A plain and familiar exposition of the eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Proverbs…A plaine and familiar exposition of the eleuenth and twelfth chapters of the Prouerbes…

The meaning of these words is, that a godly man is very plentiful in bringing forth fruit, and his fruit exceeding profitable to them that receive it. Especially his instructions, consolations, prayers, & other spiritual means that he useth, to convert, or confirm the hearts of his brethren. And he himself also is not without the fruit of his own fruit, which is intimated here by pronouncing him wise that winneth souls, that is, which with desire, and endeavour faithfully and discreetly, by Gods own means, according to his place and calling either doth draw men out of their sins and ignorance, or else faileth of success therein, not by his negligence, and want of love, but rather by their stubbornness and want of will. And herewith the Prophet doth satisfy himself, whatsoever should be the issue of his ministry. Now saith the Lord that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring Jacob again to him, though Israel be not gathered, ¹yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the Lord: and my God shall be my strength. On the other side we dare not take upon us to justify the hearts and states of all those which have been occasions of any mans conversion, if it be not their fruit: nor to extenuate ⟨p. 103⟩the efficacy of every unregenerate mans ministry, that his doctrine should win none to salvation. It is granted without question, or gainsaying, that he may prepare before, and build up after, and we remember not any such stint or restraint spoken of, but that he may also convert, especially before his life is stained with any sinful behaviour, that might bring his ministry into contempt. The power of preaching standeth in the ordinance of God, by the work of his spirit, and not in the person of the messenger, that doth publish it.

THe meaning of these words is, that a godly man is very plentifull in bringing forth fruit, and his fruite exceeding profitable to them that receiue it. Especially his instructions, consolations, prayers, & other spirituall meanes that he vseth, to conuert, or confirme the hearts of his brethren. And he himself also is not without the fruit of his owne fruit, which is intimated here by pronouncing him wise that winneth soules, that is, which with desire, and indeuour faithfully and discreetly, by Gods owne meanes, according to his place and calling either doth draw men out of their sinnes and ignorance, or else faileth of successe therein, not by his negligence, and want of loue, but rather by their stubbornesse and want of will. And herewith the Prophet doth satisfie himselfe, whatsoeuer should bee the issue of his ministerie. Now saith the Lord that formed me from the wombe to bee his seruant, that I may bring Iacob againe to him, though Israel be not gathered,