Preaching of Christ opened in a sermon preached at St. Peters Church in the…

2. From him they must receive their Message. He is King in the Church, and they his Ambassadors, who must from him ⟨p. 31⟩only receive their instructions, 2 Cor. 5. 20. they must speak His Words, Ezek. 2. 7. that the Church may have a proof of Christ speaking in them, 2 Cor. 13. 3. and of the Counsel of God delivered by them, Acts 20. 27. teaching the people the things which he hath commanded, Mat. 28. 20. His command is our commission. We must deliver nothing but what we have Received. I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, 1 Cor. 11. 23. That which I have heard, saith the Prophet, of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, have I declared unto you, Isa. 21. 2. Speak unto all the Cities of Judah which come to worship in the Lords House All the words which I command thee to speak unto them, diminish not a word, Jer. 26. 2. What thing soever I command you observe to do it, thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it, Deut. 12. 32. If any man speak, let him speak as the Oracles of God, 1 Pet. 4. 11. The Lord hath committed unto us the Word and Ministry of Reconciliation, what we do in attendance on that Ministry ⟨p. 32⟩we do in Christs stead, and therefore ought seriously to consider with our selves, whether the words which we speak unto the people, be, for the truth, gravity, and sanctity of them, such, as may without indignity done to Christ, have his name and authority prefixed on them. He will not own the dictates and inventions of men for the Oracles of God. Though it belong to the duty, authority, and wisdom of the Church to direct mere circumstantials in the service of God, so as may most conduce unto that order and decency which God requireth, so as may best become the seriousness, simplicity, and sanctity of so heavenly and spiritual worship: Yet she may not impose as doctrines her commandments,