This fifth and last circumstance, is ⟨p. 145⟩the Application of the remedy. The coal which is the medicine, is applied by 1this Angel to his lips, that is, to that part which was polluted: and as he formerly complained of the pollution of his lips, so the medicine is applied to his lips: Here the Angel, which in this case is made GODS minister, doth teach all Gods Ministers, a great point of wisdom, 2in heavenly Divinity, namely, to apply their Doctrine to their audience, in such manner, as the circumstances of place, times, or persons do require: some Ministers come to an ignorant and unhumbled people, and teach them the Gospel, which never knew the law: here the fiery coal is used, but the lips are not touched, that is, good doctrine taught, but not well applied: for that the law should first be laid to their consciences, others beat all upon the Law, when it may be their hearers are a people sufficiently cast down, and have more need to be raised up with the sweet comforts of the Gospel: others use to lay open the nakedness of the Court in the country, ⟨p. 146⟩and to reprove the faults of Princes and great magistrates before the common people, who have more need of the Catechism: others bring the Catechism or points of ordinary instruction into the Court, where the duties of Kings and councillors should be taught in all plainness and sincerity: others bring their new opinions or controversial points unto popular audiences, which indeed are fit for the schools: other busy themselves about ceremonies, when the substance is in danger to be lost: All these (have it may be) the Coal of fire, but it is misapplied, and not applied to the polluted lips. Let all ministers therefore learn this point of wisdom of the Angel, to apply the medicines of their doctrine to the times, persons, and places, which are infected, so shall they be sure not to take pains in vain.
This fifth and last circumstance, is ⟨p. 145⟩the Application of the remedie. The coale which is the medicine, is applyed by 1this Angel to his lips, that is, to that part which was polluted: and as he formerly complained of the pollution of his lips, so the medicine is applyed to his lippes: Here the Angell, which in this case is made GODS minister, doth teach all Gods Ministers, a great point of wisedome, 2in heauenly Diuinitie, namely, to apply their Doctrine to their audience, in such manner, as the circumstances of place, times, or persons do require: some Ministers come to an ignorant and vnhumbled people, and teach them the Gospell, which neuer knewe the lawe: here the firy coale is vsed, but the lips are not touched, that is, good doctrine taught, but not well applyed: for that the lawe should first be laid to their consciences, others beate all vpon the Lawe, when it may be their hearers are a people sufficiently cast downe, and haue more need to be raised vp with the sweet comforts of the Gospell: others vse to laye open the nakednes of the Court in the country, ⟨p. 146⟩and to reproue the faults of Princes and great magistrates before the cōmon people, who haue more need of the Catechisme: others bring the Catechisme or points of ordinarie instruction into the Court, where the duties of Kings and councellors should be taught in all plainnesse and sinceritie: others bring their new opinions or controuersall points vnto popular audiences, which indeede are fit for the schools: other busie themselues about ceremonies, when the substance is in daunger to be lost: All these (haue it may be) the Coale of fire, but it is misapplyed, and not applyed to the polluted lips. Let all ministers therefore learne this point of wisdome of the Angell, to apply the medicines of their doctrine to the times, persons, and places, which are infected, so shal they be sure not to take paines in vaine.
- 1Circumstance, the Application of the remedy to his lips which were polluted.Circumstance, the Application of the remedie to his lips which were polluted.
- 2Doct Ergo, ministers must apply their doctrine fitly.Doct Ergo, ministers must apply their doctrin fitly.
