A Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practically resolvedA Continuation of morning-exercise questions and cases of conscience practicaly resolved

1. For the Subject-matter of Gospel Preaching it is determined by the Apostle expressly, to be Christ crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. Two things Ministers have to do about Him, in preaching Him to them that are without. 1. To set him forth to People, Gal. 3.1. to paint him in his Love, Excellency, and ability to save. 2. To offer him unto them freely, fully, without any limitation as to Sinners or their sinful State. And then Christs Laws or Will to be published to them that receive Him, and are his, for the Rule of their walk, and his promises for the measure and foundation of all their hopes and Expectations, and his Grace and fullness for their supply in every case, till they be brought to Heaven. This was the simplicity of the Gospel, that remained but a little while in the Christian Church; for Ceremonies amongst the Jews, ¹and sinful mixtures of vain Philosophy amongst the Gentiles, did by degrees so corrupt the Gospel, that the Mystery of Iniquity ripened in the production of Antichrist. It was a sad Observation of the Fourth Century, that it became a matter of Learning and Ingenuity to be a Christian: The meaning was, that too much weight was laid on Notions and matter of Opinion; and less regard had unto the soundness of the Heart, and Holiness of the Life. In the beginning of the Reformation from Popery, the Worthies whom God raised up in several Countries, did excellently in retrieving the Simplicity of the Gospel, from the Popish mixtures; but that good work took a stand quickly, and is on the declining greatly. How little of Jesus Christ is there in some Pulpits! It is seen as to success, that whatever the Law doth in alarming Sinners, it is still the Gospel voice that is the Key that opens the Heart to Jesus Christ: Would Ministers win Souls? let them have more of Jesus Christ in their dealing with men, and less of other things that never profit them that are exercised therein.

1. For the Subject-matter of Gospel Preaching it is determined by the Apostle expressely, to be Christ crucified, 1 Cor. 2.2. Two things Ministers have to do about Him, in preaching Him to them that are without. 1. To set him forth to People,