Company of them that published it; compared with Ephes. 4.8, 12. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men: For the Perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ. Yea, he that saith, No man lighteth a Candle in vain, or to put it under a Bushel; Would not himself light so many Preaching-Candles, or make so many Preachers in vain, if Preaching were not his Ordinance.  
Reas. 5. Satan and sinners would never have so opposed Preaching, had not Satan known that Preaching was God's Ordinance: Satan opposes not sin, no not the grossest wickedness; but the purest and the most powerful Preachers and Preaching he hath always most eagerly opposed; witness Micah, Zechariah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul, Stephen: And which of Christ's eminentest Preachers hath he not persecuted? witness Acts 13.49, 50. And the Word of the Lord was published throughout all the Regions; but the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable Women, and the chief Men of the City, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their Coasts; compared with Acts 17. and Rev. 11. Yea, our own Times witness this, how much the design of the Devil and his Creatures is to obstruct and hinder the Spiritual Preaching of the Gospel: Like the Men Paul speaks of 1 Thess. 2.15, 16. Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets, and have persecuted us, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved, to fill up their sins; for the Wrath is come upon them to the utmost.  
Reas. 6. I might add that which not only good Men have both practised, and been persecuted for; yea, both the Lord himself, and Angels have practised and Preached to us, as our Work, that must needs be God's Ordinance; but this both Christ and his Apostles have taught and enjoined us: Therefore to Preach is their Duty, as they are able to Preach. Mat. 28.19. Go, and teach all Nations; with 2 Tim. 4.2. Preach the Wor● be instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke exhort with all long-suffering and Doctrine, w●● 1 Pet. 5.1, 2, 3, 4.   

First Use of Reproof.  
But now by way of Application, this may ser●● for conviction or confutation of all such sensual sinful, anti-scriptural men, as deny the Preaching of the Gospel to be God's, or a Divine Ordinance but men's device and design to advance their honour or profit in the World. Do not some, th● would not be thought to be small Fools; spurn 〈◊〉 Preaching as needless, uncertain, men's pride? 〈◊〉 not men say, What can the Preachers tell us, b● what they have told us, and what we know a ready? Nay, are there not some, even too many whose pride will not suffer them to own th● Preaching of the Word? To these let me spea●● that word of Solomon, Prov. 1.22. How long, simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and ye scorne● delight in scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 〈◊〉 that such that presume to question this undoubted Truth of God, Preaching, even by men thereunto qualified, to be God's Ordinance; because me that Preach are not, nor aught to pretend to be in fallible, would but consider this; Are none sit 〈◊〉 Preach to you fallible, ignorant, shallow things, i● things of Religion, but who are infallible? Di● not Paul, that great Light, say, That he knew b●● in part, and prophesied but in part? Yet was admitted to be a Preacher in full, or a Preacher full worth hearing. What these say, argues no mor● against Preaching, than for a Scholar to say, M● Master is not a Scribe or Teacher in perfection therefore I will not learn of him; yet may he be very able to teach the Scholar that he hath not yet learned. Even so may an imperfect Preacher be very sufficient to teach an imperfect Christian.  
Secondly, Though the best of Preachers are, or may be, in some things fallible, much of what Spiritual Preachers teach is infallible; and you Hearers prove all things, refuse nothing, but hold fast only that which is good.  
And thirdly, Though Preachers preach proudly, or may so do, yet hear Gospel-Preachers humbly, and the defect will be theirs, not yours. Else it will evidence pride in you not to hear such whom Christ appoints that you should hear; Matth. 23.2, 3. The Scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses Chair; All therefore that they bid you observe, that observe and do, etc.  
Fourthly, Are they covetous of your Wealth? be you never the less covetous, yea, more covetous of Christ's Treasury in their earthen Vessels; and remember Solomon's Counsel, Buy the Truth, and sell it not; also Wisdom, Instruction, and Understanding, Prov. 23.23. And in so doing, you shall at most but do as every wise Merchantman ought to do, when he had found one Pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it, Mat. 13.46.  
Fifthly, Do you know aforehand what your Preachers will or can tell you, which is more than you know yet? Hear then, for if they can tell you no new things, they can tell what you should do with old things. If they can tell you no new things, they can tell you what you should do with old Truths, which you say you know: And 〈◊〉 arguing of yours, proves you have not yet learn even to practise what you know of God; for 〈◊〉 the knowers, but the doers of the Law shall be ●●stified, Rom. 2.13. And remember what Pe●. saith, in 2 Pet. 1.12, 13. Wherefore I will not negligent to put you always in remembrance of th● things, though you know them, and be establish in the present Truth: Yea, I think it meet, as l●● as I am in this Tabernacle, to stir up your p●● minds, by putting you in remembrance. Oh therefore receive and consider this reproof, Psal. 4. H● long, ye Sons of Men, will ye turn my Glory i● shame? How long will ye love vanity, and foll●● leasing, or lying Arguments? And consider wh● the Lord saith to such as you are; O Generation see the Word of the Lord; Have I been a Wilderness unto Israel? a Land of darkness? Wherefro say my People, We are Lords, we will come no m● unto thee? Jer. 2.31. And to conclude th● Use, think upon that Scripture, Psal. 50.22. Consider this, ye that forget God, lest he tear you 〈◊〉 pieces, and there be none to deliver you.   

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

Third Use of Reproof.  
A third Use of Reproof, from this consideration, that Preaching of the Word is God's Ordinance, shall be, to reprove all such Preachers of the Gospel, as though not forbidden of men, yet forbidden themselves, and neglect this so great a Work, and Ordinance, as the Preaching of the Gospel. Such idle Drones among the Bees, had need consider that word 1 Cor. 9.16. For though I Preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of, for necessity is laid upon me, yea, woe is unto me if I Preach not the Gospel: and woe will be unto such as are able, and may, but do not preach the Gospel. Yea, though men did forbid, yet woe unto him that will be forbidden by any sort of men, and doth not faithfully and fully preach the Gospel. Such sleepy, idle, timorous, or unprofitable Preachers, that do not as the good Preacher did in my Text, and every good Preacher in the World ought to do, that is, To give good heed, and diligently set in order Parables.  
But I shall not enlarge upon these men's Repoof; hoping that a word to the Wise will be sufficient, which every Preacher (as my Text implies) ought to be. But to them, or so many Preachers of the Everlasting Gospel as are otherwise spirited, I would commend a Scripture or two to their consideration. The first is, Woe to the idol Shepheard, that leaveth the Flock, the Sword shall be upon his arm, and upon his right eye; his arm shall be clean dried up, and his right eye utterly darkened: But why, O Lord? Mark, Because he hath not visited those that be cut off, neither doth seek the young Ones, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which standeth still, but doth eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces, Zach. 11.16, 17. with Ezek. 13.4, 5. O Israel! thy Prophets are as the Foxes in the Deserts; yea, have not gone up into the Gaps, neither made up the Hedge for the House of Israel, to stand in the Battle in the Day of the Lord; therefore hear what the Lord saith, vers. 9 They shall not be in the Assemblies of my People, neither shall they be written in the writing of the House of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord.   

Fourth Use of Reproof.  
But a fourth Use of Reproof is to such, and so many as own and acknowledge the preaching of the Gospel to be the Lord's Ordinance, and yet make not due and suitable improvement of it. God will one day say to these, without repentance, as to those of old; Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips, do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear to me is taught by the precepts of men: Therefore behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work, and a wonder; for the wisdom of the wise men shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid, Isa. 29.13, 14. There are two sorts of persons to whom this Reproof belongs:  
First, Such as are careless in hearing the Word Preached.  
Secondly, Such as are careless of doing of that, which by the preaching of the Word they are taught they ought to do, as well as know.  
And I fear, how many soever there may be found under the first Reproof, or of the first sort, there are yet many more of the latter sort, even forgetful Hearers, deceiving their own souls, Jam. 1.22, 25. First, Such sleepy, worldly, carnal, idle persons, that seldom can find time, and as seldom find an heart to come to hearing of the Word preached; though God bring it even to the doors, yet they can scarce move their feet over the threshold to come to it; but cry out, What need so much expense of time, or attendance upon Preaching? or else compliment over their neglect, as those did that were invited to the Feast; make light of these opportunities or invitations, and cry, Pray you have me excused, I have bought a piece of Ground, and I must needs go see it. And another, I have bought Oxen, and I must needs go prove them. And a third sort, I have married a Wife, and therefore I cannot come, Luke 14.15, 16, 17, 18, 19 But will these excuses serve to leave such men excusable, that neglect or omit to come to the hearing of the Gospel. Oh no! mark the close of these Neglecters work; When the King heard hereof, he was wroth, and he sent forth his Armies, and destroyed those Murderers, and burnt up their City, Mat. 22.7. And therefore remember, If the Gospel be hid, it is only hid this day to such as perish, 2 Cor. 4.3.   

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

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

The third Use is of Exhortation.  
A third and last Use is for Exhortation; First To Preachers, who are entrusted with this great Ordinance, and have this Word of Life in these earthen Vessels. Be faithful in the improvement of this great Ordinance.  
Secondly, Let it speak, before we part, a parting word or two to you that are Hearers. If th●preaching of the Word be God's holy and precious Ordinance, then be exhorted both to hear, and no● to despise him that speaketh on Earth, nor neglect so great Salvation, and also be exhorted to tak● heed how you hear.  
First, Let the Preachers of the Gospel, I mean Christ's Spiritual Preachers, not Man's empty ordained Preachers, who are crept into Ministry for a morsel of bread; I say, to you that are Christ's Witnesses and Preachers, preach the Word, be instant in season and out of season, reprove, exhort with all long-suffering and gentleness; because Preaching is God's Ordinance, and such bright Lights were not intended to be lighted in vain; it is our Lord's own expression, Mat. 5. Men do not light their Candles to put under a Bushel: Then let not glorious Lights be lighted in vain, but be diligent and laborious in this sin-condemning and Soulsaving Ordinance, remembering what Paul faith, 1 Cor. 4.2. Moreover, it is required in a● Steward, that he be found faithful; it will one day be required: Therefore in this day be faithful, lest he that has given us Talents, which we have not hearts and wisdom to improve, do, to our shame and loss, recall them, and take them from us, and give them to him that hath improved, Matth. 25.28, 29, 30. But because I shall have occasion to speak more to this hereafter in another Particular, I shall say no more to this part or branch of this Use at this time, but speak a few words to the second branch, which is;  
If Hearing be God's and not Man's Ordinance, then be exhorted, you that are or should be Hearers, to take heed how you hear, for God takes notice of you, both at Hearing, and when you omit and needlessly neglect to hear; for he will not let his Name or Ordinances be taken in vain; Exod. 20.7. Remember that Text, Eccles. 5.1. Take heed to thy foot, when thou goest to the House of God, and be more ready to hear, than to offer the Sacrifice of Fools, for they consider not that they do evil. Men and Women must not think 'tis hearing of men, but hearing of God by men, or through men, it is not Man's Word, or Ordinance, but God's; therefore take heed, slight it not, dally not with it, the God of this most sacred Ordinance will not bear it at your hands: Harken what God saith, 2 Chron. 24.19. Yet he sent unto them Prophets to bring them again unto the Lord, and they testified against them, but they would not give ear, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon Zachariah the Son of Jehoiada the Priest, which stood above the People, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the Commandment of the Lord, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the Lord, he hath also forsaken you: Compare with this, what you have Mat. 23.34, 3● 39 and then consider, if there be not need to receive this Exhortation, to take heed how you hear▪ Oh! be not sleepy, proud, unbelieving, forgetful, unthankful, or unfruitful hearers of the Wor● of God; for if the Lord Jesus, when he brought forth but barley Bread, and small Fishes, said Gather up the Fragments, and let nothing be lost do you think than he will let such precious Brea● of Life, which none but the Son of Man can giv● you, be lost? John 6.12.  
Therefore to conclude, Take heed that you despise not him that speaketh from Heaven, in th● Ministry of the Word. Consider it, and se● that you refuse not him that speaketh; For if the escaped not who refused him that spoke on Earth much more shall not we escape, if we turn aw● from him that speaketh from Heaven, Heb. 12.25. Oh therefore be swift to hear, though slow to speak against what you hear; and let every one that hath ears to hear, hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches, Jam. 5.19. with Rev. 2.7. Thu● much for this first Observation.  
Doct. 2. That which I noted from the opening of the words, was, That Prophetical Preaching, or Prophesying by Saints, or Brethren, by virtue of Gifts, and Membership, without Office or Ministry conferred upon them, is God's very Ordinance, and a lawful way of Preaching. Else Solomon, how wise soever, had sinfully Preached.  
For the clearing of this Truth, consider first what the Scripture speaks to this point. First, Moses that well understood the Mind of God, was thus minded, when he spoke these words, Enviest thou for my sake? Would God that all the Lord's people were Prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them, Numb. 11.29. Two things among others we may note here.  
First, That Moses did no● envy or disallow the Prophesying or Preaching of any that the Lord had made able; and therefore puts by the envy and ignorance of those that did, with this reply; Enviest thou for my sake? as if he had said, you do evilly and sinfully in so doing.  
Secondly, Observe Moses, how faithful soever in the House of God, and against Usurpations and Innovations in the Church, yet allows and approves that any one, and every such one that the Lord should put his Spirit upon and make able, might this do; even Prophesy or Preach. I would all the Lord's People were Prophets, could, and would Preach, for I shall not forbid them.  
Object. 1. But if any shall Object, and say, This is not to the thing in hand; For, first, these were eminent Elders and Officers, or Rulers among the people, and not private persons, or ordinary Members of the Church.  
I Answer, Though it be granted that these were such, even part of the seventy, yet note, they were not preaching Elders. Secondly, Neither preached they because such or such, but because they had the Spirit, and that moved, and also filled them with matter, and gave them utterance. Thirdly, Neither was this separation or pouring out of the Spirit mentioned vers. 17. the Spirit of Preaching, Gifts, or Qualifications, but the Spirit of Rule and Government, as is most clear, by considering what is offered, 'twas a portion of Moses Spirit to assist Moses, not in Preaching, but in R●ling and Governing.  
Object. 2. But if any shall object to this testimony, That it proves not the thing for which it brought, because this was extraordinary prophesying, and these were immediate Prophets, and not ordinary, or such as the Doctrine intends.  
I answer, True it is, these were extraordinary Persons, but whether their Prophesying in th● place spoken of were extraordinary Preaching o● Prophesying, doth not appear in this, or any other place that I know of, although I acknowled● there is such a kind of Prophesying: But however this is clear from this place, That as many as t●● Lord will spirit, or qualify, for one or other sort● Preaching, may, and aught to Preach: Else Mos● had wished too much, and not answered the ca●● propounded; but this may serve, for this Object on.  
But take a second Witness, which you ha●● 2 Chron. 17.7, 8, 9, 10. where you find Jeh●shaphat sent out his Princes, as well as his Priest and Levites, to Teach in the Cities of Judah, an● the success was very glorious.  
But take a third Witness, 1 Pet. 4.10, 11 where we have the Apostle, not only allowing but also provoking and enjoining every man th● feareth the Lord, to be a good Steward of the manifold Grace of God; and he that hath receive that Gift of speaking a word in season, is to minister, and to speak according to that ability Go● giveth.  
Take but one more, 1 Cor. 14.29, 31. whe● the Apostle allows, and directs all the Prophets or prophesying Brethren in the Church, to prophesy: Yea, he asserts the truth of this Doctrine, and justifies this for a lawful and laudable practice, for so many in the Churches of the Saints, as have preaching Gifts to Preach, saying, You may all prophesy one by one; and let the Prophet's prophecy, and let no man forbidden, or envy it: And thus the Preacher in my Text preached, as a Prophet, or Member of the Church, not officially, or as a Minister ordained unto this Work of Preaching, is clear. For by Office he was a King, not a Preacher; such were the high Priests and Levites only; but our Preacher was a Membral Preacher, or one exercising his Gifts according to his Liberty and Duty. Yea, our Lord Jesus, who preached in the Jewish Synagogue, and was allowed so to do; thus he preached in the account of the Congregation, not by virtue of that anointing by which he was Christ, and Lord: For though he were so, yet they knew it not, nor allowed it; they only gave him the liberty and privilege of other Members of the Church: Such a privilege was given to Paul and the rest of his Companions, Acts 13.15. when they said, Ye Men and Brethren, if you have any word of Exhortation for the people, say on. By all which we may see this Doctrine witnessed unto, and confirmed, beyond danger of any grounded or sober denial; to wit, that every one that hath received the Spirit, and Gifts for Preaching, may, yea ought to Preach and Exercise them. But let me give you a few Reasons or Arguments to enforce this.  
Reas. 1. Else many should have Gifts and Talents for Preaching-work in vain; but the Scripture tells us, God made nothing in vain, in t●● first or natural Creation: Even so the Lord Je●●● in the new Creation, hath dispensed nothing vain, but for use and profit; as we find it express● in Ephes. 4.12. It is the edifying of the Bo●● which is his end, in giving Prophets as well as ●●nisters to the Church: But what edification of the Church have from such men's Gifts, although they have sufficient Gifts to edify the Church, y● have no liberty so to do; unless, as our Oppos●●● would have it, they will undertake Ministry an● Ordination, which many that are sufficiently qulified for prophetical Actions, are not sufficient qualified for ministerial Employments.  
Reas. 2. What we are bound to pray for t● enjoying of, that we are to promote the attain●● of: But we are to pray that the Lord's Har●● may not want Labourers; therefore we are, if 〈◊〉 abled so to be, even to be found labouring, 〈◊〉 loitering in the Lord's Vineyard. That we a● thus to pray, you find Luke 10.2. with Matt● 9.37, 38. The Harvest is truly great, but t●● Labourers are few: Pray ye therefore the Lord the Harvest, that he would send forth Labour●●● into his Harvest. Therefore all such as are ablest Labour, should go into the Harvest, and there labour in the Word and Doctrine, and not be idl● and only pray that the Labourers should be sent.  
Reas. 3. If not preaching, when able to Preach be a thing that God will punish for; then surely 〈◊〉 must be lawful for  is able to Preach, t● be found even so doing: But that such as have Gis●● and do not use and exercise them in Preaching shall be punished, if not found Preaching, is mo●● clear: Therefore for all such to Preach as are able, must needs be lawful. That this is so, examine these Scriptures, Matth. 24.45. Who then is a faithful and wise Servant, whom the Lord hath made Ruler over his Household, to give them meat in due season: But if that evil Servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming, and eat and drink with the Drunken; The Lord of that Servant shall come in an hour that he is not ware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with Hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. The like we have in chap. 25. where you have the sad judgement of the unprofitable Servant, that though he had not Talents, yet one small Gift or Talon; Cast ye the unprofitable Servant into utter darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Take but one more; Necessity (saith Paul) is laid upon me, and woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9.16.  
Reas. 4. This is God's way though not Man's, to fit Persons for Ministerial Employments: Therefore to Preach without Ministry in order to a qualification or fitness for Ministry, must needs be lawful and approved. That this is God's way of preparing men for Ministerial Dignity, is most clear, Acts 1.21, 22. where Peter tells the Church, That of those men that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out amongst us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his Resurrection; And this is that favour which the Lord promised in that Parable that he spoke concerning the Talents; That unto every one that hath, shall be given, and he shall have abundance. Now this is the way to attain honourable Employment in the Ministry, to be sound faithful and fruitful in the work of Prophecy. Having proved and cleared the Point, let me now make some Application.   

The first Use is of Vindication.  
The first shall be for Information or Vindication of all such Persons or Churches, which suitable to this Doctrine, thus practice, and thus do, even improve and exercise what Gift or Gifts the Lord hath entrusted them with for Preaching-work; freely, willingly, faithfully, and humbly, as they have opportunity in public Assemblies, and Church-Fellowships, though they be neither Prophets nor Prophet's Sons; that is, neither educated in humane literal Arts, nor called or admitted into any Office of Ministry, yet do Preach as the Spirit gives them utterance: I say, according to what hath been proved and opened in the Doctrine, That the way and work of such is lawful; for ye may all, that fear the Lord, and are able, Prophesy one by one, Women only excepted: I say, not only he that hath five Talents, but he that hath but one Talon, may publicly by Preaching improve it. Mark, I say not as some would have it, that he that hath no Talon may Preach, but every one only that sears the Lord, and hath some sufficient degree or measure of Gifts for so doing; Even he I do assert may and aught to Preach as he hath opportunity, and let the Prophet's judge, 1 Cor. 14.29, 32. Therefore know and consider this day, ye Rabbis of the World, ye learned, separated, and anointed Sons of Levi, I mean you Clergymen, who are, or would be, the sole engrossers and monopolizers of all Preaching-work in your own hands, as the alone Sons Eli; reproaching and condemning the Preaching of the Gospel by Illiterate or Mechanic men, Laymen, or Tradesmen, as you please to call them, as not only foolish and disorderly, but an encroachment and usurpation upon the Priest's Office, even the Sin of Corah, Dathan, and Abiram; never remembering, as you ought, what the Lord saith, Have you never read, Out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings thou hast perfected praise, Matth. 21.16.  
But since this Doctrine, if not too dark, is notwithstanding derogatory to the honour, reputation, and profit of the Learned Preachers of this day, I shall a little consider of their learned, but misapplyed Objections.  
Object. 1. How can the Preaching of the Brethren, or private Christians, in or unto the Church, be paralleled with the Act of those in that of Numb. 16. those reproached Ministry, even God's faithful Ministers, Moses and Aaron, crying out, You take too much upon you, vers. 3, 4. but so do not the Prophesying Ones, they own Christ's Ministers and Official Ones, and their Preaching and Administrations to be of Christ, and not too much for such alone to be ministerially exercised in; and so did not those.  
Secondly, These were Ministers, but not content with their own Function or Ministry, they aspired to another higher, even Aaron and Moses 's Ministry, as appears vers. 9, 10, 11. But the Prophets that pretend to a liberty to Preach, neither pretend or affirm that every Preacher is an Official or Ordains Minister of the Lord Jesus; neither do they aspi● to equality or superiority with or above others 〈◊〉 Christ's Ministering Ones, but acknowledge they a● neither the one nor the other of Christ's Gospel Ministry, but Members in particular.  
But thirdly, Note, There is no agreement be 'tween the design of those men, and the work of the●● men I plead for, their design was sacrificing or offering Incense, the work only of Aaron, and hi● Sons, 'twas Censering, not Preaching, as is cle●● vers. 15, 16, 17, 18. But the highest of those me● or this Doctrines design, is Preaching, not offering or performing Ministerial Function, but private men's and brethren's liberty, as hath been prove from that passage, Ye may all prophesy or Bread one by one. To as little purpose will that Text answer our clergymen's design and errand for which they improve, as this Numb. 16. I mean th●● 1 Cor. 7.20. Let every Man abide in the sam● Calling wherein he was called.  
This might, if it had been written at that time have been applied aptly by Moses in the business he had in hand; but what is all this against the lawfulness of private Christians Preaching. Preaching, though an excellent Work, is no peculiar Calling, but may be performed by Persons of another Calling; neither do such as assert our practice i● this way of Preaching, depart from their Callings, or not abide therein, though this is no satisfaction to their Adversaries: therefore these feeble Objections will not suffice to rational Christians enlightened in this Doctrine, as sufficient to oppose this way of Preaching. Therefore know and consider this day what I shall affirm, till you can more substantially oppose it; to wit, That it is lawful and laudable, a Liberty, yea, a Duty incumbent upon every Man that feareth the Lord, and hath received the Gift, to speak a word in due season for Edification, Exhortation, and Comfort, to use and exercise the Gifts he hath received of the Lord in Prophesying or Preaching in the Congregation, That all may learn, and all may be edified, 1 Cor. 14.31. Therefore not only may Pastors, or Teachers, but any Brother of the Church that is qualified, whether Young or Old, Servant or Master, Son or Father, Rich or Poor, Learned or Unlearned, of what Employment or Calling soever, whether Miller or Merchant, Innkeeper or Shoop-keeper, Bricklayer or Tailor, Cobbler or Shoemaker, one or other lawful Employment, For ye are all one in Christ Jesus, Gal. 3.8. Thus much for this Use.   

The second Use is for Exhortation.  
But a second Use, and the all that I shall make of this Doctrine, is, That if Prophesying or Preaching of Brethren, or such as have not received any Office or Ministry from Christ, be an Ordinance of Christ, and the duty of such as have received Gifts for Preaching to Preach. Then two things from hence I may add,  
First, A word of Exhortation to all the Churches of the Saints, to allow, admit, and encourage the Gifted-brethrens in this Work and Business of Preaching. Oh! be not so like to Antichrist and his Synagogue, as to forbid this liberty of the Saints, which Christ hath so dearly purchased with his most precious Blood. Consider what the Lor● saith to those Disciples of his, who told him, That they saw one casting out Devils in his Name, which followed him not, and they forbade him; but Mar● the Answer of Christ, Forbidden him not, Mark 9.38, 39 Will not Christ have such forbade that follow not him, or his Disciples, and will you my Brethren forbidden such as follow the Lamb, (yea, and follow you too) because not Ministers as you are, or competent or equal in Gifts with you? My Brethren, I beseech you do not this wickedness, it smells of Rome, of an Antichristian spirit; but think what the Lord saith, He that is not with me, is against me; and he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad, Mat. 12.30. You that will not join issue with Christ in furthering and permitting such to Preach whom Christ allows to Preach, you, even all you, who ever you be, how Wise, and Learned, and Pious soever, yet are you against Christ, and for Antichrist; Enemies to Preaching, though never so great Preachers; and it were well you would please to suffer me to commend two Scriptures to your serious consideration. The first is that of the Apostle, Be of the same mind one towards another; mind not high things, but condescend to men of low degree, or estate: Be not wise in your own conceits, Rom. 12.16. The second Scripture is that of Peter, Feed the Flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof; not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being Lords over God's Heritage, but being Ensamples to the Flock, 1 Pet. 5.2, 3.  
But secondly, Let this be a second Branch of this Use to exhort all such, even such, or so many as have received but one Talon, or the least dogree of real competency or fitness, though neither Prophets or Prophet's Sons, but of the meanest or most contemptible condition or Calling amongst men to Preach, and that in season and out of season. O remember it is your duty, your Privilege, you may preach all one by one; you are not only made Kings, but Priests; and this Priestly Act you, yea, any Gifted Believer may perform, Rev. 1.6. Beloved, Preaching is God's Ordinance, his People's Blessing, and your Duty. O therefore! Preach as well as Pray continually, & forget not that exhortation, As every Man hath received the Gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold Grace of God, 1 Pet. 4.10. Brethren, let not your fellow Spies discourage you, by telling you of the Sacredness, Excellency, and difficulty of Preaching; But as every man hath received, so minister the same, as of the ability God giveth, that in all things God may be glorified, 1 Pet. 4.11. Remembering, for your encouragement, two Scriptures, 2 Cor. 8.12. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted, according to that a man hath, and not according to that a man hath not. Secondly, Think on these words of Christ, For unto every one that hath, shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not, shall be taken away even that which he hath, Mat. 25.29. Therefore quench not the Spirit, 1 Thess. 5.19. But what the Disciple said, I may say to you, The Lord hath need of it, Luke 19.34. The Souls of Sinners call for your Labours; yea, the wants of your dear Brethren call for your words of Exhortation, Edification, and Comfort; therefore, be not wanting in the practice of this Ordinance, even this great Ordinance of Preaching the Gospel. Therefore, my Brethren, be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord; for a● much as you know your Labour is not in vain in the Lord.  
Thirdly, Let this Doctrine exhort and quicken you that have ears to hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches. Take heed that you despise not prophesying, 1 Thess. 5.20. Christians, despise not Christ's day of small things, Since out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings, he will ordain strength, because of the enemy and avenger, Psalm. 8.2. compared with Matth. 21. Say not in your hearts as once Nathaniel did; Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? John 1.46. But take heed you despise not him that speaketh on Earth, lest that sad word be your word, For with stammering lips, and another tongue, will he speak to this People. Read that Chapter at your leisure, and you shall see how dreadful God speaks to despisers of this Ordinance of Preaching, though by mean and outwardly contemptible Instruments: My Beloved, know God ofttimes hangs great Blessings at the end of small Wires. How great a victory did God give Israel by that Barley Cake, as Gideon is called, Judg. 7.13, 14, 15, 16. As also how great a Blessing did Naaman the Syrian receive, by hearing the Voice of his Servants, 2 Kings 5. Yea, how great advantage did this very Ordinance bring to the Jews and Greeks, when the scattered Saints and Brethren went up and down, Preaching and Prophesying, Acts 11.19, 20, 21. Therefore despise not Prophesying, I mean Preaching, by Brethren that are gifted thereunto, although not Ministers or Officers in the Churches. So much for this second Doctrine.  
I should now come to speak to the third Point, or Doctrine, which is,  
Doct. 3. That if Preaching be God's Ordinance, and Prophesying and Preaching by Men of Grace and Gifts, though no Ministers, or Ordained Persons, may lawfully Preach; then such as are Prophets, though no Ministers or Officers of the Church, not only may, but aught to Preach.  
But because I have spoke something to this in the close of the second Doctrine, I shall say no more to this, but proceed to the fourth and last Doctrine upon this Head, which is drawn from the Description of the qualification of this Prophetical Preacher Solomon; to wit, That he was Wise, as you have it in the Text, Moreover, because the Preacher was Wise. Whence take this Observation, to wit,  
Doct. 4. That every Gospel preacher ought to be truly wise, or that Grace and Spiritual Wisdom are the true and only, and sufficient Requisites or sufficiency for Gospel-preaching.  
Let me, in the carrying on this Work, first clear this Point, and show what this Wisdom, which every Preacher ought to have, is.  
2ly, Give the Reasons why what is affirmed to be the Wisdom required, is that which is affirmed.  
And 3ly, Resolve some Objections.  
And lastly, Make Application of the Point.  
First, Take some Witnesses that Gospel-Preachers ought to be Wise. This the Lord tells us 〈◊〉 that qualification, that all such aught to have a● draw near him in any peculiar or especial way o● service or ministration, as you have it laid dow● by Moses, in that saying, Take you wise men, ye understanding and known men among your Tribes, an● I will make them Rulers over you. And ma● what is further said; And ye answered me, an● said, The thing which thou hast spoken, is good fo● us to do; So I took wise men, and known, eve● the chief of your Tribes, and made them Heads ov● you; this is God's and Moses way for the serving of Israel, Deut. 1.13, 14, 15. Again, tak● that place, Prov. 15.2. where you have this expression, The Tongue of the Wise useth knowledge a right; but the mouth of Fools poureth out foolishness. Oh mark! it is the wise tongue that wil● Preach or use Knowledge aright; compare thi● with what we have Vers. 7. The lips of the Wis● disperse Knowledge, but the heart of the Foolish doth not so; It is wise lips either can or aught to Preach, or dispense Divine Knowledge. Again, take that Passage of our Lord Jesus, where he tell us what every Scribe or Teacher in Israel should be, one instructed unto the Kingdom of Heaven, like unto a man that is a Housholder, that bringeth ou● of his Treasury things both new and old. Oh! this is the good Scribe or Preacher, Mat. 13.52. the like you have Matth. 10.16. with Prov. 1.5, 6. further you have this confirmed, That a Preacher or Director of others should be wise; Eccl. 1.10. for he that sendeth a Message by the hand of a Fool, cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage: The legs of the Iame are not equal; even so is a Parable in the mouth of fools, Prov. 26.6, 7. By all which, with many Testimonies more that might have been offered, you have this Truth confirmed, That every Gospel-Preacher ought to be wise.  
Now I come to open the Point, and show you what it is to be Wise, or what that Wisdom is that every Gospel-Preacher ought to have. I told you in the opening of the words, by way of Negation, that the Wisdom spoken of in the Text, was neither natural, moral, or acquired Wisdom, as Languages, Tongues, Arts, or Sciences; but a more sublime and transcendent Wisdom. I told you, God had not set this Axe or Hammer apart to do his or this Work with; these Tools are strangers to any Divine designment for such an end, being neither appointed or required in Scripture. I told you secondly, This Wisdom is but a carnal or natural Weapon, and is only meet for carnal, natural, weak, and worldly work; and for such purposes this Learning or Wisdom is very fit and useful, but no more apt or necessary essentially for Preachers, or Preaching, than a Sword is to cut one's Beard with, or a Plough to ride a Journey on: But the Wisdom absolutely necessary for Preaching, or a Preacher, is Divine Wisdom, as I told you, which descends from Above more immediately, and comes from the Father of Lights; and this is that true Wisdom which is put in opposition to the Wisdom before mentioned, 1 Cor. 1.17. where the Apostle saith, Christ sent him not to Baptise, but to Preach the Gospel; not with wisdom of words, lest the Cross of Christ should be of none effect: Mark, it's worldly Wisdom, or the wisdom of words, maketh Christ's Cross to be made ineffectual; this is the likeliest good worldly Wisdom wil● do in Preaching. The same thoughts was th● Apostle Peter of, censuring humane Wisdom, tha● it might, and did furnish men to pervert, but no● Preach the Gospel, where he saith, As also in a his Epistles, speaking in them of these things, i● which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable, wrist, as the● do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction: Ye therefore, Beloved, seeing you know these things before, beware lest you also being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your ow● steadfastness, 2 Pet. 3.16, 17. Now if you would know who these unlearned and unstable wreste● and perverters of Paul, and of all Scriptures are Peter tells us not men wanting Arts and Languages such knew these things, as you have it, seeing y●● know these things; but they he describes and call unlearned, are those he mentions in the second Chapter of this Epistle, whom he calls false Prophets, and false Teachers. Note, It is not the unlearned Hearers, but the learned Preachers that are the perverters and deceivers of the People, through mistaking Paul's Writings, and other Scriptures.  
These are the Men the Church and the World are only beholden to, for privily bringing in damnable Heresies, and causing the Truth of God to be evil spoken of, Vers. 1, 2. These are the Brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil of the things they understand not, even the Saints and the Scripture, and the ways of God, Vers. 12. These learned Prophets are the Wel● without water, and the Clouds carried with a Tempest, vers. 17. These are the men that Speak great swelling words of vanity, and allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in Error. So that we may boldly conclude, That Humane Learning and Wisdom, is neither Prophets nor Preachers wisdom, or fit furniture for such work. But because I foresee that Demetrius, and his learned Craftsmen will make no small stir about this Doctrine concerning Humane Learning, I shall lay down some Arguments to back and confirm what hath been said.  
Arg. 1. If Humane Wisdom or Learning be essential to qualify a Preacher for preaching, than the Scripture Rule concerning a Preachers-qualification is imperfect and obscure, which is sinful to imagine; because it neither requireth, or provideth for such low, earthly-membring Qualifications, as Tongues and Sciences, which teaches Preachers not to preach without it: What the Scripture requires as a Preachers Qualification, you may read 1 Acts 4.5. It is the promise of the Father, expounded vers. 5. to be the Baptism of the Holy Ghost; So 1 Timoth. 2.2, to the 7.2 Tim. 2.2. and 15. with Chap. 3.14, 15, 16, 17.  
Arg. 2. If Humane Learning, or Wisdom be the Preachers Wisdom, than the best of Preachers have slighted and neglected the main, or grand Qualification, 1 Corin. 2.1. And I, Brethren, when I came unto you, I came not unto you with excellency of Speech, or of Wisdom declaring unto you the testimonies of God: And Paul gives the reason of his so doing: For I determine not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, Vers. 2. and again saith he, My Speech, and my Preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, vers. 4. yet Paul would have the Rabbis, and Sticklers for enticing words, and man's wisdom know, That his illiterate Preaching, was perfectly accomplished Preaching; Howbeit we speak wisdom among those that be perfect, yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the Princes of this world, that come 〈◊〉 nought, vers. 6. Take but one place more, Act. 4.13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned, and ignorant men, they marvelled: mark, these marvellous Preachers had preached most publicly, and resolved still to preach as publicly, yet neither had this Wisdom or Learning, but were ignorant and unlearned, and resolved so to remain. Therefore clear it is, this wisdom is not Preachers wisdom, else these great Preachers could not have wanted it; or which is all one, if they had it, 〈◊〉 improving it about this great work, which some say doth so fit men for it; Therefore this Wisdom in Controversy cannot be Preachers wisdom.  
Thirdly, Take this Argument to prove that Humane Learning is not the Preachers Wisdom, because then many both allowed, and enjoined to Preach, would be found unable to preach, through want of this furniture or wisdom: as many o● the Prophets, or prophesying Members of th● Church, who though they have the gifts of the Spirit, and have passed through the New-birth● yet have never attained this Wisdom, or sat at Gamaliel's Feet; But such may be allowed of as competent Preachers, as I have largely proved in the Second Doctrine.  
Arg. 4. The consideration of who is the Spring of Gospel-preaching, will make it necessarily appear that humane Wisdom is not the Preachers Wisdom, but the Lord Jesus, and not man's how learned soever, Ephes. 4.7, to 15. Unto every one of us is given Grace, according to the measure of the Gift of Christ, and so forward, compared with Rev. 19.10. which saith, The Testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy.  
Arg. 5. Take this Argument, why I affirm that the Wisdom that the Gospel-Preacher ought to have, is not humane Learning or Wisdom, because the Gospel is that which is to be Preached, not humane Wisdom or Excellency, nor the Gospel in a way of humane Wisdom or Excellency: Nay, the Gospel is in the very nature thereof contrary to humane Excellency, being plain and simple, though most holy and pure in the Nature and Administrations thereof, therefore needs not Arts or Sciences to comprehend or reveal it: Nay, the Apostle seems to imply, that Learning mixed with, or used in the Preaching of the Gospel, doth but corrupt, or sophisticate, and adulterate it, as the Fly doth the Apothecary's Box of Ointment, Eccl. 10.1. 2 Cor. 2.17. But to proceed,  
Arg. 6. Take this Argument; The Subjects or Persons to whom the Gospel is to be preached or predicated, are not the Orators, Wise, and Excellent of Wit; but the Simple, the Vulgar, the Mean and Contemptible, according to that word, Mat. 11.5. The poor have the Gospel preached 〈◊〉 them, 1 Cor. 1.26, 27, 28. And Christ said That he was anointed to Preach the Gospel to 〈◊〉 poor: Therefore they need not learned, that 〈◊〉 humanely learned Preachers, but spiritual w●● Physicians: What need Frenchmen to speak them that only understand English? Or need Man Geometry or Mathematic, Logic or Rhetoric, to Preach to Men and Women of no h●● mane Understanding? Only God hath promis● to teach them so much spirituality as conce●● their Souls: But as to this glorious literature, 〈◊〉 but as the gilded Trappings upon an Ass to ma● him to be respected.  
Arg. 7. To require or enjoin humane Learning or Wisdom, as necessary or essential to eve● Gospel-Preacher, is to require that for a requi●● which is directly contrary to the main end of G●spel-Preaching; which is to Preach Christ, and Knowledge unto the People, and not to Preach 〈◊〉 Preacher or his Knowledge into the People; 〈◊〉 great end of Gospel-Preaching, is not to Prea● forth, or declare man's breeding or learning in the People; or to show the Preachers excellency 〈◊〉 humane things, or excellencies, or breeding up m● in worldly or humane Knowledge; but to t● men from Darkness to Light, and from the P●● of Satan into the glorious Liberty of the Sons of G● and to edify and build up such as are converted the Knowledge and Grace of our Lord Je●● Christ.  
Arg. 8. If the Church, even every unlearned Church in humane Learning must judge and 〈◊〉 the Prophets, then certainly this must not be 〈◊〉 Preaching excellency and qualification, of which they have no share, nor can pass any competent judgement but they must try them, as you have it, 1 Thess. 5.21. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good; compared with 1 Joh. 4.1. Beloved, believe not every Spirit, but try the Spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the World; Therefore this Learning cannot be the Preaching qualification.  
Arg. 9 And lastly: What need of these Arts, Logic, Grammar, or Rhetoric, for opening of Moses and the Prophets, or proving that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh? Oh! bring better proof for Universities and Colleges, or else never plead for these impure puddles, and streams of impure waters for Preaching the Gospel.  
But since this Truth and Argument lies so cross to some men's Interest, and other men's Understanding, I shall willingly consider of such Objections as I have met with, and endeavour to try their strength, and try whether their strength, or the power of this Doctrine will prevail; and be pleased to excuse me if I enlarge upon this Head, since this Doctrine is so hotly, yea, so seemingly Scripturally opposed. Therefore I shall take the more pains to clear to your Understandings and Consciences, that the Learning and Wisdom which a Gospel-preacher needs for Gospel-preaching is not acquired humane Learning, or Wisdom, but is Spiritual and Divine; for a man without Spiritual Wisdom, though a Scholar, and furnished with all Arts and Sciences, is but like a Crow made outwardly gay with other Birds Feathers, yet underneath he is a Crow still for all his outward bravery. Therefore be pleased to consider of a few Scriptures, and weigh the scope and tendency of them as that first, when the Lord promiseth to do grea● things for the conversion of sinners, and lifting 〈◊〉 of the Kingdom, where he tells us who shall b● the Ambassadors and Preachers in that Work Not the Wise, with this beggarly wisdom of th● flesh, but a quite contrary Generation, to wit, the foolish and the simple, even Babes and Suckling Isa. 29.9, to 21. where we have these things offered; first, That in the days of the Gospel-e●altation, when Lebanon the true Church shall be come a real fruitful Field, and the false Church 〈◊〉 Lebanon of foolish Virgins or Professors, shall 〈◊〉 turned into a Forest; then shall this be fulfilled God's Book shall not be read to the People by the● learned Ones, for they shall say and confess, 〈◊〉 well as the unlearned, I cannot read no more th●● the unconverted People or Multitude, and th● shall not be the care of idle Ones, or by accident but by the great design of God to glorify himself another way, as he saith, I will do a marvellous work, and a wonder, for I will turn the wisdom 〈◊〉 your prudent men backwards, and the meek in the Earth shall increase their joy, or divine knowledge and have my Vision opened to them, and by them vers. 18, 19 therefore humane Wisdom an● Knowledge is not a Tool fit for this Work.  
Object. 1. But it is Objected, This was spoken of the Jews and Priests of that time, and concer● not us.  
To which I Answer, Grant that it were spoken of that Age first, yet not of them only; for it appears to the Spiritual, Wise, and truly Learned, to be spoken of the way of God's dealing under the Man of Sin in the end of his days, as appears vers. 20, 21. when the Lord saith, The terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off etc. That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.  
How truly these things are accomplished by the Man of Sin, is most evident; therefore you may see, how clearly the former words concern his learned Clergy, will e'er long be manifest; and it is most clear, these Words or Prophecies are to be accomplished in that day when the Church shall be most fruitful; but that is not in the day of the Jews apostasy or defection: but this Glory is a reserved Glory for that day, when the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of our Lord, and he shall reign for evermore, even that good Day which is coming upon us.  
But again, let any one show me that the way of the Lord here spoken of is changed, and that now our Lord Jesus Christ hath sanctified Wisdom and Learning for Preaching-work, and is become reconciled to it, than they will say something to the Point that they contend for: But the Scriptures of the New Testament know no such reconciliation, as appears Matth. 11.25. I thank thee, O Father, thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to Babes, Luk. 10.21. compared with 1 Cor. 1.20, 21. Where is the Wise? where is the Scribe? where is the Disputer of this World? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this World? For after that, in the wisdom of God, the World by wisdom knew not Go● it pleased God, by the foolishness of Preaching, 〈◊〉 save them that believe; and vers. 19 it is written I will destroy the wisdom of the Wise, and will bri●● to nothing the understanding of the prudent; wi●● chap. 2.1. And I Brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom declaring unto you the Testimony of God. Whe● we have Paul answerably practising and vindication his so doing; wherefore if by any other groun● more helpful to them, than what they have offered, they be able to prove that the Lord Christ ha●● taken their blunt Tools into favour, I desire the to declare it.  
But again, consider that passage of Zachari● 13. concerning this learned Generation of th● Man of Sin's Clergymen, it is said, In that 〈◊〉 they shall voluntarily be ashamed, every one of 〈◊〉 Vision; I hope not of Christ's, or the Gospel Vision, but of the learned Vision, Education, and Trade of Preaching; which is most clear, both with reference to the rise of this way of Preaching, and also the matter of this Preaching; and lastly, the end of it. All that is there said, relate to the Preaching or Prophesying of our Times, and not of the Jews Time, they having no such Trade in fashion as an Artificial-Clergy, they having only the Tribe of Levi Prophets, and Nazarites: Neither would Tongues, Languages, Arts, or Sciences, help to Preach in that day, when only or primarily Prophesy and Ceremony were to be Preached. Therefore this Prophecy relates principally to our Time, as a Prophecy of the Prophets or Clergymen of the Man of Sin, and I shall pray, Come Lord Jesus, and make haste to shame these Prophets.  
But again, I pray consider, when Paul directs to the choice of Ministers, I mean, Preaching-Ministers, he doth not once name or remember this great Diana, I mean, humane Learning, but lays down Rules for choice without this expedient, 1 Tim. 3.  
Object. 2. But possibly some may say, Is it not there said, Let not him that is chosen be a Novice? and is not that as much as to say, unlearned, or unskilful in learning?  
To which I Answre, 〈◊〉 but our learned Tribe Novices? God forbidden they should think so, or the Lord's People's Portion be no better, for than none besides the Learned should have been capable of choice; but Paul acknowledgeth that the Corinth's were wise, not only their Ministers, but they, 1 Cor. 1.4, 5. with Epist. 2.11.19. But to Answer this more fully; Paul intends only a young, unskilful, unexperienced Christian, and not a young Grammarian or Logician; for he may be as proud as any that hath most skill in Arts; as many Instances show: and this is the reason laid down by the Apostle, why he must not be a Novice, lest he be puffed up with pride; and surely if the learning here meant be Oxford & Cambridge, I mean of the Schools; Paul it seems knew men were very quick to know what learning he meant, since Scripture and himself knew another Learning better, which the Scriptures show as I have offered; or else he foresaw men would, as at this day, idolise and dote upon these painted Feathers; wherefore he saith, if any thing, but very little for this University-breeding, cried up as so absolutely necessary for Preaching, although the Scriptures know nothing of it.  
Object. 3. But some may say, Are not the Schools of the Prophets mentioned in Scripture, as in the place 2 Kings 22.14? Is it not said, that Huldah the Prophetess dwelled in a College? and had not the Prophet's peculiar places of residence and habitation; wherein, as in Universities or Nurseries of Learning, they studied and improved themselves in order to Preaching or Prophesying, as we real 2 Kings 2.3, 5. 〈…〉 Acts 19.9. If there were any more of these 〈◊〉, I should have considered them also, but so many have only come to my knowledge.  
To all those Scriptures I Answer, they do not in the least oppose the Truth I have asserted, that not Humane but Spiritual Wisdom fits for Preaching the Gospel of Christ. For grant that these places intended Colleges and Universities, and such like places, yet it follows not that these were places employed or improved for training, or preparing Persons for Gospel-preaching; for it doth not appear that any Gospel-preachers issued forth from thence.  
And secondly, The Prophets and Prophetesses we read of, were extraordinary Prophets, and not such Preachers or Prophets as the Doctrine intends and speaks of; but if Schools and Universities will fit us to be such Prophets as can declare things to come from the Lord, then let us all, that fear the Lord, go to these Schools that we may learn thus to Prophesy. But this is not a mediate, but an immediate Gift, either by Dreams, Visions, or Oracles.  
And thirdly, For Tyrannus his School, mentioned in the forecited Acts 19 nothing is there declared concerning what he taught, nor whom he taught, but most probable it was not Gospel-knowledge; and infallible it is, it was not how men might be qualified for Preaching; for this was not permitted or allowed any open Schools in that place at that day, as appears by the contradiction Paul there met withal; and how needless had it been to a learned Hebrew or Greek, since that was their Mother-Tongue, many of them being Jews and Greeks, as vers. 10. declares; but Tyrannus was allowed to teach in his School, wherefore it is probable he taught nothing of this sort of Knowledge.  
Object. 4. Some do Object and say, How can a Preacher know that the Scripture is rightly translated, that knows not the Original?  
I Answer, By the same way and means that the unlearned People of the Lord come to know it; and it concerns them, and is necessary for them to know, though I say not of the same necessity. For if they be not assured that the Scriptures, as translated, are rightly translated; what shall they build their Faith on, except on their learned Leaders, and Translators honesty and ability? and this is to pin their Faith in a business of most weight and concernment, on the Priest's sleeve; and this is but to believe as the Church believes, and so the blind leading the blind, they may both fall into the Ditch.  
Secondly, I Answer, It is not by knowing Arts and Sciences, or Languages, Preachers or People, can come to be assured that the Scriptures are the Word of God, and rightly translated; but by the humble, sanctified, and diligent searching into, and studying of the Scriptures; 'tis by comparing things spiritually together, as the Apostle tells us, saying, Which things also we speak, not in the words which Man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, comparing spiritual things with spiritual, 1 Cor. 2.13. I say, by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus must we, nay, may we know the Power and Spirit, Truth and Purity of the Scriptures; and it is the Godly judicious, Spiritual Christian, best knows how aptly or corruptly they are translated.  
And thirdly, I Answer, Grant this were so, which I do not grant, yet this Learning and Excellency is more requisite and essential to a Translator, Examiner or Corrector of translated Copies, than to a Gospel-preacher.  
But lastly, Since so many thousand Learned, as well as Godly, have sealed the Truth of the Scriptures Purity, and Divine Authority, notwithstanding all its humane Imperfections in Translation; therefore we need not now, or continually University-Learning to do that Work which is already sufficiently done to our hands.  
Object. 5. Some do Object and say, How can the Scripture be interpreted in dark passages without this help?  
I Answer, As a Lantern without a Candle will no way help to show a man his way, though a Candle without a Lantern may, no more can this dark Lantern of humane Learning and Languages, without the Candle of the Lord, as too abundant experience hath witnessed; but that Candle singly can and doth. Miserable Experience showeth what Interpreters the Schoolmen and Fathers have been; and yet are even the Fathers of well-nigh all the Individual Errors in Judgement and Practice in the European World. The Devil and the Learned may be admired for them, if for any thing; but take some Scriptures for proof of so weighty a Point, when our Lord comes to show how Ministers and Interpreters of Scripture shall be furnished for this Work, he saith, When the Spirit of Truth is come, he will guide you into all Truth; for he shall not speak of himself, but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he shall show you things to come, John 16.13. The like Testimony gives Paul, But we speak the wisdom of God in a Mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the World unto our Glory, which none of the Princes of this World knew; for had they known it, they would not have Crucified the Lord of Glory, 1 Cor. 2.7, 8. But some may say, How came the Preachers of the Gospel in that day to this Wisdom? Not from Universities or humane Learning, but from the Grace and Spirit of God, as you have it; But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, mark it, yea, the deep things of God, vers. 10. And this Paul proves, vers. 11. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of a man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God; this is further witnessed unto vers. 12, 13, 14, 15, 16.  
Object. 6. May some say, How shall a Preacher be able to withstand or confute gainsayers without learning? For every one that is a Scholar, and subtle, will sophisticate, and use fallacies, and wrest the Scriptures and his Arguments from him, if he be not a Scholar.  
Now Beloved, I pray you do but consider what is said in this Objection, and you have here discovered the learned Man's Excellency, it is to sophisticate and deal fallaciously with the Simple and the Truth. Beloved, take heed of them as such who have learned the skill to deceive the simple. But yet a little further to Answer this seemingly so weighty an Objection. Know God's way, or the right way for a Preacher to answer Gain-sayers, is to have the Word of God dwell richly in him in all wisdom, that out of that Library or good Treasure, he may be able to convince them of the contrary part. Thus Paul taught, enjoining Preachers to hold fast the faithful Word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able, by sound Doctrine, both to exhort and convince the Gain-sayers, Tit. 1.9, 10. the like you have in 2 Tim. 3.13, 14, 15, 16, 17.  
Object. 7. Some may say, This is to subject Preachers, and Preaching to contempt and scorn: For if Preachers need not be learned, who will not be a Preacher? Who more bold than the ignorant, or men of ignorance? And who will reverence Preaching or Preachers, if it be so easy and common a work for any man that is unlearned? Will it not be very simple, and mean Preaching, if Preachers want Breeding, Arts, Languages, and Sciences, to garnish and dress out their Preaching, with Lively and Apt Similes, Rhetorical and Elegant Words?  
To all which I thus Answer, in the fear of the Lord.  
First, It is never the more easy, but much more the harder for any to Preach, whilst we affirm no humane Acquirements, but supernatural Attainments, that fits or qualifies Persons for Preaching.  
Secondly, If all, or any seek, or undertake to Preach, it follows not that all shall or can Preach: No, there are many Learned, yea, and unlearned Intruders upon Preaching, which do not, nor can Preach; for all they rush or run upon the work; for it is written, A man can receive nothing, that is no such Gift, except it be given him from Above, John 3.27. And saith Paul, How can one Preach except he be sent?  
And thirdly, Though this unnecessary Tool be laid aside, yet are there many other helps, which every Preacher must have, both Natural and Divine, which every man hath not, no not every Godly Man, nor can attain to; therefore to be an Accomplished-Preacher is not so easy, though it matters not how easy.  
But fourthly, If it be said, Who then will reverence Preaching or Preachers?  
I Answer, Though an undue reverence is not to be sought or desired, and every able Preacher is truly and most eminently worthy of reverence; yet when the Love of God, and the Work of God lies warm upon the Preachers heart; then the main business of a Gospel-Preacher will be to get Christ, not himself, reverenced: For we Preach not ourselves, but the Lord Jesus, and ourselves your Servants for Christ's sake, 2 Cor. 4.5. And let me tell you, as David said to Michael, 2 Sam. 6. Even of the Handmaids shall such be had into honour, whilst the proud Locusts of the bottomless Pit despise them. I say, Every such Soul that is Preached to, will reverence that lip which hath spoken Christ to his heart, as hereafter may more appear; but if the blind cannot, yet the seeing eye will reverence such Preaching, and that the more, because it is plain and simple.  
But lastly, Whereas they tell us that Preaching will be very mean and simple if the Preachers be unlearned, and want Arts, Sciences, Rhetoric, and Logic, to help them to apt Expressions, Similes, to set forth Heavenly things by. I Answer, No, if men be wise that Preach, it will not be simple Preaching. If Preachers be dayes-men, or men of experience in Christ's Gospel, and Satan's Wiles; for if the Spirit of God can help the unlearned to words sufficient to speak to God in Prayer; surely he is much more able to help the unlearned Preacher to sufficiency of words, to speak to the Satisfaction and Advantage of unlearned, simple, sinful, earthly, ignorant Men and Women, yea, Babes and Sucklings; therefore no need to serve an Apprenticeship for Words at the Schools. Thus I have Answered this Objection.  
Object. 8. Some may say, If Preachers be not Scholars and Artists, there are many things in the Scripture which they cannot resolve or explain, at the weights of the Sanctuary of old, and Places and Countries, as where they lie, and in what Continent, Situation, Latitude and Distance one from another, etc.  
To which I Answer, This is but superfluous or unnecessary Knowledge, which every Gospel-Preacher may honourably be without. And if a Preacher cannot attain it without humane Learning, he may Preach as truly and as profitably Christ's Mystery and Man's Duty from such Scriptures, as if he could resolve such Riddles, or unnecessary Questions. For could not Ezckiel, Amos, and the Prophets prophesy against Egypt, Tyrus, Moab, Babylon, and the rest of the Heathen-Countries, as well as if they knew their Longitude or Latitude? Yes doubtless, as clearly as other-ways, for that did not concern them, but only to denounce the Judgements of God against them; other knowledge of Places is only or mostly necessary for such as are Travellers or Historiographers, who else may miss their way, or mar their Work; but 'tis not so with a Preacher, 'tis enough for such to Preach that Babylon shall fall, because she hath sinned, and that Nineveh repent, and therefore was spared; wheresoever the one or the other Country is, and that whatsoever Country or People soever they be that sin against the most High, and do not repent, shall also perish first or last; yea, even England, though we know where it lies, without repentance, must doubtless perish.  
Object. 9 May not some say to me, Doth not Solomon the Wise, even the Preacher in my Text say, Prov. 1.22. It is fools only that hate or slight Knowledge; so it is only unlearned, ignorant, mechanics, that speak thus slightly and contemptibly of Learning and Knowledge? Is not every thing beautiful in its season.  
I Answer, It is not to hate Knowledge, to cry up the Spirit's Teaching, and the Scriptures Wisdom, the best of Learning; and to cry down this empty, dangerous, smoky, humane Learning; I say, 'tis not slighting or despising Learning, to distinguish and difference it from Spiritual and Heavenly Knowledge; to teach, that humane Learning, such as the difference is about, is not necessary or helpful for Preaching, doth neither deny or imply that Learning is useful or less than a Gift of God, and useful as other natural Gifts and Excellencies are. Is that Plant good for nothing which is not good for food, or delightful to smell on? Oh no, for it may be good and profitable for Physic: Even so is Learning, even this Learning in Controversy, to teach men Civil and Political Government, or fit men for Magistracy, but dangerous for Gospel-Preachers; good for Physicians, Lawyers, Historians, Navigators, Surveyors of Land, and the like, but needless for Preaching; good for Travellers, Merchants, Soldiers, and the like, but not for Home-dwellers or Churchmen; doubtless there are many lawful and laudable uses for humane Learning, though this be spared; therefore I hope none will say I despise it, though I affirm it ought not to be enjoined or imposed as essentially necessary for Gospel-Preaching.  
And thus I have endeavoured to Answer all such Objections as I have met with, that are brought against that which hath been offered; to wit, that humane, natural, or artificial Wisdom or Learning is not the Gospel-Preachers Wisdom mentioned in the Text, or that which will fit a man to be a Gospel-Preacher, or qualify unto Wise and Gospel-preaching in the Negative.  
Let me in the Affirmative now declare what this Wisdom is which every Gospel-Preacher ought to have, and cannot be competently qualified unto Preaching without it; it is the saving, sanctifying Grace of God, and Spiritual Gifts, and assistance of the Spirit of God: This Divine Wisdom is Essential Wisdom for a Preacher; and having this Wisdom, though without other Wisdom, a Preacher may be sufficiently accomplished unto Preaching.  
For the better clearing of this, I shall more particularly open, wherein Preaching-Wisdom lies in three things.  
First, That the Preacher be enriched with the Wisdom of Grace, or the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of Wisdom, and a good understanding have all they that do thereafter, Prov. 1.7. Psal. 119.10. To be spiritually Wise, is to be seasoned with Salt of Grace, to be instated in Covenant with the Lord Jesus, who of God is made unto us Wisdom as well as Righteousness, 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. Though every gracious Person is not a Preacher, yet he,  he be, that undertakes to Preach, cannot be wise enough to be Christ's Preacher, that is not Holy, and Sanctified in Jesus Christ; this the Lord seems to prove to Jeremiah 1.5. Before I form thee in the Belly, I knew thee, and before thou camest out of the Womb, I sanctified thee, and ordained thee a Prophet unto the Nations. Mark, God lays the Foundation of Prophecy or Preaching, in electing Love, and sanctifying of the Heart; not education of Learning, or excellency in Brain. Thus the Lord Jesu● dealt with Paul to qualify him for Preaching, Gal. 1.15, 16. It pleased God, who separated 〈◊〉 from my Mother's Womb, and called me by h● Grace to reveal his Son in me, that I might Preac● him among the Heathen; immediately I conferr● not with flesh or blood: neither went I up to Jerus●lem, to them which were Apostles before me, & ● So 2 Tim. 1.5, 6. with chap. 3.14, 15.  
But secondly, Preaching-Wisdom, or the Gospel-preaching-Wisdom, consists in having muc● and plentiful experience of the way of God's dealing with poor Souls, when he delivers them out 〈◊〉 sin, and brings them into a state of Grace. Ever● wise Preacher, or skilful Workman, that neede● not be ashamed, aught to have clear and plentiful acquaintance with Satan's Wiles, Temptations, an● Delusions, and with all the Concernments of a po●● sinning, sinking, sorrowing Soul, and therefore ought not to be a Novice in the deal or out go of God with poor Creatures. He is 〈◊〉 Preach from Experience, not for Experience, a Merchants that travel to the Indies, or the Antichristian Priests of the World do. A Gospel-Preacher, should be able to say, as John saith i● his first Epistle, Chap. 1. vers. 1. That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the Word 〈◊〉 Life, that declare we unto you, v. 3. So saith Paul, 〈◊〉 are not ignorant of his wiles and devices, 2 Cor. 2.11. He that Preacheth without or beyond Experience, is like a man that tells one his way to a Place or Country he never saw, he must do it very rawly and uncertainly: Even so it is in this case; He that is to guide others in their way to Heaven, aught to have gone it before himself, or else he will prove an uncertain Guide to others.  
Thirdly, and lastly, Every Gospel-Preacher's Wisdom, should lie in having rich and plentiful acquaintance with the Scripture; not only, or so much in the Letter, as in the Sense, Scope, Doctrine, and real Interpretation of the Word: And if these things be in a Preacher, and abound with continual Prayer, and uninterrupted fellowship of the Spirit of Grace, he shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus, 2 Pet. 1.8.  
And thus having proved and opened this Doctrine, to wit, That every Gospel-Preacher ought to be wise, that is, spiritually Wise; I shall proceed to make some Application of the Point.   

The first Use is of Information.  
First, Let it be a word of Instruction or Information; first, To show us how unwise such Preachers are, and how unfit to be Preachers unto others, who are so unwise, as to oppose and deny this Doctrine, That Grace, and Spiritual Gifts, or Wisdom, is sufficient and essential to a Preacher. Nothing shames, and truly clouds the honour and reputation of persons pretending to worth and judgement, more than to be ignorant or deceived in or about their own Callings or Employments. For a Philosopher to mistake in the Nature of Philosophy, or a General of an Army to be ignorant of the very Theory or Discipline of War; Is it not a great shame? It is no less shameful for the Tr●●● of Levi, the Princes and Fathers of the Church the Popes and Prelates of our day, to be such mistaken deceived Doves, as to be ignorant, and 〈◊〉 madly confident in bewraying their Egyptian blindness, concerning their professed Art at Trade, Preaching, and the right qualifications 〈◊〉 Preachers, although they get all their great Weal●● by Preaching, or Appendices thereunto; as 〈◊〉 Universities, Courts, Pulpits, and learned Volumes, to assert this blind and Anti-scriptual Conclusion, that Humane-Breeding, University-Lear●ing, Languages and Sciences, are essential Quali●cations, such, as without which no man can 〈◊〉 ought to meddle with Gospel-Preaching, contra●● to what hath largely been proved: May I not soberly say of these great Rabbis of our Day, wh● the Apostle saith Rom. 1.22. Professing to be wis●● they became fools? Surely even so hath God 〈◊〉 fooled this wise Generation, and discovered, th●● our World hath many grave and gay Fools: Eve● many more than wear motly-Coats, even most 〈◊〉 the Professors of Divinity, as they please to sti●● themselves, our Grave and Orthodox Roman Clergy.  
I say, This Generation, how lofty soever thei● eyes are, are not washed from their filthiness, 〈◊〉 not of being sordidly ignorant what scripturally will qualify sufficiently, and essentially un●● Preaching-Imployment, Prov. 30.12, 13. Nay, so ignorant are they of a Preacher's Qualification, that some, and they no small men amongst that Tribe, have openly declared, That without a Miracle, it is impossible to be a sufficient Preacher to Preach the Gospel of Christ, without having sat at the feet of Gamaliel, or be brought up in an University, as if it were not possible with God, even without any Miracle, to kill Goliath by the hand of little David, when the Sons of Mars stand by and can do nothing: Even so this Clergy would persuade us, God's little David's, Spiritual and Experienced Christians, cannot Preach, except armed with an University-burthen upon their backs. Though God hath most abundantly, by innumerable Instances, disproved this Fallacy, yet once more let me rebuke the madness, and make manifest the folly of these Prophets, even those learned, but ignorant false-Prophets, who assert: That Humane Learning only can qualify unto this end; Yea, that it alone, without saving-Grace, and the Fellowship of the Spirit of God, can make sufficient Ministers to go forth and Preach the Gospel to Children of Men, especially if a Bishop do but Ordain them, and say, Receive the Holy Ghost, as plentiful experience witnesseth, and their Canons and Book of Ordination of Priests and Deacons declareth, where the Scripture-Qualifications are left out, and others set up.  
Well, to conclude this Use, let these Prophets, that fill the World with Priests and Preachers of Jeroboam, the Son of Nebat's Order, of whom we read 1 Kings 12.31. And he made Priests of the lowest and basest of the People, which were not of the Sons of Levi. But let these hear what the Lord saith to them that have apostatised from the right way; These mad Prophets, these Wells without water, these Clouds carried with a tempest, 2 Pet. 2.15, 16, 17. Even thus saith the Lord God, woe unto the foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing, Ezek. 13.3.   

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

The third Use is of Information.  
Thirdly, Thus may I inform, whence the Romish and Learned Clergymen of our day, do so blaspheme and oppose the Spirits-Teaching; 'tis surely because of their ignorance and sinful interest. This was the reason why Zedechiah, Son of Chenaanah, went near and smote Micaiah on the cheek, 1 Kings 22.24. This also was the cause why Sanbalat and Tobiah, and their Companions, did so reproach good Nehemiah, and obstruct the Work of the Temple, Nehem. 2.19. with chap. 6.1, 2. And the same reason there was, why the Priests and Captains of the Temple, and the Sadducees came and opposed and persecuted the Apostles, Acts 4.1, 2. And even at this very day the same reason is, why the Priests and Prelates of our day do so exclaim and reproach the Spirits, teaching, and the Spiritual-Ministers teaching. It is their own interest of profit, and ignorance of Truth, and right way of fitting men for Preaching: though they are ignorant of God's Will in this thing, yet are they well acquainted, that i● this kind of Truth, and these sort of Preachers, go up, their Trade, Honour, and Profits will soon go down; according to that saying, The Fruits which thy Soul lusteth after, are departed from thee, and all things which are dainty and goodly, are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all, Rev. 18.14. And this is the reason why these covetous Clergymen do so cry out against this way of Preaching by men spiritually wise, but otherwise illiterate and unlearned, because such Preachers, if allowed, will soon cloud their Glory, and eclipse their Credit, and humble their Pride, and hinder their Markets; and who then can wonder that these so reproach the true Gospel-Preachers; they must blaspheme and gnaw their tongues for pain; therefore it is not to be wondered at, as long as this Antichristian-Priesthood endureth, as we have it Rev. 11.10. There can be no joy to them that dwell thus in, or upon earthly Things, Orders, Riches, Credit, and Authority: You may as well look for Peace from Hell, as from the Learned Romish-Priesthood, Rev. 12.17. Therefore cease marveling, that the Pope's Clergy do so vilify and reproach Christ's Gospel Spiritually-wise Preachers, styling them, proud, busybodies in other men's business, self-willed, presumptuous, ignorant, factious, enemies to Caesar, and what not? that may render them odious, dealing with Christ's Ministers, and faithful Preachers, as formerly their forefather's dealt with that faithful Witness and Martyr of the Lord Jesus John Huss; who when they burned him, clad him in strange Garments, painting Images of Devils upon him to make him odious to the People; as you have it recorded in the Book of Martyrs.  
But to close this Use, Let all Christ's faithful Servants and Preachers, remember what the Lord Christ saith, Mat. 5.11, 12. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in Heaven; for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. And if men of this breeding do scoff and deride you for this Preaching; say as David, If I be vile, I will be yet more vile, etc.  
The next Use I shall make of this Point, shall be for Caution or Counsel.   

The first Use is of Caution.  
First, To all the Churches of Jesus Christ to consider, That if every Gospel-Preacher ought to be wise, and none may Preach but such who are Spiritual-wise, then take heed in your choice, and calling of men to Preach, that you observe this Rule, to Elect, Ordain, and Appoint to the Work of Preaching such; have eye to this Rule. And as Moses said to Israel, let me now-say to you the Churches of the Saints; Look you out wise and Spiritually understanding men, and appoint them to the Work of Preaching. Intrust not Spiritual Fools with so weighty and honourable a Work, remembering God hath no pleasure in Fools, Eccles. 5.4. Fools, or unwise-Preachers, will Preach but foolishly, and his people can have little Soul-advantage, or few sinners be converted, or the Lord Jesus little glory from, or by, such Preachers; Preaching is too weighty and difficult a Work for ignorant, unwise, Carnal, ungifted persons to accomplish; therefore take the Counsel given Acts 6.3. Wherefore Brethren, look out men for this Work, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, and them only appoint unto this business; dishonour not Preaching, by sending dishonourable Preachers about Preaching Employment; and mistake not the Rule by which you should judge who is wise and fit to make a Preacher: Judge not according to appearance, or man's judgement, but remember what God said to Samuel in the like case; Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him; for the Lord seethe not as man seethe; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart, 1 Sam. 16.7. Beloved, in this business of judging who is fit to be admitted and allowed to Preach, consult not with flesh and blood, with the carnal, wise, and learned Rabbis of the day, lest like Samuel, you be mistaken in your judgement, and call him God's Anointed, when the Lord saith, This is not the man; but consult the Record and Charter of the New Testament, and see whom that Word calls Wise, and a man fit to Preach the Gospel; and as hath been demonstrated, you shall find the Wisdom which comes from Above, from the Father of Lights, is the only Wisdom that can fit persons unto Preaching. Grace, and Gifts of the Spirit of God, are best qualifications for a Preacher, as appears Acts 1.4, 5. He will make the best Preacher which hath most Grace and Gifts of the Spirit. Therefore take heed to this business, I beseech you Brethren, who are Christ's Porters, see that no foolish, idle, or unholy Shepherds enter in at Christ's Doors, or be his People's Pastors; for if there do, the sin and guilt, yea, and punishment also of such Preaching, will lie at your doors, John 10.3.  
Object. But methinks I hear some Object and say, This is preposterous, erroneous, and dangerous, to make Preachers to depend and spring from the Congregations Approbation and Mission; This were to make Ministers or Preachers depend upon the People; whereas, is it not better for Congregations to spring from, and depend upon the Ministry, or the Preachers and Dispenser's of the Word?  
I Answer, This Objection smells strong of Rome,  be the Objectors, and is calculated for the Interest of the Clergy, to maintain their Pride, Authority, and Avarice, and therefore may the rather be suspected to be Anti-scriptural, or of no great strength to withstand.  
Therefore first, Though these suggest this to be preposterous, as if we would put the Cart to draw the Horses, and not the Horses to draw the Cart: My Answer is, Natural and Divine Reason would judge the contrary; were it not preposterous that Servants should judge and choose their Masters; but Masters that are to have their service, and provide them their maintenance, should be judged unmeet to question or judge their ability. Is not the Householder more honourable than his Household-Servants, and the House before the Household-Servants? Even so in the Church of Christ? Must Preachers and Ministers be the Churches, as well as Christ's Servants; and shall not the Church be concluded honourable and wise enough to judge of the ability of her own Servants? Only they must judge whether the Church or Congregation is fit for their Profit or Honour. God forbidden: Must the Church maintain them, yet not call them to their work, and be allowed to judge of them? Yea, the Church must try their Ministers, and yet shall they not be equal or superior to them, proved 1 John 4.1.  
Secondly, This is not erroneous, but most constaint, and agreeable to Scripture, and then it matters not what it is contrary to, or who calls it Error. But that this is agreeable to Scripture, take Acts the first into consideration, where Peter standing up in the midst of one hundred and twenty Disciples, says; Of these men that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, must one be chosen, or ordained, to be a witness with us of his Resurrection; and they meaning the hundred and twenty, not the eleven; appointed two, Josephus called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Mathias, vers. 15, 21, 22, 23. with chap. 18. from 24 to 28. Truth it is, this way of trying and sending forth, and judging of the Preacher's Gifts, and fitness for Gospel-Preaching, is an erring from the Canon of the Romish-Church, and their Book of Ordination of Priests and Deacons; but is no erring from the Can●on of the New Testament, as hath been cleared. And,  
Thirdly, Whereas they say this Doctrine is dangerous; give me leave to say thereto, Truth is not endangered by trial, or good commodity by being searched into. The wiser, and more Spiritual Preachers are, the less danger of their corrupting the Scriptures, or ensnaring the people. If the Objectors intent the danger lies in this, That the ignorant People or Multitude of Believers being entrusted with this business, will choose simple and unwise Preachers.  
I Answer briefly, Their Rule in this business, prevents this Objection; For they must be wise that ought to be admitted to Preach; and the Church must not only be simple and ignorant, but undutiful and disobedient to Christ's commands, or else this danger is avoided. And though Babylon's Builders are blind in this matter, yet Christ's Church is wise, and seeing, and the Spiritual Man discerneth all things, 1 Cor. 2.15. 2 Thess. 2.15. And so much for this Objection.   

The second Use is of Caution.  
Secondly, Let this Use be a word of Caution to all such as either design, or are already engaged in Preaching-work. Look to this Doctrine, That you are in God's, as well as his People's account, wise, truly wise, richly wise, with the Spiritual, Heavenly, Gospel-wisdom. Oh Beloved! undertake not this weighty, glorious, honourable Work, or employment of Preaching, without suitable aptness and fitness thereunto. Run not before Jesus Christ sends you, remembering Rom. 10.15. How can they Preach except they be sent 〈◊〉 Take not this honour, this undue honour to yourselves to be judges of your sufficiency. For it is written Heb. 5.14. No man taketh this honour t● himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron; Be of the temper and spirit of Jeremiah, have lo● thoughts of yourselves and abilities, and uprightly say as he did, Ah, Lord God, behold, I cannot speak, for I am a Child, Jer. 1.6. And with Moses say, Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken to thy Servant; but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue, Exod. 4. Oh you Beloved, to whom I am now speaking in this Use, be mindful of that word, Eccles. 5.2. Be not rash with thy Mouth, and let not thy Heart be hasty to utter any thing before God; for God is in Heaven, therefore let thy words be few. 'Tis Soul-work you are to do, therefore be wise; 'tis Christ's Work, therefore be wise; 'tis honourable Work, therefore be wise; 'tis hard Work, very difficult Work, therefore be wise: For who is sufficient for these things? 'tis dangerous Work, yea, most dangerous of all Work: If we do this deceitfully, or negligently, or foolishly, think on that word Eccles. 5.6. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, neither say thou, it was an error: Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands? Oh remember Ezek. 3.17, 18. If thou warn not the wicked from his wicked way, the same wicked man shall surely die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thy hand. Be therefore wise, truly wise, Heavenly wise, spiritually wise, richly wise, in all the revealed wisdom of God; for God hath said, He will be sanctified in them that draw nigh him, and before all the people he will be glorified, Numb. 10.3.  
But that you may be wise, take these few Directions and helps, as sufficient for the attainment of Preachers-wisdom.  
Direct. 1. First, and above all, Be much in Communion with God by Prayer for wisdom, for every good and perfect Gift, cometh down from the Father of Lights; and your way to have it, is by Prayer: So saith James, If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not, chap. 1.5. Beloved, all we that Preach, and all ye that desire this great Work of Breaching, we do all of us lack wisdom, yea, very much lack wisdom; therefore pray, Oh pray, abundantly for wisdom, that we may receive it: Thus did Solomon, and pleased God, and obtained his request, 1 Kings 3.7, 8, 9 And this, Paul the great Apostle of the Gentiles, desired the Thessalonian-Church do do for him; even to pray, that the Word of the Lord might have free course, and be glorified by him and his Companions. On Brethren, and Beloved, pray much and fervently for yourselves, and beg also the constant fervent Prayers of all the Saints, and Churches of the Saints, that you, and all that labour in the Word and Doctrine, may be truly, richly, Spiritually wise.  
Direct. 2. Secondly, Would you be Spiritually wise? Be diligent, painful, and abundant in the study and searching into the Scriptures, for this is able, only able, of outward helps, to make the Man of God wise, even throughly wise, unto Salvation, 2 Tim. 3.15. with 1 Tim. 4.15, 16. Meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all; continue in them, that thou mayest save thyself, and them that hear. Oh my dear Brethren and Friends! this is a Preachers study and work, to search and study the Scriptures; not Fathers, Commentators, or Schoolmen, as his business, this is but a by-study; it is Scripture-study, even the Old and New Testament, which is our great business, even our all to study, for 'tis Scripture and Gospel that you must Preach, not Books, nor men's Opinions; therefore study the Scripture diligently and humbly.  
Direct. 3. Thirdly, Be very much in the practice of Godliness; walk much with God if you would be wise, and know much of the mind of God. Thus God acted towards Abraham, Gen. 18.17. He would not hid his Counsel from him, because he was Godly, and would command and reach his Family the fear of the Lord; so in Danel's case. So our Lord also promiseth, John 7.17. saying, If any man will do his Will, he shall know the Doctrine whether it be of God.  
Direct. 4. Fourthly, Be much in Communion with Saints: for with the well-advised is wisdom, therefore if Preachers would be wise, they must walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the Righteous, Prov. 2.20. Paul sat at the feet of Gamaliel, and thus Apollo's became wise through converse with Aquila and Priscilla; and thus Mary may be said to become wise, by sitting at the feet of our Lord Jesus, Acts 22.3. with chap. 18.25, 26. and Luke 10.25. So that if a Preacher desire to be wise, his way is to hold and maintain much Christian-fellowship and Communion with the Saints, even with the wisest and most experienced among them. This may serve for direction in this matter; therefore I beseech you that are Gospel-Preachers, to strive to be wise by the exercise of all holy Means; for by so doing, you may obtain to be such Preachers, of whom it may be said, Moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the People knowledge.  
And this shall suffice for the first Branch of this Verse, concerning what the Preacher was, and his qualification; I come now to the second Branch of the Text, which contains the first part of the wise Preachers Act or Work, He still taught the People knowledge.  
First, These words contain either the Preacher's persistency, or going on with his Work: Or,  
Secondly, His proficiency, or ripening at, or in his Work; He still taught the people knowledge: Not as one that was at a stand, or height, but as one that grew and proceeded higher and higher in the measures of his Divine Attainments; He still taught the people higher knowledge, or more profound Mysteries; and this the afterwords seem to declare.  
I shall first take this word still, as it gives forth the Preacher's fixation, duration, and continuation at his Work: He did not tyre, or wax weary of his Employment, but he still went on teaching the People. Whence,  
Doct. 5. Take this Doctrine or Conclusion; That every wise Preacher ought to persist, and continue, or go on with his Work of Preaching to the People: He still taught the people knowledge.  
This is that frame of Spirit the Lord seems to enjoin and expect at the hands of his Servants, as the passage seems to imply, Cursed be the man the doth the Work of the Lord deceitfully, or as th● Margin hath it, negligently, Jer. 4.8, 10. the li●● we have chap. 17.16. where Jeremiah tells the Lord, I have not hastened from being a Pastor to f●low thee: Thus Jesus Christ practised, Luk. 8. ●. He went, saith the Text, throughout every City an Village, Preaching and showing the glad-tydings 〈◊〉 the Kingdom of God: And this you have from th● Lord, given forth Luk. 9.60. where Jesus saith▪ No man having put his hand to the Blow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God. The likewise was Paul's practice, as he tells the Chur●● of Ephesus; Therefore watch and remember, that fr●● the space of three years, he ceased not to warn eve● one of them, night and day, with tears, Acts 2●. 31. To name but one place more, for the pro●● of the Doctrine, that every wise, holy, Gospel Preacher, once called to that Work, aught to persevere and continue diligent therein, as you have it, He still taught the people knowledge. The other passage I shall quote, is in 1 Tim. 4.13, 14, 15, 16. where Paul directs Timothy, saying, Till 〈◊〉 come, give attendance to Reading, to Exhortaties, to Doctrine: Neglect not the Gift that is in the● which was given thee by Prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. Meditate on these things, give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the Doctrine; continue in them; for in d●ing this, thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.  
But a little further to open this, Let me give you some Reasons or Arguments to clear this to be a Truth, That every Preacher ought diligently to persist in Preaching.  
Reas. 1. First, Because if the Preacher's opportunity be continued, his diligence and painfulness in Preaching aught also to be continued; for not only Gifts and Grace are Talents to be faithfully and diligently improved, but Time also is a Talon to be improved, and that as conscionably and diligently by Preachers, as by any men. That Time and Opportunities are to be husbanded and improved, take Christ's own words upon this very occasion; when his Disciples would have persuaded him to have desisted from Preaching for fear of the Jews; a plausible Argument to avoid persecution; but mark Christ's Answer, Are there not twelve hours in the day? John 13.9. Daytime is given us for day-work and walks, not to idle and loiter in. This the Ruler of the Synagogue well understood, though misapplyed, when he said to the people, There are six days in the which men ought to work, Luke 13.14. Therefore, if Jesus Christ allow a Preacher life-time, health and opportunity, he ought to trade with that Talon, and improve that Opportunity, as the Apostle Paul witnesseth, saying, As we have opportunity, let us do good unto all, Gal. 6.10.  
Reas. 2. Secondly, Preachers should still persist and persevere in Preaching and Teaching the People Knowledge, because the people still need knowledge: and it is the people's ignorance that calls for Preaching; therefore while the people are short and wanting in knowledge, the wise Preacher must not beshort or wanting in Preaching, but stil● teach the people knowledge. This our Lord declares, he eyed in giving of Preaching-ministrations to the Church, even the supply of the Churches need, that the need of the Church should be removed, by being supplied, as you find Ephes. 4. from 11, to 16. where the Apostle tells us, That the Lord Jesus, when he gave Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers, he gave then to the Church, and Gifts to them for the perfecting of the Saints. Note, It was not only to convert and beget Saints, but to perfect the state and grace of such as were through Preaching savingly begotten; and vers. 13. the Apostle tells us again, That Preaching-Ministers are given to lay o●● themselves, until the Saints come to a perfect measure, and stature, in Faith and Knowledge, even beyond danger of being like Children tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine. Now if these be the ends of Preachers, given and gifted by Jesus Christ; then until the Saints be come to this stature, and full measure, in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus Christ, every wise Preacher ought to continue still to teach the people knowledge.  
Reas. 3. Thirdly, Every wise and Gospel-Preacher, aught to persevere and go on in teaching of the people; because, that which he hath to Preach or Declare to the People from the Lord, is not soon Preached or Declared; therefore he had great need to attend diligently and continually upon this thing; even still to teach the people knowledge: For as their ignorance is not soon removed, so is not the whole Truth of God soon preached. It will be long, yea, very long,  the wisest of Preachers can either know or declare the whole Counsel of God to his People. Now the whole Counsel of God is to be declared, as appears Acts 20.26, 27, 28. The Commands of the Lord are exceeding broad, and the Truths of the Gospel very many. 'Tis not a little time spent in Preaching will serve to reveal them; Preachers may begin to Preach as young as Timothy, and die as old as Paul the Aged, and yet be behindhand in this Work; and therefore had need doubtless to be Preaching in season and out of season; yea, to be instant in Preaching, that is, without unnecessary intermission, 2 Tim. 4.2.  
This is the third Argument why every wise Gospel-Preacher should still teach the People knowledge.  
Reas. 4. And lastly, Those whose work is to Preach to others, ought not to be idle or negligent in the work of their Callings; such ought not to be idle or negligent, working in their own Callings. But every wise Preacher hath this for his Work among other things, to teach the people of God, not only to remember, to keep holy the Sabbath day; but also to remember, that six days they labour and do all that they have to do, Exod. 20. Therefore every wise and honest Preacher, aught to remember himself; Six days shalt thou labour, and not do this Work of the Lord deceitfully: but as Paul teacheth Timothy, when he saith, But watch thou in all things, endure affliction, do the work of an Evangelist, make full proof of thy Ministry, 2 Tim. 4.5. Wherefore what a sin and a shame is it for a Preacher to say to the people; Be not idle or slothful in business, and yet he himself be idle in Preaching? Such had need to read and consider that place Rom. 2. from 17 to 24. And therefore I conclude, Every wise Preacher ought diligently and continually to Preach, as did the Preacher mentioned in the Text; He still taught the People knowledge.  
Application; Now by way of Application; This serves for a full word of Reproof to all idle, lazy, negligent Preachers of the Word of God, by whatever Name or Title dignified or distinguished,  they are, or wherever they be, let this Doctrine reprove them; for if every wise Preacher ought still to teach the people knowledge, and to persevere and persist in the Work of Preaching; this looks wishly, and reproves loudly, all such Preachers or Idlers, that stand in the place or room of Preachers, and Preach not diligently, frequently, and continually. The Lord complain● of these, or such like, in Ezek. 13.4, 5: O Israel, thy Prophets are like the Foxes in the Deserts: Yea, have not gone up into the Gaps, neither made up the Hedge for the House of Israel, to stand it the battle in the day of the Lord.  
How many such Foxes or Prophets are there in England at this day, which have not gone up as they ought to do in the Gaps, to stop God's Wrath from breaking forth upon poor sinners, or to help sinful Souls to know how to stand guiltless and secure in the day of the Lord's fierce anger? Have we not too many Preachers, that account Preaching a by-work; and accordingly Preach seldom, even when they please, as well as how they please? If so they be but Preachers, and Preach at all, though never, or not at all, but when constraint, or covetousness constrains or induces them, they will, it may be, Preach as much as Law, not Gospel, requireth, or as much as their profit provokes or calls them to, but no more. These are none of the wise Preachers in my Text spoken of, that still teach the people knowledge; no, these are such of the foolish preachers or prophets, mentioned in the forecited Ezek. 13.3. Let these idle, lazy, sleepy Drones, not wise Preachers, though pretenders thereunto, hear the reproof which the Lord gives them, Isa. 56. His Watchmen are blind, they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, and cannot bark, sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber: Yea, they are greedy dogs, which can never have enough; they are Shepherds that cannot understand, they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter. Come ye, say they, we will fetch Wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink, and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant, vers. 10, 11, 12.  
How like to these Watchmen of Israel are too many Watchmen or Preachers in England, Lordly Preachers, and Learned Preachers, Cathedral Preachers, and Popish Preachers, is but too well known to as many as know any thing of the state of England.  
We may say of England this day, as was said of Israel, Hos. 7.6. Their Baker sleepeth all night; and the height of this sin lies in this, That England's Preachers, not only do not, and cannot Preach, but also teach and maintain, That they ought not, or need not Preach often, or frequently, Lording, and Reading of Forms of Prayers is more their business than Preaching, or most to be minded. Nay, have they not gone higher than most scandalously and unconscionably to omit, and neglect this blessed Work of Preaching, but also to make their sin out of measure sinful, they forbidden, and command such as both can Preach and would Preach, that they should not Preach, or so much and so often Preach as they ought to do? such enemies to the Gospel-preaching and prosperity, may read their doom and name, in Mat. 23.13. But, woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, Hyppocrites, for ye shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against men; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Oh think of this ye Preaching-men that forget God, lest he tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you, Psal. 50. last. Let me tell you, non-Preaching Preachers, as your sin is out of measure sinful, so will one day your condition be out of measure woeful; as Paul saith, Necessity is laid upon me, and woe unto me if I Preach not the Gospel. Not to Preach, when engaged, called, and enabled to Preach, will make woe enough for such Preachers as feed not the Flock, but themselves, as you have it Ezek. 34.28. Son of man, prophesy against the Shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord unto the Shepherds; Woe be unto the Shepherds of Israel, that do feed them; should not the Shepherd feed the Flock? But now, idle, non-Preaching Preachers or Shepherds, hear your doom at large; Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I am against the Shepherds, and I will require my Flock at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the Flock; neither shall the Shepherds feed themselves any more, for I will deliver my Flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them: And therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold I, even I will judge between the fat  and the lean , because ye have thrust with the side, and pushed with the shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns, till you have scattered them abroad: Therefore will I save my Flock, and they shall be no more for a prey, and I will judge between  and . Not to Preach, when enabled to Preach, is to quench the Spirit, and that's no small sin; 'Tis to be unfaithful, and hid God's Talents in the Earth; It is to starve Souls, yea, as much as in you lies, to damn Souls, by withholding the means of Salvation from them; 'Tis to multiply transgressors, and transgressions both, and under a Cloak of Sanctity; and all this committed knowingly, not ignorantly. Therefore woeful will be the state of all tired, idle, dumb Preachers, that withhold the Truth in unrighteousness. Solomon's Proverb will be your Portion, He that withholdeth Corn, the people shall curse him, Prov. 11.26. If such as withhold bodily Bread, or Corn, are worthy of the people's curse, What Curse or bitter Anathema Maranatha must these with-holders' of God's Corn, and his People's Souls-bread from being given forth in due season, be thought worthy of?  
But to close; Know, and consider, though men should keep their Curses from you, yet God will not hold such high-handed sinners as you are guiltless, whom I have been reproving of, as appears Jer. 23. Woe be unto the Pastors that destroy and scatter the Sheep of my pasture, saith the Lord. Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel, against the Pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my Flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them, behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your do, saith the Lord, vers. 1, 2. Thus much for this first Use of Reproof.   

The second Use is of Exhortation.  
Secondly, This may be for Exhortation to all such as are wise Preachers, and are called to the Work of Preaching. Be exhorted still, teach the people knowledge, go on to your and their perfection, and do not begin a good Work in the World, and in the hearts of the Children of God, and then leave it unwatched over, or unwatered, but still be teaching the people knowledge. I remember this is made a note of folly in the Ostrich, That she leaveth her Eggs in the Earth, and warmeth them, in the dust, and forgetteth that the foot may crush them, or that the wild Beasts may break them. She is hardened against her young ones, as though they were not hers. Her labour is in vain, without fear, because God hath deprived her of wisdom, neither hath he imparted to her understanding, Job 39.13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. Oh! you that Preach the Gospel-Wisdom, and either are, or would be, counted wise Preachers, be exhorted not to be like the Ostrich; leave not your Eggs in the Dust, nor to a foot that will crush them, but look well to your Seed sown, and secure your Conceptions; and lose not or endanger your labours, but watch and pray, that you fall not into temptations, but still teach the people knowledge. If you decline to teach the people knowledge, the Devil and his Brokers will still teach your people error and folly, as you have it Mat. 13.25. But while men slept, his enemy came, and sowed Tares among the Wheat, and went his way.  
Now will not this grieve a wife Preacher, that sincerely Preaches for the good of the people, that through his negligence, ease, and idleness, that not still teaching the people knowledge, the people should be all overgrown with Tares and Errors? Therefore my dear Brethren, who labour in the Word and Doctrine, still teach your people knowledge. The good Husbandman went to Blow last season, and will not forbear and lose this season; and the good Merchantman ventures to Sea his Goods in one Ship and another, to one part of the World, and another in another season; so should a wise Preacher blow up the fallow-Ground this year, & the next send out his Commodity to this and the other good Port, in one and another good Ship; take Fraight, send thy Winter and thy Summer-Adventures; remembering Eccles. 11.4, 5, 6. Oh! he that observeth the Wind, shall not sow; and he that observeth the Wind, shall not reap. As thou knowest not what is the way of the Spirit, nor how the Bones do grow in the Womb of her that is with Child; even so thou knowest not the Works of God, who maketh all. In the morning sow thy Seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be of like good.  
Oh therefore be exhorted, who are wise Preachers, still to teach the people knowledge: And to this Work, let me give you a few Motives still to teach the people knowledge. For,  
Motive 1. First. It will much argue and evidence your love and affection to the Lord Jesus, that you love his Flock, and feed his Lambs, John 21.14. 'Tis the greatest evidence of love to Christ, and to the Lambs of Christ, to be diligently and constantly teaching and feeding the Flock of God with the Word of Knowledge. And if there be any Preacher that would have, or carry, a black and visible badge, of neither loving Christ, nor Saints, then, and not else, forbear to teach the people knowledge.  
Motive 2. Secondly, Let this move Preachers, even every wise Preacher, still to teach the people knowledge; Because, the more you teach others, the more Jesus Christ will teach you. If you would have much of the Teachings of the Lord Jesus, be much in the teaching of them that are Christ's; For he that watereth, shall be watered; and he that disperseth abroad, and giveth to the poor, his Righteousness remaineth for ever, Prov. 11.25. with 2 Cor. 9.9. Now consider, not only the people need to be Preached unto by you, but you and I have great, even abundant need to have Jesus Christ Preach unto us; therefore still teach the people knowledge.  
Motive 3. Thirdly, Still teach the people knowledge, because, 'tis most honourable to be most diligent in this Work; and honour is much taking in these days, when every one seeks the Ruler's favour. Now this is the Preacher's way to honour, by diligent Preaching; as skill comes by diligence, so honour, and deserved reputation, comes by frequent and painful Preaching. Look how Solomon commends the diligent Woman, Prov. last. verse. last. Even so shall the diligent Preacher be commended also, Prov. 11.30. He that winneth Souls is wise; with chap. 22.22. Seest thou a man that is diligent in his business, he shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean men. Therefore though we may not seek the honour that cometh of men, yet we may seek that which cometh of God, John 5.44. Oh! How beautiful are the feet of them that Preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad-tydings of good things, Rom. 10.15.  
Motive 4. Fourthly, My dear Brethren, it will be very comfortable, in a dying hour, to have Preached diligently in the days of Life; And when have we so much need of comfort as in dying hours? When will sin, guilt, shame, and scorn, lie so heavy upon us, as in a dying hour? Therefore still teach the people knowledge, that God may still continue your comforts, and cause your comforts to abound in dying hours. Thus should a wise Preacher strive to Preach, that with Samuel he may look a dying hour, with joy, in the face, 1 Sam. 12.2, 3, 5. So Paul comforted himself in the day of his departing, because he had finished his course, and made full proof of his Ministry, 2 Tim. 4.5, 6, 7, 8. therefore still teach the people knowledge: Yea, our Lord Jesus useth this as a means to support him under the sting of Death, by this Consideration; That he had finished the Work his Father committed him to do, in John 17.4, 5. where our Lord saith, I have glorified thee on earth; I have finished the Work thou gavest me to do: And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thy own self. O! here is the way for a Preacher to find assured comfort in a day of Death, that he hath finished his Work in a day of Life; and still taught the people knowledge. O! therefore, ye that are appointed to be Lights to men in a dark World; let not, I beseech you, your Light be put under a Bushel, or at best, but shine in a dark Lantern; but receive this Exhortation, and let me leave it as universal advice, for every Preacher that hath ears to hear what the Spirit saith, to hear and receive, even still to teach the people knowledge, Rev. 6.7. So much for this fifth Doctrine.  
I should come now to a second particular, offered from this first Act of the wise Preacher, That he still taught the people knowledge; that is, He went forward, and made progression in Preaching; He did not stick or remain upon first Principles, but risen higher and higher in his Preaching, he still taught the people knowledge; that is, higher measures and degrees of knowledge: As he was wisely diligent, so was he wisely proceeding and going forward, from step to step, in the degrees and measures of his Knowledge and Preaching. The Point of Doctrine hence is;  
Doct. That wise Preachers are prospering or thriving Preachers.  
They are not only diligent and constant Preachers, but also they are growing Preachers; he still taught the people knowledge, that is, more and higher knowledge. This was shadowed out in the Waters of the Sanctuary, which risen first to the Ankles, then to the Knees, then to the Loins, afterward to a River that could not be passed over: Even so do Preaching Qualifications, in a wise and painful Preacher; who, as Paul saith, when in their Childhood, or first entrance, may speak like Children, and act like Children; yet when they grow up to be men, they will Speak, Preach, and Act like men, 1 Cor. 13.11. This is that which is promised Psal. 1. where David tells us, The blessedness of the man that walketh not in the way of the ungodly, but his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in that Law doth he meditate day and night, he shall be like a Tree planted by the Rivers of Water, that bringeth forth his Fruit in season; His leaf shall not whither, but whatsoever he doth shall prosper. This is the blessing, of not only the Godly Christian, but especially of the truly wise, and Godly Preacher, he shall grow and flourish. The like promise we have in Psalm. 92.12, 13, 14, 15. where the Psalmist tells us, how it will far with Righteous and Wise Preachers; They shall flourish like the Palmtree, and grow like the Cedar in Lebanon: Those that be plauted in the House of the Lord, shall flourish in the Court of our God; they shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to show that the Lord is upright. This also Paul implies, in that saying of his to Timothy, 1 Epist. 4.15. That thy profiting may appear to all men.  
Thus we see the Point a little confirmed; but because this Truth has in part already been spoken to, and will necessarily fall under consideration in another place; I shall say no more to the proof of this, but only make one Use from it, and that is for encouragement to all wise and painful Preachers.   

The fourth Use is of Encouragement.  
Know assuredly, the Lord will bless your Seed, and the fruit of your increase. You may reckon yourselves Children, that cannot speak in the Name of the Lord; but the Lord hath told you, He will be with you, and make you as a defenced City, and an Iron Pillar, and a Brazen Wall, Jer. 1.6, 7. compared with vers. 18. Oh! be encouraged to be sound faithful and diligent; for though you may go out to Preach, as Jacob went forth from his Father's House, when he said, With my staff I passed over this Jordan, but now I am become two Bands, Gen. 32.10. Even so you faithful Preachers shall have a time to say to the Glory of Freegrace, I am become two Bands. The Lord hath promised, That his Spirit shall lead you, not only unto Truth, but from Truth to Truth, till you are guided into all Truth, John 16.13. Therefore be encouraged to persist and go on in Preaching the Word in season and out of season; for the Lord is with you, and he will uphold your go in his Paths. Oh Beloved, be neither discouraged at your own weakness, nor your many discouragements, for the Righteous shall flourish like the Palm; therefore still teach the people knowledge, guide them by the skilfulness of the Lord's hand upon you, from Truth to Truth, from first Principles to higher, and more ennobling Conclusions. Be not Children in your knowledge, but go on towards perfection, as good Ministers of Jesus Christ; Preachers that receive freely or largely of the Spirit, should give forth as freely, and still teach the people knowledge. As Preachers grow in knowledge, they should seek that the people might grow in knowledge; also as waters of knowledge flow into them, so should they flow forth unto the people: for as your day is, so shall your strength be; Jesus Christ hath promised to be with you always in such work, Matth. 28. And to conclude, take the Counsel of Solomon, Eccles. 9.10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the Grave, whither thou goest.  
You labouring Ones in this Work of the Lord, feed on that Promise Mat. 13.12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance.  
And to close, take that good word 1 Cor. 15.58. Therefore, my beloved Brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the Work of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  
I now come to the next particular in the Text, which is the Matter which the Preacher preached; that is, Knowledge: He still taught the people Knowledge; it was knowledge the Preacher taught. He Preached not to make himself known, or his knowledge known, but to make the people know; for he still taught the people knowledge.  
One Question may from hence be asked, and that is, What Knowledge is?  
Or, secondly, What knowledge this is the wise Preacher taught the people.  
To speak a little to the first Query; What knowledge is? It is the opposite to ignorance, and consists in the enlightening or informing the Understanding, either concerning the Author, or the Nature of things, or the End and Use of things. I say, knowledge is an enriching excellency, enabling men to make true judgement concerning things. He that is destitute of knowledge, knows not how to discern things, or to difference one thing from an other. But I shall not enlarge here, though I might add there is a double sort of knowledge, Natural, and Supernatural; or the knowledge of things or objects Divine and Heavenly, or the knowledge of things or objects Natural. This Supernatural knowledge consists either in the knowledge of God or his Will, or the knowledge of ourselves or others.  
But secondly, It may be inquired, What this knowledge in particular is which the Preacher taught the people, spoken of in the Text?  
I Answer, Not humane knowledge, or understanding, and skill in worldly things; but it is knowledge of Divine things, or Heavenly things: More particularly it may be distinguished into the knowledge of God, as in Himself, Attributes, and Word. Considered secondly, It consists in the knowledge of our Spiritual Estates and Duties; And under these two Heads, I humbly conceive all that Heavenly knowledge which a Preacher ought to give-diligence to teach the people the knowledge of may be comprised.  
Thus having a little removed the scruple concerning knowledge, what it is, and what that knowledge is Preachers ought to teach the people, we may note this point of Doctrine.  
Doct. 6. To wit, That every wise Preacher ought to teach the people the knowledge of Spiritual things; or, that every wise Preacher ought to teach the people how they may know spiritual things, or be knowing in spiritual things.  
This the Preacher, the wise Preacher in the Text did, and this every wise and Gospel-Preacher ought to do.  
Again, the knowledge which a wise Preacher ought to teach and impart to the people, 'tis the knowledge of God, and things appertaining to God: Or, secondly, the knowledge of ourselves, and things belonging to ourselves.  
But let me a little clear and prove the point to you, That every wise Preacher ought to teach the people Heavenly knowledge, or the knowledge of God, and of themselves.  
For proof of this, take that passage Exod. 24.12. where the Lord commands Moses and Aaron to teach the people knowledge: So Moses tells us what Levi should and ought to do for God's people, Even teach Jacob God's Judgements, and Israel his Law, Deut. 33.10. This Samuel well understood, 2 Sam. 12.23. But I will teach you the good and the right way. This also was Ezra's practice, for saith the Text, Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel Statutes and Judgements. Oh! here is a good Minister indeed, that prepares his heart to teach the people, both by his Life, and doing the Will of God; and also by teaching and instructing them in the knowledge of the Law of God. This also was the good Levites practice, in 2 Chro. 30.22. That they taught Israel the good knowledge of the Lord. This is that the Lord by Malachi declares he expects at the hands of his Priests, chap. 2.7. where he saith, The Priest's Lips should, or aught to keep knowledge; and they, meaning the people, should seek the Law at his mouth. But to trouble you with no more Quotations, to prove this clear Truth; that every wise Preacher ought still to teach the people knowledge. The good knowledge of God, is that which every good Preacher ought to impart to the people; I will therefore only add this one more, where we may hear what the Lord saith to such Preachers as do not teach the people knowledge. woe, saith he, unto you Lawyers, for ye have taken away the Key of Knowledge, etc. Luke 7.52. The Pharisees and Lawyers of that day, had great thoughts of their knowledge and abilities; but saith Christ, We unto you Lawyers, for ye have taken away, or withheld the Key of Knowledge from the people. Oh Friends, it is woeful and unworthy to withhold knowledge from the people, if we have knowledge to impart to the people.  
The second thing I shall do, is to demonstrate, by Argument or Reason, that this is Truth, to wit, That every wise Preacher ought to teach and impart knowledge to the people; and that for these Reasons.  
Reas●. 1. First, Because that is the end, the main end, the very end of their Knowledge. Christ imparts Gifts and Grace to Preachers, yea, makes Preachers upon this account, that they should teach, instruct, and inform the people. This the Scripture largely gives an account of, as in Ephes. 4.12, 13. For the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ; till we all come to the unity of the Faith, in the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man.  
Mark, The Preacher hath the Office of Ministry, and the Gifts of Ministry, or Gifts to minister with as a Minister; all for the people, and that also for their Edifying, Unity, Knowledge, and Perfection; therefore they ought to design this for their Business, Not to know for themselves only, but principally to make the people knowing and wise in the knowledge of Christ. Now if this be the end of Preachers, certainly every thing should answer its end, or else it is Made, Created and Ordained in vain: But surely Preachers were not ordained in vain, but to teach the people knowledge; they are the people's eyes, not their own only; they are the people's Stewards, and therefore what Stewardship or Talon soever they have, they ought to improve them for the people, who are the final end, next to Christ's Glory, of all their Attainments. This also we have given us in 1 Cor. 4.2. It is required, in Stewards, that a man be found faithful; and Luke 22.32. When thou art converted, strengthen thy Brethren.  
Reas. 2. Secondly, The Preachers ought to Preach the people into knowledge, because this is that the Preachers profess to do for the people; And are not Preachers bound to what they pretend and profess? that is, to teach the people knowledge. Certainly, of all men under Heaven, they are most bound to do what they profess, because they reach other men so to do.  
Secondly, Because they profess to know above the rate of others; and is it not a shame for them to perform less than other men?  
And thirdly, They profess this to be their Conscience, and to be conscious of doing it; and is it not then both shameful and sinful unconscionably to neglect it? Should a Physician pretend to help and cure such as come to him in their sickness, and should not regard to inquire into their Diseases, nor regard to consult their good, or direct their Patients what to do? Would we not groundedly say, He were both idle and dishonest? Even so are all those Preachers that pretend to promote the people's good and understanding in the Mystery of Christ, and do not.  
Reas. 3. Thirdly, This is that the people do, or aught to expect at their hands; Namely, That they should teach them the good knowledge of God; and therefore this they ought to design, They should teach them the good knowledge of God; and they should not only design it, but labour aster it: What was that which Cornelius and his Friends came together about, and he sent to Peter for, but this, That he might make them know what was the mind of God, Acts 10.33? The people expect not that you should fight for them, or trade and traffic for them, but only that you should instruct them in the Mysteries of Christ, and do all you can to make them know the Truth as it is in Jesus; and of all men under Heaven, your Preachers are the most unconscionable deceivers and cheats, that neglect thus to do, and abuse the people by keeping them in ignorance.  
Reas. 4. And lastly, Wise Preachers are not only bound thus to do, because made Preachers for this end, and such who have professed, and are expected thus to do; but lastly, are able thus to do also; therefore aught to be found likewise faithful Servants, thus doing, Mat. 24.45. I say, Every wise Preacher is able to teach the people the good knowledge of God: I do not say, Every Preacher, or every one that is called a Preacher, or so calls himself, but I say, every one that God owns for a Preacher, and is truly a wise or spiritual Preacher, is able to teach the people, and aught so to do; as John saith, That which we have seen and heard, and our hands have handled of the Word of Life, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us, 1 John 1.3.  
Mark, What every wise Preacher can, and doth do, even declare the things of God, or the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the people; and he can and doth endeavour that the people may be brought into the fellowship and enjoyment of their knowledge. Those are foolish Preachers, Lords over God's Heritage, evil Servants, and Self-seekers, that engross knowledge for themselves, and design not the people's knowledge, as one main end of all that knowledge they enjoy or design to be made partakers of.  
And thus much for the clearing of this Doctrine, That it is the duty of every wise Gospel-Preacher, to make the people wise and knowing in the Mystery of Christ. Now to come to the Application.   

The first Use is of Information.  
If this be Preachers Business and Duty to teach the people knowledge; then this informs us how unwise and foolish Romish Preachers are, even the Pope and his Prelates, and Clergy, who are so unwise and ignorant of Gospel-truths' and Principles, that they not only neglect and oppose this practice, but teach and maintain, that Ignorance is the Mother of Devotion, and that knowledge is enough for the Priests, and the people must hang their Knowledge and Faith upon their Priests Sleeves; and that 'tis sufficient for the people to do that the Priest commands; and believe as the Church believes. But this is to endanger the people to Hell with great Company, rather than to be saved by the Faith of the Church.  
I shall not say much to this Generation of Vipers, these idle Shepherds, these blind Guides, leaders of the blind World; only let such know, we shall not need to say they are foolish Shepherds, and Peter's unlearned ones, and none of Solomon's wise Preachers; their own Works and Words are sufficient to make their madness manifest to all wise men, or spiritual Believers; seeing what every wise Preacher doth, and aught to do, is even to teach the people knowledge, which they neither do, nor judge they ought to do. This shall suffice for this first Use.   

The second Use is of Exhortation.  
Let this serve for matter of Exhortation to all Gospel-Preachers, to make this their main business, to show themselves truly wise and able Preachers, even Workmen that need not be ashamed, by teaching the people Knowledge. God hath given you Talents for this very purpose, and the people's wants and expectations call loudly for this; namely, that you should be their Lights, and Teachers of them as your Scholars and Children; therefore intent and attend this as your great Work and Business, in, or by Preaching, to make the people wise and more knowing, in the saving and sanctified Knowledge of the Lord Jesus.  
Beloved Brethren, this is your and my Business, let us give all diligence to add and contribute more and more to the people's knowledge, doing as Paul, Not seeking our own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved, 1 Cor. 10.33. Though wise Preachers must acquire knowledge first for themselves, that they may wisely Preach, or be wise for Preaching: Yet having obtained knowledge in themselves, they must disperse knowledge to their people, and lay out all their endeavours, that the people may know what they know: This Paul did make his business, to make the Ephesians to understand his knowledge in the Mystery of Christ. Ephes. 3.4. When you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ.  
Mark, Paul is not content that he understand, but he Writes and Preaches, to make others understand his knowledge in Christ's Mysteries; not that his aim was to make them understand or know that he had knowledge or understanding to admire or depend upon him, but that they might know, in and for themselves, what he knew in himself, and for them he laboured, that the people should know and understand what of Christ he understood; and this seems to be his meaning, by what we find in vers. 8, 9 where Paul saith, That unto him, less than the least of all Saints, is this Grace given, That I should Preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ. But mark the end for which Paul, and every Gospel-Preacher, should Preach the unsearchable riches of Christ; namely, to let all men see this is the end of Preaching, the people's Seeing. Oh Preach, Seeing or Divine eyesight into the people, infuse or distil your knowledge, or Christ's knowledge into the people, that you may be rightly called, as the Prophets were of old time, even Seers from seeing, and showing the mind of God to the people, 1 Sam. 9.9. Beloved, cause the Scales of Ignorance to fall from the eyes of the blind and ignorant people. Pity the people, and show your burning love to Christ, by enlightening dark minds in the true knowledge of the Lord Jesus; in striving to promote and enlarge the people's knowledge, help the people to come to this necessary knowledge, the knowledge of themselves. The want of this knowledge, is the cause of the great profaneness, security, and presumption that abounds in the World, men's gross ignorance of themselves; men want true and sufficient acquaintance of themselves; of their sinful, miserable, lost estate by Nature.  
Oh! cause all men in their first Principle, and unconverted Estate, to know they are in a damnable and miserable condition; there is but one step between them and Hell, For God is angry with the wicked all the day long, (or every day) Psal. 7.11. Make them know there is none good in his natural condition; there is none good, no not one that doth good, no not one among all the multitude of unconverted Men and Women, for all are under sin, both Jews and Gentiles, Rom. 3.9, 12.  
Awaken men's Consciences that are asleep, to know and consider the danger of a sinful, Christless condition; yea, make not only Publicans and Sinners know this to be their miserable estate, but make Pharisees, and morally righteous Ones, to know this to be also their misery; and that except they be born again of Water, and of the Spirit, they can never enter into the Kingdom of God, Joh. 3.5.  
'Tis not only Drunkards, Swearers, Whoremongers, and Scoffers, cannot enter into the Kingdom of God, but also the lostiest pieces of Nature, that are but in a state of Nature, as it is written, Except your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, Mat. 5.20. Oh! let such understand, that though such persons acts Christ may love, yet ofttimes he loves not the principle of their obedience, nor will save their Souls, as is hinted Mark 10.21, 22, 23. Man's good Nature, is bad Nature with God, and such men are as fit and fair for Hell, as the worst Natures, and vilest of men, as Christ saith, Mat. 21.31. Preach to men the knowledge of themselves, and their undone condition, without the Lord Jesus and his Righteousness; put them often in mind of that Scripture, 2 Tim. 3.5. Having a form of Godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. Forms of Godliness, or Worship, will no more help a sinful Creature to Heaven, than Food or Physic can give a dead man life, or strength, or empty dishes satisfy a hungry stomach. Though Rome say otherwise, that bare Forms will save sinful Souls; as a little Water, Oil, Cream, etc. used in Baptism, will save the Infant from damnation, and make it regenerate, and a Child of God; and that every one that receives their idol Host in the Mass, receives infallibly Jesus Christ; and so in other particulars. But you that are wise Preachers, teach your people knowledge, and make them understand, That without holiness no man shall see God, Heb. 12.14. Without forms men may go to Heaven, though never Baptised, and though they have never received the Supper of the Lord; but none without holiness. Doing of those things, whilst in a state of Nature, is not Holiness; for the heart may be as unholy after as before, yea, in the very Act of Communion in the Ordinances, as Judas, Mat. 26.20, 23. Isa. 1.11, to 16. with that excellent place, Gal. 6.15. Therefore Preach men into the understanding and knowledge of their own vileness and weakness, and unbottom men from leaning or depending on their moral or legal Righteousness; make them know this was that Rock on which the Jews were split, and dropped into Hell. Wherefore because they sought it not (meaning Righteousness) by Faith, but as it beware, by the Works of the Law, Rom. 9.32.  
But again, You that are wise Preachers, Preach the people into the knowledge of God, as well as into the knowledge of themselves; make them to understand the knowledge of God, as just, and as merciful. Oh let sinners know God is Just, Holy, and Righteous, And will by no means, or not at all clear the guilty, or acquit the wicked, Nahum. 1.3. 'Cause the deceived Multitude to know the Just and Holy Nature of God, that they may not flatter and deceive themselves, with hopes and thoughts of happiness in a sinful state, and ways of wickedness, because God is merciful and gracious; for he is also equally written to be Just and Holy, and a God visiting the iniquity of the Fathers upon the Children, and upon their children's Children, unto the third and fourth Generation, Exod. 34.7. Oh beloved, 'Cause ignorant Souls to know and consider if God be just as well as merciful, that they must also be righteous and holy, or else God's justice will not spare them, but condemn them to all eternity, unless they believe on the Name of the Lord Jesus. Oh! cause sinners to know the Justice of God, and how impossible it is to walk on in wickedness and disobedience to the Mind of God, and Righteousness of the Gospel, and be happy, by causing them to know the sense of that Scripture, Deut. 29.19, 20. And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart; saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imaginations of my heart, to add drunkenness to thirst: The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord, and his jealousy, shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this Book, shall lie upon him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under Heaven.  
Brethren, when you have done this, make them know, that are bitten with fiery Serpents, that God hath provided a ransom for wounded sinners; and as Moses lifted up the brazen Serpent in the Wilderness, so lift up the Lord Jesus Christ in the Preaching of the Gospel: show all wounded and undone sinners the way of healing, by the alone Righteousness and Satisfaction of the Lord Jesus; make them know, when wounded in Conscience, and undone in themselves, that then if they come sinners, with their sin and misery upon them, without any Righteousness, Qualifications, Preparations, or Performances, only as sinners, with Ropes about their Necks, weary and heavy laden, he will ease them, and they shall find rest to their Souls; and this without money, or moneys worth; without regard to their humiliation, repentance, reformation, and amendment of life. Oh, make them understand the free Grace of God to the vilest of returning sinners, make them to know the new and unchangeable Covenant of God with his people, even the Covenant of freest Grace to pardon, in pardoning all sinners, past, present, and to come, and never to alter or change the state and happiness of such Souls to all eternity, Jer. 31.31, 32.  
Oh be exhorted, all you that are and would be accounted wise Preachers, thus to Preach to your people, and teach them this good knowledge of God, both as just to all not in Christ, and merciful to all in Christ, how vile and miserable soever in themselves; and thus to do, is to teach the people knowledge aright. Oh Brethren, you Nurses of the Children of God, draw out the Breasts of your Consolation, and give the little ones of Christ nourishment; nourish them with the Word of knowledge; and having begotten them to Christ, do not starve those you have begotten to Christ, as bad Nurses do many times their Children; but having begun a good work in any, perfect it to the day of Christ; be Epaphrases, always labouring, that the Saints may always stand perfect and complete in all the Will of God, Col. 4.12.  
Objection; But some may possibly say to me, Is it in the Preachers power, how wise soever, to teach or infuse knowledge into the people? Is not this the peculiar prerogative of Jesus Christ, to be eyes to the blind, and to give understanding to the simple? And doth not Paul say, He may plant, and Apollo water, but God must give the increase, Prov. 8.14, 20. 1 Cor. 3.6. And therefore why do you urge it on the Preacher, as his Work and Duty, to distil and infuse knowledge into the people, as if it were in his power to teach the people to know.  
Answer; To this I Answer, Doubtless, and beyond a peradventure, it is in every wise Preachers power to do his duty, which is thus to lay out himself to the utmost, that the people may know.  
And secondly, Every wise Preacher, and the most of Preachers, though wise, might do more at this work than they do.  
But 3ly, Though without Divine concurrence and presence with them in the Work, their Work will produce little; yet if they work not diligently at this work, very little advantage can be expected: But if they be faithful and painful, they may, yea, shall do much through him that strengtheneth them, and hath promised to be with them in their way. They are in God's way, and in God's way God will be found, as he hath said Exod. 4.12. with Mat. 28.20.  
Lastly, Wise Preachers should still teach the people knowledge; for though they know, they without God cannot teach the people knowledge; yet God can by them teach his people knowledge, even then when they think they can do least for the people.  
Therefore to conclude the Answer of this Objection, Let us that Preach the Gospel, consider that of Solomon, Eccles. 11.6. In the morning sow thy Seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand, for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good. Therefore you who are Spiritually-wise Preachers of the Gospel, be prevailed upon, to make the people's knowing, your main business and work in Preaching; like Paul, that great Preacher of the Gentiles, whose work was to teach all men in or unto all wisdom, that he might present all men perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto, saith he, I also labour, striving, according to his working, which worketh in me mightily, Col. 1.28, 29. And to conclude this Use; Let as many as be perfect, be thus minded, Phil. 3.15.   

The third Use is for Direction.  
The next Use or Improvement I shall make of this Point, is for Direction to such Preachers as faithfully endeavour thus to do.  
First, Would you teach your people Knowledge, or make your Hearers knowing in the Knowledge of Christ; Then let me beseech you to Preach humbly, for a proud Preacher is not likely to become a profitable Preacher. This was the frame of Spirit Paul went forth Preaching the Gospel with, Acts 20.19. Serving the Lord in all humility, in that Work. A proud Preacher will more strive to Preach out himself unto the people, than the saving Knowledge of Jesus Christ into the people. A proud Preacher will be too high to stoop or condescend to the weakness of the capacities of the People; as the proud in heart will not receive Commandments, even so the proud in heart will not teach Commandments. 'Tis too hard for such to teach Knowledge, or for the people by such to be taught Knowledge: Such Preachers as desire to be profitable Preachers unto others, must learn of that wonderful Preacher the Lord Jesus, to be meek and lowly of heart, Mat. 11.29. and do as Paul adviseth, Rom. 12.16. Not to mind high things, but to condescend to men of low estate. To which I may add what he writes to the Bishops and Deacons of Philippi, saying, Let nothing be done through strife, or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every one on his own things, but every man also on the things of others, Phil. 2.3, 4.  
Secondly, Would you Preach profitably, and cause the people to get Knowledge; then labour to Preach plainly. 'Tis plain Preaching will only prove profitable-Preaching. This Paul seems to mind, in 1 Cor. 14. as the very scope of that Chapter, to provoke Preachers to Preach plainly within, not above the understanding of the People. Asserting, that if a Preacher preach never so rarely; yet if he preach above the understanding of the people, he shall be but as a Barbarian to the people, and not beneficial to them at all. Plainness and Pureness are the two great excellencies of Preaching; and as ever a Gospel-Preaches would be found a profitable Preacher, let him become a plain Preacher. Though high Strains, hard Notions, and obscure or hidden Expressions may most commend amongst men, yet plainness and profitableness will most commend to God, and be most acceptable and advantageous to those that are perfect and prudent. Oh therefore Brethren, all you that Preach the Gospel, so Preach as Paul did, as you have it 1 Cor. 2.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. compared with 2 Cor. 3.12. as ever you intent to teach your people Knowledge.  
Thirdly, If you would distil or infuse your Knowledge into the people, do not only Preach to the people, but live out that you Preach before the people; be not only an Audible but a Visible word to the people. How shall the people learn that from our lips, which they cannot learn from out lives! This made the Scribes and Pharisees, the great Preachers of that day, they could do no good to the people, but as blind Leaders, led the people blindly into the Ditch; was it not from hence, because they say and do not? Mat. 23.3. with that of Jer. 23.18, 22. Oh, as ever you would be profitable Preachers to others, be not unprofitable Preachers to yourselves, practise what you Preach, if ever you mean to profit others by that you Preach. Nothing more dulls and blunts the edge of Preaching, than not living out the life of Preaching; therefore let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven, Mat. 5.16.  
Fourthly, And especially, Water all your Preaching with Praying, if ever you would reap the fruit of your Preaching. Oh! my beloved Brethren, Would you profit your people much by Preaching, than water your people much by Praying; let the best Seed that can be sown, be sown into the best ground that can be, yet if showers be withheld, a fruitful crop will never be obtained: Even so here, the best Sermons will be but lost Sermons, unless they are watered Sermons. Oh therefore, water your Sermons by Prayers; do not only pray for a Sermon, but for a blessing upon that Sermon; pray not only publicly, but privately for a blessing upon your Labours; lose not your Sermons through shortness, or wantingness in praying performances. This was Paul's way to get Knowledge to be the blessing of the Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, as you may see at large in the first Chapters of those Epistles.  
Therefore to conclude these Directions, Watch and pray that the Enemy steal not your Seed, or Christ's Seed rather, away out of the minds and understandings of the people. If any shall say, This is no more than we knew before: yet let me, as once Peter did, tell you, I think it meet, as long as I am in this Tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting you in remembrance of those things, though you know them, and be established in the present truth, 2 Pet. 1.12.   

The fourth Use is a word of Exhortation to the People.  
The fourth Use shall be a word to the people enjoying wise Preachers, that thus labour among you. Let it be a word of Exhortation to all such to take the Apostle's counsel, 1 Thess. 5.12, 13. We beseech you Brethren, to know them that labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and esteem them very highly for their work sake. Such are truly wise Preachers; yea, such are painful Preachers, and therefore aught to be honoured Preachers; such are profitable Preachers, therefore worthy to be honoured Preachers; Therefore esteem highly them that are such. I do not mean to provoke you only so to honour, or esteem, as to approve, commend, or encourage such in their Labours; but especially honour these, by submitting and subjecting yourselves, yea, your Souls to their Doctrine; by living and acting, according to their teaching, who teach according to the form of found Doctrine contained in the Scriptures.  
Oh my dear Friends, this is the greatest honour, esteem, and encouragement you can possibly bestow upon painful Preachers; thus saith the Apostle John, in 3 Epist. 3, 4. I rejoiced greatly when the Brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkedst in the truth; I have no greater joy, then to hear that my Children walk in truth, or according to truth. The like saith Paul in that forecited 1 Thess. 2.19, 20. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? For ye are our Glory and Joy. But what was the reason of this exceeding Joy, you have it declared in the first Chapter. We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering, without ceasing, your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope, etc. For our Gospel came not unto you in Word only, but also in Power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake; and ye became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the Word in much affliction, with joy in the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia; For from you sounded out the Word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your Faith to Godward is spread abroad, so that we need not to speak any thing.  
This, Beloved, is the honour, esteem, encouragement, and rejoicing, wise and Spiritual Preachers most desire; that you that hear them, should be wise, truly wise, holy, diligent, fruitful Hearers. There is nothing so much discourages, grieves, and dishonours wise Preachers, as to find their Hearers unwise, idle, unthankful, unfruitful, and unholy; this grieves them to the heart when they run in vain, and labour in vain, as you have his expression Phil. 2.16. Oh, grieve not the Spirit of God, nor the Spirit of your Preachers, by quenching the Spirit, and despising Prophecy, as too many do. If it be a sin to neglect Preaching, and not to teach the people Knowledge, as I have largely proved; yea, if it be not only a neglect, but a most unconscionable neglect not to teach the people Knowledge. Let me then tell proud, carnal, unbelieving, negligent, forgetful, disobedient, unfruitful Hearers, 'tis not only a sin, but a complicated sin; yea, it is not infirmity, but most unconscionable dealing with the Lord Jesus, your painful Preachers, and your own Souls. Therefore look well to it, for God will not bear it, nor hold such sinners guiltless that thus take his Name in vain, and turn his Grace into wantonness.  
I beseech you think seriously of a Text or two, 2 Chron. 36.15, 16, 17. And the Lord God of their Fathers sent to them by his Messengers, rising up betimes, and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling-place: But they mocked the Messengers of God, and despised his Words, and misused his Prophets, until the Wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. Therefore he brought upon them the King of the Caldees, who slew their young men with the Sword in the House of their Sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young Man, or Maiden, old Man, or him that stooped for Age; he gave them all into his hand.  
Oh, mark how dreadful a sin it is to be a despiser, or an opposer of Preachers! you may read the heinousness of the sin, in the dreadfulness of the judgement.  
Take one place more, 2 Thess. 2.10, 11, 12. With all deceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the Truth, that they might be saved.  
Oh mark it, you that do, or might, if the fault be not your own, enjoy good Preachers, and pure Preaching, and will not, may, and care not for it; God will send you Preachers sad, or bad enough, that shall only deceive and delude you, and for this very cause; Even because, saith the Apostle, God will send them strong delusions that they should believe a lie, that they all might be damned that believed not through the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.  
Oh think seriously of this, you sinful, proud, unthankful, forgetful, or unfruitful Hearers: God will not always strive with you, or wait upon you, or continue the Preaching of the Gospel among you. Therefore provoke not the Lord to jealousy, by neglecting and perverting of his Ordinances.  
But to close this Use, let me give you two or three Directions how to answer this Use.  
First, Is this yet true acquaintance with the greatness and grossness of ignorance, and especially of your own ignorance in particular? Pride makes men think they see, and despise the ignorance and simplicity of others; but 'tis ignorance and blindness that makes poor and proud Souls like their own ignorance. Therefore if you would be found the Friends and Preservers of Knowledge, learn to know your own ignorance in the things of Jesus Christ. Yea, consider how dishonourable and truly reproachful it is for a Professor, or a Christian, to be an ignorant person; 'tis as reproachful, as for a Guide to be blind, or a Ruler to be clad in Rags; than which, what is more dishonourable? A Fool, in Civil or Natural things, is counted a dishonour to a Family, and a burdensome Relation; even such are foolish Christians, or persons ignorant in the Mysteries and Knowledge of Jesus Christ. Now that the most, yea, the best of Professors are too ignorant, take two Texts, 1 Cor. 13.9. For we know but in part, and prophesy but in part; therefore let none, how wise soever, think themselves wise enough; but it is these thoughts keeps many Hearers from being wise; Jer. 8.8. How do you say we are wise, and the Law of the Lord is with us, and we will come no more unto the, Chap. 2.31. Therefore, as the cure of this Disease in the first place, remember what Paul writes for this purpose, 1 Cor. 8.2. If any man thinks that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. Again;  
Secondly, Take this Direction if you would be a knowing people, be found a doing people, faithfully and humbly doing what you know of Jesus Christ. This is the way to know more and much of Jesus Christ, to be practical Christians; Hos. 6.3. Then shall we know (that is, we shall then know what we knew not before, when or how) if we follow on to know the Lord; and in John 7.17. If any man will do his Will, he shall know that the Doctrine is of God.  
Thirdly, Be diligent about this business of Knowledge; if ever thou wouldst know, as James saith, Let not a wavering-minded man think he shall receive any thing; even so say I, Let not the slothful, or the idle Christian, think he shall receive, or ever attain Knowledge with such a frame of Spirit. With what sloth and idleness, neglectfulness and forgetfulness do too many Professors pursue Knowledge? Therefore be not slothful in business of this nature, but be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. 12.11.  
Fourthly, Hold much and close communion with knowing, wise, and holy Persons: This made Apollo's become more wise and knowing, even his communion with Aquila, Acts 18. And this Solomon teacheth us, Prov. 13.20. telling us, That he that walketh with wise men, shall be wise; but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.  
But lastly, If you would become a knowing people in the Knowledge of God, be a praying people; Prayer must relieve both Preacher, and the preached to, in this thing; Oh therefore be much in Prayer. This was David's practice, Psal. 119.18. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy Law. And to close, remember what James saith, chap. 1.4. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask it of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth none, and it shall be given. Thus much for this Point.  
Now to proceed in the Text, it is added; Yea, he gave good heed. This is the next piece of the description of a wise Preacher, he gave good heed. From hence observe;  
Doct. 7. That he Preached not rashly, but heedfully.  
'Tis folly to be slight or rash in any business, but especially in God's Matters, or in the Matters of Preaching; Yea, he gave good heed; it is good to Preach heedfully. As Preaching is honourable Work, so it is to be honourably performed; as it is weighty and difficult Work, even so ought Preachers warily and heedfully to perform and pursue it. This we find imposed upon Elders or Preachers, Acts 20.28. Take heed therefore unto yourselves; so in 1 Tim. 4.16. Take heed unto thyself, and to thy Doctrine. Preaching-Work aught to be heedfully, yea most heedfully performed.  
Question; But it may be demanded, What is that which a Preacher ought thus heedfully to mind?  
In general I Answer, It is his Preaching. This is clear in the Text, by that which is added,— and sought out, and set in order many Proverbs; It was the setting in order of Parables the Preacher gave good heed unto.  
But more particularly to Answer this Query; First, He ought to give good heed to the observing what the present state and need of the people calls for; for he is by Preaching, to feed the people with food seasonable and convenient for them: I do not say, That he is to eye or answer the wanton expectations of the Hearer, but the present necessity and need of the Hearer. This is laid down Mat. 24.45. Who then is a wise and faithful Servant to give them meat in due season? A wise Preacher must oversee the state of the Flock, in this regard, to know what they are, and what they want at the present, that he may by Doctrine give every one, not some, but every one his meat in due season. Sinners, and unconverted Souls in a Congregation, must be heedfully provided for; and the Saints and Children of God in the Assembly, must much less be neglected; the minds of the ignorant must be enlightened, and the mouth of the Adversary must be stopped. The Faith of the doubting must be strengthened, and the Faith of the established secured. The troubled Conscience must be comforted, and the Conscience of the sleepy and secure awakened. This is now to give good heed how we Preach, thus wisely to mind and consider them we Preach to.  
Secondly, For a Preacher to give good heed how he Preachers, is needfully to observe or consider the present Vision of the Lord, or what the Spirit of the Lord at present lays warm and fresh in upon his heart to deliver as his present Message, and seasonable to the people. That Message which is very lawful and seasonable to deliver to the people at one time, is neither seasonable nor lawful to deliver at another time. There is a time, and but a time, that is seasonable for any thing; so there is a time, and but a time, when some Truths are seasonable. Therefore this is that Preachers should heedfully mind, the teaching, moving, and turning of their Spirits, this or that way, by the Spirit of the Lord Jesus; and give up themselves to the manuduction of that Spirit. Thus did the living Creatures, Ezek. 1.12. And they went every one strait forward; whither the Spirit was to go they went, and they turned not when they went. This is Preacher's motion, and thus to move, is heedfully to Preach. Thus did Isaiah, that good Watchman, Chap. 21.7, 8. He harkened diligently with much heed; and he cried, a Lion; My Lord, I stand continually upon the Watchtower in the day time, and I am set in my Ward whole nights. But again;  
Thirdly, Heedfully to Preach, is heedfully to observe our scope and end in Preaching. As in some respects the end may be said to crown all, even so may I say of Preaching. If ends be not right and honourable, it will spoil all, as the dead Fly doth the Apothecary's precious Ointment. A Preacher cannot think to do much good by Preaching, that hath low or poor aims or ends in Preaching. The goodness of the Work doth not argue the goodness of a Man's Aims or Ends in Preaching: But if ever Preachers would do good at Preaching, let them heedfully mind their Ends. When Ends are right, God usually blesseth; but when Ends are naught and low, God usually blasts; as you have it Haggi 1.6, to 11. compared with Zech. 7.5, 6. where the Lord renders the reason of all the blasts or disappointments they met with, was, Because of the corruptness of their ends. Had not sinful self lay at the bottom of the sacrificing, and fasting, and calling upon his Name, they should have had a Blessing; but this withheld it from them: Self-endedness at Preaching, is heedless and fruitless Preaching, God will not bless, with any great success, such Preaching: therefore Preach heedfully or well-minding that your ends be holy, and pure, even the glorifying God, and the profiting the Souls of the people. In discharge of Duty, these are right Ends, and not to Preach for Applause, Credit, or much less Merchandise. But again;  
Fourthly, Preachers should heedfully; yea, give good heed (as in the Text) to the Matter of their Preaching, and not rashly say, the Lord saith. They must Search the Scripture, as well as Preach the Scripture, remembering David, Psalm. 39 I said, I will take heed to my ways that I sin not with my tongue; and what Solomon saith, Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say before the Angel it was a sin, Eccles. 5.6. But this I must speak more to on another particular, and therefore shall come to the Reasons of the Point that Preachers had need to give good heed to what they Preach.  
Reas. 1. First, Because if they Preach heedlessly, Christ will mind it heedfully. 'Tis dangerous Preaching heedlessly in the ears of heedful Hearers, but especially in the ears of Jesus Christ, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, and observes all our deportments in his Concernments. If he hear us Preach heedlessly, he will set this sin in order before us, though he seem to overlook it, and we think he hath forgotten it. Carelessness and rashness in the Ministry of the Lord's Word, meets with swiftest Observation, and severest Chastisements: Therefore take heed, and be holy, ye that bear the Vessels of the Lord, remembering the case of Nadab and Abihu, Levit, 10. and of Vzzah, 2 Sam. 6.6, 7.  
Reas. 2. Secondly, The reason of Preachers heedfulness is this, The Observance of men. Are the Hearers, Sinners, and the worst of Hearers? they will and do observe the best of Preachers, and lie, as it were, in wait to entrap and catch them, or entangle them in their talk or Preaching. Such as can observe little of the Marrow of Preaching, or a Sermon, will be able enough to observe all the Mistakes or Erratas of a Sermon: Therefore take away occasion from them that seek it, as Paul did, 2 Cor. 11.12.  
But again, 2ly, Let Preachers preach heedfully, because of Saints; their eyes are upon you, and their ears open to you, and they are taught of God to know all things, and as Spiritual men judge all things, and have senses exercised; and, like these noble Bereans, will try all things: Therefore, O therefore, Preach with good heed, and Preach only good things for their Knowledge.  
Reas. 3. Thirdly, Preachers had need Preach heedfully, because that which they Preach is hard and difficult to Preach. Preaching is not easy Work, it is hard Work, 'tis curious Work, it needs much wariness, wisdom, and circumspection, to draw Water out of these Wells of Salvation, and to fetch Gold out of these Mines of Divine Wisdom; therefore ought they to give good heed to Preaching.  
Reas. 4. And lastly, Preachers should give good heed how they Preach, because of the worth and excellency of what they Preach. Though men care not how they scatter their dross, yet they are very careful what they do with their refined Gold. Though the Husbandman passeth not what he doth with his Chaff, yet he is very careful what he doth with his Seed-corn. Even so should it be with Preachers, they should be very heedful where they Sow, and how they bestow their principal Wheat. Oh! Sow not upon the Rocks, nor on the Highway side, but on good Ground; and carefully look to your Seed, to Christ's Seed; it is too choice to sustain any loss; Oh therefore, heedfully Preach, that you lose not your labour, nor your reward.  
Thus much for the Reasons of this Point; now to close this Head with a word or two of Application.   

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

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

The third Use is of Vindication.  
Thirdly, Let this Doctrine vindicate such Preachers as give good heed in Preaching, so to Preach, that they may approve themselves good Workmen, even Workmen that need not be ashamed, dividing the Word aright; such as Preach not as pleasing men, but as pleasing God, which tryeth the hearts, 1 Thess. 2.4.  
I say, This Truth now cleared, will acquit and justify all such sober, serious, exquisite, faithful, painful, wise Preachers, which give good heed, and apply themselves to be Physicians of Value, such as endeavour both to sound their own, and the people's hearts, and to see that they Preach as the Spirit gives them utterance and guidance, Acts 2.4. Such Preachers as seek not yours, but you, that your Souls may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus. I say, Let this justify the exactness and diligence of those, that in the dividing of the Word, make it their business to divide it aright, and to omit, nor lose nothing of all the Riches of such Scriptures, as the Spirit of the Lord opens to them; but endeavour to make full proof of their Ministry, in a ministration of the All committed to their trust, following that Direction of our Lord, Gather up the Fragments that nothing be lost, John 6.12. So these painful and laborious Bees move from Flower to Flower, that is, from Text to Text, and from Syllable to Syllable, that they may help you to Honey, that by Line upon Line, and Precept upon Precept, here a little and there a little, seek to impart to you the whole Counsel of God; I say, Let such Preachers be justified, and not taxed, as at this day, by some who make use of that saying, What need this waste? Mat. 26.8. What need this curiousness, this tediousness, so much dwelling upon a Text?  
Why, let this serve to Answer such; Is there not a cause, when it is required of a Steward to be sound faithful? And this is faithful dealing with Jesus Christ and his Word, to let nothing be lost.  
But again, secondly, If your Preachers, wise Preachers, do give good heed, and consider the state of the Flock, and whereof they have need, and do deal home and plainly with your Consciences in all faithfulness, not sparing any man, or flattering any man, or pleasing any man, but dealing faithfully with all men, as approving themselves too God. Why then consider, I pray you, It is required of Stewards to be faithful, and such are Stewards even of the manisold Grace of God; and therefore it is required of them that they be faithful. Oh, let this justify all wise, holy, humble, diligent, painful, faithful Preachers, that seek to turn many from their iniquity; that give good heed, and all diligence so to Preach, that they may declare that they have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, not handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the Truth, Commending ourselves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God, 2 Cor. 4.2.  
And so much for this Use and this Point.  
I now come to the next Word and Work of a wise Preacher, that is, He sought out.  
This is the next Work; and to search or seek out: A good or a wise Preacher, doth not only give out, and not keep in any thing of all that good Knowledge, or Will of the Lord Jesus made out to his Soul; But further he seeks or searches out after more of the Knowledge of Jesus Christ to be further imparted to him; in what is in part known by him, or in what as yet of Christ is not manifest, but hid from him and them, and may be imparted to them: For the choicest, or most comprehending Servant, or Preacher of the Lord Jesus, knows but in part, and prophesies but in part, and therefore had need to search, inquire, or hunt after that of the mind of Christ yet behind, or unknown of him, and which may, for aught he knows, be made manifest to him.  
Three things I suppose this Phrase may import.  
First, To examine and receive things already viewed or known.  
Secondly, To clear and discharge what we know, from  Objections or Cavils might be brought against what we know, or conceive we know.  
Thirdly, To seek out, is to endeavour to get either fresh Visions of God in our Souls, or further and exacter insight into such Visions of God as already we have received.  
All this seems clearly employed in this Act of the wise Preacher, as is most clear, by considering the next word, And set in order, or in their due order, many Proverbs. The Work of the truly, or spiritually wise Preacher, is to search, or seek after; or search, or seek into the knowledge of wha● is known, or should be known, or may be known. This is the Trade of God's Commands, in order to a Preacher's Duty.  
Doct. 8. The Doctrine hence may be this; That the wise Preacher's Work, is not an easy, but an hard task, to attain the comprehension or full understanding requisite to be found in every Minister of Christ.  
His life is a continued act of seeking, or enquiring after fuller discoveries of the mind of Christ. This is plainly employed in this phrase; he sought out, or sought after, or sought into the way of setting Parables in order.  
To clear up this Point, two things need proving; First, That the Preacher's Task or Duty, is an hard Task or Duty. Secondly, His life is a continued Act of learning the mind of Christ. As he doth not do all at once he hath to do for Christ, neither doth he searn all at any one season he hath to learn from Jesus Christ: He is always doing, and always learning, until he dies. Therefore is the Preacher's Work hard Work. This Moses well understood, Exod. 3d, 4th, and 6th Chapters. This Jeremiah also apprehended in his first Chapter; And this Paul concludes concerning his Ministry, 1 Cor. 16.15. But not to heap up testimonies for a thing so clear; Consider this, namely what the Preacher's Work is resembled to:  
First 'Tis called a Warfare, or they are resembled to valiant Soldiers; and a Soldiers life is a l●fe of hazard and hardship, even so is the Preachers.  
Secondly, 'Tis styled a Watchm●●'s life, and to be a good Watchman, is a hard life, and laborious.  
Thirdly, He is called a Shepherd, and that is no easy life.  
Fourthly, They are called Husbandmen, and Labourers, and Builders; all which prove Preaching to be a hard Work.  
But to make this more clear; consider, 'tis a Trade or Business that is always carrying on, I had almost said night and day; and therefore sure it can be no easy, but hard Work, because it is perpetual Work. But such is the Preacher's Work, He must not only be always preaching, but always learning, yea, learning while teaching, in looking after the Mind of Christ: His Work is never done, always doing, running on more and more after fresh and fuller discoveries of the Will of God. 'Tis an every day, yea, night and day study of the Word and Ways of God; he sought out; 'tis opened to us in Prov. 2.1, 2, 3, 4. 'Tis a Work a man must cry for; seek for, yea, ●●g for, and hunt for, that intends to find it; compared with Job 3.21.  
Take one passage more, whe●e good and wise Preachers may be resembled to Servants, and the Hand maids David speaks of, Psal. 123.2. Or to the good Woman, perceiving that her Merchandizing Commodity is good, therefore her Candle goeth not out by night. From all which may easily be gathered, what a hard and difficult, constant and painful life and labour, the wise Preacher's labour and life is.  
Thus much for the proof of the Proposition. Let me now give you some Arguments to evince this, That Preachers Work is hard labour, and continual employment.  
Arg. 1. First, This must needs be thus, because of the matter of Preaching, which is the Mind and Will of Christ contained in the Scriptures. Now this Word of Scripture, is like deep, yea, very deep waters; 'tis hard to get the golden precious Truths, and Counsels of Christ, contained in the bottom or body of Scripture, forth of them. The Word of God is perfect and sufficient, but not so plain and obvious, that without much study and search, the whole Counsel or Will of God contained therein will be attained. In the Word lies contained the manifold wisdom of God; but 'tis hard to find out the sum and variety thereof without much diligence. This Solomon implieth, when he saith, Counsel in the heart of man is like deep waters; but a man of understanding will dra● it out, Prov. 29.5. Now if that Wisdom or Counsel which is in the heart of wise men is like deep waters, and it requires wisdom and labour too for the drawing it out; Oh, how much more doth it require the wisest Preachers wisdom and pains to dive into the Counsels of Christ, contained and centred in these most deep Wells of Salvation, or Waters of the Sanctuary, the Word of God Yea, doubtless our experience witnesseth to it, and we daily find all Truth is in the Scripture contained; yet can we hardly draw out or comprehend so much of Truth, as is essentially requisite for ourselves, and such as we preach to. This David witnesseth, when he saith, Thy Righteousness is like the great Mountains, and thy Judgements are a great deep, Psal. 36.6. Now if the Judgements, Statutes, Truths, Ordinances of Christ, all which the Preacher is to reveal, and declare to the People, be such a great Deep, and so hard to fathom; Oh, how hard then is his work that is a wise Preacher, he may well be searching out and after this Will of God, and conclude, who is sufficient for these things? But again;  
Arg. 2. Secondly, As the matter of their Preaching is high, and hard to attain; even so the Work must needs be hard in respect of themselves. They are dull and hard of Learning in what they must deliver out. Oh! if a Preachers Lesson be hard, and he as hard to learn any Lesson; sure their task must needs be a hard task: But that the best of Preachers are bad and dull Learners is most evident, both by Scripture and plentiful experience; as in that glorious Saint and Preacher Job. How much pains did God take with Job from his Conversion, even till old age, and yet but in God's account a small shallow Scholar; notwithstanding all God's pains in correcting of him, yet saith God, Who is it that darkneth counsel by words without knowledge? Job 38.2. Yea, God makes Job plead guilty to this Indictment, Chap. 40.3, 4 5. with 42. And surely such Preachers are not Jobs, but proud Pharisees, who will, or dare say, or think otherwise of themselves. Such dull, bad, learners of the Mind of God, were Job's three Friends, Chap. 42.7. Yea, such were Christ's Disciples and Apostles, those Master-Preachers, those Foundation-Layers; Luke 24.25. O Fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the Prophets have spoken. Oh Beloved! if Preachers have hard and many Lessons to learn, and are exceeding dull and incapacious of learning; yea, such that have neither head, heart, nor will to learn. O sure their work is hard, and they need be early and late seeking and searching out these acceptable words.  
Arg. 3. Thirdly, Preaching-Work is hard Work, because of such to whom we preach. 'Tis hard to find out what words they want, and it is not wisdom to preach such words as are not wanting, or at present necessary. For though every, and any word that is or can be preached, is pure and perfect, yet not at all times, seasonable or profitable; you know whose rule it is, All things are lawful, but all things are not expedient, 1 Cor. 6.12. Though every Truth not only may, but aught to be preached, yet not at all times, or to all sorts of Hearers. There is a peculiar or apt time for every purpose under the Sun.  
Now the wisdom of the Preacher is to know how to time his Word or Doctrine to the present wants and necessities of the people, and this is very hard, and requires searching out of the people's wants.  
Secondly, This makes the Preachers Work hard, how wise a Preacher soever he be, to find out, not only their wants, but also how to apply that which is intended for them, to be received or accepted by them; even God's own People are a wayward and indisposed People, or Children, to the receiving of Spiritual Food or Physic; and 'tis a great piece of Heavenly skill, and hard to attain. Paul himself writes it as a great piece of Heavenly Craft, 2 Cor. 12.16.  
But, thirdly, grant a Preacher hath wisely gone these steps, yet he must still be seeking out how to preserve and water the Seed he hath been admitted to Sow, that he lose not the things that he hath wrought; for 'tis the part of a foolish Preacher to preach, and preach much, and not regard what becomes of his Labours. 'Tis to be like the foolish Ostrich mentioned Job 39.13, 14, 15, 16. Now this Act makes the Preacher's Act hard work to water and watch his Seed sown, that he lose not his labour; therefore his work is hard work.  
Arg. 4. And lastly, The Preacher's task is very hard, because of that great opposition and difficulty, which Preachers and preaching-work must and doth meet withal; that work how easy soever in itself, yet if it cannot be performed without much opposition, is then and thereby become hard work, even thus is preaching become hard work, because with much hardship, labour, and difficulty, it must be performed: Satan and Sinners, yea, even Saints themselves, make the Preacher's Work hard, yea, very hard and troublesome by their opposition. Look how the Enemies of the Jews withstood the building of the Temple; even so doth Satan hinder the building of the Spiritual Temple, or preaching of the Gospel; So Paul words it, 1 Thess. 2.18. Thus he made the preaching of the Gospel decline from Jerusalem, Acts 8.1. with Acts 13.50. And although the preaching of the Word must not be hindered or declined because of Persecution, yet is Persecution a means to make Preachers look about them, and their work to be hard to them.  
And again, The Preacher's task is made very hard by the opposition of false Teachers, which oppose the Truth of the Gospel; and who, as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do they also resist the Truth, 2 Tim. 3.8. These constrain the wisest of Preachers to seek out how to preach, that such may not gainsay the Truth; or at least, that their folly may be made manifest to all men of sober minds; and this is hard work. How hard was Paul's work made to cut off occasion from them, that sought occasion, when he is to preach Justification by Faith only, without the Works of the Law? How did the Jewish Teachers oppose him? Acts 21.27, 28, 29, 30. When he teaches the Doctrine of Freegrace for the worst of sinners, notwithstanding the greatest of sins, is he not slandered as if he taught liberty to sin? Rom. 3.8. If he teach the cessation of the Law, as to life, How is his preaching opposed and slandered? 1 Tim. 1.6, 7. So when he preaches down legal Ceremonies, as Circumcision, and Mears, Drinks, Holidays, New-Moons, and Sabbaths: What labour is Paul forced to use to defend this Doctrine against those Philosophers and Deceivers? Gal. 6.11, 12, 13. with Col. 2.8, 16, 17. downwards to the close of that Chapter.  
Again, when the Apostles preach the Kingly Power of the Lord Jesus Christ in his own Kingdom and Church, how are they opposed? Acts 3. with Chap. 17. Now the silencing, answering, and preventing the designs of Satan, and his Instruments, slandering and opposing the Truth, makes the Preachers of the Gospel much labour to seek out how to defend and establish the truth of the Gospel.  
But lastly, Preachers work is made laborious, and hard, by the subtlety, evasions, glosses, excuses, colours, and pretences, which poor sinners strive to hid themselves under, and to evade the power of the Word brought against them. This makes the Preacher's labour very hard; so to Preach, that every Soul may be brought under the power of it, and every mouth may be stopped: By the doing of this Work, also by preaching among Saints, how much opposition do the Preachers of the Gospel procure by it? as is clear 1 Cor. 4.14. to the end of the Chapter; so in 2 Cor. 12 and 13 Chapters: By all which it will appear, that the Preacher had need, yea, great need, to seek and search out Arguments to support, encourage, and uphold himself in the doing of his duty, and to deliver the Gospel from being perverted and made of no use, by the many designs and devices of Enemies and Friends.  
Thus much for the clearing of the Point, to wit, That every wise Gospel-preacher's Work is not easy, but very hard, to seek after the attainment and comprehension of understanding requisite to be found in every Minister of the Lord Jesus.  
Now by way of Application. First, If it be thus, it informs us and instructs us in two Particulars.   

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

The second Use is of Instruction.  
But secondly, If Preaching be such an hard Work, or Task, and Labour, to perform it wisely and spiritually; Then this acquaints us what unwise and idle sinful Preachers such are as pretend to Preaching, yet take no pains in the performance of this Work, but trifle and idle in this weighty & honourable Employment. Such may do well to bethink themselves, it is required of Stewards, that they be faithful; and remember what God hath said, He will not hold such guiltless as take his Name in vain. Let such idle careless Shepherds, as pretend to be Gospel-Preachers, wise and honourable Preachers, view that word Ezek. 34. with Zech. 11.17. woe to the idol Shepherd that leaves the Flock; the Sword shall be upon his Arm, and upon his right Eye; his Arm shall be clean dried up, and his right Eye shall be utterly darkened.  
Such worthless Preachers are like the evil Spies we read of Numb. 13.32. which brought up an evil report upon the good Land of Promise; so these bring up an evil report upon the good Word and Ordinance of God, the preaching of the Gospel, by their light, idle, careless, carnal, and unprofitable preaching of the Word; because they seek not out, nor search after the setting of Parables or Gospel. Mysteries aright; neither take pains to consider what the People's wants are to supply them; nor what the People's ignorance or error is, to avoid it, and deliver the preaching of the Gospel from their mistake, pervertings; or avoiding, by Armour on the right hand and on the left, leaving the People under such generalities, as that they can deceive and flatter themselves, that their condition is good, and the Promises belong to them, though they are in the Gall of Bitterness, and the Bond of Iniquity; a form of Godliness, without the power of it, not making it their business, to take away the Cloaks and Shifts, Pleas and Excuses, Pretences and Fig-leaves, under which poor sinners shelter and hid themselves from the force of their Preaching, and the wrath of God, although they walk on in the stubbornness of their hearts, and add drunkenness to thirst, and cry, God will spare, Deut. 29.19.  
I say no more to these dumb idle Shepherds, or Preachers of our day, that by thus doing, cause their, or rather Christ's good Commodity, to be evil spoken of. But O that they would remember that saying of the Lord to their Brethren, the Sons of Eli, 1 Sam. 2.22, 29, 30. I say, Remember, those that honour God shall be honoured of him; but they that despise him, shall be lightly esteemed of him. And woe to that Preacher that God esteems lightly of.  
I shall say no more to these,  they be, Prelates or Peasants, Doctors or Dunces, Bachelors or Novices in Divinity, for the pure preaching of the Gospel, who like unwise and foolish Shepherds and Preachers, lightly or flightly preach; only hear and consider that Scripture, Mal. 1.6. woe unto you, O Priests, that despise my Name; and ye say, Wherein have we despised thy Name? Yea, offer polluted Bread upon my Altar, and ye say, Wherein have we polluted it? In that ye say, The Table of the Lord is contemptible: And if ye offer the blind for Sacrifice, Is it not evil? And if ye offer the lame and the sick, Is it not evil? But cursed be the Deceiver that hath in his Flock a Male, and voweth, and sacrificeth to the Lord a corrupt thing; for I am a great King, saith the Lord of Hosts.   

The third Use is of Exhortation.  
But again, The next Use I shall make of this Point, is for Exhortation, (in two Branches) and that to two sorts of persons.  
First, Such as Preach the Gospel.  
Secondly, To such who hear the Gospel preached.   

The first Branch.  
First, Let me presume to speak a few words to all such as fear the Lord, and preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus; first, Be exhorted so to Preach, or make manifest the Gospel, as it ought to be preached or made manifest, as Paul words it, Col. 4.3, 4. Oh! as wise Preachers, and not unwise, seek and search after the mind of Christ, contained in the Proverbs, Problems, or Word of Christ. Oh! hunt as Huntsmen do for Game; follow it hard, and follow it close, through thick and through thin, through Briars and through Thorns, as such who are resolved not to lose their time, and labour or desire, if it be possible. Even so let every wise Gospel-Preacher endeavour to preach the Gospel, as striving not to lose his labour; so Preaching, that he may reap the Harvest or Blessing of his preaching; and not only preach, but so preach, as every wise Preacher ought to preach; not only unto men, or unto men's ears, but unto men's ears, and into men's hearts also, if possible. Thus Paul preached to the Galatians, travelling in Soul for the good of their Souls, until Christ was form in them.  
Oh Beloved! study not only to preach Notions unto the People, so much as to preach Motions into the People, that Christ may be form in them. Oh! study Soul-convincing, and Soul-converting Doctrine, striving and designing that all your Hearers may be delivered into the form of that Doctrine, which from Christ, by you, is to them delivered. Oh! this will cause you, not only to have matter of Peace, but of Joy and Thanksgiving also with Paul, Rom. 6.17. It is easier to seek out, and find out a Sermon to preach unto the People, than to find out this skill and wisdom, how to be able to distil or preach a Sermon into the People; for if God, that gives us a Door, yea, an open Door of Utterance unto the People, do not also graciously give us a Door, an open Door of Entrance into the People; also our Preaching will be vain and lost Preaching, as to the People to whom we Preach; no good will be done, the People will be undone rather by us, for the better the Preacher is, and the more he preaches, and the People not the better, but the worse; the more dangerous is that people's case and condition, and the greater will be their damnation. woe to thee Capernaum, which art exalted to Heaven, thou shalt be brought down to Hell; For if the mighty Works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained till this day: But I say, It shall be more tolerable for the Land of Sodom, in the Day of Judgement, than for thee, Mat. 11.23.24. Oh therefore, as the High Priests of old bare the Children of Israel's Names upon their Breasts, even so let all wise Preachers carry their Hearers upon their Hearts, that God would make their labour of love useful, and not a savour of death unto death, unto any of them.  
But again, Let me persuade and exhort such as Preach, to seek that they may first be preached to, and that doubly.  
Get thy Soul, first, preached into Christ, before ever thou goest to preach Christ unto any.  
Secondly, Get the mind of Christ preached unto thy Soul, before thou goest about to preach the mind of Christ to any Soul; remembering what is written, How can they preach except they be sent? Rom. 10.15. Oh Preachers! seek before ever, or whensoever you go to preach to others, to get Christ to preach forth his blessed Truth; to the which he would that day have preached forth by thee to others: For how can one receive any thing, except it be given him from Above, or from Heaven, Joh. 3.27. Oh seek, and search out diligently what Message is most meet for the People; and what Message Christ would have thee now hand forth to the People; for 'tis not every Message, but present Message, is a meet Message to be delivered to the People: This we have hinted in the Description of the wise Scribe, that he brings forth of his Treasury things new and old, things suitable and necessary for present concernment, Mat. 13.52. The People's present need, should be every wise Preacher's business to supply, and that in the first place. Oh search, as after the People's Lessons, so after the People's profiting; be not foolish Seedsmen as to sow your Seed, yea, Christ's principal immortal Seed of the Word, and never look after it; be not like the World's Sons of Levi, that only preach, to preach themselves into the People, and the People's Money into their Pockets; and having performed as much of this as Law requires, and will effect their end, they never care what becomes of their preaching. Oh, pray over your preaching, yea, pray after your preaching, that God would bless your preaching; and add the upper, as the nether Springs to your preaching, and not let you run and labour in vain. Search after the profiting of your Hearers, and see how the Seed sown makes increase, in some thirty, in some sixty, in some an hundred fold, Mark 4.8.  
But again, Let me once more exhort wise Preachers to seek out the deep things of God, contained in the Mysteries of the Gospel, or manifold wisdom of God. Oh! be not blind Leaders of the blind World, lest you and they fall into the Ditch; search and study the Scriptures, which are able to make the Preacher, or the Man of God, perfect, or throughly furnished unto preaching. Knowledge, Gospel-Knowledge, is deep Waters: Apply your diligence to draw it out of the Wells of Salvation.  
But lastly, Suffer me to add one word of Exhortation more; Search and see there be no root of Gall or Wormwood springing up to trouble you in your Work; I mean, see that the mouths of gainsayers, and such as oppose your preaching, or slander your good Conversation, be silenced, that they which speak evil of you may be ashamed. The better and more wisely any Preacher preaches, the more will be his opposition, and therefore his wisdom should be, to take away occasion from such as seek occasion, that they of the contrary part may be ashamed. Oh seek to preach preventingly, that whosoever be Hearers, they may not find any occasion against you, save only in the matter of your God. Strive to countermine Satan and Sinners, that whilst you are sowing precious Seed, will not spare to sow the Tares. Therefore strive so to preach, as to leave them no place or advantage for the Tares; yea, seek especially so to preach, as the Children that come to you for Bread may not meet with Stones, or suppose you give them Serpents for Fishes; I mean, Fancies and Errors, instead of wholesome Food or Gospel-truths'. Oh! preach plainly, preach purely, preach powerfully, preach plentifully, preach wisely or warily, lest you offend one of those little Ones, or so much as give them any show or appearance of exception o● stumbling; nay, let them not have so much as subterfuge, evasion, shift, or project, to put by the force and scope of your preaching, or to hid themselves under from obeying the Truth; but let every Soul be without excuse in the day of Christ; and this is to be a wise Preacher, and to seek out and set in order many Proverbs and Parables. So much for this first Branch of the Exhortation.   

The second Branch of Exhortation.  
But secondly, Let me make from hence one word of Exhortation to such as are Hearers. If the Preachers must seek, hunt, and search after the mind of Christ to deliver it unto you, then do not you less, than seek, hunt and search after the comprehending and understanding what you hear. Take Christ's Counsel, Luk. 8.18. Take heed therefore how you hear. Oh! if Preachers must be wise Preachers, be not you foolish or unwise Hearers; if they must be painful and careful Preachers, be you not slothful careless Hearers; if they must be watchful Preachers, I pray be not you sleepy Hearers: For if they must give a severe account how they Preach, think not but you Hearers must give a strict account how you hear; for it is written, God will deal with the Scholar as with the Master, Isa. 24.2.  
Oh, my Beloved, did Preachers know truly and sufficiently the weight, want, and worth of preaching, they would doutbless take more heed how they preach; even so would you Hearers, did you but consider the worth, want, and necessity of preaching, you would be more attentive, watchful, thankful, constant, fruitful Hearers: As negligent, careless, idle Preachers little know, or consider the worth, or the price, or the misery of Souls which are lost for want of wise and careful preaching; no more do you idle, sleepy, forgetful, unfruitful Hearers, know or consider the worth or price of your immortal Souls, nor the danger of your eternal condition, if you obey not the Gospel.  
Oh Beloved! take heed to yourselves, and to your feet, when you go to Hearing; and if you have any respect for the Lord Jesus, value of the Gospel, love to your Preachers, or regard or pity to your own Souls, do not thus evilly requite the Lord, your Labourers, yea, your own Souls, a● to be unworthy, careless, heedless, mindless, heartless, fruitless Hearers of the Gospel; which with so much wisdom and wariness ought to be preached to you. Should a most choice Physician take pity of a poor dying Patient, and sit down, and turn over all his Experiences, and take the greatest ca●● he can to consider his Patient's condition, and prescribe a Potion most suitable, most safe and profitable for his Patient; and then his Patient should either refuse to accept it, and neglect to read it, and resolve never to improve it; would not you say, This was a most unwise, unworthy, and ungrateful Person, to deal thus unworthily with his loving Friend and faithful Physician. Oh my Beloved! know and consider this day, such, even such, are all such unwise, unworthy Hearers, a● when their loving, wise, and faithful Preache●● have been diligently examining and considering their Soul's case and condition; and having sounds not only their Disease, but their infallible Remedy, when they come and bring it unto you by the preaching of the Gospel, and you Hearers, with one consent slight it and neglect it; one saying, He will not put himself or Family to the trouble to come out of doors to hear it; another, he will come, but 'tis to sleep; a third, but 'tis to carp and cavil at it through his own faults, and instead of watching his own heart, he watches for the Preachers halting; a fourth may come and hear, but carelessly, more minding his ease, and his dressed, and his company, than the Sermon or his duty; a fifth may hear, but forget; a sixth, but not believe, but dispute what he hears; and a feventh, though he hears, and understands, and remembers, yet comes prepared and resolved to be Sermon proof, and not obey what he hears, say the Preacher what he pleases.  
Oh my Beloved! are not all these unthankful, and unworthy Hearers of the Word, and such as give both God and Men occasion to be weary of them, and to shake off the dust of their feet against them, and say, Since by this doing you judge yourselves unworthy of the Gospel, Lo, we turn to the Gentiles, Acts 13.46.  
I have done now with this Use, and shall con●ude both this Doctrine and this Exhortation, with two Scriptures; one is that James 1.19, with 〈◊〉 Wherefore, my beloved Brethren, let every man 〈◊〉 swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; being doers of the Word, and not Hears only, decerving your own Souls, or your own selves. The other passage is Ephes. 5.15, 16. See then, I say, Preacher and Hearer, see to it, that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Thus much for this particular.  
I now proceed to the next, which are these, And set in order many Proverbs or Parables.  
These words contain another description of the wise Preacher's Work, that is, To endeavour to set in order many Proverbs.  
Two things need a little clearing.  
First, What is meant by a Proverb.  
Secondly, What it is to set Proverbs in order.  
Proverbs, I suppose, either are to be taken literally and strictly; or, secondly, more largely and figuratively. Literally, by Proverbs, are intended any pithy, short, witty, or significant kind of Expression. Thus we have the word used, Prov. 1.6. To understand a Proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark say. Proverbs, as strictly considered, are witty, wise, dark, and short Say; and if we look upon some few of these Preachers Proverbs, you shall find all this in them; as to instance Chap. 20.17. with vers. 30. and a multitude besides. But although this Preacher's way and wisdom led him this way thus to declare his wisdom, and give forth himself; yet we must take heed of tying all Preachers to this way, or in this sense to speak, or give forth Proverbs; but to speak or set forth Proverbs in a more large and general signification, that is, wise Preachers should give forth wisdom and knowledge to the people, though not in the way or form of a Proverb strictly considered. He ought to make the People, with himself, to understand the Nature, Order, Sense, and right use of Divine-Things, Knowledge, or the Word of God; and this is that the wise Preacher here intends or speaks of; and this indeed is the Preacher's work and wisdom, to set forth the Proverbs of Scripture in order, or to unveil or declare their true Scope, Use, and Excellency.   

The ninth Doctrine.  
The observation we may hence learn, is, That every wise competent Preacher, aught with all diligence endeavour to comprehend, and cause others to comprehend the Wisdom, Sense, and Order of the Scripture. This is every Gospel-Preacher's Trade and Business.  
Two Acts or Particulars the Doctrine includes.  
First, With Relation to the Preacher.  
Secondly With reference to the Preacher's Charge or Flock.  
First; In reference to himself: He is most diligently to design and endeavour to understand and comprehend the Mind and Will of God contained in the Word. This is, To set Proverbs, or God's dark Say or Truths in order as to himself.  
Secondly; In reference unto the People: His Duty, saith this Doctrine, is to help them to understand what he comprehends of the Proverbs of God, or meaning of the Scripture; for as he neither is a Preacher for himself, much less preaches to himself; no more ought he to know, understand, or comprehend the Proverbs or Mysteries of Truth for himself only, but for the People as well as for himself. That this is so, consider a few Scriptures, Nehem. 8.7, 8. you shall find Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Palaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their places: They read in the Book of the Law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Here we have a large account of the Work and Design of wise Preachers, and good Ministers, it is to set Proverbs in order, or to clear and make known the sense of Scripture to the people; and v. 13. it is said, That the People rejoiced at this enjoyment.  
But again, Solomon tells us, That the Wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit, Prov. 14.8. Whence mark, A wise or prudent Person, (such every Gospel-preacher ought to be) his work is to understand his way; that is, his way of preaching, how to give the true sense of God's Word to his People, that is, setting Proverbs in order; the contrary of this was that God complained of in the false Prophets, or foolish Preachers of Israel; saying, His Watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they are all dumb Dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber: Yea, they are greedy Dogs, which can never have enough, and they are Shepherds that cannot understand, etc. Isa. 56.10, 11. Mark it well, They are foolish Shepherds, or unwise Preachers, that cannot understand the Mind of the Lord, and know not how to set his Parables and Proverbs in order; the like you have Jer. 9.12. Who is the wise Man that may understand this? and who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord hath spoken that he may declare it? Take that of Prov. 22. where you have Solomon the wise Preacher both doing this Work, and teaching wise Preachers also to do this work, when he saith, Have I not written unto thee excellent things in counsels and in knowledge, that I might make thee to know the certainty of the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words of truth to those that send unto thee? vers. 20.21. also Chap. 10.31, 32. The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom, and the lips of the righteous knoweth what is acceptable. Take that also of Luke 1.1, 2, 3, 4. Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eye-witnesses and Ministers of the Word: It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been instructed. To name no more, take Paul's charge and direction to Timothy, Till I come, give attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrine; meditate on these things; give thyself wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all, 1 Tim. 4.13, 15. I should now give you the Reasons of the Point, I shall only name them at present.  

Reason 1.  
First; Every wise Preacher should thus do, because this is no more than they all profess to do; and what men profess to do, that lawfully may be done, that they ought to do; therefore thus wise Preachers not only may, but must do.   

Reason 2.  
Secondly; This is that which wise and pious People warrantably promise themselves will be done for them, by such as preach to them; and therefore ought not to be denied unto them, nor can without sin be withheld from them.   

Reason 3.  
Thirdly; If this be not done, how shall the People know what they have to do? how shall the People prepare themselves to duty, if duty be not made plain to them, or the Parable set in order before them? If Doctrine be not clear, Practice must be doubtful; as Paul expresseth, If the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the Battle? 1 Cor. 14 8.   

Reason 4.  
Fourthly; If Preachers do not make it their business to set Proverbs, or God's Word, in order, or in due order; nothing is more certain than this, That they will set them out of order: but let such that so do, think of that passage, what the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two Friends; for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, Job 42.7. Oh, what a dreadful thing is it for God to be angry with a Preacher; view that of Numb. 10.1, 2. with that of 2 Sam. 6.7.   

Reason 5.  
last; This is that which wise Preachers may do, if they will but spiritually make it their business so to do, and therefore are without all excuse if this they do not; for it is written, He maketh his Ministers a flame of fire, Heb. 1.7.  
But I told you, I should only name the Reasons and come to Application; in the which I shall also be the briefer, because I have formerly had occasion, as you may remember, to speak to the substance of this Doctrine; all I intent, I shall comprise in a few serious words of Exhortation to all that are, or would be esteemed wise and Gospel-Preachers.    

Use of Exhortation.  
Oh, let such remember, and never forget, it is their Duty and Business to set God's Proverbs in order; that is, in God's, or Gospel-order, that he that runs may read the Visions of God in the Scripture. Oh, let us not be like the foolish Preachers which the Lord reproveth by the Prophet, saying, seemeth it a small thing to you, to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your foot the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? And as for my flock, they eat that which you have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. Therefore, behold, saith the Lord, I will judge you, Ezek. 34.18, 19, 20.  
I beseech you, dear Brethren, let it be our Work and Business to do what the Prophet was commanded to do, when the Lord answered and said, Writ the Vision, and make it plain upon Tables, that he that runneth may read it, Habak. 2.2. Oh, let it be our main business, not only to know that the Lord hath Proverbs, and that our Lord Jesus spoke nothing without a Parable, Mat. 13.34. that is, little without a Parable: I say, This is not so much our business, as to comprehend and understand how to set these Parables in order, in due order, in their own order. Oh, this is necessary and becoming wise Preachers thus to do, and not to set Proverbs out of order, into their own or other men's order, labouring more in Preaching to keep close to their own or other men's sense and order in opening the Scripture, than unto Christ's and the Scriptures order. It matters not what Commentary, or Comment● or, we decline or contradict, so we harmonise the Scripture, and agree with the Original, Sense, and Scope thereof: Let such as preach, and would preach wisely and approvedly, b●onfult the Sense and Interpretation of Text, as well as Observation or Application of Text. For how can the Observation be true or natural, or the Application forcible and strong, if the Interpretation be wrong? Oh, ta●e heed of wronging Proverbs, by knocking Proverbs, even God's Proverbs, out of order; and lie, and say not the truth, when you say the Lord saith it, or the Lord's Word teacheth it; and the Lord hath not said it, neither doth his Word reach it. Oh, think frequently of that word, Behold, I am against the Prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, The Lord saith it, Jer. 23.31. Think it not wisdom or excellency, to darken, vail, or lobscure the Scripture, or the Proverbs thereof; but to unveil or enlighten the Scripture; that is, make its real Light appear: lest by so doing, we not only contract to ourselves our own, but the sins of other men also, even the sin and right to the punishment of as many as have received and believed our dreams for the Visions of the Lord. 'Tis more than we can well bear, our own guilt, and the chastisements of our own sins and errors: But O! how intolerable and heavy may it prove to us, to bear the guilt or punishment of the many deceived and corrupted by us. The greatest of Preachers and Writers, without conformity to this Doctrine, lie in greatest danger, as being the greatest of Deceivers.  
But I shall say no more to this Use or Doctrine, save only a closing word, because I am speaking to the wise, and a word to the wise may suffice: and truly such as are otherwise, 'tis not the many words will do any good, as Solomon tells us; Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness departed from him, Prov. 27.22. Wherefore, my Brethren, let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded; and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you, Philippians 3.15. And so I come to the next verse, or next words of the Text; though I might offer another Observation from the number of Proverbs, the wise Preacher set in order; 'tis many, or the All of the many Proverbs that are in the Scripture.  
We might note, Wise Preachers are fruitful Preachers, not barren, lean, or dry Preachers, that can only interpret some one or other single Proverb; but can set in order the many or manifold Proverbs in the Scripture; but I shall rather proceed and hasten to a close.  
As this Scripture is Prophetical, and looks towards the truly wise, or transcendently wise Preacher, our Lord Jesus, that greater than Solomon, we might note divers things, but this I now shall want time for; you find in vers. 10. The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words; and that which was written was upright, even words of truth.  
In general, This Verse gives us account of what the Preacher sought, even acceptable words; and this is the second thing he sought, as this verse compared with the former acquaints us.  
But more particularly, In the Verse we have two things.  
First; An account of what the Preacher sought to find out, even acceptable words.  
Secondly; The excellency or property of those acceptable words, in these words, and that which was written, was upright, even words of truth, or according to truth; not only upright, but also words of truth.  
To begin with the first of these; The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words. This is every wise Preacher's Work, to seek how to find out acceptable words, or how to make his words acceptable.  
For the improvement of these words, one question is necessary to be resolved, to wit, What acceptable words are, or such acceptable words are which Preachers ought to seek out?  
I Answer; First, Negatively, Not flattering words, or deceitful words, though sometimes such words Preachers seek out, and the People account them acceptable; as in that passage of the false Prophets, who knowing the affection of the King to be for War, finds out acceptable, but deceitful words; who said, with one consent, Go up, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hands of the King, 1 Kings 22.6. But you find these were neither upright words, nor words of truth, but of deceit and falsehood, as the consequent declared it; but the words the wise Preacher sought to find out, as acceptable to the People, were upright, even words of truth.  
But secondly, Affirmatively; I say, Acceptable words, which wise Preachers should or do seek to find out, are words meet to be accepted from him that preaches, by them to whom he preaches; and so is every word of truth in the general, though some words more especially; as Paul implies in that expression, This is a saying worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save sinners, of whom I am chief, 1 Tim. 1.15.  
Thirdly, Acceptable words, imply words which God accepts, and therefore should be acceptable with the People; Though the People do not accept them, yet they may be accepted of God. Such were Mieaiah's words to the King, when he said, I saw all Israel scattered upon the Hills, as Sheep that have no Shepherd; and the Lord said, These have no Master, let them return every man to his House in peace, 1 Kings 22.17.  
Fourthly, Acceptable words, imply sometimes such words as are not only words of truth in themselves, and so acceptable to God, but words accepted with the People, and so acceptable in all respects. Such were Philip's words to the Eunuch, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest, Acts 8.37. The former of these cannot be wanting in an acceptable word, the latter may, and yet the words be acceptable; as in that of Jeremiah, when he told the King of Judah, Behold, Pharaohs Army which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own Land, and the Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this City, and take it, and burn it with fire, Jer. 37.7, 8. But though these words were acceptable, or truth in themselves, and so to the Lord, and should have been so to them, as being profitable to them: Yet for all this they were unacceptable to them, as is manifest vers. 15. Wherefore the Princes were wroth with Jeremiah, and smote him, and put him in Prison.  
This may suffice for the Answer of this great Question: What acceptable words are? Let me now raise this Observation or Conclusion.   

The tenth Doctrine.  
That the wisdom and work of wise Preachers, is, and aught to be, to preach acceptable words, or acceptably.  
I shall the briefer pass through this Doctrine, because I have had occasion already to speak to the main things in it contained. Wherefore for the proof of what hath been asserted, to wit, That every wise Preacher's wisdom and work, is to preach acceptable words, or acceptably; Consider, This is Paul's charge, not to Timothy only, but in him to all Preachers, to preach acceptable words, as you have it in the following words of the Text, words of Truth: Hold fast the form of sound words which thou hast heard from me, 2 Tim. 1.13. So to Titus, speaking what Preachers or Elders of Churches should be, he saith, They should be men able, by sound Doctrine, both to exhort and convince gainsayers, Tit. 1.9. so Chap. 2.1. Speak thou the thing which becometh sound Doctrine; and once more you have it given in charge among other Directions, Sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you, vers. 8. And this Paul begs the Prayers of Saints to God for him in this behalf, That he might not only Speak, or Preach, but so Speak or Preach as he ought to do, Ephes. 6.20. with Col. 4.4.  
But may not some say; How doth it appear all this while, that preaching sound words, is preaching acceptable words?  
However I shall grant, That to unsound hearts, unsound words are and may be most acceptable, as we read where the People spoke to the Prophet, saying, Prophesy not unto us right things; speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits, Isa. 30.10. Yet sound Hearts, or gracious Hearers, they count no words acceptably spoken, or worthy their acceptation, but sound and wholesome words; as we read of the Church of Ephesus, that they hated the Deeds, or the Doctrine of the Nicholaitans, which the Lord also hated, Rev. 2.6.  
In the opening of this term, acceptable words, I told you it employed words of truth; which, and which only, ought of honest and wise Hearers to be accepted. Therefore to preach sound words, or words of Truth, is to preach acceptable words; being such words which only should be preached, and are always worthy of all men's acceptation. And doubtless, this among other things Paul also intended in that phrase, to speak as he ought; that is, only and always Truth, or the lively Oracles of God; not but that Preachers have other things to mind, that their words may be acceptable words.  
So, secondly; Seasonable words are, or aught to be accounted acceptable words: Therefore Solomon, speaking of seasonable words, saith, A word spoken in due season, how good is it? or, how acceptable is it? Prov. 15.23. Now, a word may be fitly said to be seasonable or seasonably spoken, either in reference to God's account, or the people's concernments. First, In reference to God's, when God's Cause and Honour calls for our speaking, then to speak such words as may most conduce to the Cause and Case in hand, is to speak acceptable or seasonable words, such as wise Preachers ought to seek out, & speak out. Such were Mordecai's words to Hester, when he declared to her the state of the Jews, and charged her, That she should go in unto the King to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her People, Chap. 4.8. And when she seems to be backward to entertain these words, vers. 10, 11. Mordecai doubles former seasonable words, as becomes wise Preachers so to do, and tells her, Think not that thou shalt escape in the King's House, more than all the Jews: For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall their enlargement arise from another place, but thou and thy Father's House shall be destroyed, vers. 13, 14. The like seasonable were the words of Elijah, both to the King and to the People, when he told the King, I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy Father's House, in that ye have forsaken the Commandments of the Lord, and ye have followed. Baalim; and to the People, when he said, How long halt ye between two Opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him, 1 Kings 18.18, 21. And such were Paul's words to the Athenians, when he saw them so given to Idolatry, Acts 17.16, to the close of that Chapter.  
And by the way note, That ofttimes God, in a wonderful manner, stirs-up the Spirits of his Servants to be speaking such acceptable words as are timous and most seasonable, in order to present work, as in the instances cited, with many more may easily appear.  
But secondly, Words may then be counted seasonable and acceptable, when most suitable to, or suiting with the People's present Case, State, and Necessities. The work of wise Preachers should be, to suit their words to such occasions, when a People are secure, settled in sin and sinful ways; then awakening, quickening, reproving words are most seasonable, and to God most acceptable when spoken, and should be so to the People. Such were John's words to the sinful Jews, when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his Baptism, he said unto them, O generation of Vipers, who hath warned you to fly from the wrath to come? bring forth therefore fruit meet for repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our Father. When the People's case is trouble and sorrow for sin, then comforting words are seasonable and acceptable words. This the Lord himself teacheth, saying, Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, Isa. 40.1, 2. And in obedience hereunto, when Peter saw that the People were pricked at their hearts, he said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost; for the promise is to you, and to your Children, and to all that are after off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call, Acts 2.38, 39 When the People are ignorant of Truth's necessary, or in some sense of necessity to be at present known; Now 'tis wise Preachers work, to seek out seasonable and acceptable words of information, for the removing the people's ignorance. Thus Peter did in that forecited Acts 2.14, 15. And thus did those wise ones Aquila and Priscilla deal with Apollo's, Acts 18.24, 25, 26.  
To name no more Instances of this kind, When words may truly be seasonable and acceptable, or both; I say, when we see the People's sin openly, and dangerous to the ensnaring and endangering of others, then 'tis most seasonable to step in with reproving words. Thus Paul dealt with Peter, Gal. 2.12, 13, 14. And with the same spirit we find him acting against Elimas' the Sorcerer, when he sought to turn away the Deputy from the Faith, Acts 13.9, 10, 11.  
Thus much may suffice for the proving and opening the Point; let me now give you two or three Reasons or Arguments why this must needs be a Truth.  

Reason 1.  
First; Because 'tis then only, Preachers can be said in preaching to preach, or in doing the work of preaching to preach, when we preach acceptably, or speak seasonable words. All other preaching is foolish preaching, or for the present but lost preaching. But again;   

Reason 2.  
Secondly; Such Preachers and Preaching, are only acceptable to God, as such only should be to wise Hearers, as the Lord seems to imply in that expression of the Prophet, He that hath a Dream, let him tell a Dream; and he that hath my Word, let him speak my Word faithfully. What is the Chaff to the Wheat? saith the Lord, Jer. 23.28.   

Reason 3.  
last; Preachers ought to seek out acceptable words, because such preaching will only answer our engagements and pretensions both to God and Man: Our engagement, who preach, is like our Lord Christ, who said, I came from Heaven, not to do my own Will, but the Will of him that sent me, John 6.38. And no Preacher is so foolish or unwise a Preacher, as to pretend less than thus to do; wherefore let as many as preach be so wise and honest to do what they pretend to do, and as Paul saith, Not to preach themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and themselves Servants for Jesus sake, 2 Cor. 4.5.  
I proceed now to the Application, because I promised to be short.    

Use of Reproof.  
The first Use may be for a word of Reproof to as many Preachers that are not so wise as to make this their work, to seek out acceptable seasonable words, even sound words, or words of truth and uprightness. Oh, how many foolish, careless, and unconscionable Preachers there are, that neither study the Scriptures to find out sounds words, nor consult with God, or with the People, to know what may be an acceptable word, or a word spoken in due season, either in reference to what God is a doing, or the People are wanting in. These may more aptly be styled foolish than wise Preachers, who more study humane than divine Writ; and consult the mind of men, especially great men, rather than the mind of God; and their own gain and interest, more than the People's profit.  
All I shall further say to these is, As their sin is great against God and the Souls of the People; even so, without repentance, and more wisdom, their judgement will be heavy, and their damnation slumbers not. Let such think seriously of that saying of Peter, But these, as natural bruit beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things they understand not, and shall utterly perish in their own corruption, 2 Pet. 2.12. But to be brief.   

Secondly, For Exhortation.  
Secondly, This shall serve for a word of Exhortation, and that to two sorts of Persons.  
First; To such as Preach.  
Secondly; To such as Hear.  
First; Let me exhort and provoke all you that are wise Gospel. Preachers, to remember this word; Seek out acceptable words, even words of Truth; and let that which is written be upright. Oh, suffer me to beseech you to seek out seasonable words, both upon God's and his People's account. Oh, consider what Generation-work God hath in hand in your day, in the present day, and give it your word, as Nehemiah did in his day, Chap. 2. vers. 3. In times of abounding of iniquity, Lift up thy Voice like a Trumpet, cry aloud, spare not, show the people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sin, Isa. 58.1. And take that encouraging word and charge you have given to the Prophet Jeremiah, Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee, and be not dismayed at their faces, Jer. 1.17. Oh, my Brethren, be prevailed upon to make it your main business, next to the looking after your own Vines, to look after acceptable words for the People. Oh, search out the cause you know not, and see what your and Christ's Sheep want, and Preach words seasonable, or in due season. Oh Beloved, be not knowers but doers of the Word, not deceiving your own Souls: This will bring much honour to Christ, and you will then so do your work, as to have joy, and not grief, in the great day of Jesus Christ.  
Secondly; Let me exhort you that are Hearers, to suffer a word of Exhortation, not only from me, but from your Preachers also, which enjoy wise and painful Preachers, that make it their business to seek out acceptable words for you. Oh, esteem such highly for their work sake, and their work for Christ's sake. Oh, slight not such words as cost them so dear, or so much, to find out for your use. Oh, sin not against such words as are seasonable, and should be to you acceptable. Suffer your Preachers to deal home and plainly with you; 'tis their duty, and their love to Christ and you, make their work easy; take their labour of love kindly, despise not, pervert not prophesyings of such as seek out acceptable words; and  they speak is words of Truth, and of uprightness. If necessity be laid upon them to seek out acceptable words, do not think you are at liberty, whether you will receive or refuse them. Nay, think of that dreadful word, Lo, when this cometh to pass, then shall they know that a Prophet hath been among you, Ezek. 33.33. The great God that made nothing in vain, hath not made wise Preachers in vain, or that you should turn a deaf ear, or a rebellious heart towards them. They must sift, hunt, and search out acceptable words for you; and you ought to receive them with all readiness of mind, and take heed that they lose not through you the things which they have wrought. Oh believe it, your spiritual wise Preachers do bring you acceptable words, meat in due season, and therefore let him that hath ears, hear what the Spirit saith to the Churches.  
And lastly; If Preachers must seek out acceptable words for the People, then let their acceptable words be acceptably entertained of you: As Daniel said to the King, so let me say to all you to whom this Truth shall come, Let my Counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by Righteousness, and your iniquities by showing of mercy, Dan. 4.27. I mean, your sins against wise Preachers, and their acceptable words from Jesus Christ.  
Thus much for this Word and this Point. I proceed now from the Preacher's Work to the Preacher's Commendation; And that which was written was upright, even words of Truth.   

The eleventh Doctrine.  
Whence I might observe, That as wise Preachers are wary and painful Preachers, and search and seek out acceptable and seasonable words for their People; so a pious and deserving People will not be wanting to give, or afford them and their preaching, due and deserved encouragement and commendation, as might easily be made to appear.  
But remembering what Solomon the Preacher hath writ in this case, Prov. 27.2. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.  
I shall forbear to proceed any further, and shall now consider the words, without relation to the Preacher, as they hint forth the commendation of uprightness and truth, not only in the Preacher's Spirit and Work, but in every Man's Spirit and Conversation.   

The twelfth Doctrine.  
And the Observation may be this, That a Spirit of Truth and uprightness, is an excellent frame of Spirit in all that profess the Name of Christ.  
I shall not need to spend time about the opening or discovering what Truth and Uprightness is, because among such who enjoy wise Preachers, this is much discoursed of amongst wise and gracious Persons; this is well known, if not better known than practised. Therefore I shall briefly give you the proofs of the Point, and then come to improve it.  
That this frame of Spirit and walking is lovely and excellent, take the witness of a stranger in Israel concerning David, when he told him, Surely as the Lord liveth, thou hast been upright, and thy going out, and thy coming in with me in the Host, is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in thee, since the day of thy coming unto me, to this day, 1 Sam. 29.6. Take also David's own testimony, when he sings forth the excellency of his Spirit, saying, I was also upright before him, and have kept myself from mine iniquity, 2 Sam. 22.24. But setting aside Man's testimony to this Truth, take the Lord's own testimony concerning Job; And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my Servant Job? there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, Chap. 1.8. The like honourable acknowledgement doth our Lord give of Nathaniel, saying, Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile, John 1.47. And Solomon tells us, Such as are upright in their way, are the Lord's delight, or his delightful ones, Prov. 11.20.  
But this may suffice for the proof of the Point, though manifold Texts might have been produced for the further demonstrating this, had it been necessary.  
Let me now give you some Arguments to clear this Observation, That truth and uprightness in the Spirit, renders such Spirits excellent.  

Argument 1.  
First; Because this is the frame of God's Spirit or Being, therefore to be like God in being, must needs render us excellent in being. That God is thus in his Being, take that saying for it, Good and upright is the Lord, Psal. 25.8. Also that of Isaiah, Oh, thou most upright, dost weigh the path of the Just, Isa. 26.7. Now to have our Spirits according to the frame of God's Spirit, is the most excellent frame that can be imagined. But again;   

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

Argument 3.  
Thirdly; 'Tis that frame begun in us here, which will be our frame perfectly in the state of Glory. Now to be in such a frame here, as we shall be in glory, must needs be a glorious and excellent frame. When the Disciples saw Christ transfigured, That his Face did shine as the Sun, and his Raiment was white as the Light, Mat. 17.2. Even so, how glorious are such Souls as are transfigured into the Image of Christ, even this image of Truth, and uprightness of Spirit? Such are the most excellent in their Generation. But again;   

Argument 4.  
last; This can be no other than a Truth, which both Heaven and Earth bear witness to; but that this is excellent, even truth and uprightness, in whom-soever it be found, we have heard the testimony of Heaven and of the Scripture; and if we inquire of all sorts of men under the Heavens, they will all seal to this Truth, that Men and Women, of honest Spirits, are most desirable and excellent Persons both to dwell with and converse with.  
Therefore seeing this Doctrine knows no Adversaries as to the acknowledgement thereof, I shall cease any further demonstration, and come to Application; wherein I shall speak something by way of Information, something of Exhortation, and then give some Motives.    

Use of Information.  
The first Use I shall make of this Point, is to present you with a word of Information, and that is, Whence it comes to pass that the Preachers and People of the Lord are no more valued and esteemed than they are this day? 'Tis, because they have no more of this excellent Spirit in them, this Spirit of Truth and of Uprightness. I do not say this is the only reason, or that there is no other reason, but I say it again, amongst other Reasons, this is one grand one: They say, Professors want Truth and Uprightness; talk of Heaven, and of Love, and of Bounty and Patience, yet love the World, and pursue the World, and keep the World as much as any; love few but themselves, and Men of their own Principles, judging all that believe not as they believe, and practise as they practise. They are as miserable and impatient, or forward upon every slight occasion, as any other men. Therefore men are apt to think that all is not true they say, and that they speak not as they think, but are deceitful, mere words and shows. Oh my dear Friends! I wish that this were altogether groundless, and that there were not too much truth or ground for this complaint.  
But Sirs, take notice how the want of visibility and activity in this frame of Spirit, causeth our good commodity to be evil spoken of; therefore let it be our wisdom and business, to take away occasion from them that seek occasion, and take heed that we open not the mouths of the uncircumcised Philistines, to rejoice or blaspheme. Let Professors know what they can, and talk what they will, 'twil signify little, unless they walk also in this Spirit of Truth and Uprightness.   

Use of Exhortation.  
But secondly, and especially, Let this be matter of Exhortation to us all, even as many as fear the Lord, both Preachers and Hearers, to labour for, and walk in a Spirit of Truth and Uprightness. This we have seen is a most excellent choice frame of Spirit, in the esteem both of God and Man. Oh therefore, labour to attain such a frame of Spirit; For naturally our Spirits are otherwise in the frames of them; for what the Prophet once said, is still truth, Every one is an hypocrite, and an evil doer, and every mouth speaketh folly or falsehood, Isa. 9.17. 'Tis Mortification of earthly Members, and Sanctification of the Spirit, must make us Men or Women of this frame of Spirit; for naturally we are born of another temper, and you who know what Mortification is, know it is not easy work to mortify the deeds of the flesh; but be it what it may be, yet be prevealed upon, in the fear of the Lord, to set upon this duty, even to get our Spirits into this frame, even into this good frame; and if it will cost us the plucking out of our right eyes, or cutting off our right hands, yet subscribe to it.  
And first, Let me freely tender this word of Exhortation to us that are Preachers, and should be wise Preachers, seeking out acceptable words; and that which by us is at any time preached and written upon the heart of the People, should be upright, even words of truth. Let us be a living Word, as well as a speaking Word; let our lips and our lives join together, and speak one thing, even Holiness to Jehovah. Oh, let not us reprove sin in others, and allow or indulge it in ourselves. What is that but downright dissimulation? Oh, let us not commend Patience, and be impatient; and Humility, and be Sons of Pride ourselves. This is not to walk with the foot of uprightness according to the Gospel; This is not to be a wise, but an unwise Preacher, if not a proud Pharisee, and a very Hypocrite. Wherefore, if a Preacher, be under such temptations; as to pretend Christ, and preach Self; and to seek Christ, and seek mostly Self; as to cry down all sin, and yet live in cried down sins; to commend Grace and Virtue, and yet live short in Grace, and empty of Virtue; placing thy excellency and piety in seeming so, and saying so, and in washing the outside, neglecting the inside; make broad the Phylacteries, and enlarging the borders of your Garments, that is, in using singular or peculiar restraints, and modes of Gesture and Vesture, from other sober and pious Persons. Oh, know 'tis not marring of our Beards or Locks, and having our Cloaks long, and our Girdles straight, that can or will prove us wise Preachers, or men of this excellent Spirit of Uprightness and Truth. Oh no! we may be Fools and Hypocrites for all this; and therefore it nearly stands us upon to do as that great Preacher and Apostle of the Gentiles did; Even to keep under (or beat black and blue) our body, and bring it into subjection, lest (O mark it) that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway, 1 Cor. 9.27. And answer all temptations to contrary-mindedness or contrary-spiritedness to this Doctrine and frame of Spirit, as good Nehemiah did, saying, Shall such a man as I flee? Who being as I am, would desist? Chap. 6.11. So let us. Who that is as I am, a Man, Ah more than a Man, a Christian; yea more than a Christian, a Preacher to Christians, that would seek great things for himself, under pretence of seeking great things for Christ? Oh, who that were a Preacher as I, and preached down Covetousness, Idleness, Earthly-mindedness in others, would live in these things himself? Oh no, my Soul, I will not, I dare not, lest I be not found a wise, but an unwise Preacher, and that which by me is written or preached, be not words of Truth and Uprightness. And in the Close,  I may be to others, I be to myself a castaway. O therefore, let Preachers especially receive and improve this Exhortation, and see that our conversation be only as becometh the Gospel, Phil. 1.27. And to close up this Head of Exhortation, Let as many as are and would be found wise Preachers, be persuaded to think often and deeply of that Scripture, 2 Cor. 4. Therefore, seeing we have this Ministry, as we have received Mercy, we faint not, but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty; not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God.  
Having thus tendered my Mite to Preachers, let me now be your Exhorter that are Hearers; Men and Women fearing the Lord, Oh, let this be your frame of Spirit, be like your Father Jacob, of a plain Spirit; who hath his commendation in his youth, that he was a plain man, Gen. 25.27. Oh, such let us that fear the Lord be, let our inside be manifest by our outside; let our Words and our Works agree; our professions both to God and Man, and our performances agree and correspond together; let our Light and our Life agree, our public and private walking agree; so showing forth, that we are Israelites indeed, in whom there is no guile. Even the Epistle of Christ, written not with Ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in Tables of Stone, but in fleshly Tables of the heart, as we have it 2 Cor. 3.3. Oh, 'tis living forth this Doctrine, will speak us forth clearly to be Christians, or the Epistles of Christ, when we have such frames of Spirit as are throughly seasoned with Uprightness and Truth. Christians, look to your frame of Spirit; Hypocrites can look to their Words and Speeches. Look you to your Hearts, good Words and good Works Hypocrites have for God; 'tis Saints only have good Hearts for God. Oh, look well to your Spirits, how the frame stands bend, whether for Truth and Uprightness, or for Falsehood and Hypocrisy; and forget not that word Mal. 2.15. Take heed to your Spirits: Oh, dress your Spirits with Truth and Uprightness, for the dress of the Soul goes further with God, than all the dresses of the Body with men can do; as Peter informs us, where he advises Women, Not to let their adorning be outward adorning, but let it be the hidden man of the heart in that which is not corruptible, even the Ornament of a meek and quiet Spirit, which in the fight of God is of great price, 1 Pet. 3.3, 4. Oh my Brethren, look mostly after the dress and adorning of your Spirits, for God is not only a Spirit, but converseth most with the Spirits, and most delights in the well ordering and composure of the Spirit. Wherefore seeing the delight and sacrifice of God, is a broken and a contrite Spirit; give unto God a plain Spirit of Truth and Uprightness, knowing that our God loves Uprightness.  
And to quicken us to the acceptance of this Exhortation, let me give you and myself a few Motives and Encouragements to induce us to be of this blessed frame of Spirit.   

Motive 1.  
First; This is the ready way to have God manifest his love abundantly to us, when he finds such a frame of Spirit in us, as we have it Psal. 11.7. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness, his Countenance doth behold the upright; that is, favourably, or as one that God loves and respects. Oh, with what  respect did God behold upright Abraham, and upright Job, not only to approve them, but also to reward them or privilege them; as we find in that story of Abraham's offering up of Isaac; whereby was manifested his uprightness, and God acknowledges it Gen. 22.12. And when God saw that Abraham had such a frame of Spirit, God doth not only give him his Isaac from the dead, but tells him also, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord; for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy Son, thine only Son, thine Isaac, that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy Seed as the Stars of Heaven, and as the Sand that is upon the Seashore; and thy Seed shall possess the gate of his enemies, vers. 16, 17. And lest this should not be enough, hear further what God promises him in the next Verse, saying, In thy Seed shall all the Nations of the Earth be blessed; and all, because he was upright, and in uprightness obeyed the Voice of God. Oh, see what favour God bears to upright Men and Women, as in Job, and David, and Paul, and others, might be largely manifested.  
Secondly; Consider, this is an encouragement, or an heart-strengthening frame of Spirit. Oh, how wonderfully will uprightness strengthen unto Truth; according to that of Solomon, The Lord is strength to the upright, Prov. 10.29. How did Daniel's uprightness give him humble and holy boldness in the day of his trouble? as appears by his expression to the King, Then said Daniel unto the King, Live for ever; my God hath sent his Angels, and hath shut the Lion's mouths that they have not hurt me; forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me, and also before thee have I done no hurt, Dan. 6.21, 22. But on the contrary, How does the want of uprightness cause heart-trembling and weakness? as you may see in that story of Haman, Hest. 7.6, 7, 8. Oh therefore, get and maintain such a frame of Spirit, as will cause and maintain in our Souls, a truly well-grounded confidence and boldness to look God and Man in the face withal, without blushing in any season. But again;  
Thirdly; To move us to make it our business to get and maintain our Spirits in such a frame; consider, 'Tis a frame so desirable and lovely, that not only God and all good men love this frame of heart, but all men, even the vilest of men, approve of this in others, though they may be wanting in it themselves; and this is the Apostles Argument, Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, think on these things, Phil. 4.8. But again;  
Fourthly; Take this for encouragement towards pressing after such a frame of Spirit: A deceitful Spirit is a vain Spirit, that goes about to deceive, or go beyond God or Man, by frauds, by guiles, and deceits; nay, deceives himself; 'tis like clothing ourselves with Fig-leaves, or hiding our heads under the Spider's Web; 'tis vain work, as the Lord tells us, Isa. 29.15, 16, 17. There is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, and hid, that shall not be known, Mat. 10.26. For the folly of fools is deceit, Prov. 14.8. For their folly shall be made manifest to all men, 2 Tim. 3.9.  
Fifthly, and lastly; To hasten, consider but the danger of a contrary frame of Spirit to this Doctrine; and if former Motives cannot induce and move us to this frame, yet peradventure this lower Motive of self-conveniency and concernment may. Though God is a resolved enemy against all sorts of sin and sinners, yet especially is he resolved to show himself most quick and severe against persons of this frame. God hath said it, and will make it good; Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, Psal. 53.23. Hypocrites, of all men, must have their woes, and no portion of woe is sufficient for their punishment short of the Devils, weeping and gnashing of teeth, which must be the portion of Devils, and of Hypocrites, Mat. 24.51. compared with Chap. 25.41.  
Take but an instance or two of this, of two great men in their day; the one a King, and a choice one, but found playing the Hypocrite; the other a Bishop, or an Apostle, but a bad one, and an Hypocrite. And behold how severe and quick God is in punishing both the one and the other. The one is David, who playing not only the Murderer and Adulterer, but the unworthy Hypocrite with Vriah; pretending kindness, but contriving and effecting his death. How home doth God deal with this good man! now therefore the Sword shall never departed from thy House: And if this were too light a punishment for secret but detestible iniquity and hypocrisy, God adds, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house. I will take thy Wives before thine eyes and give them unto thy Neighbour, and he shall lie with thy Wives in the sight of the Sun; The story you have at large in 2 Sam. 11 & 12 Chapters.  
The other is Judas, one of the Twelve, that played the Hypocrite and Traitor with his Master, as you all know; And what became of him? No sooner is his hypocritical Act performed, but he departed and went and hanged himself. Being a Preacher, could not preserve himself from bursting asunder, and all his Bowels gushing forth. Preachers of all Persons are in most danger, if found playing the Hypocrites, as God tells us Psal. 50.21. These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest I were altogethor such a one as thyself; but I will reprove thee, and set thy sins in order before thine eyes. Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver you, vers. 22.  
Therefore to close up this Use, and this Point; Let it be the care and labour of the Souls of all wise Preachers, to share in the Commendation given to Christ by the Herodians, who said, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth; neither carest thou for any mar, for thou regardest not the persons of men, Matth. 22.16.  
And to you Hearers, that are wise Hearers of the Word of God, take that counsel of Zechariah, These are the things ye shall do; speak ye every man truth to his Neighbour; execute the judgement of truth and peace in your gates; and let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his Neighbour, and love no false Oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord, Zech. 8.16, 17.  
Thus I have briefly finished this Point, and this Verse, because I am not willing to detain you any longer.  
I shall proceed to the next Verse and Words in the Text, Vers. 11. The words of the wise are as Goads, and as Nails fastened by the Masters of Assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd.  
This is the close of this Argument, and of the Text, and is the third Particular asserted concerning all wise Preachers in the 9th Verse; we have his pains and diligence mentioned in the 10th Verse; we have his Doctrine vindicated; and in this Verse we have the Original and Advantage of such Preachers and Preaching declared; The words of the wise are as Goads, and as Nails fastened by the Masters of Assemblies, which are given from one Shepherd.  
In which words generally we may observe two things.  
First; The Nature and Property of wise Words, or the words of the Wise; They are as Goads, and as Nails fastened by Masters of Assembles.  
Secondly; We have presented to us the Rise and Original both of such Preachers and Preach, they are given from one Shepherd.  
In the first we have also two Particulars; first, The Persons spoken of, only the Wise, and the Words, or the Words of the Wise. Secondly, That where-unto the Wise and their Words are resembled, and that is Goads and Nails.  
In the second general we have also two Particulars; First, The Person or Spring from whom wise Preachers and wise Words come; that is, from the one Shepherd. Secondly; Note how they come from the one Shepherd voluntarily, freely they are given from one Shepperd.  
Let me briefly open or explicate the Text.   

Explication.  
First; What are those Goads and Nails to which the words of the Wise are resembled? A Goad seems to be that usual and necessary Instrument which Neatherds or Drovers use about Oxen, at labour and in travel; such we read of Judges 3.31. and in 1 Sam. 13.21. Nailes are either such as were used to fasten Tents, and the Tabernacle with, or other Habitations and things withal. Such was that Nail Jael took to kill Sisera with, Judges 4.21. Masters of Assemblies, or Masters of Companies, or Master-workmen in all Occupations. Some are choicer Workmen than others; one Shepherd, or the great and chief Shepherd is our Lord Jesus Christ.  
The drift of these words, are only to imply the choiceness and usefulness of Wise-Preachers and Wise-Preaching. They and their Work are as perfect, useful, and necessary, as the choicest Artists and their Works: Such being as necessary and useful in Spirituals, as any other things can be in Humane Cases and Concernments.  
From the words thus opened, divers Observations or Doctrines might be raised; as from the Persons and work here spoken of, The Words of the Wise, We may note;  
Doctrine 1. That it 'tis not any Preacher or Preaching, but only the wise Preacher and wise Preaching that is the People's Blessing and Advantage; such only will prove like to Goads and Nails.  
The second, From the Comparison; as Goads and Nails, which are not only good and exact in their Nature and Kind, but needful and necessary in their Use; from which I might note;  
Doctrine 2. That wise Preachers and Preaching are very necessary and needful for the People.  
Thirdly, From the ground and occasion of Goads and Nails, which are not only good, but also to quicken and fasten. From whence we may note;  
Doctrine 3. That the best of Saints need quickening and settling, which are the ends of Goads and Nails.  
Fourthly, From the manner of attaining these, Note;  
Doctrine 4. Either to be wise Preachers, and capable to give wise words, or to be a People so privileged, as to have wise Preachers, and wise Words, is a free gift of God; as 'tis said in the Text, which are given from one Shepherd.  
Doctrine 5. last; Note, All divine Ministries and Ministrations come from the Lord Jesus, that one Shepherd, or that original Shepherd.  
For brevity sake I shall only insist upon two Observations, into which I shall draw the substance of all the rest.  
The first is this, That wise and spiritual Preachers and their words are very useful, and necessary for the spiritual service and benefit of God's People, as the things mentioned, or the choicest things in Nature are or can be for natural ends and purposes.  
The second Conclusion is this, That all Divine Ministries and Ministrations, spring from the alone Will and Wisdom of the Lord Jesus, that one Shepherd, and are freely given for the advantage of his People, as we have it in the Text, which are given from one Shepherd, (or from the one Shepherd.)  
To begin with the first of these, to wit, That wise and spiritual Preachers and their words are very useful, and necessary for the spiritual service and benefit of God's People, as either the things mentioned, or the choicest things in Nature are or can be for natural ends or purposes.  
The truth of this Conclusion shines evidently in Scripture; as in that of Solomon, A word fitly spoken, is like Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver; As an ear-ring of Gold, and an Ornament of fine Gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear; or, as the cold of Snow in the time of Harvest, so is a faithful Messenger to them that send him, for he refresheth the Soul of his Masters, Prov. 25.11, 12, 13. Hear also what the Apostle saith, How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a Preacher? Oh, see the great necessity and utility of a wise Preacher. But lest this were not enough, he adds from the Prophet, as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the Gospel of Peace, and bring glad tidings of good things? Rom. 10.14, 15.  
To trouble you with no more, take that Ephes. 4. where we find the End and Use of wise Preachers; it is for perfecting of the Saints, for the Work of the Ministry, for edifying of the Body of Christ; that we henceforth be no more Children cossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, vers. 12, 14. Two or three things in the Text clear this sufficiently.  
Reason 1.  
First; The Appellation put upon Preachers, (I mean, only wise and profitable Preachers) they are styled wise; and that is, as honourable to the Preacher, so also profitable to the People. For as that People's loss is great whose Preacher is a Fool; even so that People's gain is much whose Preacher is wise, unless themselves be in fault. This our Preacher gives us, saying, The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the City. Woe to thee, O Land, when thy King is a Child, and thy Princes eat in the morning. Blessed art thou, O Land, when thy King is the Son of Nobles, and thy Princes eat in due season, for strength and not for drunkenness, Eccles. 10.15, 16, 17.  
Secondly; They are styled Masters of Assemblies or Societies, which is a title and place of honour. Now as it is Preachers honour thus to be accounted, so it is the People's blessing and advantage have such Master-Workmen to be their Servants, that can wisely and profitably serve them. That this is Preacher's honour, (who are wise to be styled Master-Workmen in God's Israel, take a Text or two: Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, Mat. 22.16. with 3 John 10. Therefore to have such Workmen, must needs be the People's blessing and advantage.  
Objection.  
But some may Object and say, Is it not written, But the Anointing which ye have received of him, abideth in you; and ye need not that any man teach you, but as the same Anointing teacheth you of all things, 1 John 2.27?  
Answer.  
To which I Answer, first, The Scripture no where really contradicts itself any where, but agrees with itself every where, and only so ought to be expounded. Therefore this of John must not contradict those of Paul which have been cited; which it would, if this were admitted to be the sense, That sanctified or anointed Persons need not the teachings of any man, (no though the wisest of men.) Which what can be more contrary to this; How shall they hear without a Preacher? But let us take great heed of making Scripture so much as seem to fight with itself.  
But, secondly; to what hath been Objected, I Answer, The word [need not] may be taken comparatively, not absolutely or positively; not no need at all, but not that need ye once had, and all have, that have not your anointing; such as are partakers of the Unction of the Holy Ghost in a work of conversion, have not afterward such need of any to teach them as once they had, because now under the teachings of that Anointing.  
Nor, thirdly, have they such a degree of need, as such have who are yet without this Unction, and are unregenerate. They mostly need teaching who are unregenerate, how much soever taught with other teaching.  
But, fourthly; Consult the place, and the scope is not to put by the preaching of wise, but of seducing Preachers, as appears vers. 26. These things have I written unto you, concerning them which seduce you. Now though they had no need of the teachings of such as would seduce them, yet it follows not that they had no need of the teachings of such who would not seduce them.  
Fifthly; Consider, that though those who lived under the Apostles teaching, had not such need of teaching, as such who wanted that teaching, yet that they wanted no teaching doth not follow.  
And, lastly; Take this for Answer, Such as have received the Anointing spoken of, though they never enjoy afterwards any humane or instrumental teaching, yet shall be taught by the Anointing, provided it be God's providence, not the improvidence which keeps other means of teaching from them. In extraordinary cases, God can and will work without means. In ordinary cases God will work by means, and ties us to attend upon him in the use of means; and thus, Faith comes by Hearing, and Hearing by the Word of God, Rom. 10.17. And so much for Answer of this Objection.  
But now to return to the confirming of this Doctrine. As their Titles, so the Acts assigned to them by the Text, and which ought to be performed of them, (or at least designed by them) that is, to be as Goads and Nails in the sense given upon the place: They are Leaders, Conductors, or Guides of the Flock of Jesus Christ. And how unskilful are the choicest Sheep to lead and conduct themselves aright in their way or journey? Any Pastor as well as their proper Pastor, shall become their Pastor, if not conducted and guided by wise and skilful Leaders or Overseers. Therefore saith the Psalmist, He chose David also his Servant, and took him from the Sheepfolds, from following the Ewes great with young, he brought him to feed Jacob his People, and Israel his Inheritance: So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands, Psal. 78.70, 71, 72.  
But again, Wise Preachers are not only necessary, because Master-Workmen, and so Skilful, and Guides, and Leaders of the Flock, and so useful; But,  
Thirdly, They are resembled to Goads and Nails: and how necessary are they? the use of Goads are to excite, and quicken dull and slothful  to go forward; and of such use is the wise Preacher, both towards Sinners and Saints: And thus practised Holy Peter, who saith, This second Epistle (beloved) I now write unto you, in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance; that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the Holy Prophets, and of the Commandments of us the Apostles of the Lord and Saviour, 2 Pet. 3.1, 2. And the need the Church hath of such Workmen, the Prophet Isaiah tells us, saying, There is none that calleth upon thy Name, that stirreth up himself to take hold of thee, Isa. 64.7.  
But, Lastly; To set out the worth and need of wise Preachers, and their words, they are resembled to Nails; alluding, as I suppose, to the fixing, stablishing Nails of the Tabernacle; which how glorious a contrivance and workmanship soever in itself, yet would have been of little lustre, small use, and short continuance, if it had not enjoyed these Stakes, Pins, or Nails, to fix and fasten it, as in a sure place, Isa. 22.23, 24, 25. In like manner, O how mutable, unsettled, and like unfixed and wandering Meteors would the World and the People of God be, were they without these sure hold-fasts, these divine Nails and Pins, as witnesseth Moses, where he saith, For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you, Deut. 31.29. Which Prophecy was fulfilled, Judges 2.10, 11.  
But this may suffice to confirm and clear this Doctrine, That wise and Spiritual-Preachers, and their words, are very useful and necessary for the spiritual benefit and service of God's People; as the things mentioned, or the choicest things in Nature can be for natural use or service. Let me now come to the Application hereof.   

The first Use is of Information.  
The first Use shall be for Information: If wise Preachers, and their words, be such choice blessings to that People which enjoy them; then how mistaken are such as think otherwise of them, as burdensome and unprofitable persons, such as there is little or no need of; and they can live well enough without knowing so much as others, or that which others can tell them, and have Grace and Light within, and need not such to guide them, and are wise enough to know the things of their own concernment, and therefore need not others to teach them. All that I shall say to these is, what the Lord said by Moses; O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end, Deut. 32.29. To which I add, Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight, Isa. 5.21.  
And, Lastly; Let these hear the Word of the Lord; How do you say we are wise, and the Law of the Lord is with us. Lo, certainly in vain made he it; the Pen of the Scribes is in vain, the wise men are ashamed, they are dismayed and taken; Lo, they have rejected the Word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them, Jer. 8.8, 9   

Exhortation.  
But, Secondly; This Doctrine affords us a double word of Exhortation. First, To such as are or aught to be wise Preachers.  
First; As Goads, and as Nails, and as Masters of Assembles: Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good Works, (as well as hear your good Words). Thus Paul did, saying, Be ye followers of us, as we are of Christ. For we have given you an Example, that so doing you should feed the Flock, 1 Cor. 11.1. and Acts 20. O, let us that preach to others, preach to ourselves, to be like what we are resembled to, even Goads, and Nails, and Masters of Assemblies, (though under that great Shepherd the Lord Jesus) as Peter tells us, as not being Lords, but skilful Master-workmen, quickening and exciting the Flock to love and good Works. And for this end take we care of two things.  
First; Be shining Examples in the practice of  light of Doctrine we hold forth to others; Practise in ourselves is best preaching unto others.  
But, Secondly; Since we are resembled to such useful necessary things, let us, as Leaders of the Flock, both know and take care of the state of the Flock, quickening and provoking such as are backward, dull, and wanting, both by encouragement and reprehension, as the People's case requires; imitating Holy Peter, who resolved, so long as he was in this Tabernacle, to stir the People up, by putting them in remembrance, 2 Pet. 1.13. That so the state of Jerusalem may be a quiet Habitation, a Tabernacle that shall not be taken down, nor one of the Stakes thereof ever be removed, neither any of the Cords thereof be broken, Isa. 30.20.   

Exhortation 2.  
But, Secondly; Let me now offer a word of Exhortation to you that are Hearers, which is: If wise Preachers should be like goads, and nails, and masters of Assemblies; then let me persuade you to suffer them so to be unto you, suffer them to oversee your state, and to deal wisely, and faithfully with you, quickening, and exciting you, rebuking, and reproving you, when your Condition calls for it, and let them establish, strengthen, settle you, according to their Duty, as Joshua, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Paul, and other Master-workmen did, as you may read, Josh. 23. with Ezra 10. and Nehemiah 5. with Acts 20. And consider, although this is the Preachers Duty thus to do, yet is this more than many Hearers and Church-members can bear, either to be observed, rebuked, quickened, or fixed in their places, to their work and duty: But are rather like those Psalm 2. who say, Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us; or like those that said, Our tongues are our own, who shall control us? Psal. 12. And how then can a Preacher, how wise, how diligent, how zealous, how faithful, how loving, how watchful soever, do his Duty, to be as goads and as nails, when the People cannot submit to him, but are like those the Lord complains of, saying, Let no man strive, or reprove another; for this people are as they that strive with the Priest, Hos. 4.4. O therefore let me exhort you, that are wise Hearers, and enjoy wise Preachers, accept of the Counsel given, Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: For they watch for your Souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you, Heb. 13.17. But again,  
Lastly; If wise Preachers be such great Blessings, such useful, necessary enjoyments (even almost of necessity to be enjoyed) then all you that enjoy such Blessings, bless God abundantly for them, and be a blessing to them, by accepting them, and their Labours, by obeying, and submitting to them, and their Doctrine. Be enlightened by their enlightening words, and quickened by their quickening words, and fixed by their fixing, stablishing words, and Arguments. Not being wavering-minded ones, carried about with every wind of Doctrine, or cunning craftiness of men, Heb. 13.9. Eph. 4 4. But suffer your Preachers to say, as Job did, When the ear heard me, than it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me: I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame; I was a Father to the poor, and the Cause which I knew not, I searched out. I broke the Jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth, Job 29.11, 15, 16, 17. and so much for this Doctrine.  
One thing more I shall speak to, and so conclude the Text, which is this;   

The Fourteenth Doctrine.  
That all Ministries and Ministrations spring from the alone will, and wisdom of the Lord Jesus, that one Shepherd, and are freely given for the advantage of his people; As we have it in the Text, Which are given from one Shephard.  
Take for the proof hereof these Testimonies, Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewed out her seven Pillars; she hath killed her beasts, she hath mingled her wine, she hath also furnished her Table, she hath sent forth her Maidens, etc. Prov. 9.1, 2, 3. But again hear what John saith, All things were made by him, and without him was not any thing made, that was made, John 1.3. and Paul tells us, Of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever, Amen, Rom. 11.36. And again he tells us, God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after that are Miracles, than Gifts in Healing, helps in Government, diversity in Tongues, 1 Cor. 14.28. This may suffice for the proof of this point, That all Ministers, Ministries, Ministrations which are divine and evangelical, must and do come from the alone good will and wisdom of the Lord Jesus, and are freely given for the good of his People.  
But for the better opening of this Doctrine, let me explain these few things, (1.) What I mean by Ministers, Ministries, and Ministrations. (2.) How they spring from the alone good will and wisdom of the Lord Jesus. (3.) In what sense I intent they are freely given. (4.) and last, why I say freely given, for the good of his Church and People.  
First, Let me speak to the first; By Ministers, I mean all, and only all such persons, as are in the Church of Christ, admitted into Ministry, or Office in the Church; and so are disterenced, and distinguished from the Memoral part thereof, or such who are only Members therein: I speak not here of Ministers, or Officers Civil, or belonging to the Commonwealth, nor of Antichristian, or National Ministers; but only of such as are, or pretend to be Christ's Ministers: I say all these must spring from him, Whom God hath made both Lord and Christ, and holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, Act. 2.36. with Revel. 2.1. By Ministries, I mean not Officers but Offices, or those Institutions and Appointments for making of Ministers.  
Secondly, These also spring from the Headship, Authority, Will, and Wisdom of the Lord Jesus only. It is not allowable in any Kingdom, Free-State, or Commonwealth, that any but the Head and Supreme Power thereof, should assume the appointing or making Offices or Ministries therein. Even so none save the Lord Jesus is allowed to institute and appoint what Offices and Ministries shall be in the Church, that is, in his Church and Kingdom. For although the Father hath given all Authority and Power to the Son, to appoint Ministries for his Church, yet hath not the Son given or committed any such power, as to institute or appoint any Office or Ministry in the Church to any sort of Persons under the Sun; but hath written, Thou shalt not make, Exod. 20. And this was the great sin of Jeroboam, that he made Priests, 1 Kings 12.31.  
But, Thirdly; Let me open what I mean or intent by a Ministration, or by Ministrations; to wit, such Acts or Works as Persons made Officers over the Church of God are to perform, in, and for the Church of God. Now, I say, that as none can appoint Christ a Minister, or determine by what Ministry he shall be served but himself, no more can or ought any but the Lord from Heaven, heavenly to appoint what Work or Ministration these shall perform to Christ, but the true Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end of all things, Rev. 22.13. But as all Ministries come from him, even so from him must proceed all Gospel-Ministration or Performances. But again, when I say in the Doctrine, that they spring from the alone good Will and Wisdom of the Lord Jesus, I intent not to exclude God considered as the Father, who is God over all, blessed for evermore; but only I would exclude all the Children of men from having any part or portion in the begetting or giving being to any Gospel Ministry or Ministration: This under the Father proceeds from the Lord Jesus Christ, who when he ascended up on high, gave Gifts unto Men for the Work of the Ministry, Ephes. 4. 'Twas good Will, none could have constrained him so to have done; and 'twas his own Wisdom, without the wisdom of the flesh, contrived and concluded the mode and manner of his own Service, Mat. 28.18, 19, 20. with Acts the first, abundantly declare. And further, when I say Ministers, Ministries, and Ministrations are freely given, I intent, that as the Church had never been purchased by Christ, but that he freely gave himself for it; so no more had the Church ever attained, or enjoyed, any Ministry, or Institution, and Appointment about Gospel-Ministers, and Gospel-Ministrations, but only through the good Will and good Pleasure of him that dwelled in the Bush, (for indeed all Institutions spring only from the Will and Pleasure of the Institutor) as not being moral, but instituted Beings. Further, I mean, no man can come to be one of Christ's Ministers, but by the free will of Christ. He can neither attain Grace or Gifts to qualify and fit him, nor choice into any Ministry under Christ, but by the freewill and good-pleasure of Christ, as Paul acknowledgeth, saying, Whereof I was made a Minister, according to the Gift of the Grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power, Ephes. 3.7, 8. And as to Choice, Solomon tells us, The Lot is cast into the Lap, but the whole disposition thereof is of the Lord, Prov. 16.33. But further, I mean by this Expression freely of the Lord, that when such a People attain such a Ministry, and such a Minister such a Congregation, this is, or aught to be, of the Lord.  
And, Lastly; When I tie up all Ministries, Ministrations, or Ministers, only to the Church and People of God, as given and provided for them; I mean, exclusively. They are neither instituted nor appointed for the use and service of the World, but of the Church and Elect of God; further then accidentally, and by way of redundancy, as Paul tells us, in 1 Cor. 14.24, 25. I say further, then accidentally: 'Tis children's Bread, and ought not to be given to Dogs, Mat. 15.26. Thus much for Explication.  
Let me now confirm this by Argument or Reason; to wit, that all Ministers, Ministries, and Ministrations, meet to be owned for Christ's, or Evangelical, do all spring from the alone Will and Authority of the Lord Jesus, and are freely given for the service of himself and People.  

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

Reason 2.  
Secondly; I conclude, this must be the Prerogative of Christ, to give the Rise and Being to his own Ministers, and their Ministrations, because none of the Children of men are wise enough for so great and glorious an undertaking; Paul speaking but of the accomplishment of the Work of one of Christ's Ministers, saith, and who is sufficient for these things? Then surely, much less sufficient to institute a Frame & Constitution for Ministers and Ministrations, which requires a greater capacity or sufficiency then the former; wherefore John tells us, No man in Heaven, nor in Earth, neither under the Earth, was able to open this Book, neither to look thereon, Rev. 5.3, 4. Wherefore this concern must be let alone to him, to whom of right it doth appertain, even to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, our Lord Jesus, for he only is worthy and capable thereof, as we read vers. 5. compared with vers. 9 But to proceed.   

Reason 3.  
Thirdly; This must needs be the peculiar Prerogative of Christ, to appoint his own Ministers, and Worship, or Service, because 'tis his own; 'tis for himself, 'tis for his own Church and Kingdom; and who shall appoint him Servants, or impose Servants and Services upon him? It stands not with his honour or faithfulness to admit it. But again;   

Reason 4.  
last; Ministries and Ministrations Spiritual, Ecclesiastical, appertaining to the Kingdom of Christ, must spring from the  and Royal-Pleasure of the Lord Christ; because that as it stands not with his Honour, Greatness, Wisdom, and Goodness to commit this concern into the hands of Angels or Men, being below true fitness or capacity for the work; so neither can any created Power snatch Authority, or exercise Power of imposing Ministers and Ministrations upon him against his Royal Will and Pleasure; and if they but attempt to do it, let them look to it, for he will one day dash them in pieces like a Potter's Vessel, Ps. 2. And however the Sons of men may attempt to encroach this Power and Privilege of the Lord Jesus into their hands; yet let me say to these as the Prophet in a like case did, What is the Chaff to the Wheat, saith the Lord? Jer. 23.28. Even so, what is the Will or Power of Man, to the Will and Power of the Lord Jesus, that he should oppose him, or impose upon him? 'Tis truth, Man may impose upon the Son of Man; but who can impose upon the Son of God? Samson and Peter were both imposed upon, and carried whither they would not; but none can impose any thing upon Christ against his will, for he will, and can, refuse to drink such Gall and Vinegar, however they be that offer it to him. Therefore it remains most clear and visible from all that hath been offered, That this is the alone Glory and Prerogative of the Lord Jesus, to be the Spring and Fountaneous cause of all Ministries, Ministers, and Ministrations belonging to his own Church, upon whom he freely bestowed them.  
Thus much for the confirming and clearing of the Doctrine; I come now to the Application of this great Point.    

Use of Information.  
First; This serves for Information in two or three Particulars.  
First, It informs us how much such are mistaken, that conceive and affirm that it is left free and arbitrary to States and Princes to judge and conclude, what Ministry and Ministration the People of God should enjoy in their Dominions; whereas in truth it nothing at all appertains to them, but only to the Lord Jesus to appoint and determine what kind of Ministers and Ministrations his People shall fall under; as the Arguments before alleged do manifest. Men have liberty and freedom to judge and determine for themselves, but no power to impose or determine for others; as Paul saith, Who art thou, O man, that judgest another Man's Servant? to his own Master he standeth or falleth; yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him to stand, Rom. 14.4. But again, to proceed;  
Secondly, This informs us how far that assertion is from being a Scripture-Truth, which maintains, That Ministries and Ministrations depend upon the Christian Magistrate for confirmation; whereas indeed it depends upon the good will and pleasure of none of the Sons of Men, but only upon the Son of God, who is Lord of all things. I suppose in this case, I may say with truth, what Korah and his Complices said with falsehood, Ye take too much upon you,  you are that thus affirm and practise, Numb. 16.3.  
Thirdly, This acquaints us, that such Ministers, and Ministries, and Ministrations, that spring not from the Will, Wisdom, and Authority of the Lord Jesus, are none of his Ministers, Ministries, or Ministrations, but Man's, either their own or other men's creation or creating; Let them be dignified or distinguished by what Names or Titles soever, even from the Pope to the Parator: and if such will not be called Antichristian Ministers, yet must they suffer me to call them Man's Minister●, and let all such Ministers of Man, and of the Will of Man, hear their doom; Mine hand shall be upon the Prophets that see vanity and divine lies; they shall not be in the Assembly of my People, neither shall they be written in the House of Israel, neither shall they enter into the Land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord God, Zech. 13.9. Further this informs us, That all such Ministrations as spring not from the Lord Jesus, neither are instituted by him, nor found in the Writings of the New Testament, are none of Christ's Ordinances, but men's sinful inventions and superstition, concerning which our Lord long time since gave his Judgement, saying, But in vain do they worship me, teaching for Doctrine the Commandments of men, Mat. 15.9.  
Fourthly, and Lastly; This acquaints us, That the Innovation, or bringing into the Church of God such Ministers and Ministrations as our Lord Jesus Christ never instituted, neither spring from, nor depend upon him, is no small, but a magnified Transgression. If it be Treason against a King for any in his Dominion to introduce Offices, Officers, Laws and Ordinances, without his consent. O! what high Treason is it against our Sovereign Lord King Jesus, the King, or Prince of the Kings of the Earth, Rev. 1.5. I say, What Treason is it for any man, or number of men, to make and appoint Ministers and Ordinances in his Church and Kingdom without him! Let all such Traitors against the Lord Jesus think seriously on two or three Texts of Scripture I shall commend unto them; one is that of Isaiah, Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouths, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their hearts far from me, and their fear towards me is taught by the precepts of men: Therefore behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work amongst this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid, Chap. 29.13, 14. Again, think on that passage of Ezekiel; And he said to me, Son of man, the place of my Throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, I will dwell in the midst of the Children of Israel for ever, and my holy Name shall the Children of Israel no more defile, neither they, nor their Kings in their high places; in their setting of their Thresholds by my Thresholds, and their Posts by my Posts, and the Wall between me and them, they have even defiled my holy Name by their abominations they have committed; wherefore I have consumed them in my anger, Chap. 43.7, 8. So much for this first Use, or for Information.   

The second Use is Vindication or Justification.  
A second Use of this Point may be for Vindication or Justification of all such Gospel-Ministers and Ministrations as proceed from the Will and Authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, manifest by his Word to be Divine and Warrantable, notwithstanding they are unapproved by humane Authority, (nay though they should be by them forbidden); my Reason is this; If such Ministries, Ministers, and Ministrations, be given and allowed by the Lord Jesus, whom alone God the Father hath entrusted with these Affairs; then they have Allowance and Approbation from him, whose Allowance and Approbation is only essential and sufficient for their Encouragement and Vindication; and it very little matters, as to their Justification, whether such persons which are unconcerned in this Affair, do approve or disapprove, while the Lord, though not man, hath approved them. This the Lord told Ezekiel, Chap. 2. And he said unto me, Son of man, I send thee to the Children of Israel, to a rebellious Nation, that hath rebelled against me; and their Fathers have transgressed against me unto this very day; For they are impudent Children, and stiff-hearted; I do send thee unto them, and thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, Vers. 2, 3, with 5, 7.  
To the Vindication of a Minister in his Work, it little matters whether men of what rank or degree soever they be, do allow, permit, or discourage him, whilst his Lord and Master hath but sent and commissionated him, he need not much be troubled with the prohibitions and oppositions of his fellow Servants: Nay, if he will not be rebellious like them, he must go on his Errand, and neither fear them, or be prohibited by them, but remember what is further added in that passage of Ezekiel, But thou, Son of Man, hear what I say unto thee; Be not thou rebellious, like that rebellious house, open thy mouth, and eat that I give thee, vers. 8. And therefore Christ's Gospel-Ministers may warrantably answer any that inquire, by what Authority do you thus Administer? Be it known unto you, that by the alone Name and Authority of the Lord Jesus, we thus administer; and if any of their Mother's Children should be angry with them, and threaten them with their thorney Arguments of persecution and affliction, they may, as others have done before them, say, O Nabuchadnezzar, We are not careful to answer thee in this matter, Dan. 3.16. with Acts 4.  
Query.  
But some may say, How shall a State or People know who are such Ministers, and what are such Ministrations as are truly Christ's, and arise from him, minister to him, and depend upon him?  
Answer.  
I Answer, By doing that which God enjoined all the Kings of Israel to do, in Deut. 17. And it shall be, when he sitteth upon the Throne of his Kingdom, that he shall write him a Copy of the Law in a Book, out of that which is before the Priests, the Levites; And it shall be with him, and he shall read therein all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this Law, and these Statutes, to do them, vers. 18, 19 By thus doing, by Reading, and Learning what God hath written in his Book of the Scriptures may they come to know, who are the true Spiritual Gospel-Ministers of the Lord Jesus. Thus did that great Reformer Nehemiah, when he would know who were the Lord's true Priests and Ministers; He searched into the Register, and such of the Priests as could not produce and show their Genealogy, he put, as polluted, from the Priesthood, Chap. 7.64, 65.  
Therefore if any profess themselves Ministers of the Lord Jesus, and you would know whether they be Christ's, or Antichrist's Ministers; ask for their Genealogy, and let them show their Line from Judah, not from Levi; I mean, from Christ, and not from Men, whether Pope or Presbyter; for our Lord took care of this Concern, when he spent forty days with his Disciples in settling the Things of his Kingdom, Acts 1.3. And before he ascended upon High, he gave Gifts unto Men for the Work of the Ministry; some Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, some Pastors, some Teachers, Ephes. 4.8, 11. But we read not of any Pope, or Vicar-General; no Cardinals, Arch-Bishops, Lord-Bishops, Friars, Monks, Deans, Doctors, Bachelors, Parsons, Curates, or the residue of these Locusts; these never came into the World by Christ's Charter, or Deed of Gift, made over to the Church before his Ascension. No, no, these came in the back way, through the opening of the bottomless Pit, Rev. 9.1, 2, 3. That wisdom of the Father, even our Lord Jesus, who builed his House, killed his Fatlings, also provided his own Maidens, or Virgin-Servants, which are but few, yet not too few to do all his Work. As his House stands upon seven Pillars, even so he provided but seven sorts of Ministers, or Ministries, besides the Widows, those helps to Government, as the New Testament testifies: and an Old Testament Inistitution, can give no being to a New Testament Ministration; and in all the Records of Christ's Acts and Institutions, we read not of any other Ministry ordained for the Church than the Ministry of Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, which three were extraordinary and temporary, and are ceased, and there remains only now to be enjoyed the Ministry of Pastor, Teacher, Elder, and Deacon; with the forenamed helps to Government, as sufficient to all Ends and Purposes in Christ's Kingdom; and of these we read Rom. 12. Having then Gifts, differing according to the Grace given to us, whether Prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of Faith or Ministry. Let us wait on our Ministry; he that teacheth, on Teaching; he that exhorteth, on Exhortation; he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence, Vers. 6, 7, 8. Now such who have neither Name nor Nature of these Ministries, can be none of Christ's, but Man's, or Antichrist's.  
But again, ask all such who pretend to be Ministers of Christ, by what Door or Way they came into the Ministry. For they, who ever they be, that come not in by Christ's Door into his Sheepfold, are Thiefs and Robbers, John 10.1. Now Christ's way for men to become his Ministers, is by, first, joining and accompanying themselves with the Church or Congregation, whose Ministers they are to be; as appears by Acts 1.21. where we read Peter tells the Church, That of these men that have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the Baptism of John, unto the same day that he was taken up from among us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his Resurrection, Vers. 22. And thus they chose Ministers, Acts 6. according to Apostolical Direction, who said, Wherefore Brethren, look you out from among yourselves seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and Wisdom, whom we may appoint to this business, vers. 4.  
Again, ask those who profess themselves Christ's Ministers, Who put them into their Ministry, the Church, or any particular sort of men distinct from the Congregation, whose Ministers they are? For none but the Church (I mean, a particular Church) can make a Man a Minister of any of Christ's particular Churches, or Golden Candlesticks; It was the Church, not the Apostles, chose, accepted, and admitted those into the Office of Deaconship, which we read of Act. 6.5, 6. And they chose Steven, a man full of Faith, and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenos, and Nicolas a Proselyte of Antioch, whom they set before the Apostles. And if the Churches of Christ should not have this power, to give the Being and Ordination to their own Servants and Ministers, without dependence on others, then should the power and privileges of Christ's Churches, be less than of civil Corporations, or private Families, which were absurd to imagine. Not to grant this to every individual and particular Church and Congregation, were to maintain, That Christ's Churches are in Bondage, and not Free States, or Politic Bodies, which were derogatory both to Christ and to his Church.  
Further, either the Church, or persons less than the Church, must make Ministers; but the Text tells us, The lesser must be blessed of the greater. Therefore every Church of Christ, and not any distinct sort of Persons therefrom must make Ministers for themselves. Heb. 7.7. we read, And without all contradiction, the less is blessed of the greater, yea, and subjected to the greater, even every Gospel-Minister to his Congregation, who may not only, when occasion requires, say to Archippus, Take heed to the Ministry thou hast received of the Lord, to fulfil it, Col. 4.17. But likewise if Archippus will not here reform, and obey them; as they gave him admittance into their Fellowship, and into his Ministry, they also may take from him both the one and the other; and let him be unto them as an Heathen and a Publican, Mat. 18.17.  
Again, ask these what Ministers of Christ they are? Apostles, Evangelists, and extraordinary Prophets they cannot be,  they be, for they ceased with Foundation-work, and Days; and as they were raised up, and filled with Gifts and Grace, suiting such who were to lay the Foundation of Faith, Church-Worship, Ministry and Ministrations, according to commission from Christ, Mat. 28.19, 20. So they were to be but twelve in number, as Acts 1. with Rev. 21. where it is said, And the Wall of the City had twelve Foundations, and in them the names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb, Vers. 14. The last Vision John saw, and the most glorious City that upon Earth the Saints shall ever see, will have but twelve Apostles names in the Foundation thereof; wherefore try them that say they are Apostles, and they will be found liars, Rev. 2.2. And for Evangelists to assist Apostles in writing Scripture, and such like Services, there being now no Apostles to assist, or Scripture to write or fill up, there is no need of these, as no way to attain these, for all these extraordinary Officers came not into the Church by the Door or Way that ordinary Ministers or Officers do, but by a more immediate way from Heaven; as Paul witnesseth, Gal. 1.1. Paul an Apostle, not by man, nor of man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father who raised him from the dead. And for extraordinary Prophets, as we have none, so all that are acquainted with the Scripture, know they were immediately made Prophets by the Lord: All therefore that say they are Christ's Gospel-Ministers, must profess or acknowledge themselves to be either Pastors, or Teachers, or Elders, or Deacons and Deaconnesses.  
Now he that is a Pastor, cannot at the same time be a Teacher, that is, an official Teacher, whose Work and Office is distinct, as well as his name from the Pastor, and the Elder or Ruler is distinct in Name and Work from both the former, and the Deacon from all the rest, as the formentioned Scriptures declare.  
Now if they have neither Name, nor Gifts of Christ's Ministers, then can they be none of Christ's but another sort of Ministers: I do not say that a bare assuming, or owning a Man's self to be a Pastor, or Teacher, or Elder, will prove him one of Christ's Ministers; but try what men are called into the Office and Ministry of.  
Objection.  
And if any should Object and say, But are not these common names, viz. Pastors, Elders, Teachers, Bishops, and the like?  
Answer.  
I Answer, In a common acceptation and use of the term they are, and may be so improved; but yet these names, are properly the names of Christ's distinct and peculiar Ministers; and answerable to their proportionableness thereunto are they to be chosen into that very Ministry they are mostly fitted and adapted for: As he whose Gift and Spirit mostly disposes him to Exhortation and Application of Principles, received and believed, aught to be chosen into the Pastor's Office; and he whose Gifts and Qualification bends most to Expound, Interpret, and open the sense and meaning of the Word, is meetest to be chosen into the Office of a Teacher; and so he that is wise, zealous, grave, vigilant, and most disposed to see the Church's Affairs done decently, and in order, is most meet for the Office of ●uling-Elder, or Governor in the Church of Christ: And he that is most inclined to mercy, kindness, charity, bountifulness, liberality, and giving, is meetest of all the Church for the Office of Deaconship in the Church. For as Adam called every thing by its proper name; even so would the Second Adam have his Ministers called by their proper, not improper names; from their fitness and sutableness to their Work chosen, and called either Pastors, Teachers, Elders, or Deacons.  
But, lastly; Would you know whether Persons pretending to be Christ's Ministers be so or no? ask them whose Servants they are, and whom they obey, Christ and his Will, or Man and his Will? For you know who said it, His Servants ye are, to whom ye yield yourselves obedient, Rom. 6.16. Now try whose Will and Mind Ministers obey, Christ's or Man's; whose Word they walk by, Christ's or Man's; whose Worship they offer up, Christ's or Man's; For by their Fruits, saith our Lord, you shall know whether men are true or false Prophets, Mat. 7.15, 16. Christ's Ministers offer no strange Fire, nor make any composition to anoint God's Kings, Priests, or Prophets with, but according to divine Direction and Institution; remembering that word, See that thou makest all things according to the pattern shown to thee in the Mount, Heb. 8.8. compared with Exod. 25.40. Christ's Ministers are to administer according to Christ's appointment, not Man's, for they are His and not Man's Servants, and therefore must teach themselves and the People to observe all things that Christ hath commanded, and nothing which he hath not commanded to be observed or taught; Dare they observe or teach others to observe, as our Lord teacheth, Mat. 28.20. and Paul practised, 1 Cor. 11.23. saying, That which I received of the Lord, that delivered I also unto you, and nothing else?  
Christ's Ministers are not to seek what to do in the Administration of their Office, but have all things plainly written in the Tables of the Scripture, that he which runneth may read his Duty; their Rule, is Scripture; their Help, the Spirit; their Work, Christ's instituted Will and Worship; and their Ability and Sufficiency, the Grace and Gifts of the Spirit, and their Wages only the good Will of Christ's People, among whom they jabour, they need not any man to teach them, but as that Anointing teacheth them all things; they can Pray without a Prayer-Book, and Preach without Common-Places, or the help of Commentators, and Administer Sacraments and Censures without a Directory or Book of Canons of Man's making, being throughly made wise, and sufficiently furnished unto every good and Gospel-Work, by Grace and Scripture, without any of Saul's Armour; they need no Garments of Distinction, nor shows of Piety, or Purity, or Gravity without Substance. Neither want they any vain unwarrantable Ceremonies or Gestures of Man's devising, to make their Administrations appear beautiful, and prove edifying; and yet all their things to be done decently, and according to due or Gospel order.  
Now if thus you please to try, and prove, or measure Christ's professed Ministers, and their Ministrations, by the Golden Reed of the Scripture, you may certainly know who they are, that say they are Apostles and are not, but do lie, and as polluted; let all such be put from the Priesthood.  
'Tis these Wise-Preachers, and Gospel-Ministers that I only assert, spring from the good Will of Christ, and appertain to Christ; the rest are but Apocrypha-Writing, and as groundless and useless, meet to be of all that belong to Christ the Lord rejected.  
And this I suppose may be sufficient for Gospel-Ministers, and the Ministrations Vindication, against any that shall dare to traduce or slander them as Incroachers and Intruders into other men's Work, and none of Christ's Ministers, but a sort of Factious, Schismatical and Heretical Persons, disobedient, and turbulent or troublesome to the Government.  
Yet let what hath been said be but weighed and considered, and it will appear, that they are given forth from the one great Shepherd of the Sheepfold. And, O how beautiful are the feet of such who bring glad tidings of peace!  
So much for this Use, in which I have been the larger, because of the weight and consequence of these things.   

The third Use is for Exhortation.  
The third, and I suppose the last Use I shall make of this Doctrine, is for Exhortation.  
First; To such as are Christ's Ministers.  
Secondly; To all you that are Christ's Churches and Servants.  
First; Let me beseech and exhort you all, Fathers and Brethren, that are Gospel-Ministers under the Lord Jesus: If your Office and Ministry be given and derived from the Lord Jesus; O then, as that great Preacher of the Gospel to the Gentiles, Paul, said, Let us magnify our Office, Rom. 11.13. Even by so doing, as he did, by labouring, if by any means we may provoke to emulation them that are our flesh, and might save some of them. O let us who are Christ's, serve the great design of Christ; and let not us, as some do, serve our own Bellies, and not the Lord Jesus, Rom. 16.18. O, if not only our Ministry be of Christ, and from Christ, but a Ministry for Christ. O then, be exhorted to make it our great and main business, to seek not our own things or glory, but the things of our Lord Jesus, and his great glory, to whom belongs all honour, and glory, and blessing, for ever and ever, Amen. If we have his glory as great in our eye, then let our great business be, to get or procure his glory, as our Lord tells us he did before us, John 8.50. I seek not my own glory; yea, our blessed Lord makes it a Character of a true Minister, that he is thus minded, telling us, He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness in him, John 7.18. Servants must not so much, whilst Servants, promote their own Interest and Credit as their Lord and Masters; even no more should we promote our own Glory or Interest in the World but Christ's.  
Secondly; Let me Exhort you my Brethren, if you are Christ's Ministers, and spring from him, then pray you approve yourselves to him; remember how you have received, and be faithful in your ministration to him. Let us not forger that saying; Behold, I send an Angel before them to keep them in the way, and to bring them to the place that I have prepared: But beware of him, and obey his V●●ce, and provoke him not, for he will not pardon your transgressions; for my Name is in him, Exod. 23.20, 21. O consider, he will not spare Levites, Priests, nor Ministers of the House of Israel no more, no nor so much as others of the House of Jacob: You know what is written, Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it the Lord spoke, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the People I will be glorified, Levit. 10.3. Wherefore let us be faithful Stewards of the manifold Mysteries of God; let not us neglest Christ's Work, nor corrupt his Work. Cursed is and shall he be that doth the Work of the Lord negligently, which is deceitfully; not doing as many which corrupt the Word of God; but of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ, 2 Cor. 2.17.  
But to come nearer, Let me humbly offer a few things, which I would desire all that are Christ's Ministers to take special care of.  
First; Consult often your Commission, ponder your instruction for Ministration, and do not be a stranger to the Weight and Duty of your Ministry. If the Kingly Ministry had need daily to be Looking or Reading in the Book of the Law, what his Office and Duty towards God and the People is; as from that passage of Deuteronomy was declared; certainly even so have Christ's Priestly Ministers much more need to study the Scripture, which are Christ's Book of Ordination that we may know how we ought to behave ourselves in the House of God, the Pillar and Ground of Truth; 1 Tim. 3.15. Study to know our o●● Ministry, and our own proper and peculiar Work. 'Tis, I fear, a cause of the wantingness of many, even Gospel-Ministers, That they are too much ignorant of this thing, even the Nature, Property, and Duty of their Office and Ministry; like persons newly entered into the World, or the Affairs thereof; make more haste to get into, than wisely to consider their Duty therein. Even so I fear is it with too many of us Preachers or Ministers of the Lord Jesus; They make more haste to be Christ's Ministers, than to consult the great Duty of that Office and Ministry.  
But, Secondly; Let me offer this sense; We are Christ's Ministry or Ministers, and the Treasure in our Earthen Vessels is his, and none of ours: Then let us be careful of giving away any of Christ's our Sovereign's Right and Privileges, who ever they be that demand it. Be like Moses and Israel, who would not part with, nor leave in Egypt any thing of God's Portion, as we read in that passage Exod 9.16. There shall not an Hoos be left behind us. And thus did Israel deal with the Kings of Canaan; So whomsoever the Lord our God shall drive out before us, them will we possess, Judge 11.24. Even so, give not away to any the right of your Sovereign Lord King Jesus, whose Ministers we are; divide not the living Child to please the Harlot; I mean, mingle not Christ's and Antichrist's Ordinances together; Blow not with an Ox and an Ass together; nor wear Linsey-Woolsey Garments, but remember, it is written, Thou shalt not sow thy Vineyard with divers Seeds, (much less may we sow God's Vineyard with divers Seeds) Deut. 22.9, 10, 11. For the Ark and Dagon, Christ our Lord, and Belial cannot agree together, 1 Sam. 5.3, 4. with 2 Cor. 6.14, 15. But remember, the Lord our God is a Jealous God, and he will not hold him guiltless that taketh his Name in vain. Though there are some whose Prudence, Moderation, and Zeal to Preaching, will permit them to do otherwise, namely, to mingle the Holy Seed, and do that they otherwise would not do; namely, to conform to men, that they may preach Christ to the People, Administer Prayer and Sacraments by a formal Service-Book; Baptise all Children, even the Seed of the Adulterer and the Adulteress; though God of old said, Such Seed shall not enter into the Congregation of the Lord! to the tenth Generation, Deut. 23.2. Nay more, if all this was too little, they rather than stand out, will spread the Lord's Table for that Troop, which his Soul abhors, even a People that neither have nor can examine themselves, or discern the Lord's Body; yet these must be Communicants, and pay for it, or else be Excommunicants.  
Yea, to make the measure full, they dare meddle with Civil Actions, and deceive the People, as if to Marry and Bury the Dead, were part of the Administrations committed by Jesus Christ into the hand of his Ministers; than which nothing is more false: For if it were unfit for some of Christ's Ministers to tend the Tables of the Living, 'tis much more unmeet for any of Christ's Ministers to tend the Dead, or intermmeddle with Civil Concerns, and Mary the living; but these pass for pious, sober, peaceable men; but let them remember, who said, of two evils, they must choose the least. 'Tis not to be taken of sins, of clear and real sins; for here we must choose nor take neither; for it is written, Thou shalt not do evil that good may come thereof; for if we do, damnation is just, Rom. 3.18. 'Tis not wisdom, but folly to conform against Conscience to man's Inventions, though to preach the Gospel. 'Twere better to say with Paul, If I must sin, and unwillingly, and against Knowledge Conform that I may Preach, I will choose rather never to Preach, than to Conform and so to Preach. These sober men, are unsober men, wise beyond sobriety of Scripture, and drunken with the intoxicating Wine of the Whore of Rome's Cup, that thus stagger and reel up and down from one thing to another, even to whatsoever is uppermost in their days.  
Whether the men that thus do, be pious, I shall not determine; only this I may safely conclude; Such men's practices, which we have hinted, are not pious practices, but impious and ungodly, as not being warranted and founded upon the Word of God.  
last; 'Twere well if this Zeal of theirs for Preaching be not but a blind Zeal, and a bad Zeal, a Zeal rather to preach out themselves, and preach in themselves, than to preach out Christ to or into the People. But because I hope this Leaven of the Scribes and Pharisees, neither hath, nor shall leaven many of you, that are wise, even Spiritually-wise Preachers, I shall add no more to this but that word of Peter, Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee, Acts 8.22. O Conforming Ministers, if possible, repent of this your wicked conformity; and you, my dearly Beloved, who have yet escaped the corruption that is in the World through lust; O, take you heed lest you also be led away with the dissimulations of such.  
But once more, If you are Christ's Ministers, and derive Office and Administration from him, then let me entreat you to provide for the Cross, and be neither afraid nor ashamed of it; for if they of the World called the Master of the House Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his Household? Mat. 10.25. Think not much, in such a day as this is, to be evil spoken of, traduced and slandered, knowing that these afflictions are already accomplished in your Brethren, and the best of Christ's Ministers have met with no better usage from the men of the Throne of Iniquity, as Paul witnesseth, saying, I think that God hath set forth us the Apostles last, as it were appointed to death; for we are made a spectacle unto the World, and to Angels, and to Men: We are Fools for Christ's sake; we are weak, we are despised: Even unto this very hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling places, and labour, working with our hands: Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat: We are made as the filth of the World, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day, 1 Cor. 4.9, 10, 11, 12, 13. O start not from your Ministry or Ministrations of the holy things of Christ, because of such things as these; knowing, that in and from the World you must have persecution, if you be the Ministers of the Lord Jesus, John 16.33. But say with Paul, None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the Ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the Grace of God, Acts 20.24.  
And, Lastly; Let me offer this to your consideration that are the Ministers of Christ; Be professed and resolved Enemies to the Ministers and Ministrations of Antichrist; take part with Christ, and follow him upon white Horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, Rev. 19.14. Say not a confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say a confederacy, Isa. 8.12. But remember that charge, Put you selves in array against Babylon round about; all ye that bend the Bow, shoot at her, spare no Arrows, for she hath sinned against the Lord, Jer. 50.14. Ye Angels of Christ, Pour out the Vials of the Wrath of God upon the Earth; even upon this Babylonish Earth; Pour out your Vials, filled not with yours, but the Lord's wrath, Rev. 16.1. 'Tis just work to destroy Babylon, For she hath sinned, and hath corrupted the Kings and the Inhabitants of the Earth, and hath made even all Nations drunk with the Wine of the Cup of her Fornications, Rev. 18.3. Strip her, and make her naked as in the day she was born; for in her will be found the blood of the Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the Earth, Rev. 18.24. Discover, by a light of Scripture, her Adulteries, and lay open the filthiness of her Skirts, the beastliness of her Power, the earthliness of her Church and Members, Chap. 13.12, 13, 14, 16. Show and discover the nature and vileness of her Locusts, or Clergymen, Chap. 9 Discover their even kill Wormwood, or bitterness of her Waters or Doctrine, Chap. 8.10, 11. Show that she is the great Whore, great Cheat, and greatest Enemy that ever the Lord Jesus or his People had or shall have; even the same power of unrighteousness which put our Lord, them, and his Saints now to death. Bid defiance to her, and to all her Power, and all her Romish Trinkets; and cry aloud to all the people of God, to have neither more nor less to do with her; but speedily to obey that voice, Come out of her my people, partake not of her sins, lest that ye partake also of her plagues, Chap. 18.4. Never think of her Repentance, for Repentance is, and shall be hidden from her eyes: She is none of those Whores that know how to be ashamed, or repent, as Chap. 9.21, 22. She is the great Traitor against the Crown and Dignity of our Sovereign Lord King Jesus; no such Treason hath been hatched or plotted against the Lord Jesus throughout all the World, as in and by the Roman Church and Synagogue. Therefore plead you Worthies of the Lord with her, and against her, and pray without ceasing. Down with her, down with her, down with her, as a Millstone into the bottom of the Sea, and let her never rise any more, and set Faith and Patience to work in this case; for is it not written, And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb, and the word of their Testimony, and they loved not their lives unto the death; and he that leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity; he that killeth with the Sword, must be killed with the Sword. Here is the Faith and Patience of the Saints, Rev. 12.11. and Chap. 13.10.  
O therefore, to conclude, Let all the Gospel-Ministers of the Lord Jesus this day in the World be Antipasses, men for Christ, but against Antichrist, and whatsoever is truly of Antichrist both Root and Branch.  
So much for the first part of this Exhortation, which was to the Ministers of Jesus Christ.  
Let me now close with a few closing words to the Churches and Servants of Christ.  
If Christ's Ministers spring from him, and both they and their Ministrations depend upon him, and are given of him for the good of you his People, then let me exhort you, who are the Churches and Servants of Christ, to two or three things, and so I shall conclude this Doctrine, and the Text, because I would not be too prolix.  
First; Be you Christ's Porters, and the Instruments of making Christ's Servants his Ministers. Be very careful and circumspect to whom you open the Door, or a Door of Entrance or Admittance in any Office of Ministry under the Lord Jesus. Be sure you consult diligently your Charter, the New-Testament Institution concerning Ministers; and when you are to choose any, be sure you ask Wisdom of God, who giveth liberally, and upbraideth not, James 1.5.  
Secondly; Set your thoughts and choice only upon such men as are of honest report, and full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom, Acts 6.  
Thirdly; Choose men competently, and sufficiently endued with such Gifts, as may truly enable and furnish them unto Ministry, yea, unto that particular sort of Ministry whereunto you ordain and appoint them, whether it be to the Office of Teacher, Pastor, Elder, or Deacon; do not choose idle Shepherds into the place of Christ's Shepherds, such as may wear the Name of Christ's Ministers, but want the Gifts of Christ's Ministers; such will exercise the Instruments of foolish Shepherds among you, rather than of Wise Ministers or Preachers, and be like neither Goads or Nails to you. Yea further, be very circumspect that you mistake not the Gifts of your Ministers, and appoint them to that Ministry in particular, which though they have Gifts for Ministry, yet may not have the proper Gift of that Ministry you choose them for; for every one hath his proper Gift of God, that fits and disposes Persons for some one or other particular work, not for every, or all the works to be performed in his Church. It were to make your Ministers lying Signs, and like tinkling Brass, and a sounding Cimbal, to appoint them to one Ministry, when their Grace and Gift propenses and disposes them to another. Therefore as you would honour Christ, or have him honoured by his and your Ministers, be careful and wary in this particular Concern.  
Fourthly; Watch over your Ministers that watch over you in the Lord, that they make full proof of their Ministry, and fulfil it in the Lord; lest your watchlesness over them, make them presume to be watchless over themselves, their Ministry, and you also, and so you partake of other men's sins, 1 Tim. 5.22.  
Fifthly; You that want such, and may enjoy them, neglect not so great a Mercy, neither hinder Christ of so great a Glory, as the Glory of his own Ministry in his own Church, through your want of Zeal and forwardness to promote his and your own concern; but I shall hope I need not enlarge here.  
Sixthly; If Christ's Ministers flow from him, and depend upon him, then when you enjoy them, bless and magnify him for them, who hath not left you Orphans, or as Sheep without a Shepherd. Wise Gospel-Ministers such as we have all along been discoursing of, are very great blessings to a People that enjoy them. Wherefore, when God loves a People, he promiseth them that he will set Watchmen upon their Walls, which shall never hold their peace day nor night; and also that their Teachers shall no more be removed into Corners, Isa. 62.6. & 30, 20. Therefore you that enjoy wise, faithful, able, painful Gospel-Ministers, bless God, through Jesus Christ, for this singular Gift of Grace, etc.  
But again, Are Ministers of the Gospel such as have been described Christ's Gift and Ordinance, both they and their Ministrations? then let none intrude or impose upon you, the Churches of Christ, a Ministry, or Ministrations, which are none of Christ's, nor to be found contained in Scripture; but being free, be not the Servants of Men, but remember Paul's Counsel; Beware lest any man spoil you through Philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, and after the rudiments of the World, and not after Christ. Let no man at his pleasure bear rule over you by humbleness of mind, and worshipping of Angels, intruding into these things, which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, Col. 2.8, 18.  
Further, let me, in the fear of the God, Exhort you, that enjoy Christ's Ministry and their Ministrations; Remember to obey them that have the Rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for your Souls, as they that must give an account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you, Heb. 13.17. Their Work is hard enough from the men of this World. O, let it be good from you for whom they endure all things, or at least very many things, 2 Tim. 2.10. They do not only do much for you, but also endure much for you. O! therefore, let them not endure any thing from you, but rather, according to Paul's advice, Let the Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, especially such as labour in the Word and Doctrine, 1 Tim. 5.17. remembering what is said concerning them, without the least shadow of pride or vanity. How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad-tydings of peace, Rom. 10.15. Now if you would eminently honour and rejoice your Ministers, pray then labour greatly to improve and profit by their Administrations; for such as are Christ's faithful Ministers, seek not yours but you, 2 Cor. 13.14. and have no greater joy, than to hear that their Children walk in or according to truth, 3 John 4. This makes great rejoicing and thanksgiving by Christ's Ministers, when they either hear or see, that those they labour among do prosper, and their graces grow, as we have it, Ephes. 1.15, 16. Wherefore I also, when I heard of your Faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the Saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; whereas to find the Saints and Churches of Christ, in a poor, low, beggarly state of Soul, not improving nor profiting under means of Grace, this will cause Christ and his Ministers to weep and complain, and even sit down and bemoan themselves in the sense of it, according to that prophecy, Isa. 33.7. Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without; the Ambassadors of Peace shall weep bitterly, fulfilled by this Prophet the Type of Christ. Then I said, I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain, Chap. 49.4. And how fully was this Prophecy made good by Christ, who, when he was come near, he beheld the City and wept over it, Luke 19.41. Wherefore Sirs, if you have any love to Christ, or compassion towards your Ministers, improve them, and strive to prosper under their Ministration, so will you prevent their grief, and give them a good reward for their labour.  
But again, to hasten to a conclusion, and closing up of the Use of Exhortation; pray you, if your Ministers be Christ's Ministers, and Christ's Ministers flow from him, depend upon him, and minister for him; pray you join with, and assist them in  they for Christ have need of you; as Paul directed the Church of the Romans, To do for Phebe, that ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh Saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you, Rom. 16.2. So say I, pray assist your Ministers with your watchfulness, with your observation of those they labour among and for. Help them with your Informations, concerning what you observe wanting either in them or others. Help them with your Zeal and readiness, to join issue with them in any business of Christ, like those Holy Ones we read of, Exod. 36.1. Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every  man, in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding, to know how to work all manner of work, for the service of the Sanctuary, according to all that the Lord commanded. The like frame of Spirit we read of in those mentioned, Ezra 1.5, 6. with Nehem. 2.18. where the People of the Lord are found thus doing; And they said, Let us rise up and build: So they strengthened their hands for this good Work.  
But lastly; Pray you, let me Exhort you to assist Ministers with your Prayers for their good, and the prosperity of Christ's work in their hand; remembering, That whilst Moses 's hands were uplitld by Aaron and Hur, Israel prevailed, Exod. 17.11, 12. Even so my Brethren, your incessant Prayers in your Minister's behalf, will utterly overthrow Amalek, and help Joshua and Israel to prevail.  
And thus I have done with this Exhortation, and with what I shall offer to your consideration upon this Scripture; wherein I have, with what clearness and brevity conveniently I could, set before you what Preaching is, and whose Ordinance it is; who is a truly wise Preacher, and what his Work is; and the Blessing and Duty of all that enjoy such Preachers.  
Now consider and examine what hath been said, and the Lord give you wisdom in all things. Amen, Amen.   
FINIS.