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

No discouragements should deter the Ministers of the Gospel from proceeding in the declaration ¹of the mysteries of Christ, whose dispensation is committed unto them, when they are called thereunto. Among the various discouragements they meet withal, the least is not what ariseth from the dullness of them that hear. This our Apostle had now in his eye in a particular manner, yet resolved to break through the consideration of it, in the discharge of his Duty, So it is with many still. Neither is any thing more irksome and grievous unto faithful preachers than the incapacity of their Hearers to receive Gospel mysteries through their own negligence and sloth. But in this condition they have here an example for their guidance and direction.

No discouragements should deter the Ministers of the Gospel from proceeding in the declaration ¹of the mysteries of Christ, whose dispensation is committed unto them, when they are called thereunto. Among the various discouragements they meet withall, the least is not what ariseth from the dulness of them that hear. This our Apostle had now in his eye in a particular manner, yet resolved to break through the consideration of it, in the discharge of his Duty, So it is with many still. Neither is any thing more irksome and grievous unto faithful preachers than the incapacity of their Hearers to receive Gospel mysteries through their own negligence and sloth. But in this condition they have here an example for their guidance and direction.

1. 1Obser.

And these things lie plain therein. (1) That they use all means, by warnings, persuasions, encouragements, and threatenings to stir up their people out of their slothful, careless frame and temper. So doth our Apostle with the Hebrews in this Chapter, leaving nothing unsaid that might excite them unto diligence and a due improvement of the means of knowledge which they enjoyed. So will they do with them that watch for their Souls as those who must give an account, and Ministers of another sort have no concern in these matters. (2) As occasion offers it self, to proceed in their work. And that (1) Because there are among their Hearers some concerning whom they are persuaded of better things, and such as accompany Salvation, as our Apostle speaks verse 9. whose Edification is not to be neglected, for the sinful sloth and ignorance of others. (2) God is pleased sometimes to convey saving Light to the minds of men, before very dark and ignorant, in and by the dispensation of the deepest mysteries of the Gospel, without such preparatory instruction in the more obvious principles of it, as is ordinarily required. Not knowing therefore by what ways or means, how or when God will work upon the Souls of men, it is their Duty to proceed in the declaration of the whole counsel of God committed unto them, and leave the success of all unto him by whom they are employed.