An exposition with practical observations continued upon the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh chapters…

Lastly, observe, That when the heart is full it is a very hard thing, not to give it vent at the lips by speaking. When the heart is full of matter, the tongue will be full of words; the tongue must bring forth the treasures that are laid up in the heart: Who (saith Eliphaz) can withhold himself from speaking? The Prophet Jeremiah, Chap. 20. 9. thought to stifle the message of God in his heart, I said I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, he began to take up a resolution to withhold himself from speaking, but (saith he) his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay, I could not hold it any longer. So the Apostles, Acts 4. 19. We cannot but speak that which we have heard and seen, it is impossible for us, the Lord hath spoken who can but prophesy? ¹that is, who can withhold himself from prophesying when once the Lord bids him speak. Words are the conceptions of our ⟨p. 8⟩minds, and when our thoughts are formed and organized as it were, and grown to perfection, when those children come to the birth a little strength will bring them forth. Or rather, great strength cannot keep them, from being brought forth. It is as possible for her that is with child to withhold the birth, as it is for those that have pregnant conceptions or an errand from God, to withhold themselves from speaking. When David kept silence (it is a strange connection) he roared, Psal. 32. 3. When he held his peace from good, his sorrow was stirred, Psal. 39. 2. Pangs took hold on him as upon a woman in travel, which made him roar. His heart waxed hot & the fire burned, till he spake with his tongue. He was then delivered. Our English phrase of Delivering a mans mind, may hit this sense well. Their hearts are barren, whose mouths are always shut. Who can withhold himself from speaking?

Lastly, observe, That when the heart is full it is a very hard thing, not to give it vent at the lips by speaking. When the heart is full of matter, the tongue will be full of words; the tongue must bring forth the treasures that are laid up in the heart: Who (saith Eliphaz) can withhold himselfe from speaking? The Prophet Jeremiah, Chap. 20. 9. thought to stifle the message of God in his heart, I said I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, he began to take up a resolution to withhold himselfe from speaking, but (saith he) his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay, I could not hold it any longer. So the Apostles,