The saints everlasting rest

O therefore let me bespeak you my brethren, in the name of the LORD, especially those that are more young and weak, that you tremble at the greatness of this holy employment, and run not up into a pulpit as boldly as into the market-place: study and pray, pray and study, till you are become workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth, that your people may not be ashamed, or weary to hear you: but that besides your clear unfolding the doctrine of the gospel, you may also be masters of your people's affections. It is a work that requireth your most serious searching thoughts: running, hasty, easy studies, bring forth blind births. When you are the most renowned doctors in the church of GOD, alas, how little is it that you know, in comparison of all that which you are ignorant of!

4. Be sure that your conversation be teaching as well as your doctrine. Do not confute your doctrine by your practice. Be as forward in an holy and heavenly life, as you are in pressing it on others. Let your discourse be as edifying and spiritual, as you teach them theirs must be: for evil language give them good; and blessing for their cursing. Suffer any thing, rather than the gospel and men's souls should suffer: Become all things (lawful) to all men, if by any means you may win some. Let men see that you use not the ministry only for a trade to live by; but that your hearts are set upon the welfare of their souls. Whatsoever meekness, humility, condescension, or self-denial you teach them from the gospel, O teach it them also by your undissembled example. This is to be guides, and pilots, and governors of the church indeed.

What an odious sight is it, to see pride and ambition preach humility! and an earthly-minded man preach for an heavenly conversation!