A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

Now that the Ministry of the Word may be an effectual means of grace, and of strengthening us unto all holy duties of a Christian life; there are some things required, both to the right preaching and hearing of it. Unto the former, there are some things necessary in the person of the Preacher, and some things in the act and execution of his Ministry. In the person, there must be skill to divide the Word aright, not only giving a true sense of it to all, but to apply a fit portion unto all sorts of hearers; and a great measure of wisdom and understanding, through the outward helps of study and learning, and the inward illumination of Gods Spirit, that he may be able to instruct those which are ignorant; according to that in the Prophet Malachi; The Priests lips should keep ¹knowledge, (namely, as Josephs corn in the store-houses for the common use, and not a close Prisoner, with whom none may be admitted to confer, saving his Jailer) and the people should seek the Law at his mouth. Unto which knowledge and skill, there must be added industrious diligence, whereby he is ready to preach the Word in season, and out of season, reproving ²and rebuking, with all long suffering and doctrine, although he seeth small fruit of his labours. For though the Minister be never so rich in the spiritual treasures of learning and knowledge, yet if miser-like, he do not communicate them, but locketh them up in his own brain; the poor people are never the better, but may perish in their ignorance, even as he