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

(2.) God hath so Ordered things in Wisdom and Grace, that the Administrators of Holy things unto others, might have Experience in themselves of their State and Condition so as to be moved with Compassion towards them, Care about them, and Zeal for them. Without these Graces and this constant Exercise Men will be but very useless Instruments in this work. And they will not grow any where but in Mens own Experience. For how shall he be Tender Compassionate, Careful towards the Souls of others, who knows no Reason why he should be so towards his own? The High Priest of Old was such an one as could have Compassion on the Ignorant and them that are out of the way, for that he himself was encompassed with Infirmity, Heb. 5. 2. And therein was he a Type of Christ, who was in all points Tempted as we are, that he might be ready to Succour them that are Tempted. This gave him the Experience of Compassion in the Exercise of it. Wherefore when a Minister of the Gospel knows his own Weakness, Infirmities, and Temptations, his need of Mercy and Grace, the ways of his obtaining Supplies of them, the danger of the Snares which he is exposed unto, the value of his own Soul, the Preciousness of the Blood of Christ, and Excellency of the Eternal Reward, he cannot, considering the Charge committed unto him and the Duty required of him, but be moved with Pity, Compassion, Tenderness, Love, and Zeal towards those unto whom he doth Administer, especially considering how greatly their Eternal welfare depends on his Ability, Diligence and Faithfulness in the Discharge of his Duty. And this proves on sundry accounts greatly to the Advantage of the poor Tempted Disciples of Christ. For it makes a Representation unto them of his own Compassion and Love as the great Shepherd of the Sheep, Isa. 40. 11. and causeth a needful Supply of Spiritual Provisions to be always in readiness for them, and that to be Administered unto them with Experience of its Efficacy and Success.

(2.) God hath so Ordered things in VVisdom and Grace, that the Administrators of Holy things unto others, might have Experience in themselves of their State and Condition so as to be moved with Compassion towards them, Care about them, and Zeal for them. VVithout these Graces and this constant Exercise Men will be but very useless Instruments in this work. And they will not grow any where but in Mens own Experience. For how shall he be Tender Compassionate, Careful towards the Souls of others, who knows no Reason why he should be so towards his own? The High Priest of Old was such an one as could have Compassion on the Ignorant and them that are out of the way, for that he himself was encompassed with Infirmity,