The new birthThe nevv birth

and after to apply it to the hearers, as in the same place, he falls into the reproof of their quarrelsomeness against him, that would upbraid him with the Proverb of, Physician heal thy self;¹ amplifying his reproof, with allegation of the examples of the Widow of Zarepta, and the Syrian Naaman. So the Apostles could not mistake his meaning, when ⟨p. 18⟩himself had by constant practice gone before you, in doing what he bad them do. And therefore it will not at all follow, that because the word read, is able to beget faith; either the ministers may content themselves usually to read it, without preaching: or the people usually content themselves to hear it so; and not be careful to seek for the preaching of it. For of such absolute necessity, and of such excellent worth is regeneration, that it is needful to seek it, (and sinful not to seek it) not only in some one of the most easy means that may sometimes procure it; but also in all the means (though never so painful) that God hath appointed for it. Every man may read himself, yea must read, if he can. This is a duty that might have been performed, without establishing of any ministry in the Church. But the Minister is, not only to read; but also to divide the word of truth aright, to exhort, improve, rebuke, to speak to mens edification, exhortation & comfort; that he may be truly called a fellow-labourer with God, in the work of mens salvation. Shall we rest our selves satisfied in one thing, that may convert? shall we think it enough to be constant in one exercise, that may work grace? Doubtless if we do so, our own worldly wisdom and diligence shall rise up in judgement, and condemn our spiritual folly and negligence. Yea brethren, in things temporal, men stand thus affected: that as they will neglect nothing, that may promise them any furtherance to their good success; so they will show most care, and most earnestness, in that which they have cause to think, will be most available for their purpose. Now without question, the word preached is more usually, and more powerfully effectual to regeneration, then ⟨p. 19⟩the word read. The holy Ghost doth more often, and more mightily work by the word interpreted, and applied, then by it barely repeated out of the book. I think him not worthy to be reasoned withal, that will stand in denial of this matter.