experience_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v long_o since_o observe_v that_o among_o orator_n and_o they_o be_v of_o like_a condition_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n among_o they_o that_o preacher_n be_v now_o in_o the_o church_n among_o we_o the_o unlearned_a be_v many_o time_n best_o esteem_v and_o he_o spend_v a_o whole_a 108._o whole_a lib._n 2._o cap._n 12._o pag._n 108._o chapter_n in_o discover_v and_o set_v down_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o the_o vulgar_a s._n hierome_n also_o have_v observe_v the_o like_a of_o preacher_n in_o the_o church_n 175._o church_n verba_fw-la voluere_fw-la &_o celeritate_fw-la dicendi_fw-la apud_fw-la imperitum_fw-la vulgus_fw-la admirationem_fw-la svi_fw-la facere_fw-la in_fw-la doctorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la est_fw-la attrita_fw-la frons_fw-la interpretatur_fw-la saepe_fw-la quod_fw-la nescâ—t_fw-la &_o quum_fw-la aliis_fw-la persuaserit_fw-la sibi_fw-la quo_fw-la que_fw-la usurpat_fw-la scientiam_fw-la etc._n etc._n nâ—hil_fw-la tam_fw-la facile_fw-la quam_fw-la vilem_fw-la plebeculam_fw-la &_o indoctam_fw-la concionem_fw-la linguae_fw-la volubilitate_fw-la descipere_fw-la quae_fw-la quic_fw-la quid_fw-la non_fw-la intelligit_fw-la plus_fw-la miratur_fw-la hieron_n epist_n 2._o add_v nepotian_n pag._n 16._o vide_fw-la etiam_fw-la jul._n nigronum_fw-la in_o regulam_fw-la 2._o commun_n num_fw-la 67._o etc._n etc._n pag._n 175._o it_o be_v the_o fashion_n of_o unlearned_a man_n say_v he_o by_o volubility_n of_o tongue_n and_o celerity_n in_o speak_v to_o raise_v a_o admiration_n of_o themselves_o among_o the_o rude_a multitude_n a_o bold_a face_n will_v oftentimes_o teach_v that_o which_o himself_o do_v not_o know_v and_o when_o he_o have_v persuade_v other_o he_o usurp_v to_o himself_o the_o praise_n of_o learning_n nor_n say_v he_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o easy_a then_o to_o deceive_v the_o base_a sort_n and_o unlearned_a multitude_n with_o volubility_n of_o tongue_n they_o when_o they_o understand_v not_o any_o point_n do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o admire_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o marvel_n if_o the_o rude_a multitude_n do_v mistake_v in_o judge_v of_o a_o preacher_n they_o do_v so_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v more_o plain_a and_o more_o near_o to_o their_o capacity_n and_o apprehension_n we_o see_v it_o every_o day_n that_o a_o hornpipe_n or_o a_o morris_n dance_v and_o such_o country_n music_n do_v please_v the_o common_a sort_n more_o than_o any_o exact_a and_o artificial_a music_n can_v do_v &_o that_o those_o stroke_n &_o tune_n make_v they_o to_o leap_v &_o frisk_v which_o will_v make_v a_o sober_a and_o skilful_a man_n to_o laugh_v and_o deride_v they_o and_o so_o in_o this_o case_n if_o a_o preacher_n be_v furious_a in_o his_o action_n and_o fluent_a in_o his_o word_n and_o vehement_a in_o exclamation_n and_o do_v mouth_n it_o out_o with_o a_o throng_n of_o word_n which_o be_v as_o unable_a to_o beget_v notion_n of_o true_a religion_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o right_a reason_n yet_o the_o multitude_n do_v greedy_o embrace_v this_o music_n &_o dance_v after_o this_o pipe_n by_o all_o this_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o disable_v the_o gift_n of_o any_o nor_o to_o censure_v their_o form_n of_o teach_v that_o may_v do_v good_a to_o god_n people_n only_o i_o advise_v every_o wise_a christian_a not_o to_o esteem_v of_o a_o sermon_n by_o the_o delight_n that_o himself_o or_o other_o of_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n do_v take_v in_o the_o utterance_n of_o it_o and_o i_o desire_v that_o instead_o thereof_o they_o will_v rather_o consider_v what_o increase_n of_o godliness_n they_o have_v gain_v by_o it_o or_o wherein_o they_o have_v be_v profit_v either_o for_o understanding_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o for_o conceve_v of_o some_o point_n of_o religion_n or_o for_o amend_v of_o their_o sinful_a life_n if_o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o such_o spiritual_a profit_n to_o their_o soul_n i_o hinder_v not_o but_o with_o great_a reason_n they_o may_v esteem_v such_o a_o form_n of_o teach_v but_o if_o they_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o their_o profit_v in_o godliness_n i_o can_v give_v no_o approbation_n of_o their_o vain_a censure_n 2._o rule_n the_o second_o rule_n which_o wisdom_n require_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o hear_n be_v that_o we_o select_a and_o single_a out_o such_o instruction_n as_o do_v more_o especial_o concern_v our_o own_o practice_n and_o take_v more_o special_a notice_n of_o they_o then_o of_o other_o that_o concern_v we_o not_o so_o near_o for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a nature_n &_o can_v observe_v all_o thing_n with_o like_a exactness_n and_o attention_n and_o our_o memory_n be_v feeble_a and_o frail_a and_o can_v treasure_n up_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o ability_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n and_o memory_n we_o have_v we_o shall_v husband_n they_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o for_o our_o best_a advantage_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v do_v if_o pass_v by_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a and_o slide_v through_o point_n of_o lesser_a moment_n we_o fasten_v our_o mind_n upon_o such_o lesson_n and_o observation_n as_o do_v more_o near_o concern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o rule_n the_o prophet_n have_v go_v before_o we_o and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n he_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o priest_n in_o thing_n of_o their_o duty_n begin_v with_o this_o preface_n and_o now_o o_o you_o priest_n this_o commandment_n be_v for_o you_o mal._n 2.1_o and_o so_o if_o the_o preacher_n tell_v householder_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o their_o son_n and_o servant_n he_o that_o be_v a_o master_n of_o a_o family_n present_o shall_v say_v with_o himself_o this_o commandment_n be_v for_o i_o and_o if_o the_o preacher_n speak_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n he_o that_o be_v a_o servant_n shall_v say_v this_o commandment_n be_v for_o i_o and_o if_o he_o insist_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o marry_a couple_n the_o husband_n shall_v say_v this_o commandment_n be_v for_o i_o and_o the_o wife_n shall_v say_v that_o commandment_n be_v for_o i_o and_o if_o he_o preach_v of_o true_a deal_n in_o bargain_v and_o contract_n the_o merchant_n and_o the_o shopkeeper_n and_o the_o artificer_n and_o the_o customer_n and_o every_o man_n almost_o may_v say_v that_o commandment_n be_v for_o i_o and_o to_o i_o it_o belong_v and_o in_o a_o word_n every_o one_o that_o hear_v any_o rule_n that_o concern_v himself_o shall_v make_v application_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o that_o that_o which_o be_v he_o for_o the_o duty_n may_v be_v his_o for_o the_o practice_n also_o thus_o we_o see_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o have_v care_n of_o their_o own_o state_n do_v use_n to_o do_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n without_o any_o teach_n if_o they_o hear_v of_o any_o medicine_n that_o be_v proper_a for_o a_o infirmity_n of_o their_o own_o that_o they_o mark_v and_o either_o imprint_v it_o in_o their_o memory_n or_o write_v it_o up_o in_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n for_o their_o after-use_a when_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o pass_v over_o many_o other_o better_a rule_n in_o their_o kind_n only_o because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o their_o case_n and_o condition_n and_o again_o if_o a_o man_n read_v the_o book_n of_o statute_n and_o find_v a_o law_n which_o concern_v his_o own_o land_n or_o his_o own_o deal_n he_o will_v either_o fold_v down_o a_o leaf_n or_o mark_v the_o place_n in_o the_o margin_n or_o transcribe_v the_o word_n in_o a_o notebook_n that_o it_o may_v be_v in_o readiness_n when_o the_o time_n serve_v and_o so_o if_o in_o our_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n either_o preach_v or_o read_v we_o meet_v with_o any_o lesson_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n that_o concern_v ourselves_o in_o special_a we_o shall_v consider_v wherein_o and_o how_o it_o may_v stead_v we_o and_o this_o consideration_n will_v be_v as_o a_o mark_v set_v upon_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o remembrance_n for_o if_o we_o shall_v forget_v the_o rule_n itself_o yet_o the_o very_a application_n of_o it_o to_o ourselves_o will_v put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o but_o as_o for_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o useful_a and_o proper_a for_o we_o we_o may_v pass_v they_o over_o with_o less_o care_n and_o attention_n for_o example_n if_o we_o hear_v some_o instruction_n which_o we_o have_v learn_v as_o full_o before_o we_o may_v let_v that_o pass_v as_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o hear_v somewhat_o not_o useful_a for_o sanctification_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n we_o may_v let_v that_o go_v as_o not_o worth_a the_o note_n when_o better_a thing_n be_v in_o place_n and_o if_o we_o hear_v good_a instruction_n that_o be_v useful_a for_o other_o but_o concern_v not_o ourselves_o we_o may_v dismiss_v they_o also_o as_o not_o
no_o better_a use_n of_o a_o preacher_n than_o a_o man_n will_v do_v of_o a_o minstrel_n that_o be_v to_o delight_v themselves_o with_o his_o voice_n but_o not_o to_o follow_v his_o direction_n 2._o ex._n the_o second_o example_n that_o fit_v this_o purpose_n be_v that_o in_o ezekiell_n chap._n 14._o set_v down_o at_o large_a in_o many_o verse_n together_o but_o summary_o comprise_v in_o the_o 7_o and_o 8._o verse_n the_o word_n be_v every_o one_o which_o separate_v himself_o from_o i_o and_o set_v up_o his_o idol_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o put_v the_o stumble_a block_n of_o his_o iniquity_n before_o his_o face_n and_o come_v to_o a_o prophet_n to_o inquire_v of_o he_o concern_v i_o i_o the_o lord_n will_v answer_v he_o by_o myself_o and_o i_o will_v set_v my_o face_n against_o that_o man_n and_o will_v make_v he_o a_o sign_n &_o a_o proverb_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o passage_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n considerable_a 1._o a_o case_n propound_v concern_v the_o people_n and_o 2_o the_o answer_n that_o god_n make_v unto_o it_o the_o case_n be_v this_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o only_o repair_v to_o the_o prophet_n sermon_n in_o public_a but_o beside_o go_v to_o he_o in_o private_a and_o ask_v his_o direction_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o god_n service_n and_o yet_o this_o man_n set_v up_o a_o idol_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o a_o stumble_a block_n before_o his_o face_n that_o be_v he_o have_v some_o one_o thing_n or_o other_o that_o he_o make_v his_o idol_n love_v and_o adore_v it_o &_o look_v towards_o it_o as_o the_o desire_n of_o his_o eye_n more_o than_o he_o love_v or_o adore_v the_o true_a god_n who_o word_n he_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o this_o be_v the_o case_n now_o the_o answer_n that_o god_n give_v hereunto_o be_v i_o will_v answer_v he_o by_o myself_o i_o will_v set_v my_o face_n against_o he_o etc._n etc._n apply_v we_o this_o to_o our_o time_n &_o it_o be_v thus_o much_o in_o effect_n they_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o zealous_a &_o religious_a than_o other_o man_n be_v these_o do_v not_o only_o come_v to_o hear_v our_o sermon_n in_o public_a but_o they_o desire_v also_o to_o have_v our_o counsel_n in_o private_a and_o propound_v case_n of_o conscience_n desire_v our_o direction_n therein_o and_o it_o be_v a_o commendable_a course_n and_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o gain_v knowledge_n and_o understanding_n by_o but_o if_o such_o a_o man_n thus_o zealous_a in_o his_o way_n do_v notwithstanding_o set_v up_o a_o idol_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v a_o purpose_n or_o do_v live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n god_n will_v meet_v with_o that_o man_n in_o his_o anger_n and_o cut_v he_o off_o with_o the_o wicked_a that_o never_o inquire_v after_o god_n 3._o ex._n a_o three_o example_n may_v be_v that_o speak_v of_o by_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 13.26_o they_o shall_v say_v unto_o i_o say_v our_o lord_n we_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o thy_o presence_n and_o thou_o have_v teach_v in_o our_o street_n but_o he_o shall_v say_v i_o tell_v you_o i_o know_v you_o not_o whence_o you_o be_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o as_o it_o be_v matt._n 7.22_o many_o will_v say_v to_o i_o in_o that_o day_n of_o the_o great_a judgement_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o then_o i_o will_v profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n here_o i_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1_o what_o these_o great_a pretender_n to_o religion_n do_v allege_v for_o themselves_o and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v christ_n himself_o preach_v unto_o they_o in_o his_o own_o person_n yea_o that_o themselves_o do_v preach_v in_o his_o name_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o in_o his_o name_n have_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o hereupon_o they_o think_v that_o they_o have_v a_o special_a interest_n in_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n 2._o i_o consider_v what_o our_o lord_n answer_v to_o these_o allegation_n he_o deni_v not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o have_v hear_v christ_n preach_v among_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v and_o do_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n all_o this_o he_o grant_v to_o be_v true_a but_o he_o deni_v that_o for_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o they_o have_v any_o right_n in_o he_o or_o in_o his_o kingdom_n i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o and_o why_o why_o even_o because_o you_o be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n the_o application_n hereof_o be_v obvious_a and_o easy_a if_o man_n be_v worker_n of_o iniquity_n that_o be_v if_o they_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n which_o they_o will_v not_o present_o forsake_v no_o hear_n of_o god_n word_n though_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o preacher_n nor_o no_o preach_v of_o god_n word_n though_o themselves_o be_v honour_v with_o that_o holy_a call_n no_o nor_o no_o cast_v out_o of_o devil_n as_o some_o even_o in_o our_o day_n have_v pretend_v to_o do_v neither_o any_o nor_o all_o of_o these_o thing_n can_v gain_v they_o a_o title_n to_o heaven_n or_o a_o right_n to_o blessedness_n &_o eternal_a life_n let_v every_o good_a christian_a then_o take_v heed_n that_o himself_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o with_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a who_o think_v high_o of_o themselves_o for_o their_o hear_n of_o sermon_n and_o read_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_v of_o religion_n these_o be_v good_a if_o they_o be_v well_o use_v that_o be_v if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v as_o mean_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n if_o they_o make_v we_o more_o just_a &_o more_o sober_a and_o more_o peaceable_a and_o more_o charitable_a and_o more_o conscionable_a in_o all_o our_o way_n and_o deal_n then_o they_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o prepare_v man_n by_o holiness_n to_o a_o bless_a life_n but_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o sanctity_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n then_o the_o curse_n attend_v they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o go_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n from_o which_o god_n will_v deliver_v all_o they_o that_o fear_n and_o serve_v he_o use_v 2._o see_v hearing_n be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n then_o as_o it_o fit_v we_o for_o do_v hence_o we_o have_v a_o good_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o sermon_n by_o for_o if_o hear_v be_v no_o more_o worth_a then_o as_o it_o further_v we_o to_o do_v then_o preach_v be_v of_o as_o little_a worth_n if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_v for_o the_o same_o end_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o preach_v and_o hear_v be_v both_o of_o they_o ordain_v for_o the_o same_o end_n nor_o will_v there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o preach_v if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o hear_v no_o man_n ever_o preach_v to_o a_o infant_n because_o he_o want_v wit_n to_o learn_v what_o be_v teach_v nor_o will_v any_o man_n ever_o preach_v to_o the_o glorify_a soul_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n because_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o teach_v preach_v only_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o man_n who_o have_v need_n of_o instruction_n may_v learn_v and_o make_v use_n of_o what_o be_v teach_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o hear_n be_v vain_a which_o do_v not_o further_a a_o godly_a life_n then_o that_o preach_v be_v no_o better_a than_o babble_a which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o beget_v godliness_n and_o virtue_n and_o this_o note_n yield_v we_o two_o practical_a rule_n one_o for_o the_o preacher_n and_o a_o other_o for_o the_o hearer_n 1._o rule_n the_o rule_n for_o the_o preacher_n be_v this_o that_o in_o frame_v and_o compose_v of_o his_o sermon_n he_o shall_v aim_v at_o the_o people_n profit_v in_o a_o holy_a life_n &_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o word_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o may_v work_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n for_o confirmation_n hereof_o we_o have_v god_n own_o example_n isa_n 48.17_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n say_v he_o which_o teach_v thou_o to_o profit_n and_o lead_v thou_o by_o the_o way_n that_o thou_o shall_v go_v i_o note_v two_o thing_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o teach_v thou_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o preacher_n who_o office_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n the_o way_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o 2._o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o teach_v to_o profit_v the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v as_o montanus_n render_v it_o
the_o text_n out_o of_o isai_n 33.7_o he_o be_v lead_v as_o a_o sheep_n to_o the_o slaughter_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o philip_n open_v his_o mouth_n and_o begin_v at_o the_o same_o scripture_n and_o preach_v unto_o he_o jesus_n in_o these_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o philip_n and_o our_o saviour_n take_v a_o text_n to_o preach_v upon_o the_o one_o such_o a_o text_n as_o the_o occasion_n then_o offer_v and_o the_o other_o such_o as_o himself_o make_v choice_n of_o for_o the_o purpose_n but_o at_o other_o time_n we_o find_v that_o preacher_n have_v choose_v a_o theme_n which_o they_o think_v useful_a for_o the_o time_n and_o without_o any_o text_n to_o ground_v their_o discourse_n on_o have_v unfold_v that_o point_n out_o of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n &_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o people_n use_n thus_o our_o lord_n do_v preach_v when_o he_o make_v that_o famous_a sermon_n call_v by_o the_o learned_a sermo_n domini_fw-la in_o monte_fw-fr our_o lord_n sermon_n in_o the_o mount_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n matt._n 5.6_o &_o 7._o chapter_n for_o in_o this_o sermon_n we_o have_v many_o exposition_n of_o scripture_n many_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o many_o exhortation_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o godly_a life_n but_o we_o find_v no_o text_n first_o read_v by_o direction_n of_o which_o he_o proceed_v in_o his_o sermon_n thus_o our_o lord_n and_o so_o saint_n peter_n preach_v also_o act._n 2_o &_o 3._o chapter_n and_o saint_n stephen_n act._n 7._o and_o s._n paul_n act._n 13_o &_o 17._o and_o of_o late_a time_n some_o also_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o church_n have_v do_v the_o like_a though_o the_o common_a use_n now_o among_o we_o be_v always_o to_o ground_v our_o sermon_n upon_o some_o text_n even_o then_o when_o man_n scarce_o once_o touch_v upon_o the_o text_n in_o the_o whole_a sermon_n of_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o preach_v my_o note_n be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n word_n be_v preach_v aright_o whether_o by_o ground_v on_o a_o text_n or_o by_o propound_v of_o a_o theme_n yet_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o preach_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v he_o bless_v that_o use_v it_o aright_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v in_o which_o of_o these_o sort_n soever_o it_o be_v be_v available_a to_o blessedness_n and_o alike_o profitable_a to_o salvation_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o by_o every_o one_o of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v alike_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o may_v be_v edify_v in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n &_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o point_n what_o we_o mean_v by_o preach_v or_o the_o word_n preach_v ii_o quest_n the_o next_o be_v how_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n thus_o preach_v be_v a_o mean_n of_o blessedness_n and_o the_o answer_n be_v it_o appear_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o way_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v his_o church_n convert_v the_o nation_n and_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o believer_n so_o s._n paul_n say_v that_o by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v so_o the_o world_n esteem_v it_o it_o please_v god_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.21_o and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o do_v forbid_v the_o apostle_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v 1_o thess_n 2.16_o and_o to_o these_o say_n the_o event_n prove_v answerable_a for_o saint_n peter_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o one_o sermon_n convert_v three_o thousand_o soul_n act._n 2.41_o and_o s._n paul_n convert_v many_o jew_n and_o proselyt_n act._n 13.43_o and_o more_o particular_o and_o by_o name_n he_o convert_v lydia_n and_o the_o gaoler_n act._n 16._o and_o dionysius_n areopagita_n and_o damaris_n and_o other_o act._n 17._o and_o in_o a_o word_n by_o he_o &_o his_o fellowlabourer_n all_o the_o christian_a world_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o faith_n experience_n then_o show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o word_n preach_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o by_o faith_n to_o salvation_n 2._o it_o be_v prove_v also_o because_o god_n do_v send_v preacher_n into_o the_o world_n that_o by_o their_o labour_n he_o may_v bring_v man_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n for_o this_o end_n it_o be_v that_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v our_o lord_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v upon_o i_o because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a etc._n etc._n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n the_o plant_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v be_v 61.1_o 2_o 3._o in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v two_o thing_n for_o our_o purpose_n 1._o the_o work_n that_o our_o lord_n christ_n be_v send_v about_o and_o that_o be_v to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n etc._n etc._n 2._o the_o end_n that_o be_v intend_v and_o effect_v by_o it_o &_o that_o be_v twofold_a man_n sanctification_n and_o god_n glory_n that_o they_o may_v be_v call_v the_o tree_n of_o righteousness_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v by_o it_o and_o for_o the_o like_a end_n and_o purpose_n our_o lord_n christ_n himself_o do_v send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v matt._n 10.5_o 7_o and_o the_o seventie_o disciple_n luk._n 10.1_o and_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 1.17_o and_o to_o save_v labour_n in_o name_v of_o particular_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o lord_n be_v ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o give_v some_o to_o be_v apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n but_o why_o and_o for_o what_o end_n all_o this_o why_o it_o be_v say_v the_o text_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n &_o for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4.11_o 12_o 13._o by_o this_o we_o see_v that_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v bring_v man_n to_o the_o faith_n by_o their_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o beginning_n so_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o settle_a course_n of_o teach_v to_o the_o world_n end_n by_o which_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o happiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o answer_v to_o the_o second_o question_n iii_o quest_n the_o last_o be_v what_o help_n may_v we_o have_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v beside_o or_o more_o than_o we_o may_v gain_v by_o hear_v the_o scripture_n read_v to_o this_o my_o answer_n be_v it_o may_v furtherus_fw-la in_o the_o way_n of_o godliness_n diverse_a way_n over_o and_o beside_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v reap_v by_o the_o word_n read_v for_o 1._o it_o may_v further_o we_o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o many_o passage_n of_o scripture_n more_o than_o we_o can_v gather_v by_o hear_v of_o they_o read_v for_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_v of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v deliver_v clear_o &_o plain_o in_o scripture_n and_o a_o man_n by_o read_v or_o hear_v they_o read_v may_v gain_v much_o help_n towards_o salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o there_o be_v many_o speech_n &_o phrase_n &_o word_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o understand_v by_o a_o ordinary_a christian_a but_o may_v be_v explain_v &_o make_v clear_a by_o a_o learned_a preacher_n for_o example_n the_o disciple_n understand_v not_o the_o right_a meaning_n of_o that_o sentence_n of_o the_o prophet_n behold_v i_o will_v send_v you_o eliiah_n the_o prophet_n before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n etc._n etc._n malac._n 4.5_o for_o they_o conceit_v that_o this_o be_v mean_v of_o elias_n in_o person_n whereas_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o come_v in_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o elias_n and_o because_o he_o resemble_v he_o in_o his_o office_n be_v therefore_o call_v by_o his_o name_n this_o when_o they_o understand_v not_o our_o lord_n expound_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o scripture_n as_o appear_v mar._n 9.12_o again_o the_o eunuch_n of_o ethiopia_n do_v not_o understand_v that_o
grace_n in_o which_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o christianity_n do_v consist_v and_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o dispose_v before_o he_o come_v to_o hear_v be_v in_o a_o fair_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n when_o they_o be_v allege_v and_o to_o conceive_v the_o preacher_n meaning_n when_o he_o explain_v and_o appli_v they_o to_o his_o conscience_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o 134._o that_o inst_z lib._n 5._o cap._n 33._o pag._n 134._o cassian_n a_o learned_a &_o judicious_a writer_n do_v say_v of_o theodorus_n a_o religious_a man_n of_o that_o time_n and_o one_o that_o be_v expert_a in_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o thing_n which_o make_v he_o so_o skilful_a in_o god_n book_n be_v non_fw-la tam_fw-la studium_fw-la lectionis_fw-la vel_fw-la literatura_fw-la mundi_fw-la quà m_fw-la sola_fw-la puritas_fw-la cordis_fw-la not_o so_o much_o his_o read_n of_o learned_a book_n or_o his_o human_a learning_n as_o his_o purity_n &_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n alone_o and_o this_o man_n say_v the_o same_o 135._o same_o ibid._n cap_n 34._o pag._n 135._o author_n when_o man_n admire_v his_o clear_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n and_o desire_v of_o he_o the_o meaning_n of_o certain_a place_n answer_v they_o that_o he_o who_o will_v come_v to_o the_o true_a understanding_n of_o scripture_n must_v not_o bestow_v his_o pain_n in_o read_v of_o commentary_n but_o rather_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o clear_v his_o soul_n from_o fleshly_a desire_n quibus_fw-la expulsis_fw-la confestim_fw-la cordis_fw-la oculi_fw-la sublato_fw-la velamine_fw-la passionum_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la velut_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la incipient_fw-la contemplari_fw-la for_o these_o vicious_a lust_n be_v expulse_v &_o drive_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n after_o this_o veil_n of_o passion_n be_v remove_v from_o before_o it_o do_v begin_v as_o it_o be_v by_o its_o own_o disposition_n and_o temper_n to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o scripture_n ibid._n scripture_n siquidem_fw-la nobis_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la essent_fw-la incognita_fw-la vel_fw-la obscura_fw-la sancti_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la gratiâ_fw-la promulgata_fw-la sunt_fw-la sed_fw-la nostro_fw-la vitio_fw-la velamine_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la cordis_fw-la oculos_fw-la obnubente_fw-la red_a duntur_fw-la obscura_fw-la quibus_fw-la rursum_fw-la naturali_fw-la redditis_fw-la sanitati_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la sanctarum_fw-la lectio_fw-la ad_fw-la contemplationem_fw-la verae_fw-la scentiae_fw-la abundè_fw-la etiam_fw-la sola_fw-la sufficiat_fw-la cassian_n ibid._n for_o as_o he_o add_v the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o so_o pen_n and_o divulge_v the_o scripture_n that_o they_o may_v be_v unknowen_a and_o dark_a but_o they_o become_v hard_a and_o obscure_a through_o our_o own_o default_n who_o with_o a_o veil_n of_o sin_n do_v cover_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n like_o the_o veil_n that_o lie_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o jew_n while_o they_o read_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n 2_o cor._n 3.14_o 15._o ii_o this_o purity_n of_o soul_n disburden_v of_o her_o sinful_a lust_n dispose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n word_n and_o make_v he_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o be_v therein_o prescribe_v now_o these_o work_n of_o obedience_n they_o be_v the_o very_a fruit_n &_o harvest_n crop_n for_o reap_v whereof_o the_o seed_n of_o god_n word_n be_v sow_v for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o preach_n and_o read_v be_v that_o man_n may_v hear_v and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o hear_n be_v that_o they_o may_v learn_v and_o know_v god_n will_v and_o the_o end_n of_o their_o learning_n &_o knowledge_n be_v that_o they_o may_v do_v god_n will_v and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n this_o gradation_n of_o cause_n be_v clear_o express_v by_o moses_n deut._n 31.11_o 12._o and_o it_o be_v intimate_v by_o our_o saviour_n also_o in_o the_o gospel_n when_o he_o say_v this_o people_n heart_n be_v wax_v gross_a and_o their_o ear_n be_v dull_a of_o hear_v &_o their_o eye_n they_o have_v close_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n &_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n &_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o matt._n 13.15_o by_o these_o speech_n it_o appear_v that_o do_v be_v the_o end_n of_o hear_v now_o that_o which_o in_o our_o hear_n do_v fit_v we_o for_o this_o end_n be_v if_o we_o purge_v our_o soul_n aforehand_o of_o all_o sinful_a lust_n and_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o to_o be_v mould_v by_o the_o word_n for_o they_o that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o any_o lust_n be_v loath_a to_o hear_v and_o more_o loath_a to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v to_o the_o contrary_n herod_n because_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o fleshly_a lust_n will_v not_o hearken_v to_o john_n baptist_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o incest_n 6._o mark_n 6._o the_o pharise_n because_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o money_n deride_v our_o saviour_n 14._o luk._n 16.13_o 14._o when_o he_o preach_v against_o covetousness_n and_o ahab_n 22._o 1_o king_n 22._o because_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n to_o battle_n put_v micaiah_n in_o prison_n for_o advise_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o live_v in_o oppression_n will_v not_o care_v for_o the_o preacher_n word_n when_o he_o tell_v he_o of_o s._n paul_n threaten_a let_v no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n because_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o 1_o thess_n 4.6_o and_o he_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o his_o unclean_a lust_n will_v not_o care_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o that_o sentence_n whoremonger_n and_o adulterer_n god_n will_v judge_v heb._n 13.4_o and_o he_o that_o be_v give_v to_o his_o belly_n cheer_n will_v sleight_v that_o caveat_n of_o our_o saviour_n take_v heed_n lest_o your_o heart_n be_v overcome_v with_o surfeit_v &_o drunkenness_n etc._n etc._n luk._n 21.34_o and_o general_o whosoever_o be_v lead_v with_o any_o lust_n until_o he_o be_v content_a to_o part_v with_o that_o lust_n will_v never_o be_v willing_a to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o that_o scripture_n which_o forbid_v it_o yea_o and_o they_o who_o be_v zealous_o affect_v to_o religion_n and_o perform_v holy_a duty_n with_o some_o care_n yet_o if_o they_o have_v but_o any_o one_o unmortified_a passion_n behind_o that_o lust_n will_v make_v they_o to_o withdraw_v the_o shoulder_n when_o they_o shall_v yield_v obedience_n to_o the_o word_n a_o plain_a proof_n hereof_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o rich_a young_a man_n mention_v mar._n 10.17_o etc._n etc._n for_o he_o come_v to_o christ_n with_o great_a zele_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v be_v save_v good_a master_n say_v he_o what_o good_a thing_n shall_v i_o do_v &_o c_o but_o when_o our_o lord_n bid_v he_o go_v sell_v all_o that_o thou_o have_v &c_n &c_n and_o thou_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n the_o text_n say_v he_o be_v sad_a at_o that_o say_n and_o go_v away_o grieve_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o forward_a young_a man_n and_o purpose_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o christ_n will_v appoint_v he_o for_o gain_v of_o eternal_a life_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o his_o wealth_n he_o think_v this_o to_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o condition_n to_o be_v accept_v of_o and_o so_o it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v with_o all_o other_o man_n if_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o any_o one_o sin_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o that_o word_n of_o god_n which_o forbid_v it_o but_o contrariwise_o he_o that_o have_v empty_v his_o soul_n of_o every_o know_a sin_n be_v ready_a for_o every_o commandment_n &_o will_v submit_v to_o whatsoever_o god_n shall_v enjoin_v he_o for_o have_v purge_v out_o every_o lust_n he_o have_v nothing_o leave_v behind_o that_o may_v oppose_v god_n word_n when_o it_o command_v he_o his_o duty_n such_o a_o man_n if_o god_n shall_v command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o life_n for_o religion_n as_o he_o command_v abraham_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n he_o will_v say_v with_o s._n paul_n my_o life_n be_v not_o dear_a unto_o i_o so_o i_o may_v finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n act._n 20.24_o and_o if_o god_n shall_v require_v restitution_n of_o ill_n get_v good_n he_o will_v say_v with_o zaccheus_n if_o i_o have_v take_v any_o thing_n from_o any_o man_n by_o false_a accusation_n or_o any_o other_o unjust_a deal_n i_o will_v restore_v he_o fourfold_a luk._n 19.8_o and_o if_o god_n shall_v require_v he_o to_o mortify_v himself_o by_o hard_a and_o austere_a chastisement_n he_o will_v say_v with_o s._n paul_n i_o will_v keep_v under_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o in_o subjection_n 1_o cor._n 9.27_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o the_o most_o troublesome_a