The Method of Grace

First, By tempting the dispensers of the Gospel to darken the truths thereof in their delivering of them, to shoot over the heads of their hearers, in lofty language and terms of art, so that common understandings can give no account when the Sermon is done, what the preacher would have, but however commend him for a good Scholar, and an excellent Orator. I make no doubt but the Devil is very busy with Ministers in ⟨p. 575⟩their Studies, tempting them by the pride of their own hearts to gratify his design herein, he teaches them how to paint the glass, that he may keep out the light.

First, By tempting the dispensers of the Gospel to darken the truths thereof in their delivering of them, to shoot over the heads of their hearers, in lofty language and terms of art, so that common understandings can give no account when the Sermon is done, what the preacher would have, but however commend him for a good Scholar, and an excellent Orator. I make no doubt but the Devil is very busie with Ministers in ⟨p. 575⟩their Studies, tempting them by the pride of their own hearts to gratifie his design herein, he teaches them how to paint the glass, that he may keep out the light.

I acknowledge a proper, grave and comely stile befits the lips of Christs Ambassadors, they should not be rude and careless in their language or method. But this affectation of great swelling words of vanity is but too like the proud Gnostics, whom the Apostle is supposed to tax for this evil, Jude v. 16. This is to darken counsel, by words without knowledge, Job 31. 2. To amuse and bemist poor ignorant souls; and nullify the design of preaching: for every thing is accounted so far good, as it is good to the end it is ordained for. A sword that hath an hilt of Gold, set thick with Diamonds, is no good sword if it have no edge to cut, or want a good back to follow home the stroke. O that the Ministers of Christ would choose rather sound than great words, such as are apt to pierce the heart,