An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the thirty second, the thirty third, and…

Some speak clear truths, who yet do not speak them clearly. They speak great truths, yet obscure them in their own way of expressions; they who wrap up sound doctrine in hard uncouth words, or deliver it in an unnecessary multitude of words, do rather puzzle and confound their Auditors, then inform or instruct them. And they who speak not knowledge clearly, are like those who mud the waters, or raise a dust in the air, which will not let others see distinctly what they hold or put in either. Speaking in dark words and strange notions, is like speaking in a strange language. They only speak profitably, who speak clearly. We commonly say, Truth seeks no corners, truth would not be hid. What are obscure and ambiguous words, words of a doubtful construction and interpretation, but corners, wherein many hide truth, while they pretend to speak and publish it. Such speakers as well as they who speak in an unknown language, are Barbarians to their hearers. And therefore as the Apostle in reference to an unknown tongue, so should we say in reference to any covert or obscure way of speaking in our own mother tongue, We had rather speak five words that others may be edified, then ten thousand words in hard and strange expressions. Though we speak in a known language, yet doubtful words hinder edifying as much as an unknown language doth; yea such are as a foreigner to their hearers, while they speak in their own Country tongue: 'Tis a special gift of God, to speak knowledge clearly. The Apostle hath left that excellent advice with all who are called to speak the great things of eternal life, (