The manner of handling is not inferior to the dignity of the Matter; so plain as to accommodate the most sublime Truths to the meanest spiritual capacity, and yet so elevated as to approve it self to the most refined understanding. He knew how to be succinct without obscurity, and where the weight of the Argument required it, to enlarge without nauseous prolixity. He studied more to profit than please, and yet an honest heart will then be best pleased when most profited. He chose rather to speak appositely than elegantly; and yet the judicious do account propriety the choicest elegance. He laboured more industriously to conceal his learning, than some others to ostentate theirs; and yet when he would most veil it, the discerning Reader cannot but discover it, and rejoice to find such a mass, such a treasure of useful learning couched under a well-studied and artificial plainness. But let the Reader take a taste of, let him concoct, and digest these spiritual Discourses, and he shall say with the Sabaean Queen, It was a true report I heard in my own land, but behold the one half was not told me! Or with the men of Sychar, Now we believe not because of thy saying, but because we our selves have proved and experienced their delicacies. As one taste of honey will more effectually commend its sweetness, than the most elaborate Oratory.
The manner of handling is not inferiour to the dignity of the Matter; so plain as to accommodate the most sublime Truths to the meanest spiritual capacity, and yet so elevated as to approve it self to the most refined understanding. He knew how to be succinct without obscurity, and where the weight of the Argument required it, to enlarge without nauseous prolixity. He studied more to profit than please, and yet an honest heart will then be best pleased when most profited. He chose rather to speak appositely than elegantly; and yet the judicious do account propriety the choicest elegancy. He laboured more industriously to conceal his learning, than some others to ostentate theirs; and yet when he would most veil it, the discernnig Reader cannot but discover it, and rejoice to find such a mass, such a treasure of useful learning couched under a well-studied and artificial plainness. But let the Reader take a taste of, let him concoct, and digest these spiritual Discourses, and he shall say with the Sabaean Queen, It was a true report I heard in my own land, but behold the one half was not told me! Or with the men of Sychar, Now we believe not because of thy saying, but because we our selves have proved and experienced their delicacies. As one taste of honey will more effectually commend its sweetness, than the most elaborate Oratory.
