Sermons preached on several occasionsSermons preach'd on several occasions

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 ⟨p. 362⟩them. Though a Heavenly Light shines in their Sermons, if in their Practice they are dark Clouds, the Blackness of Darkness is reserved for them for ever.

Thirdly, Let Ministers, that they may be successful, adorn the holy, and without Holiness dangerous Office of the Evangelical Ministry, by a sutable 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 ⟨p. 362⟩