Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

How many Ministers lie down in their Laziness, and wretchedly neglect their Duty, to better themselves and benefit others in preaching ⟨p. 360⟩the Gospel? Idleness enervates and unstrings the Bent of the Spirit: the Mind is benumbed by a useless and ignoble Dullness.

How many Ministers lie down in their Laziness, and wretchedly neglect their Duty, to better themselves and benefit others in preaching ⟨p. 360⟩the Gospel? Idleness enervates and unstrings the Bent of the Spirit: the Mind is benumm'd by a useless and ignoble Dulness.

Some who are deputed Shepherds, may think it a Disparagement to their Greatness, to be frequently in so mean a Work as Preaching: whereas the Son of God was a Preacher of the Gospel. Others make a Gain of the Flock, but put off the Instructing and Care of it to others. They will serve Christ by Proxy, who died for us in his own Person. How can they commit to others the Charge immediately entrusted to themselves? What Exemption can they plead, what Account can they give to the great Shepherd?

Thirdly, Let Ministers, that they may be successful, adorn the holy, and without Holiness dangerous Office of the Evangelical Ministry, by a suitable Conversation. ⟨p. 361⟩Innocence, and Abstinence from foul Sins, is not sufficient to recommend them; but the Power of Godliness, and the Beauty of Holiness must shine in their Lives. They can never effectually teach others what they do not practise themselves: if any Sin reigns in them, their Prayers cannot ascend with Acceptance to God, and descend with a Blessing on the People. Let a Minister preach Divine Doctrine, yet if his Conversation be Earthly and Sensual, he is more likely to harden Sinners than to convert them. How unbecoming and disgraceful are unholy Ministers to their Profession? What a Scandal do they give to the Profane, and occasion to blaspheme their high and holy Calling? Let such prepare themselves for many Stripes: they cannot escape a double Damnation, for the Neglect of their own Souls and the Souls of others committed to