A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

1. It will be fruitless and to no Advantage to propose or declare the most Important Truths of the Gospel, if those unto whom they are proposed do not diligently enquire into them. And here those unto whom the Dispensation of the Gospel is committed, are pressed with no small difficulty, as our Apostle professeth that he was in this very case. For whereas it is incumbent on them in that Declaration of the whole Counsel of God which is enjoined them, to insist upon sundry things that are Deep, Mysterious, and hard to be understood, when their Hearers for want of a good Foundation ⟨p. 122⟩of Knowledge in the Principles of Religion, or through carelessness in attending unto what is delivered, do not come unto a due perception and understanding of them, it is very grievous to see their own Labours and others Profit disappointed. Wherefore if Men think they have nothing to do, but as it were to give the hearing unto such as endeavour to carry them to perfection, they will lose all the advantage of their Ministry. This Duty therefore is here prescribed by the Apostle with respect unto this Truth, to obviate this slothful frame. And we may on this Occasion briefly name the things that are required thereunto. As, (1.) Sense of a concernment in them. Unless this be well fixed on the mind, Men will never diligently attend unto them, nor duly consider them. If upon the proposal of Sacred Truths that appear hard to be understood, they begin to think that this belongs not unto them, it is for others who are more exercised than they, it is not likely they should ever endeavour to apprehend them aright. And this very frame keeps many in a low form of knowledge all their days; possibly also this Neglect is increased in many, by the spreading of a late foolish apprehension, that we are upon the matter to look after nothing but the Doctrines and Precepts of Morality that are in the Scripture; but as for the more Spiritual Mysteries of Grace we are not concerned in them. Where this Principle is once imbibed, Men will rest and satisfy themselves in the most profound Ignorance; and not only so, but despise all such as endeavour to be wiser than themselves. But, (2.) Unto a due Apprehension of these things there is not only required a sense of our concernment, but also a Delight in them. If the Light be not Pleasant unto us, as well as Useful, we shall not value it nor seek after it.

1. It will be fruitless and to no Advantage to propose or declare the most Important Truths of the Gospel, if those unto whom they are proposed do not diligently enquire into them. And here those unto whom the Dispensation of the Gospel is committed, are pressed with no small difficulty, as our Apostle professeth that he was in this very case. For whereas it is incumbent on them in that Declaration of the whole Counsel of God which is enjoyned them, to insist upon sundry things that are Deep, Mysterious, and hard to be understood, when their Hearers for want of a good Foundation