Here see the reason why the best preaching finds the 1least and worst acceptance at the hands of rebellious ⟨p. 201⟩sinners, that which works, and troubles most, that they most distaste, that which gives the least quiet to them, to that they give the least respect and liking. like children they love raw fruit which will breed worms and sickness, rather then worm-seed though that would prevent both. So men love raw and windy discourses to please sinful humours, and corrupt hearts, rather than some bitter and particular reproofs which would make them sound in the Faith. Ahab will nourish four hundred false Prophets at his Table, feed them with Dainties, and make choice provision for them, that they may feed his humour, and speak good things to him; when he is not able to abide the sight, scarce to hear the name of 'Micaiah the Prophet of the Lord, who would speak the Counsel of the Lord without fear and partiality, 1 Kings, 22. So they in Isai. 30. 10. They say to the Seers, see not; and to the Prophets, […] not unto us right things; […] smooth things: such as might suit their sensual Appetites, and would down without chewing. And it's strange to see when such men have told a grave tale, and vented a heartless, toothless discourse, neither pith […] power in it; I say; it's strange to see what admiration and esteem such carnal hearts will set upon such persons and expressions; great their parts, prudence, and discretion: Oh how sweet and seasonable their discourse, how glad to hear, and how unweariable to attend such: And all the while they may sit and sleep in their sinful condition, and neither have their Consciences awakened, nor their corruption discovered. Squeamish Stomachs had rather take […] a whole week together than a bitter Potion one day. This is the Disease which Paul complains of as incident to the last Age of the World; and therefore adviseth his Scholar Timothy, 2 Tim. 4. 2, 3. To be instant in season, out of season, convince, rebuke, exhort, for the time will come that men will not endure sound Doctrine; but according to ⟨p. 202⟩their proper lusts, having itching Ears, will heap to themselves Teachers: itching Ears must be scratched, not boxed.
Here see the reason why the best preaching finds the 1least and worst acceptance at the hands of rebellious ⟨p. 201⟩sinners, that which works, and troubles most, that they most distast, that which gives the least quiet to them, to that they give the least respect and liking. like children they love raw fruit which wil breed worms and sickness, rather then worme-seed though that would prevent both. So men love raw and windy discourses to please sinful humors, and corrupt hearts, rather than some bitter and particular reproofs which would make them sound in the Faith. Ahab wil nourish four hundred false Prophets at his Table, feed them with Dainties, and make choyce provision for them, that they may feed his humor, and speak good things to him; when he is not able to abide the sight, scarce to hear the name of 'Micaiah the Prophet of the Lord, who would speak the Counsel of the Lord without fear and partiality, 1 Kings, 22. So they in Isai. 30. 10. They say to the Seers, see not; and to the Prophets, 〈…〉 not unto us right things; 〈…〉 smooth things: such as might suit their sensual Appetites, and would down without chewing. And it's strange to see when such men have told a grave tale, and vented a heartless, toothless discourse, neither pith 〈…〉 power in it; I say; it's strange to see what admiration and esteem such carnal hearts wil set upon such persons and expressions; great their parts, prudence, and discretion: Oh how sweet and seasonable their discourse, how glad to hear, and how unweariable to attend such: And al the while they may sit and sleep in their sinful condition, and neither have their Consciences awakened, nor their corruption discovered. Squeamish Stomachs had rather take 〈…〉 a whol week together than a bitter Potion one day. This is the Disease which Paul complains of as incident to the last Age of the World; and therefore adviseth his Scholler Timothy, 2 Tim. 4. 2, 3. To be instant in season, out of season, convince, rebuke, exhort, for the time will come that men will not endure sound Doctrine; but according to ⟨p. 202⟩their proper lusts, having itching Ears, will heap to themselves Teachers: itching Ears must be scratched, not boxed.
- 1Use, 2.
