CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

First, The word Preaching may be taken either largely or strictly; largely, for any declaration of the truths of God, as occasion and opportunity shall serve; or strictly, for a Ministerial Preaching, by way of Office. The Greek word [Greek or Hebrew], though it be most commonly used of such who preach by way of Office, and among the Heathens [Greek or Hebrew] is an Officer, yet in the Scripture it is sometimes taken more largely, as Revel. 5.2. An Angel is there described [Greek or Hebrew], crying with a great voice; but more particularly, I observe it once, and but once used of a private Christian, manifesting Christ and his actions, Luk. 8.39. The man out of whom Christ had cast devils, is said [Greek or Hebrew] to publish throughout the whole City,¹ what Christ had done for him. It was a great controversy not long since, Whether reading was preaching? Many to excuse their ignorance and laziness did maintain reading of the Scripture was preaching. Now to this it is answered, That if Preaching be taken largely for any declaration, or publishing of the Word of God, no doubt but it is preaching, but yet it is not that ministerial preaching which is enjoined the Officers of the Church, To preach in season and out of season, to divide the word of God, and that with such faithfulness and ability, that the Apostle crieth out, Who is sufficient for these things? This was more then to read the Scripture. If therefore preaching be taken largely for a publishing of Christ occasionally to others, no doubt many ought to preach in that sense. Thus the woman of Samaria, published Christ to her neighbours, and Andrew called his brother Philip before they were put into the Apostolical Office.² So many private men have writ learned Tractates for the defence of the Christian Religion, and some of great learning have made Annotations upon the Scriptures, though some of them have delivered much corruption. Yea amongst those that are private, not invested with the ⟨p. 497⟩public Office, we are to make a great distinction. Some are merely private, some are by education and abilities in order to the public. Now such may publicly preach either by way of trial, or else by the approbation of those that can judge and ought so to do,