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

1. When the nature and weight of the matter treated of, or the variety of Arguments wherein it is concerned, do require that our Discourse of it should be drawn forth unto a length more than ordinary, it is useful to refresh the minds, and relieve the memories of our Hearers, by a brief Recapitulation of the things insisted on. It is so, I say, sometimes; a this way is taken once, and but once by our Apostle. When it is necessary, is left unto the wisdom and choice of those who are called unto this work. I mean of such who labouring diligently and conscientiously in the discharge of it, do really consider at all times what is for the benefit and edification of their Hearers. But this is to be done only on great and important occasions; the usual way of the Repetition of the Heads of Sermons before preached, is in my judgment useless and unprofitable.

1. When the nature and weight of the matter treated of, or the variety of Arguments wherein it is concerned, do require that our Discourse of it should be drawn forth unto a length more than ordinary, it is useful to refresh the minds, and relieve the memories of our Hearers, by a brief Recapitulation of the things insisted on. It is so, I say, sometimes; a this way is taken once, and but once by our Apostle. When it is necessary, is left unto the wisdom and choice of those who are called unto this work. I mean of such who labouring diligently and conscientiously in the discharge of it, do really consider at all times what is for the benefit and edification of their Hearers. But this is to be done onely on great and importent occasions; the usual way of the Repetition of the Heads of Sermons before preached, is in my judgment useless and unprofitable.

2. When Doctrines are important, and such as the eternal welfare of the Souls of men are immediately concerned in, we are by all means to endeavour an impression of them on the minds of our Hearers. Be they never so precious and worthy of all Acceptation, oft-times they will not obtain an Entrance into mens minds, unless they have an edge ministerially put upon them. Wherefore they are by all suitable means, with gravity and zeal to be called unto a diligent Attendance unto them. Weight is to be laid doctrinally in their delivery, on things that are of weight really in themselves. And this is the first Part of this Verse, or the Preface of what ensues.