Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

First, Excellent Knowledge. An ignorant Minister is a plain Solecism, as to say a blind Eye, not capable to perform the Act proper to it. The Office and Authority without Abilities to exercise it, is in vain. The Apostle declares the Perfection of the Scripture, that 'tis profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, ¹for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness; ⟨p. 354⟩that the Man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good Works. He is to instruct the Ignorant, to remember the Careless, to refute the Erroneous, to resolve the Doubting, and comfort the Afflicted. Not only Fidelity, but Wisdom is requisite in the Servant ²whom his Lord made Ruler over his House, to give them Meat in due season. There must be substantial Learning to convince Gainsayers, and spiritual Skill to understand the Arts of the Tempter, who will fail with every Wind, and make use of the various Dispositions of Men to do them Mischief. He feeds the blazing Presumption of indulgent Sinners: He speaks Peace to them when God is their Enemy: if there be sometimes a sad Countenance, the shadow of Repentance, it is sufficient. But he perplexes tender and fearful Spirits, by suggesting they do not mourn enough, to damp ⟨p. 355⟩their Endeavours, and make them heartless in God's Service. Now 'tis a principal Duty of an Evangelical Minister to unmask the Malice of Satan, and defeat his Design: to preach the Word in that distinct manner, that secure Sinners may be afraid of Vengeance, and that the Penitent may apply the Divine Mercy. He that wins Souls is wise. The Terrors of the Lord ³must be set in array against the rebellious obstinate Transgressors; but the indulgent Love of our Heavenly Father, the tender Compassions of our sensible Head and Saviour, and the Consolations of the holy Comforter, are the Portion of relenting and returning Sinners.

First, Excellent Knowledg. An ignorant Minister is a plain Solaecism, as to say a blind Eye, not capable to perform the Act proper to it. The Office and Authority without Abilities to exercise it, is in vain. The Apostle declares the Perfection of the Scripture, that 'tis profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof,