The application of redemption

There must be soundness of Argument, and undeniable §1Evidence of Reason out of the Word, which is able to command the Conscience; such strength […] truth, which like a mighty stream, may carry an understanding Hearer. When the Apostle was to come amongst the flaunting Orators and silken Doctors of Corinth, which so excelled in Eloquence, he brings the trial of their Ministry unto this touch, 1 Cor. 4. 19, 20. I will know not the speech of them that are […] up, but the power, for the Kingdom of God stands not in word, but in Power. Its not the […] of words, not the sound and tinkling ⟨p. 213⟩of a company of fine Sentences, like apish toys and rattles, that will commend our Ministry in the account of God, there is no Kingdom, no Power of the work of the Spirit, the heavenly Majesty of an Ordinance is not seen in such empty shells and shadows: A building with painted walls, and no pillars, would be of little use, and less continuance: A body framed out of Colours, may be a picture of a Bird or Beast, but a living Creature it cannot be, because it wants the soul and substance which should give life and virtue thereunto. So it is when a multitude of gay Sentences are packed together without the sinews and substance of convicting Arguments: there may be the picture of a Sermon, but the life and power of Preaching there will not be in any such expressions.

There must be soundness of Argument, and undeniable §1Evidence of Reason out of the Word, which is able to command the Conscience; such strength 〈…〉 truth, which like a mighty stream, may carry an understanding Hearer. When the Apostle was to come amongst the flanting Orators and silken Doctors of Corinth, which so excelled in Eloquence, he brings the tryal of their Ministery unto this touch, 1 Cor. 4. 19, 20. I will know not the speech of them that are 〈…〉 up, but the power, for the Kingdom of God stands not in word, but in Power. Its not the 〈…〉 of words, not the sound and tinckling