An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

Secondly, In such words as in stormy winds there is great strength to bear all down before them, or to sway all to that point they blow for. As all the trees in a forrest look that way which the wind sits: so all the spirits in any Assembly, are apt to turn that way which words bearing a fair show of reason direct. How often are the judgements and opinions of men, carried by words either to good or evil, to truth or error. And unless a man have good abilities of judgement and reason, to manage what he knows or holds, and to make himself master of it: It is a hard thing upon a large wind of another's discourse, not to have his opinion turned. Hence the Apostle (Tit. 1.11.) speaking of vain-talkers, saith, Their words subvert whole houses; as a strong wind, so strong words blow houses down, They subvert whole houses; as that subverts the frame and materials of the house, so this the people or inhabitants of the house; when Christ breathed graciously towards Zacheus, he said (Luk. 19.9.) This day is salvation come to this house; when false teachers breathe erroneously, subversion comes to many houses. The Apostle (Ephes 4.14.) using this similitude about the doctrines of men, adviseth us to look to our ground, and that we be well rooted; That we be no more children, tossed too and fro, and carried with every wind of doctrine; as if he had said, The wind that blows from the lips of seducers (unless you be well established) will carry you to and fro like children, or wave your tops up and down as trees, yea endanger the pulling you up by the roots.

Secondly, In such words as in stormy windes there is great strength to bear all down before them, or to sway all to that point they blow for. As all the trees in a forrest look that way which the winde sits: so all the spirits in any Assembly, are apt to turn that way which words bearing a fair shew of reason direct. How often are the judgements and opinions of men, carried by words either to good or evil, to truth or errour. And unlesse a man have good abilities of judgement and reason, to manage what he knows or holds, and to make himself master of it: It is a hard thing upon a large winde of anothers discourse, not to have his opinion turned. Hence the Apostle (Tit. 1.11