4. It is a word of comfort and consolation, it is a powerful word, and able to comfort the heart: and the Ministry is very effectual herein (when set on by the Spirit) to quiet, satisfy, and pacify the Consciences of men, which declareth the remission of sin, and whosoever's sins are forgiven, must needs be comforted. Indeed it is not in the power of men to forgive sins, yet they can speak a word of comfort in season by the administration of the promises (the Spirit of God going along with them) and then they are not only declarative, but operative. Where (I say) it pleaseth God to bless and sanctify the Word, it is effectual for quieting of the mind, for pacifying of the conscience, and settling of the troubled soul. Thus you see how powerful the Ministry is; and seeing it is so, this should teach us how to behave our selves under it; it is powerful in it self, and powerful in its dispensation, and hath none of that weakness (mentioned before) of the dispenser of it; 'Twas with you (saith St. Paul) in much weakness, and in fear, and in trembling, 1 Cor. 2, 3, 4. And my speech— was in the demonstration of the Spirit, and of power. These may seem to be contradictory; but 'tis answered, the Word is powerful in the demonstration of the Spirit, though delivered by one of humane weakness, as before is declared. This spiritual power we should look at, and labour after; which power doth not consist in matter of elocution, the enticing words of mans wisdom; nor in matter of voice, which indeed is a good thing, and suitable to the nature of the matter: A quick and powerful delivery is of great efficacy and power, for the setting home of truths. Yet this doth not make a powerful Ministry; for a whisper in the ear may cause a thunder-bolt in the conscience; the power lies first in the nature of the matter; the matter consists in the nature and condition of Mankind, the certainty of the Judgement the necessity of Christ, the Covenant of Grace•, and the graces and privileges thereof, &c. These carry a great deal of power and efficacy with them, when they are carefully and frequently dispensed, and Gods Spirit going along with them, so they become powerful: for the Ministry consists not in empty notions and speculations, that will only fickle the fancy, but never reach the conscience.
4. It is a word of comfort and consolation, it is a powerful word, and able to comfort the heart: and the Ministry is very effectual herein (when set on by the Spirit) to quiet, satisfie, and pacifie the Consciences of men, which declareth the remission of sin, and whosoever's sins are forgiven, must needs be comforted. Indeed it is not in the power of men to forgive sins, yet they can speak a word of comfort in season by the administration of the promises (the Spirit of God going along with them) and then they are not onely declarative, but operative. Where (I say) it pleaseth God to bless and sanctifie the Word, it is effectual for quieting of the minde, for pacifying of the conscience, and setling of the troubled soul. Thus you see how powerful the Ministry is; and seeing it is so, this should teach us how to behave our selves under it; it is powerful in it self, and powerful in its dispensation, and hath none of that weakness (mentioned before) of the dispenser of it; 'Twas with you (saith St. Paul) in much weakness, and in fear, and in trembling, 1 Cor. 2, 3, 4. And my speech— was in the demonstration of the Spirit, and of power. These may seem to be contradictory; but 'tis answered, the Word is powerful in the demonstration of the Spirit, though delivered by one of humane weakness, as before is declared. This spiritual power we should look at, and labour after; which power doth not consist in matter of elocution, the inticing words of mans wisdom; nor in matter of voice, which indeed is a good thing, and suitable to the nature of the matter: A quick and powerful delivery is of great efficacy and power, for the setting home of truths. Yet this doth not make a powerful Ministry; for a whisper in the ear may cause a thunder-bolt in the conscience; the power lies first in the nature of the matter; the matter consists in the nature and condition of Mankinde, the certainty of the Judgement the necessity of Christ, the Covenant of Grace•, and the graces and priviledges thereof, &c. These carry a great deal of power and effiacy with them, when they are carefully and frequently dispensed, and Gods Spirit going along with them, so they become powerful: for the Ministry consists not in empty notions and speculations, that will onely fickle the fancy, but never reach the conscience.
