especially if they be men of curious ears, and carnal hearts, and have more wit and parts than the speaker. And so it is in private exhortation as well as public: if you clothe the most amiable truth in the sordid rags of unbeseeming language, you will make men disdain it, though it be the offspring of GOD, and of the highest nature.
4. Let all your reproofs and exhortations be backed with the authority of GOD. Let the sinner be convinced that you speak not from yourselves or of your own head. Show them the very words of scripture for what you say: press them with the truth and authority of GOD; ask them, Whether they believe that this is his word, and that his word is true. So much of GOD as appeareth in our words, so much will they take. The voice of man is contemptible: but the voice of GOD is awful and terrible. Be sure therefore to make them know, that you speak nothing but what GOD hath spoken first.
5. You must also be frequent with men in this duty of exhortation; it is not once or twice that usually will prevail. If GOD himself must be constantly solicited, as if importunity could prevail with him when nothing else can; and therefore requires us always to fray, and not to saint: the same course, no doubt, will be most prevailing with men. Therefore we are commanded, to exhort one another daily, and with all long-suffering: the fire is not always brought out of ⟨p. 211⟩the flint at one stroke: nor men's affections kindled at the first exhortation. And if they were, yet if they be not followed, they will soon grow cold again. Weary out sinners with your loving and earnest entreaties; follow them, and give them no rest in their sin. This is true charity, and this is the way to save men's souls; and a course that will afford you comfort upon a review.
6. Strive to bring all your exhortations to an issue; stick not in the work done, but look after the success. I have long observed it in ministers and private men, that if they speak never so convincing words, and yet all their care is over when they have done their speech, pretending that having done their duty, they leave the issue to GOD: these men seldom prosper in their labours: but those whose very heart is set upon the work, and that long to see it take for the hearers conversion, and use to enquire how it speeds, GOD usually blesseth their labours, though more weak.
especially if they be men of curious ears, and carnal hearts, and have more wit and parts than the speaker. And so it is in private exhortation as well as public: if you clothe the most amiable truth in the sordid rags of unbeseeming language, you will make men disdain it, though it be the offspring of GOD, and of the highest nature.
4. Let all your reproofs and exhortations be backed with the authority of GOD. Let the sinner be convinced that you speak not from yourselves or of your own head. Shew them the very words of scripture for what you say: press them with the truth and authority of GOD; ask them, Whether they believe that this is his word, and that his word is true. So much of GOD as appeareth in our words, so much will they take. The voice of man is contemptible: but the voice of GOD is awful and terrible. Be sure therefore to make them know, that you speak nothing but what GOD hath spoken first.
5. You must also be frequent with men in this duty of exhortation; it is not once or twice that usually will prevail. If GOD himself must be constan•ly solicited, as if importunity could prevail with him when nothing else can; and therefore requires us always to fray, and not to saint: the same course, no doubt, will be most provailing with men. Therefore we are commanded, to exhort one another daily, and with all long-suffering: the fire is not always brought out of ⟨p. 211⟩the flint at one stroke: nor men's affections kindled at the first exhortation. And if they were, yet if they be not followed, they will soon grow cold again. Weary out sinners with your loving and earnest entreaties; follow them, and give them no rest in their sin. This is true charity, and this is the way to save men's souls; and a course that will afford you comfort upon a review.
6. Strive to bring all your exhortations to an issue; stick not in the work done, but look after the success. I have long observed it in ministers and private men, that if they speak never so convincing words, and yet all their care is over when they have done their speech, pretending that having done their duty, they leave the issue to GOD: these men seldom prosper in their labours: but those whose very heart is set upon the work, and that long to see it take for the hearers conversion, and use to enquire how it speeds, GOD usually blesseth their labours, though more weak.
