The defects of preachers reproved in a sermon preached at Northampton, May 19th. 1723

USE, I. Of Examination, Whether it be not thus in this Country? It is notoriously known by those that are acquainted with the state of the Christian World, that tho' there be many eminent Truths taught, yet there is a great want of good Preaching; whence it comes to pass, that among Professors a spirit of Piety runs exceeding low. But it is proper for us to take notice how it is among our selves; and tho' it be very evident that there is a great deal of good Preaching ⟨p. 10⟩in the Land, and the way of Salvation is Preached with a great deal of plainness & power, and many men are very faithful to declare all the Counsel of God; yet there may be cause of Lamentation, that there is a great deal wanting in some places: Some may be very much to blame in not Preaching as they ought to do.

1. If any be taught that frequently men are ignorant of the Time of their Conversion, that is not good Preaching. Some are of that Opinion, and its like they may drink it in from their Ministers. This is a delusion, and it may do them a great deal of hurt; it hardens men in their Natural Condition. Paul knew the time of his Conversion; At Midday, O King, I saw a Light from Heaven, above the brightness of the Sun, Act. 26.13. Men are frequently at a loss whether their Conversion were true or not; but surely men that are Converted must take some notice of the Time when God made a Change in them: Conversion is a great change, from darkness to light, from death to life, from the borders of despair to a spirit of faith in Christ. As for the outward Conversation, there is sometimes little difference; men might carry very well before: But as to the frame of mens Hearts, there is a very great difference. Formerly ⟨p. 11⟩they were under the reigning power of Objections against the Gospel, when Converted they receive it as a Divine Truth; before they were Converted they were under a sentence of Condemnation, now they have Peace with God through Jesus Christ. Men are generally a long time seeking Conversion, labouring to get an interest in Christ; and it would be much if when God reveals Christ to them, they should not take notice of it when the change is made; Ten to one but Conscience will take notice of it. When a Seaman comes into the Harbour, when a Prisoner is pardoned, when a Victory is obtained, when a Disease is broke, it would be much if men should take no notice of them. Conversion is the greatest change that men undergo in this world, surely it falls under Observation. The Prodigal knew well enough the time of his return to his Fathers house: The Children of Israel knew the time of their passing over Jordan.