The life and funeral sermon of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Brand Dr. Samuel Annesley

II. To private Christians; so far as what I have offered to my Brethren is suitable to your Station, make Conscience of it; But add,

1. Improve Ministers while you have them, you cannot but be sensible, God is removing them apace, and which of you hath not said over some Ministers of your particular acquaintance, had I thought God would have taken them away so soon, I would have better improved my acquaintance. Do it now with those that remain, make the best you can of them, all manner of ways. In hearing of them, avoid two Rocks, be neither wanton, nor censorious; do not swallow all you receive like Pills without chewing, because you esteem the Preacher, nor Wire-draw what is delivered, because of prejudice. Do not refuse wholesome Truths, because ⟨p. 123⟩they are not dressed up to your liking: Nor commend what is blame worthy because it suits your humour. How many better then your selves would welcome what you nauseate. Many hungry Souls would count your Orts a Feast; in short, if you did but consider this one thing in Mr. Brand's ordinary composing of his Sermons: Surely 'twould make you cautious of hearing of Sermons ever after, namely, the more then ordinary time that he spent in Prayer, methinks it doth as it were naturally prompt you to be proportionably much in Prayer, that the word preached may be savingly profitable. Christians I propose it to your Consciences, whether serious praying, secret prayer before and after every Sermon you hear, would not do much to cure you of your faults of both hearing and practise. Though we trifle with Men, we dare not do ⟨p. 124⟩so with God. A few serious Minutes with God before and after a Sermon, pray, try, whether 'twill not work Wonders.

1. Improve Ministers while you have them, you cannot but be sensible, God is removing them apace, and which of you hath not said over some Ministers of your particular acquaintance, had I thought God would have taken them away so soon, I would have better improved my acquaintance. Do it now with those that remain, make the best you can of them, all manner of ways. In hearing of them, avoid two Rocks, be neither wanton, nor censorious; do not swallow all you receive like Pills without chewing, because you esteem the Preacher, nor Wyer-draw what is delivered, because of prejudice. Do not refuse wholesome Truths, because