Ministers exhorted and encouraged to take heed to themselves, and to their doctrine. A sermon preached the 7th of November, at the instalment of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Frink to the pastoral care of the Third Church in Plymouth. / By Charles Chauncy, D.D. Pastor of the First Church in Boston. ; [Four lines from Titus]

Ministers exhorted and encouraged to take heed to themselves, and to their doctrine. A sermon preached the 7th of November, at the instalment of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Frink to the pastoral care of the Third Church in Plymouth. / By Charles Chauncy, D.D. Pastor of the First Church in Boston. ; [Four lines from Titus]

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Title page

An Installation Sermon.

[Page]

An Installation Sermon.

I. TIM. iv. 16.‘Take heed unto thy self, and unto thy Doctrine; and continue in them: For in doing this, thou shalt save both thy self, and them that hear thee.’

THEY are the Words of PAUL to TIMOTHY, his own Son in the Faith: And they are directed to him, not in his private Capacity as a Christian, but an Officer in the Church of GOD; one whom JESUS CHRIST the LORD had counted faithful, putting him into the Ministry. And they were, no doubt, intended for the Instruction and Admonition of all others, in all after Ages, to whose Trust, the glorious Gospel of the blessed GOD, should be committed.

And two Things are observable in them.

I. A summary Representation of the Duty of Ministers. Take heed unto thy self, and unto thy Doctrine; continue in them.

II. A special Motive inforcing the Duty. For in doing this, thou shalt save both thy self, and them that hear thee.

[Page] Accordingly, these are the general Heads we shall distinctly speak to, and then finish with an Application proper to the Business of the Day.

I. The first Thing to employ our Thoughts from the Text is, the Description it gives of the Duty of Ministers; summarily comprehending the three following Particulars. (1.) Their taking heed to themselves. (2.) To their Doctrine. (3.) Their continuing in these Things.

1. The first Article in the Duty of Ministers is, their taking heed to themselves, i. e. their Minds, that they be furnish'd, both with Grace and Gifts; and their Behaviour, that it be befitting those, who are cloathed with the sacred Office. Here it may be distinctly said,

1. If Ministers would take heed to themselves, they must look to their Minds, that they be furnish'd both with Grace and Gifts.

They must express a sutable Care, that their Minds be furnish'd with Grace. Or, in other Words, they must see to it that they be inwardly Men of Religion; Partakers of the Divine Nature; Subjects of Faith in JESUS CHRIST, that Faith which shall purify their Hearts, purge their Consciences from dead Works, & dispose them to an Acquiescence in the Gospel Method of Salvation: Nor can they otherwise be in Favour with GOD here, or have Admission into his Kingdom hereafter. For the Way to heaven is one. 'Tis the same both for Ministers and People. 'Tis not meerly our being Preachers to others, that will avail to our Salvation. We must be Men in CHRIST, justified in his Righteousness, and sanctified by his SPIRIT; or nothing will prevent our being doom'd, at the great and last Day, to a Departure from CHRIST among the Workers of Iniquity. Our first and chief Care therefore should be, to experience in our own Hearts the Truths we preach to others; to be ourselves the regenerate [Page] Men, the new Creatures, the sound Believers, we urge others to be: Nor would any Thing more happily tend to render our Ministry serviceable to the great and good Ends of our being intrusted with it.

Though I would not be understood by this to suggest, as if Ministers must be endowed with saving Grace, or no good Effect would follow upon their Administrations in CHRIST'S Name. I know, the Instrumentality of unconverted Ministers, in the Business of Regeneration, has, in these Days, been compared to that of a naturally dead Man in begetting Children. But this Way of representing the Matter is evidently founded on gross Ignorance of the unavoidable State of the visible Kingdom of GOD. There is no such Thing as certainly securing the Church of CHRIST from the Ministrations of Men, not knowing the Grace of GOD in Truth. Neither People who call Men to the Work of the Ministry, nor Ministers who separate them to it, can look into their Hearts: Nor can they, either of them, make a Judgment of their State by any Thing but what is outward and visible. And notwithstanding the most specious outward Appearance, whether in Word or Deed, their Hearts may be leaven'd with Hypocrisy: Nor can it be known of any Minister, on the Earth, that he is the Man inwardly, he professes to be outwardly. I speak not this to insinuate a Suspicion of Ministers, as tho' they were Hypocrites. GOD forbid I should be an Encourager of such Uncharitableness, or, in this Way, lead any into an ill Opinion of them, to the Hurt of their Reputation and Usefulness! But what I aim at is to show, that there is no knowing the inward real State of Ministers any more than People; and that, after the closest Adherence to Scripture-rule in judging of them, we may be deceived, taking them for converted when they are not. And can it be supposed, that sanctifying Grace should be necessary to a regular or valid Administration of Gospel-Ordinances, when 'tis the sole Prerogative of the great GOD, to know the Persons that [Page] are endowed with it, and the appropriate Work of the SON of GOD, at the final Judgment, to declare who they are? Is it possible that should be essential to the Character or Success of Ministers, in regard of which there is no Church on Earth but may be imposed on? And if Gospel-Ordinances will be effectual to Salvation, only as administred by converted Ministers, whose Administration of them must be attended on? And the Resolution of this Question is the more necessary, because, for all any Thing that we know, or indeed can know, unless by immediate Revelation from GOD, the Ministers we most admire, and have the highest Opinion of, as eminently sanctified Men, may be no other than whited Sepulchres, beautiful without; but within, full of dead Men's Bones, and all Rottenness and Uncleanness.

This confining the Success of Gospel-Ordinances to the inward unknown Sanctity of the Administrators is therefore unreasonable and antichristian; yea, pursued in its just Consequences, it will totally destroy the Use, both of Ordinances and Ministers to dispense them. And however some may be very fond of a Notion carrying in it so much seeming Piety, and zealous in propagating it to the Disturbance of the Churches, and fomenting Divisions in them, they herein depart, both from the Scriptures, and the Principles of the famous Westminster Assembly of Divines, as well as the Faith of the Forefathers of this Country, one express Article in whose Confession, consented to by their Elders and Messengers, convened at Boston, May 12. 1660, is in these Words, ‘The grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacraments, rightly used, is not conferred by any Power in them: Neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the Piety, or Intention of him that doth administer it: but upon the Work of the SPIRIT, and the Word of Institution, which contains, together with a Precept authorising the Use thereof, a Promise of Benefit to worthy Receivers.’ But to go on,

[Page] Ministers should not only take Care that their Minds be furnish'd with Grace, but with Gifts also. It may reasonably be suppos'd, that their natural Gifts, their mental Capacities, are above the common level: Otherwise, they certainly judged ill in desiring the Office of Overseers in the Church of GOD; and it was ill-judged in People to call them to the Work of the Ministry, and still more so in the Pastors of the Churches who separated them to it. But it is not enough that they are endow'd with good natural Powers. These must be well cultivated and enriched by Meditation and Study. In this Way, under the Influence of the blessed SPIRIT, they should take Pains, that they may acquire all necessary Gifts for the Use of Edification; Gifts for praying, and preaching, and administring the Sacraments and Censures of the Kingdom of CHRIST: Nor should they content themselves meerly with an Ability to do these Duties of their Office; but endeavour after a Capacity and Readiness to perform them in an agreeable Manner, so as to engage the Attention, and command the Esteem and Veneration of their Hearers. Especially should Ministers take Care, that their preaching be such as may discover them to be Men of Knowledge and Understanding, and not Babes in Divine Things. It should appear from their Discourses, that they are able to instruct the Ignorant, to resolve the Doubting, to convince the Gain-sayers, to awaken the Secure, to comfort the Broken-hearted; and, in a Word, that they have the Skill to adapt themselves to the Cases of all Sorts of Persons, and to the various Occurrences, in divine Providence, which may be capable of being improved to the spiritual Advantage of their People.

Some, perhaps, may expect to be furnished with these Qualifications for the Work of the Ministry, in an extraordinary Way, without the diligent Use of common Means. But they herein miserably delude themselves. Even TIMOTHY was advised by the inspired [Page] PAUL, in my Context, not to neglect the Gift that was in him; but to make his profiting appear unto all, by giving Attendance to Reading and Meditation. And it is in this Way, together with the Use of Prayer, humbly depending on the Blessing of Heaven, and in this Way only, that we may warrantably hope to acquire those ministerial Accomplishments, which will be an Honor to our Profession, and render us eminently useful in the Places Divine Providence has fixed us. But,

2. Ministers, in taking heed to themselves, should look to their Behaviour that it be befitting those who are intrusted with the Care of Souls. In Order whereto,

To be sure, they must not be Men of bad Lives. A vicious Minister is one of the most misbecoming Creatures in all the World. A Teacher of others in all Godliness and Righteousness, and yet prophane, unclean, intemperate, unjust, uncharitable; what a Reproach is he to himself, and Scandal to the Profession? The Lives of such Ministers are a practical Contempt of Religion, whatever they may say in its Favour while they are preaching. The Ways of Piety, through their Means, are evil-spoken of, and the Son of GOD himself reproached and blasphemed. When others see the Preachers of Salvation living in those Practices that are unseemly in the Sight of GOD and Man, they are ready to esteem CHRIST a Minister of Sin, and to reflect upon his Religion as allowing, or, at least, not sufficiently discountenancing Vice and Wickedness: Nor does any Thing more dreadfully prejudice Men against a religious Profession, and harden them in their Sins.

But besides not being vicious, Ministers should be of a good Conversation in CHRIST. It is not enough that they keep themselves innocent from great Transgressions, that they are blameless, and without Rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse Generation; but they [Page] must express a becoming Care to shew themselves Patterns of good Works; Examples to all they live among, in Word, in Conversation, in Faith, in Purity, in Charity. Such should be their Manner of Life as to be able to appeal to the People of their respective Charges, in the Language of the Apostles, Ye are Witnesses, and GOD also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably, we behaved ourselves among them that believe. This would exhibit a lovely Idea of Religion, and recommend it to the Choice and Esteem of the World, more than the best studied Sermons, while they saw we paid little Regard to them ourselves.

But there are some special Instances of Behaviour, peculiarly befitting Ministers, and wherein they must be exemplary, if they would take due heed to themselves. Thus,

They should behave with Humility; setting before their View, the Example of the meek and lowly JESUS, their Master and Lord; who condescended to wash even his Disciples Feet. They should not, because they have the Advantage of some others in Point of Educations, Gifts, and Station in the Church of GOD, grow big in their own Imagination, and treat those below them with Neglect and Contempt. Nothing appears more unseemly in those whose Business it is to preach up Humility, than the Discovery of a proud and haughty Spirit, a Temper to lord it over GOD's Heritage, and to carry it with Loftiness, as though they might not be spoken to. But of all Pride in Ministers, none is so odious as that which is spiritual. They never appear more disagreeable, than while they are boasting of their own superior Sanctity, trusting in themselves that they are righteous, and despising others; especially is this Vanity detestable, when it shows itself in Contempt of their Brethren in the Ministry; when they are urged on by it to invade their Province, looking upon themselves as extraordinary Men, special instruments in the Conversion [Page] of Sinners▪ while those, into whose Labours they enter, are esteemed and treated by them (tho' perhaps much more valuable than themselves in the Opinion of all sober Judges) as poor carnal worthless Creatures, not fit to preach the Gospel. How much better would it sute the Character of those who are the Ministers of the humble JESUS, if, with the great Apostle of the Gentiles, they appeared to have an Opinion of themselves as less than the least of all Saints, and not meet to be called Ministers? If they preferred others in Love, esteemed them better than themselves, and treated them with a decent Respect? And they would shine still brighter, if, at all Times, they appear'd with an Air of Meekness and Condescension, shewing Humility to all, in their Speech, in their Carriage, in all the Exercises of their Office. This modest humble Deportment is graceful in any, but peculiarly recommending in Men of our Profession. Scarce any Thing will raise us higher in the good Opinion of People; whereas, if we are lofty and proud, its much if we are reverenced by any but our selves.

Ministers should behave also with Charity; discovering a Readiness to all the Offices of Christian Love and Kindness, both to Men's Souls and Bodies, their Character and Usefulness in the World: Nor should they confine these Exercises of their Good-will to their Friends and Acquaintance, those who may think well of them and admire them. This would be to do no more than Publicans and Sinners. For they love those that love them, salute their Brethren, and treat their Friends with singular Marks of Civility and Courtesie. And shall Christian Ministers carry the Expressions of their Charity no higher than this comes to? They ought to shew their Benignity to Enemies, yea, the greatest Enemies they have in the World; those who most injure and abuse them. It should be visible to all they Converse with, that they can put up Affronts, bear Insults, forgive ill Treatment, yea, that they can do good to them that hate them, that [Page] they can bless them that curse them, and pray for them that despitefully use and persecute them.

And if they should exercise Charity in such high Instances, much more should they behave with Kindness to those, who are no otherwise Enemies to them, than as they cannot think and speak just as they would have them. They should not judge such; they should not set at nought such; for one is our Master in Heaven, and we must all appear before the Judgment-seat of CHRIST. They should not treat such with Bitterness, and Wrath, and Anger, and Clamour, and Evil-speaking. This is not the Charity, any more than the Wisdom, that is from above. The Charity of this Kind is peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of Mercy, and good Fruits, and without Partiality. It looks ill, especially in Ministers, to call bad Names, to sit in Judgment upon their Fellow-Christians, and Fellow-Labourers in the Work of the Lord, to determine their State, and damn their Souls. It would be much more becoming, should they be Opposers of the Truth, and taken in the Snare of the Devil, to instruct them in Meekness. This might, through the Blessing of GOD, bring them to Repentance, to the acknowledging of the Truth: But to rail at them will have no Tendency to enlighten their Minds, or alter their Judgments; though it may move their Resentments, and fill them with Indignation.

In like Manner, Ministers should behave with Steadiness; making it apparent, that they are of fixt Principles, and a uniform Conduct. They should not be like Children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every Wind of Doctrine: Neither should they be like those fluctuating, volatile, uncertain Men, who are easily turned aside from the Truth, by the cunning Craftiness of those who lie in wait to deceive. To be sure, they should not vary and change, be of this Party or that, appear in this Shape or the other, as may best sute the sinful Design of pleasing Man: But they should be Men of Steadiness, [Page] consistent with themselves, altering neither their Sentiments, nor Profession, nor Conduct, that they may fall in-with the Example of the Populace, the Humour of some particular Persons, or the Revolution of Affairs, whether in Church or State. Ministers, above all Men, should be stedfast and immoveable. I do not mean, that they should be unreasonably so. There is a Tenaciousness, both of Opinion and Practice, arising from Pride, Ignorance, Prejudice, Heat and Strength of Imagination: And the Men are to be pitied, rather than commended, who are thus stiff: They are rather blindly obstinate, than rationally stedfast. The Stedfastness which would be a Glory to Ministers, is such an habitual Fixedness of Sentiment and Uniformity of Practice, as is the Result of Consideration; and impartial, deliberate, thorow Inquiry into the Mind of GOD, made known in the Bible. And having, in this Way, settled their Principles, and satisfied themselves how they ought to act, they should not waver in their Minds, and be unstable in their Ways. That was the Advice PAUL gave TIMOTHY, in his 2d Epist. to him, Chap. 1. v. 13. Hold fast the Form of sound Words, which thou hast heard of me, in Faith and Love which is in CHRIST JESUS. And the more special Reason of this Advice is added in the 15 v. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me. And the same Advice is seasonable at this Day, and too much so, for the like Reason. To be sure, there is Danger, lest Ministers should be turned away from the Apostles: And they should take heed to themselves, that they fall not from their Stedfastness, being led away with the Error of the Wicked.

Moreover, Ministers should behave with Courage and Resolution; not being asham'd, or afraid, to appear for GOD, and in Defence of his Truths and Ways. It would be mean in those who are commission'd Servants of JESUS CHRIST, to behold the Rise of Error, in Opposition to the Faith revealed by him; to behold the Growth of Sin and Wickedness, in Contradiction to the Law of GOD [Page] made known in his Gospel; to behold the general Spread of Contention and Schism, in Violation of the Order he has appointed: I say, it would be dastardly in Ministers to see these Things, and stand by, and keep Silence. They are set for the Defence of the Gospel; 'tis one special Part of the Work they are called to, by sound Doctrine, to exhort and convince Gain sayers. And now is the Time when they should stand up for the good old Way, and bear a faithful Testimony against every Thing that may cast a Blemish on true primitive Christianity. And if they now hold their Peace, they are too much under the Influence of that Fear of Man, which bringeth a Snare; they are guilty of Cowardice which they can't give a good Account of, either to GOD, or their own Consciences.

In fine, Ministers should behave with Activity and Diligence. Idleness in a Minister is one of the worst Things that can be said of him, and should be most distant from his Character. Be an Example, says the Apostle to TIMOTHY, in Spirit, i. e. as some gloss upon it, "in a sprightly Zeal and Activity for the Glory of GOD, and the Good of Souls." We have a great deal of Work to do, as we are called to watch for the Souls of others, as well as our own; a great deal to do, not only in our Closets and Studies, but in our private Applications, especially to the Sick, those that are gone astray, and those who may be under spiritual Doubts and Troubles; and in our public Performances. And these Duties can never be done as they ought to be, without a good Measure of Diligence and Industry. To be sure, we cannot attend the more private Duties of our Office with Fidelity, and do our Duty in the Pulpit, in a becoming Manner, unless we are active, and fill up our Time with Pains and Labour. 'Tis true, we may loiter away the Week in Indolence, or in rambling about to intermeddle in other Men's Matters, and entertain our People on the Sabbath with some hasty, or unmeditated Discourse: But such preaching has very little Worth. It may indeed pass well enough with [Page] the Weak and Ignorant; but 'tis perfectly tasteless to the Wise and Judicious, who, on this Account, will justly conceive a low Opinion of us. How much more would it redound to our Honour, if we so performed the Duties of our Station, as that it should be apparent to all, that our Heart was in our Business, that it swallowed up our whole Time, and employed all our Tho'ts and Powers? But I must pass on to the

2. Second Branch of the Duty of Ministers, viz. their taking heed to their Doctrine. And they must take heed to it, that it be Christian, in Opposition to that which is the Result of meer Reason; that it be sound, in Opposition to that which is corrupt; that it be important, in Opposition to that which is trifling; and, in fine, that it be real, in Opposition to that which is imaginary. We shall be distinct and particular here. And,

1. Ministers should take heed to their Doctrine, that it be Christian, and not meerly rational.

I would not, by this, be understood to find Fault with a rational Way of preaching. This was Paul's Manner, that eminent Pattern of good preaching. Hence that Remark in his Story, Acts 17. 2. And Paul, as HIS MANNER WAS, went in unto them, and three Sabbath-Days REASONED with them out of the Scriptures. And the like observable Remark we have, in the next Chapter v. 4. And he REASONED in the Synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews, and the Greeks. And 'tis a Way of preaching that ought not to be spoken against. 'Tis the Way in which Men, who are reasonable Creatures, ought to be addrest to: Nor are they treated as Men, if all proper Care is not taken to inform their Judgments, and fill their Minds with the Knowledge of GOD's Will in all, spiritual Wisdom and Understanding.

Neither would I be understood to suggest, as if Reason had nothing to do in Matters of Revelation. So far is [Page] this from the Truth, that without Reason we could never know the Meaning of a Revelation from GOD, or prove it to be one. And 'tis the peculiar Glory of the great and main Points of revealed Religion, that they are perfectly consistent with Reason, tho' they could not have been investigated by it: Nor does a Preacher do more Honor to Revelation, than while he discourses upon the several Articles of it in a Way of Reasoning and Argument; representing them worthy of GOD, and fit to be embraced by Men, though they should, some of them, be beyond human Comprehension. And indeed Faith and Reason are no such Enemies as some may be ready to imagine. There is no Doctrine of Faith, but it perfectly accords with the Principles of true Reason: Nor otherwise might it be received as an Article of Faith. We should never therefore oppose Faith and Reason; but rather consider them as Helps and Supports to each other; for so they really are: Nor can there be Faith without Reason. To be sure, it would grosly reflect upon Faith, if in Order to our being Believers, we must renounce our Reason; for this would be to put off our Character as Men.

But though Reason may, and ought to be employed by Ministers in preaching, yet the Doctrine they preach should not be the Result of meer human Reason. It would be highly incongruous, and justly offensive, in a Minister of the Gospel, to discourse to his Hearers, as though he had no Knowledge of, or Regard to, the Revelation GOD has made of himself by his SON JESUS CHRIST. He should ever appear to be a Minister of CHRIST by the Doctrine he preaches. This should be truly Christian, as being fetch'd from the Gospel. His preaching should not be in Words of Man's Wisdom, but the Truth as it is in JESUS. He may properly enough, upon some Occasions, speak of those Things, which might have been known, by the due Exercise of Reason, without Revelation; but he should not confine himself, in treating even upon these Things, to meer Reason; [Page] but should make Use of the Light that is reflected on them from the Scripture, and take Care to consider them in the Reference they bear to CHRIST. Nor should he be ashamed to insist much in his Preaching, upon the Mysteries which were hid from Ages and Generations, but have been made manifest in these last Days, by the appearing of the SON of GOD in our Nature. The Method of Salvation by the Redeemer JESUS CHRIST, the everlasting Counsels of GOD unfolded to a perishing World by him, should be the main Scope of his Sermons. With PHILIP, he should preach the Things concerning the Kingdom of GOD, and the Name of JESUS CHHIST: Yea, with the Apostle PAUL, he should determine not to know any Thing among his People, save JESUS CHRIST, and him crucified. And the more of CHRIST, not his meer Name, but the Spirit and Genius of his Religion, he discovers in his Preaching, the more worthy will he be of the Character of an able Minister of the New-Testament.

2. Ministers should take heed to their Doctrine, that it be sound, in Opposition to that which is false and erroneous. It should be the pure, uncorrupted Word of GOD. This, the Apostle had principally in the Eye; and it seems, indeed, to have been a Matter much lying on his Heart. Hence in mentioning the Qualifications proper for Ministers, that is one, Tit. 1. 9. Holding fast the faithful Word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able, by SOUND DOCTRINE, both to exhort, and convince the Gainsayers. And in his Instructions to TITUS, as a Gospel-Minister, he is particular in exhorting him to speak the Things which become SOUND DOCTRINE;—shewing Uncorruptness, sound Speech that cannot be condemned, Chap. 2. v. 1. 7. 8. Ministers then should not be as those who corrupt the Word of GOD; they should not, as was complained of the Prophets in ancient Days, prophesy Lies in GOD's Name; they should not, as was the Practice of some in the Apostle's Days, beguile their People with enticing Words, turning them away from the Simplicity of the Gospel: But that should be their Character, Teachers [Page] of their People in Verity; Nourishers of them in Faith and good Doctrine. They should deliver nothing but the Truth, and should do it, as much as may be, without the Mixture of any Thing erroneous: And they should be particularly cautious upon this Head, at a Time, when People will not endure sound Doctrine, but, after their own Lusts, heap to themselves Teachers, having itching Ears.

Would the Time permit, I might here properly take Occasion to enumerate some of those Errors, which, if Ministers should countenance in their Preaching, they would not take heed to their Doctrine, that it be sound.

The first of these Errors is, that which makes Assurance essential to a Man's being a true Believer in CHRIST. The Bible knows of no such Doctrine as this. It teaches, it is true, that Assurance is attainable; that it is the Duty of Christians to give Diligence to make their Calling and Election sure; and that it is a bad Sign when Men are easy and contented, while uncertain whether they are interested in the saving Mercy of GOD, through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. But it no where says, that a Man cannot be a real Christian, if under Doubts and Difficulties respecting his spiritual State: So far from it, that it expresly declares a Man may truly fear and obey GOD, and yet walk in Darkness; Yea, in Darkness to so great a Degree as to see no Light; Isai. 50. 10. It is therefore a corrupting the Truth to tell People, that Faith and Assurance are inseparably connected, and that there cannot be the former without the latter. And those, who deliver such Doctrine as this, justly offend the Generation of GOD's Children, who, in all Ages, have experienced the Reverse.

That also is an Error which makes the Knowledge of the Time and Manner of Conversion necessary to the Thing it self. This is a Doctrine the Scripture is an intire Stranger to: Nor will it accord with the Experience [Page] of a great many as good Christians as any we know of in the World. Conversion, it is true, is sometimes effected in a Manner so observable, that the Time. and Circumstances, may be particularly pointed out: But 'tis not always thus, nor, it may be, most frequently. There is a vast Variety in the Dealing of GOD, with different Persons, in bringing them into a State of Grace, both as to Time and Manner, as well as Degree, yea, and every other Circumstance relative thereto. So that if some can tell when and how they were converted, it is no Argument others must be able to do the like, tho' equally in a good State. A real, thorow Conversion from Sin to GOD in CHRIST, is necessary; and to affirm it to be so is sound Doctrine: but to say that we can't be converted, unless we know the precise Time when this Change was wrought, is corrupt and false.

In like Manner, 'tis grosly erroneous to pretend, as if unregenerate Men ought not to pray; and there needs no other Proof of it than only this, that GOD has plainly commanded them to pray. Those Persons are certainly unregenerate, who want a new Heart to be given to them, and a new spirit to be put within them; and yet, that is the Language of GOD to Persons of this Character, and in Order to their Obtainment of a new Heart, and a new Spirit, Ezek. 36. 37. I will for this be enquired of by the House of Israel, to do it for them. And what if unconverted Men cannot pray in the same gracious Manner with those, who have been transformed by the renewing of the HOLY GHOST? Did not GOD know this before the Appointment of Prayer: And han't he, notwithstanding, revealed it as his Mind that they should pray? Yea, that they should attend this Duty, as an Institution of his, in the Use of which they may humbly hope for converting Grace? For any therefore to insinuate, as if unconverted Men would not do well to lay open their distressed Case before the Father of Mercies, by Prayer and Supplication, with Confession, is not only, in Reality of Consequence, to arraign the Wisdom of GOD's [Page]Appointments, but to restrain Men from that, without which they can have no good Hope, upon the Foundation of CHRIST and the Apostles, ever to expect the special saving Grace of GOD.

In fine, for I must not stay to multiply Particulars 'Tis an Error, and a very dangerous one too, so to mistake the Use and Design of the Righteousness of CHRIST, as to suppose it takes away all Necessity of any Righteousness of our own. Some, not having a clear and distinct Notion of the Gospel Use and Design of CHRIST'S Righteousness, and of our own, have spoken of these Things so as to reflect Dishonor on CHRIST, while they might intend to exalt him. The Use of our own Righteousness. in the Gospel-plan is not to entitle us to Salvation, there is no Necessity of it for this; nor is it sufficient to answer such a Purpose. When we have done our best, we are unprofitable Servanrs, as having fallen short of our Duty: And therefore it cannot be by any Works of Righteousness which we have done, that we are justified and saved; but for the Sake of CHRIST, in Consideration of what he did and suffered, when he stood in the Place of Sinners. This therefore is the Use of the Righteousness of CHRIST: 'Tis our Title to Heaven, that on the Account of which we are interested in the Mercy of GOD to eternal Life. But tho' it is on the Account of CHRIST'S Righteousness that we are justified and saved, and it would be highly injurious to his Merits to suppose otherwise; yet this by no Means takes away the Necessity of personal inherent Righteousness. This also has its Use, and is equally necessary in its Place. It is necessary on other Accounts, though not as our Title to Heaven. 'Tis required in the Gospel, and so becomes necessary by Divine Appointment; yea, and of such Importance was this Appointment, that GOD ordain'd before the Foundation of the World, that Christians should walk in those good Works, unto which they are dispos'd and prepar'd, when they become, a second Time, his Workmanship, being created anew in CHRIST JESUS. And [Page] 'tis by inherent personal Righteousness, and by this only, that Men become the capable Subjects of Salvation in Heaven. Without this, they would not be meet for the Enjoyment of it; nor could they be any more happy, as reasonable Creatures, moral Agents, than Light could have Communion with Darkness, or CHRIST with Belial. But I must not enlarge—To go on,

3. Ministers should take heed to their Doctrine, that it be important, not trifling and Useless. 'Tis observable, there were, at the Time when PAUL wrote this Epistle to TIMOTHY, certain Teachers in the Church of Ephesus, who gave heed to Fables, doting about Questions, and striving about Words to no Purpose. And it was, no Doubt, in Opposition to the prophane and vain-babbling of these Teachers, that he enjoins it no TIMOTHY to take heed to his Doctrine, and elsewhere, in express Terms, not to give heed to Fables, which minister Questions, rather than godly Edifying; hereby exhibiting a just Idea of that Preaching which is not calculared to answer the great Ends of the Ministry, in building Men up in Faith and Holiness; teaching us to esteem in rather trifling than preaching; as being of little more Significancy than a Fable, an idle Tale that is told. The Business of preaching is the greatest and most important that can be. It has to do with Men's spiritual Concerns, to instruct them in what they are to believe and practise, in Order to their serving GOD acceptably here, and being eternally happy in the Enjoyment of him hereafter. And shall Ministers trifle in so solemn and Affair? Shall the Peculiarities of a Party, the Externals of Religion, the Modalities of Worship, swallow up all their Time and Thoughts? Shall they bring every nice disputable Matter into the Pulpit, and deal perpetually in wrangling Controversies, which tend not to Holiness? It is true, they are exhorted to contend for the Faith; and they should be bold in Defence of the great and substantial Truths of Religion, those that are of considerable Importance to the Souls of Men: But for foolish Questions, [Page] and needless Disputes they should not trouble themselves, or their People with them. The Subjects of their Preaching should be the main and necessary Articles of Faith, and Rules of Life. These they should dwell upon; these should be the great Scope of their Discourses; These they should have principally in View, even when discoursing upon comparatively less important Points. And they should be abundant in Labors to explain, and establish these great and essential Principles of Religion; especially when there is Danger, lest Shipwreck should be made of Faith and a good Conscience.

4. Ministers should take heed to their Doctrine, that it be real, not imaginary. What they preach should have some solid Foundation; it should be Truth bottomed on the Word of GOD, and not a meer Notion, a Fancy that has Existence no where but in their own over-heated Brains.

Some, perhaps, may think this a needless Caution: But if they do, it is because they are ignorant of the World, yea, and of their Bibles too. There have always been visionary, enthusiastical Men; pretending to an extraordinary Mission from GOD, and preaching for Doctrines of his, the Suggestions of their own vain Imaginations. So it was in Old Testament Times. Hence that Passage directed to the Jewish Nation, Jer. 23. 16. Thus saith the LORD of Hosts, hearken not unto the Words of the Prophets that prophesie unto you: they make you vain; they speak a Vision of their own Heart, and not out of the Mouth of the LORD. To the same Purpose it follows in the 25. 26. 27. 32. Verses. I have heard what the Prophets said, that prophesie Lies in my Name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the Hearts of the Prophets that prophesie Lies? Yea, they are Prophets of the Deceit of their own Hearts; which think to cause my People to forget my Name by their Dreams, which they tell every Man to his Neighbour.—Behold, I am against them that prophesie false Dreams, saith the [Page] LORD, and do tell them, and cause my People to err by their Lies: Yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this People at all, saith the LORD. And so it has been in all Ages of the Christian Church; yea, there have not been wanting Instances, even in our own Day, of those, who under the vain Notion of being extraordinarily sent of God, have gone about venting their own wild Imaginations for divine Truths, to the great Reproach of CHRIST, and Scandal of Religion. Ministers then should take heed to their Doctrine, that it be the real Truth of GOD, and not dare utter any Thing, as coming from him, but what they can prove does so. 'Tis not enough that they have an Impulse on their Spirits, that they are under supposed Impressions from above. These must all be examined by the Rule of GOD's Word. To the Law and to the Testimony. If we preach not agreable hereto, there will be neither Light nor Truth in what we say, be the Pressure on our Minds ever so lively, or the Thing suggested to us of ever so much Weight in our own Imaginations. I go on to say,

3. Ministers should not only take heed to themselves, and unto their Doctrine, but continue in them. They should hold out to the End, as to both.

In Respect of themselves, it is not enough that they appear to be Men of Piety for a while, but they must always do so; shewing themselves, through all the Periods of Life, Patterns of good Works, following after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Patience, Meekness; keeping themselves without Spot, and unrebukable until the Appearing of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

And then as to their Doctrine, they must not only begin, but go on to preach that which shall tend to the Use of Edifying. It will not suffice, if, for a Time, they deliver the Doctrine which is according to Godliness; but the same sound, pure, good Doctrine should run thro' [Page] the whole Course of their Preaching. Their Sermons, from first to last, should breathe the true Spirit of the Gospel, and be a Testimony for them, that they have not fallen from their Stedfastness, but continue strong in the Faith, that Faith which, by CHRIST and his Apostles, was once delivered to the Saints.

But 'tis more than Time that I pass to the next Head of Discourse, which is,

II. To consider the special Motive with which the Apostle inforces the Duty in the Text; Namely, For in doing this, thou shalt save both thyself, and them that hear thee. Here it may be said,

1. Ministers by doing their Duty will save themselves. The Salvation here spoken of means Salvation in another World, Salvation from Wrath, Salvation with eternal Glory. And what a Motive is this to take heed to themselves, and to their Doctrine, to look well to their Temper and Conduct, both as Christians and Ministers? They cannot, unless they are thus careful, obtain Salvation. Meerly their Character, as Officers in the Kingdom of CHRIST, will not secure them from Danger, in the great Day of GOD's Wrath. Judas, though called to be an Apostle, Yet, went to his own Place. And our Saviour assures us that many, in the Day of his Appearing to judge the World in Righteousness, who prophesied in his Name, will be doom'd to a Departure from him among the Workers of Iniquity. And of all Men, wicked and unfaithful Ministers will receive the greatest Damnation. It will not be enough that they are turned into Hell with the Nations that forget GOD; but by how much their Guilt has been aggravated beyond their's, by so much their Torment and Sorrow will be increased, in this Place of weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of Teeth. An awful Consideration surely! It should make us, to whom it hath pleased GOD to commit the Dispensation of the Gospel, look to ourselves, and to our [Page] Ministry, lest, when we have preached to others, we our selves should be Cast-aways. If PAUL, that Man of GOD, who was not behind the chiefest of the Apostles; no, not in Grace, any more than Gifts, makes this Supposition in Respect of himself, much more may we, who are so far below him in all Christian, as well as ministerial Accomplishments. We should be jealous over ourselves with a godly Jealousy, and lay ourselves out, with all Diligence and Fidelity, to do the Work we are called to, as private Men, and as intrusted with the Charge of Souls. And shall not we be quickned hereto from the Consideration, that, in doing thus, we shall save ourselves? The Salvation of Heaven will be infinitely more than a Recompence for all our Labor and Pains, for all our Services and Trials, in fulfilling our Ministry. Nor is it all, that we shall be saved: But our Salvation shall be distinguishingly great and glorious, in Proportion to the Degree of our prudent Zeal, and active Fidelity in our LORD's Work. This supposes Degrees, of Glory in the coming World. And our Saviour himself supposes the same Thing, when he speaks of a Prophet's Reward, and distinguishes it from a righteous Man's Reward: And the Apostle PAUL supposes the same Thing, or rather directly affirms it, when he says, There is one Glory of the Sun, and another Glory of the Moon, and another Glory of the Stars: So also is the Resurrection of the Dead. And if there are Degrees of Blessedness in GOD's heavenly Kingdom, those certainly bid the fairest to be advanced to the highest of them, who spend themselves, and are spent in watching for Souls, the Souls of other Men, as well as their own: And they shall assuredly shine, in the other World, as the Brightness of the Firmament, and as the Stars for ever and ever. But,

2. Ministers, by taking heed to themselves, and to their Doctrine, will not only save themselves, but them that hear them. Not that this will always certainly be the Effect. Such a Sense of the Words is contrary to the Truth of Fact, and irreconcilable with the Complaints, [Page] which the wisest and most faithful Ministers, the World ever saw, have often made on Account of their Want of Success. Who hath believed our Report? To whom hath the Arm of the LORD been revealed? So spake Isaiah, that inspir'd Messenger of GOD to his People Israel And a greater than Isaiah, the SON of GOD himself, is represented in the New Testament, as bemoaning the Unsuccessfulness of his Ministry, in these same Words of bitter Complaint, as you may see, Joh. 12. 37, 38. And so far, sometimes, are even faithful Ministers from saving the People they are sent to, that their Preaching is unhappily the Means of their being still more hardened in Sin. So it was with the very Apostles of CHRIST. Hence that Remark of PAUL, 2. Cor. 2. 16. To the one, we are a Savour of Death unto Death. Yea, the Prophet Isaiah was immediately commissioned by GOD to go, and preach to the Jewish People, when the woful Effect is declared in the Commission it self. Go, (says GOD to him, Chap. 6. v. 9. 10.) tell this People, hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. Make the Heart of this People fat, and make their Ears heavy, and shut their Eyes; lest they see with their Eyes, and hear with their Ears, and understand with their Heart, and convert and be healed. 'Tis indeed an awful Thing when People receive no saving Advantage from the Ministry of the Word; and it is still more awful, when it proves an Occasion of making their hard Hearts harder, and their blind Eyes blinder; and godly faithful Ministers may be exceedingly grieved, and bowed down hereat: Tho', even in this Case, they may assure themselves they are unto GOD a sweet Savour in CHRIST in them that are saved, and in them that perish. Their Judgment is with the LORD, and their Work with their GOD: And tho' Israel is not gathered, they shall be glorious in the Eyes of the LORD, and GOD shall be their Strength. But to return,

[Page] When Ministers are urged to Heedfulness in the Discharge of their, Duty, from the Consideration, that they shall save them that hear them, it must not be understood, I say, in too rigorous a Sense, as if People might not fail of the Grace of GOD, and of entring into Heaven, though they are faithful. But the Meaning rather is, that, when Ministers prudently and heedfully attend the proper Duties of their Office, they make Use of a suitable and well adapted Means to promote the Salvation of Souls; yea, a Means which GOD has instituted to this End, and in the Use of which they may humbly hope for such concurring Influences of divine Grace, as shall be made effectual to the Accomplishment of it. It is by the Ordinance of preaching, that it pleases GOD to save them that believe. This is the wise Appointment of Heaven to bring about this Purpose of Divine Mercy. And who so likely to be succeeded in this Design of saving Souls, as those who look to their own Hearts and Lives, and express a suitable Care, at all Times, to preach the pure uncorrupted Word of GOD? These, of all Ministers, have most Reason to expect the Blessing of GOD on their Labors: And if the Salvation of Sinners does not follow upon the Word preached by them, they are not to Blame, but those that hear them.

And what a noble Incentive to heedful Diligence is this? Where is our Love to the People of our Charge, where our Compassion for their precious Souls, if this Motive lies not with Weight upon our Minds? The Prospect of eternally saving them who hear us, should warm our Hearts, animate our Powers, and inspire our Endeavours with Life and Vigor. If we might but be happily instrumental in promoting the everlasting Felicity of a Number of the lost Sons of Adam, how highly would GOD honor us? What Occasion should we have for holy Rejoicing? How should we exult in the Presence of the LORD JESUS CHRIST at his Coming? And how unspeakably blessed should we be in the Kingdom of our Father, having such Seals of our [Page] Ministry to be unfading and eternal Crowns of Glory to us?

The Application remains. And,

1. How very solemn is the Work of Ministers! We have not only our own Souls to answer for, but the Souls of our People. Our Charge, as Ministers, is like that, 1 Kin. 20. 39. Keep this Man; if by any Means he be missing, then shall thy Life be for his Life. We are set Watchmen unto the House of Israel: And if we receive the Word at GOD's Mouth, and faithfully declare it; warning the Wicked of their Way, & perswading them to turn from it, by the Terrors of the Law, and the Encouragements of the Gospel, we have delivered our Souls: If they die in their Iniquity, their Blood will not be required at our Hands. But if we are negligent to give Warning from GOD; if we flatter Men in their Sins, daubing them with untempered Mortar; if we preach to them our own Fancies, instead of the Truth of GOD; or, if the Truth we speak be so mingled with Error, so over-clouded with blind Zeal, so accompanied with unguarded Conduct, as to be an Occasion, in the natural Course of Things, of exciting Prejudices in Men's Minds against Religion, and hardening them in Sin; if they now die in their Iniquity, we may have Reason to fear, lest GOD should require their Blood at our Hands. And oh! how doleful is the Cry of Blood! the Blood of lost and undone Souls! How insupportable must be our Horror, to behold the People of our Charge, in the Place of future Torment, and to hear their bitter Execrations; charging their Ruin upon us, our bad Doctrine, which corrupted their Minds; our bad Example, which encouraged them in Sin; our Remissness in our Ministry, which suffered them to go on in their evil Ways, till their Feet took hold on Death! Can we think of this, and not realise what an awful Work we are engaged in? 'Tis indeed the most solemn, Man can be intrusted with.

[Page] 2. How unable are Ministers, in their own Strength, to discharge the Duties of their Office! This Reflection I take from PAUL, who, when he had been discoursing on the Work of the Ministry, exclaims in that Language, Who is sufficient for these Things! And if the great Apostle of the Gentiles, who, besides his strong natural Genius, and acquired Learning, had the HOLY GHOST plentifully poured out upon him, not only in miraculous Gifts, but high Degrees of sanctifying Grace; I say, if the Apostle PAUL, under all these Advantages, was filled with a humbling Sense of his own Insufficiency for this arduous Undertaking, with how much more Reason may the present ordinary Ministers of the Gospel cry out of their own Weakness? 'Tis not an easy Thing, my Brethren, to acquit ourselves with Fidelity and Honor in the Ministry of the Gospel. Our Business is to save the Souls of them that hear us. And O what Skill is requisite so to dispense the Gospel, as that it may operate in a kind and sutable Manner, to accomplish this blessed End! What Knowledge, what Wisdom, what Heedfulness, are necessary, so to convey its Truths, as that they may, with Ease and Freedom, enter into Men's Minds; So to represent its Laws, as that they may feel their Reasonableness and Beauty, and be in Love with them; So to urge its Motives, the precious Promises and awful Threatnings revealed in it, as that they may have a joint Influence upon their Hopes and Fears, preserving a due Ballance between these grand Springs of all humane Action? To dispense the Gospel so as that it may not, through any Fault of ours, be an Occasion of Hurt but Good, is truly a very difficult Matter: And 'tis owing to Pride, Ignorance, Inconsideration, or something Worse, if any imagine otherwise.

When I have been most serious in my Thoughts on the Business of Preaching, viewing it as an Appointment of GOD to save Souls, I have been amazed, rather than pleased, to see Ministers venture into the Pulpit, to speak upon the great Affairs of Salvation and Damnation, with [Page] out any previous Fore-thought. They might, perhaps, depend upon extraordinary Communications from above: But they herein deluded themselves, and imposed upon others. None have Reason, from the Bible, to expect any Assistance from the SPIRIT, much less that which is extraordinary, while they neglect their Duty in the Use of common Means: And it is too often visible, that they receive none by the Things which they deliver.

Nor have I been less amazed at the Forwardness of many, who, in these Days, without any acquired Accomplishments, have thought themselves qualified, and in an extempore-Way too, to address to large Auditories, upon the important Concerns of everlasting Salvation. 'Tis strange any should entertain such slight Thoughts of that, which the Scripture teaches us to look upon as an Institution of JESUS CHRIST. And yet, this has been the Way of too many, in all Ages of the Church. There were those, even in the Times of the Apostles, who desired to be Teachers of the Law, understanding neither what they said, nor whereof they affirmed, 1 Tim. 1. 7. And the same Complaint may be justly made of these Times: For which Reason People need be admonished, not to heap to themselves such Teachers, having itching Ears. I am sure, if Men had but just Tho'ts of the Reference which Preaching has to the Salvation of Souls, and the great Heedfulness which is necessary in Preachers, both in Respect of themselves, and their Doctrine, they would not be over-forward in this Matter; especially, if they had never taken Pains by Reading, and Meditation, and Study, to acquire the needed Accomplishments for this momentous Work. The best qualified Men have been awfully sensible of their Insufficiency for it: Nor can we who are Ministers have too strong a Sense upon our Minds of the Need we stand in of Help from CHRIST; that it is he, and he only, who enables those whom he puts into the Ministry. This would make us prayerful; and give us the most [Page] hopeful Prospect of a Supply from the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST, according to our Need.

3. What has been said affords Matter of serious Self-Reflection to Ministers. Who of us dare say we are free from Blame? We have all our Faults and Follies, and abundant Reason herefrom for deep Humiliation before GOD. Let us this Day review our Temper and Conduct, both as Christians and Ministers.

Let us look into our spiritual State. Others cannot determine this, nor have they any Right or Business to meddle with it. But to us it is a Matter of the greatest Importance to know our own selves. And in Order to this we should prove our own selves, how that CHRIST JESUS is in us; except we be disallowed of GOD. Let us put the Question each one to his own Soul, Have I ever felt the Power of those divine Truths which I preach to others? Has CHRIST JESUS, his Image and Likeness, been formed in me? Am I that holy, humble, meek, patient, contented, righteous, charitable Believer on the SON of GOD, I call upon others to be? If, upon an impartial Examination, we have the divine SPIRIT witnessing with our own Spirits, that we are thus Christians indeed, we may have Confidence towards GOD. And O what a blessed Spring of Consolation would this be to us, under the hard Censures, and severe Reproaches that are cast upon us in this Day of Trial! Now might we take to ourselves the Words of the holy Apostle PAUL, and say, It is a very small Thing that I should be judged of you, or of Man's Judgment: He that judgeth me is the LORD: Yea, we might exult in that triumphing Language of his, Who shall lay any Thing to the Charge of GOD's Elect? It is GOD that justifieth, who is he that condemneth? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the right Hand of GOD, who also maketh Intercession for us: Nor shall any Thing be ever able [Page] to separate us from the Love of GOD in JESUS CHRIST, or to prevent our Participation of the blessed Fruits of it, in his heavenly and everlasting Kingdom.

But besides our private Character as Christians, we should look back and consider, what Care we have taken to fulfill our Ministry. It might be of Service to reflect after some such Manner as this, Was my Aim right in coming into the Ministry? Had I an honest upright Intention? Was it my main View to honor CHRIST in doing Good to Souls by promoting their Salvation? And what has been my Conduct all along in the Course of my Ministry? Have I made it my sincere Endeavour to find out the true Way to Heaven, and to assist and direct my People in their Walk on in it? Have I lay'd out my main Strength in studying and preaching CHRIST JESUS and him crucified? Have the great Truths of the Gospel, those wherein the Life and Power of Godliness consist, been the principal Subjects of my Ministry? Have I in all Things approved myself to the Consciences of my People, by Pureness, by Knowledge, by Long-suffering, by Kindness, by the HOLY GHOST, by Love unfeign'd, by the Armour of Righteousness, on the Right Hand, and on the Left? Have I been constant in bowing the Knee to the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, in humble fervent Prayer for Direction and Help, a Blessing on my Studies and Labours, and that my People, with myself, might obtain the Salvation of Heaven? We have now behav'd well in our Office; we have now done our best to serve the Interest of Souls: And if it should please GOD to crown our Endeavours with Success, O what a happy Meeting should we, and the Souls begotten to GOD under our Ministry, have, in the Day of the Appearing of the SON of MAN! Then should we, in Raptures of Joy, be able to say to the great SAVIOUR as well as Judge of Men, Here, [Page] LORD, are we and the Children thou hast graciously given us: And both we and they should go away into Life eternal.

4. How reasonable is it People should take heed to themselves that they may save their own Souls! And how inexcuseable will they be, if they neglect so great Salvation! Brethren, 'tis that you might be saved, everlastingly saved, that we your Ministers have had committed to us the Despensation of the Gospel. And our Hearts Desire, and Prayer to GOD for you is, that you may be saved: And GOD, I trust, is our Witness, that we would willingly spend and be spent in taking heed to our selves, and to our Doctrine, if we might but be the Means of your receiving Forgiveness of Sins, and Inheritance among them that are sanctified by Faith that is in CHRIST. But this lies not so much with us, as with your selves. Our Desires of your salvation, and most faithful Labours to promote it, won't be effectual, unless you are wrought upon to be thoughtful of your own Souls, and to look well to your selves, that you fail not of the Grace of God. O be persuaded to pay a sutable Regard to the Messages of GOD handed to you by our Ministry! Don't attend on our preaching for Fashion's Sake, and because 'tis the Custom of the Country..—Don't come to hear the Word dispensed with Prejudice, either against us, or the Truth of GOD delivered by us.—Don't let your Aim be to find Fault, and take Occasion to censure and reproach us: But be serious in your Attendance on our Ministrations.—Look upon them as Means instituted by GOD to bring about your Salvation: And wait upon them as such, with an awaken'd Sense, which certainly becomes you, when treated with upon the Concerns of Life and Death.—Let the Salvation of your Souls be your principal View in coming up to the House of GOD. And whenever you come here, let it be with sincere Desires, and ardent Prayer, that you may receive spiritual and saving Advantage; that you may gain a true Knowledge of GOD and JESUS CHRIST; a real Conformity to the Divine Image; [Page] a Heart to do your Duty, and Strength to perform it; and in a Word, that you may have the Life of Grace begun in you, and carried on, as much as may be, to Perfection.

And solemnly realise it, that you may finally perish under the best Ministry in the World; yea, and that you certainly will perish, if you do not make a wise and good Use of it. And if this should be your unhappy Case, you would be without all Excuse. Said our Saviour to the Jews, John 15. 32. And it is equally applicable to all Gospel-Impenitents, If I had not come, and spoken to them, they had not had Sin; but now they have no Cloak for their Sin. If you hear not CHRIST speaking to you, in the Ministry of the Word, you will have nothing to plead in your own Justification. How then shall you escape? There is no Possibility of it: Nor will the Ruin of any Sinners be more dreadful than your's. No Sinners will be found to have abus'd greater Light and Grace; to have more highly provoked the holy GOD; to have more bitterly grieved the good SPIRIT of GOD; to have sinned against richer Advantages, or more distinguishing Favours: And therefore none will drink deeper of the Cup of the LORD'S Indignation.—It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for you.—But, Beloved, we are perswaded better Things of you, and Things that accompany Salvation, though we thus speak.

It will be but agreeable to the Occasions of the Day, and the Expectations of the Auditory, if I now turn the Discourse into an Address; First, To the Person who is to be fixed in the Ministry of the Gospel in this Place; and then, to the People who are to be his more special Charge.

'Tis at your Desire, Sir, that I stand here to stir up your pure Mind by Way of Remembrance, that you [Page] may be mindful of the Commandment of the Apostle of our Lord and Saviour which speaketh on that wise, Take Heed to thy self, and to thy Doctrine; continue in them. Your Care about yourself, that you might behave as is befitting a Minister of JESUS CHRIST, no one will gain say: And in the Course of your Labors, for a Number of Years, in another Part of GOD's Vineyard, you have not only approv'd your self a Man well furnished with Gifts for the Ministry, but a Preacher of good Doctrine, sound Speech that cannot be condemned. We do therefore with the more Freedom recommend you to this People, and act in the Solemnity of setting you over them in the LORD; hoping, and praying, and expecting, that you will be to them a heedful, painful, able Minister of the New Testament.

Let me advise you, Sir, To look well to the Frame of your own Heart. Get, and keep, as much as may be, a strong and vigorous Sense of spiritual and eternal Concerns. This will animate you in your Work, enliven your Performances, give an Energy to your Ministrations, and be apt to engage the Attention of your People, and strike their Minds with irresistable Conviction.

Let your Behaviour also be exemplary. This, more than any Thing, will strengthen your Influence to do Good. It will reflect a Glory on your Character, and give a strange Edge to your Discourses to your People, whether in public or private: Whereas, if they don't find you to be a Man of Meekness, and Humility, Seriousness and Sanctity, it will mightily take from that Veneration, which is necessary to prepare their Minds to receive what you say with Advantage.

[Page] Take heed likewise to your Doctrine; especially at this Day: For the Time is come, when many will not endure sound Doctrine, but turn away their Ears from the Truth; and this, in Matters of no small Importance. The Evidences of Conversion; the Necessity of good Works; the Nature of the SPIRIT'S Influence; the Use of the Holy Scriptures, and of the Gospel-Ministry, have been egregiously misunderstood, and such false Notions touching them spread abroad, as are destructive to Religion, and the Souls of Men. Be then upon the Watch. Continue in the Things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. Hold fast the faithful Word; and be always ready, not only to preach the Truth, but to stand up in its Defence; shewing that you are able, both to exhort, and convince the Gain-sayers.

And let me further recommend it to you to have a special Guard upon your Pulpit, and not suffer any, so far as your Influence will reach, to enter into it, whom you have Reason to think are wanting in Gifts for Edification, or consent not to wholesome Words, even the Words of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness: Neither would you consult the Interest of Religion among this People, on the Order of our Church-State, if you should countenance that Itinerant Preaching, which has been the Occasion of so much Contention in the Land. You are in Principle against this Kind of Preaching: It may therefore reasonably be expected, you will act up to your Principles, and not give Way to any, who may go about from Parish to Parish, as though they had some extraordinary Mission from above. And I the rather take Occasion to mention this, because you will, probably, have a Trial of your Stedfastness in this Respect, as he who first gave Rise to the Itinerancy, that has, of late, been so much in Practice, is again [Page] come among us: And if the Practice ought to be discouraged in any, much more in him who is the Patron as well as Origin of it.

Suffer me, Sir, to beseech you, and my Fathers and Brethren in the Ministry, here present, will not take it amiss, if I beseech them also, to mark this Man who has caused Divisions and Offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned, and to avoid him. Turn your View, my Brethren, into all Corners of the Land: Behold the Confusion in Towns; the Contention in Churches; the Alienations and Separations of People from one another, and from their Ministers: Behold the Heat of Men's Spirits; the Wildness of their Imaginations; the Errors of their Judgment; the Disorders of their Practice: Behold the unchristian Spirit of Censoriousness that has broke loose, urging Men on to the most uncharitable Conduct towards Neighbours and Friends; towards Brethren by Nature and Church Fellowship; and especially towards Ministers, though sound in the Faith, and visibly of a good Conversation in CHRIST: Take a View, I say, of these Things, whereby many of our Churches are so crumbling to Pieces, that there is a Call almost every Week, for the Help of Ecclesiastical Councils, in one Place, or another; and then consider, whether it is not high Time to put on Courage, and make a Stand for the Support of Religion and good Order. And is it possible you should do this, if you strengthen the Influence of him, who is the true Source of most of this Mischief? If you invite him into your Pulpits, and teach your People to have his Person in Admiration?

Perhaps, it will be said, these mischievous Things are only accidental Effects, and not to be charg'd upon him. So far from it, that they are the unavoidable Consequence of that Spirit in which he appear'd; and might easily have been foreseen by any one tolerably [Page] acquainted with humane Nature. What might be expected, in the ordinary Course of Things, but that People should be censorious and uncharitable, speak slightily of Ministers, and judge them to be carnal and unconverted, when the Man they admired, and followed, seldom preached, but he leavened their Minds with evil Surmisings of this Kind, and spake of the Generality of them, in his Writings, conveyed into all Parts of the Land, as talking of an unknown, unfelt CHRIST? What might be expected but Alienations and Separations from Ministers, as useless to the Purpose of saving Souls, when People were taught, that the Deadness in their Congregations was owing to their having dead Men to preach to them, and these dead Men were compared to the Devil in Point of Serviceableness to promote their Conversion? What might be expected, but that People should entertain an ill Opinion of our Colleges, and the Governors and Instructors of them, and have their Minds filled with Jealousies lest their Sons should be trained up in Error, when they were publickly told, That their Light was become Darkness; yea, Darkness that might be felt? What might be expected but that People should run into all Manner of Wildness, Disorder and Error, when they were instructed to give heed to Impulses and Impressions, and govern themselves by meer Pressures on their Minds, taking them for Communications from the Deity? 'Tis impossible but such bad Pinciples should appear in corresponding bad Effects. And shall the Man who had the first and greatest Hand in disseminating these Principles all over the Country, be again caressed, and distinguished from all other Ministers, as though, in Compare with him, they were not worthy to preach the Gospel? Are we willing to see an Increase of our unhappy Disorders? And yet, this will, undoubtedly, be the Case, if Ministers don't now appear openly, and boldly, to prevent that Misconduct, which has already prov'd so detrimental to these Churches.

[Page] I fear there is a great deal of Guilt lying upon Ministers, in doing no more, in the beginning of these Times, to check the Progress of those Evils, which we are now groaning under: And to speak freely, I attribute it principally to their want of Courage to exhibit a due Testimony, in Season, against Errors and Disorders, and going on steadily to shew their Disapprobation of them, that they are risen to so great a Height. And if they discover the same fluctuating irresolute Temper now, suffering those, who have been the chief Sowers of Discord, to take their own Way, and do as they think fit, they may see Reason to repent of their Cowardice when it is too late.

I know it is the Thought of some, that this Gentleman is now come with another spirit. But if he still assumes the Character of an Itinerant, and retains his Humour of travelling about from Town to Town, all over this, and the neighbouring Provinces, where the Gospel is already preached by fixed Pastors, well qualified for their Work, 'tis not fit he should be encouraged. The Bible knows of no such Visitor of the Churches. And the obvious Language of the Man who takes upon him this Character is, That the Pastors of the Churches are not furnished for their Business, or are negligent and unfaithful in it; or that he, for his Part, is one of superior Attainments, more sanctified and better gifted; or has some extraordinary Commission setting him above all other Ministers. And the Tendency of the Thing it self is bad. It strikes directly at the Order of our Ecclesiastical Constitution, and threatens the intire Demolition of it. And can our Churches subsist without Order? 'Tis the Strength as well as Glory of all Societies whether Christian, or Civil: Nor is it possible they should long continue in being without it. And it naturally tends to Strife, and Envy, and Schism, and an undue Preference of one Minister to another, to the great Hindrance of the Gospel. We have already seen such Effects as these. And shall not this put us upon [Page] our Guard? If it does not, we shall throw our selves into further Difficulties with our Eyes open.

I know it will be said, Good has been done by the Itinerations of this Gentleman. And who is ignorant that GOD may bring Good out of Evil. The Question is, Whether this Itinerating Practice, in the Manner it has been taken up, does not tend, in the natural Course of Things, to all Kind of Disorders? And if some Good has come of it, has it not thrown the Country into a Convulsion? Has not the Effect of it been, Hatred, Variance, Emulation, Wrath, Strife, Sedition, Heresies, Bitterness, Clamour, Evil-speaking? And are not these manifestly Works of the Flesh? If ye have bitter Envying and Strife in your Hearts, the Apostle peremptorily declares, this is not the Wisdom that cometh from above. And where Envy and Strife is, he farther declares, there is Confusion and every evil Work. And this same Apostle has set us Ministers an Example, how we should conduct in such an unhappy State of Things. When there was Envy, and Strife, and Division in the Church of Corinth, does he stand by as a silent Spectator? No, but sets himself to do all that lay in his Power to hinder the Progress of these evil Things. And shall not we do likewise? And if we exert our selves to the utmost, can we do amiss, when we have an inspired Apostle for our Example?

I am aware I have exposed my self in what I have now offered to the ill Opinion of many; and 'tis probable they will reflect very severely on me: Not that I am conscious that I have given just Ground of the least Offence to any. I would willingly please all Men, in all Things: But wherein I cannot please Men, and be the Servant of CHRIST, I am at no Loss to know my Duty; and I thank GOD, I am in a Temper of Mind, in the present Case, to do it. Men may call me an Opposer of that which is good, or bestow [Page] on me any other odious Name: But no such Things move me, while I have the Testimony of my Conscience, that I aim at the Honor of CHRIST, and the Establishment of these Churches in Peace, and Truth, and Holiness. We ought, my Brethren, to speak our Minds, and behave like Men, in this Time of Danger; neither falling in with the Humour of the Multitude, or fearing their Resentments. Alas! what is the good Word of Man, in Compare with the Approbation of GOD, and our own Consciences? And whom should we fear, Man, the utmost Extent of whose Power reaches no further than the Body? Or GOD, who can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell? We shall, no Doubt, meet with frequent Trials of our Faith and Patience, and all our other Graces, in a Day of such uncommon Trouble. The People in this Land have a more than ordinary Itch to run after Strangers. So it was in former Days; And we have seen it to be so in our own Day. And this Weakness, we may expect, will be an Occasion of great Difficulty; and it may prove as great a Temptation: But if we don't, in all sutable Ways, endeavour to guard against it, the Difficulty will probably be much greater. HE that is come among us may bring us into still greater Bondage; to whom therefore we should not give Place, no, not for an Hour, that the Truth of the Gospel may continue among us. And do you think, if we put on Courage, and behave with Resolution, it will turn out to our Disadvantage? It may, possibly, for a while; but in the End we shall be no Losers. We serve a good Master. And if we are faithful, he will amply reward us, in Proportion to all the Trials we are called to pass through, for his Sake; and for the Sake of the Souls for whom he died: We shall hereafter be crowned with the far exceeding and eternal Weight of Glory.

[Page] I go on now to address a few Words to the People usually meeting in this House. Beloved in the LORD, we join with you in bowing the Knee to the glorious Head of the Church, who has given you Oneness of Heart in the Choice of a Man to be set over the Congregation. Accept him as a Gift from the ascended, enthroned JESUS: And do whatever lies in your Power to assist and encourage him in his Ministrations among you. Free him, as much as may be, from the Cares of the World, that he may give himself wholly to these Things. Do ye not know, that they which minister about holy Things, live of the Things of the Temple? And they which wait at the Altar, are Partakers with the Altar? Even so hath the LORD ordained that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel? And if he, who is your Minister, sows unto you spiritual Things, you will not esteem it a great Thing, if he should reap of your carnal Things. Who goeth a Warfare any Time at his own Charge? Who planteth a Vineyard, and eateth not of the Fruit thereof? Or, who feedeth a Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock? Say I these Things as a Man? Or saith not the Law the same also? And you will, doubtless, find your Account in well supporting your Pastor. He will, by this Means, be able to make better Provision for your Souls. And what saith the LORD of Hosts? Prove me now herewith, if I will not pour you out a Blessing.—And as you have selected him from others to be your Pastor, let him have the Preference in your Affections. Don't suffer any wandring Stranger to alienate your Hearts from him: This, in the End, will be unprofitable for you: But cherish an inward real Regard to him. Honour him in the LORD, and esteem him very highly for his Work's Sake.—Don't be shy to make him acquainted with your spiritual Trials and Difficulties. Don't go to others to the Neglect, or rather Contempt of him; as though he [Page] had not Skill in such Matters, or would not lay himself out, in all proper Ways, to sute and serve you. This has been a Fault too common in these Times: And it has too much tended to that glorying in Men, which an inspir'd Apostle has cautioned against.—Don't be offended, if he deals plainly and faithfully with you; telling you of your Sins, and reproving you for them. He would be greatly wanting in his Duty, if he should suffer Sin upon you. He is directed of GOD to reprove and rebuke, as well as exhort, with all Long suffering.—Don't think it strange if you should discern in him Frailties and Imperfections. This is no more than may be expected, considering he is a Man of like Passions with yourselves. You should therefore cover his Infirmities with the Mantle of Charity, and ever be in a Disposition, not to aggravate his Failings, but to make all kind Allowances, exercising Love and Candour towards him.—And let me beseech you, Brethren, for the LORD JESUS CHRIST's Sake, and for the Love of the SPIRIT, to strive in your Prayers to GOD for him. Make Mention of him without ceasing in your Families and Closets, that he may be a rich Blessing to your selves, and to your Children.—Above all, let your profiting, under his Ministry, appear to all around you. Think it not enough, that the Gospel by him is preached to you. This alone won't be sufficient. It must have its proper Influence, both on your Hearts and Lives; on your Hearts, conforming them to the Image of the blessed GOD, and his Son JESUS CHRIST; and on your Lives, making them such, in all Sobriety, Righteousness, and Godliness, as the Gospel requires: In order thereto, let your Minds be open to Instruction.—Be ready to embrace the Truth in the Love of it.—Receive the Word with Meekness and Faith, and be ever willing to yield Obedience to it: So will you honour your Profession, and be the Glory of your Pastor; his [Page] Joy here, and Crown in the Day of the Manifestation of the SON of GOD.

I cannot break off without lamenting the unhappy Dissension there has been in this Town, whereby the Redeemer has been dishonored, Religion wounded, and Satan gratified. Who have been the blameable Causes, is not for me to say; nor what might have prevented it.—We heartily wish a Blessing out of the House of the LORD to the other Church and Pastor. Grace, Mercy, and Peace, be multiplied to them from the GOD and FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST! And wherein any, on either Part, have said, or done any Thing amiss, the good LORD pardon them for his Mercies Sake in JESUS CHRIST!

And may the GOD of Love and Peace unite Ministers and Churches in this Day of Contention! And may we all finally have Admission granted to us into that coming Kingdom of GOD, where no Offence shall be given, or taken; where there shall be no Variance or Strife, but Love and Charity in Perfection forever! Till which blessed Time, let us encourage our selves to hope for the Fulfillment of that Prayer of our SAVIOUR for the Professors of his Religion, John 17. 21. That they all may be ONE, AS THOU FATHER ART IN ME, AND I IN THEE; that they also may be ONE IN US: That the World may believe that thou hast sent me.

AMEN.

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Dr. Chauncy's SERMON AT THE INSTALMENT OF Mr. THOMAS FRINK.

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Ministers exhorted and encouraged to take heed to themselves, and to their Doctrine. A SERMON Preached the 7th of November, At the Instalment OF THE Rev. Mr. Thomas Frink TO THE Pastoral Care Of the third Church in PLYMOUTH.

By CHARLES CHAUNCY, D. D. Pastor of the first Church in BOSTON.

Titus ii. 7. 8.

In all Things shewing thy self a Pattern of good Works: in Doctrine shewing Uncorruptness, Gravity, Sincerity, sound Speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary Part may be ashamed, having no evil Thing to say of you.

BOSTON, Printed by ROGERS and FOWLE, for S.ELIOT in Cornhill. 1744.

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Title statement

Ministers exhorted and encouraged to take heed to themselves, and to their doctrine. A sermon preached the 7th of November, at the instalment of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Frink to the pastoral care of the Third Church in Plymouth. / By Charles Chauncy, D.D. Pastor of the First Church in Boston. ; [Four lines from Titus]

Chauncy, Charles, 1705-1787.

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI :

Date

2009-04.

ID [DLPS]

N04334

ID [TCP]

N04334

ID [STC]

Evans 5358

ID [NOTIS]

APX9213

ID [IMAGE-SET]

5358

ID [EVANS-CITATION]

99026186

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Early American Imprints, 1639-1800 ; no. 5358.

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(Evans-TCP ; no. N04334)

Transcribed from: (Readex Archive of Americana ; Early American Imprints, series I ; image set 5358)

Images scanned from Readex microprint and microform: (Early American imprints. First series ; no. 5358)

Source

— Ministers exhorted and encouraged to take heed to themselves, and to their doctrine. A sermon preached the 7th of November, at the instalment of the Rev. Mr. Thomas Frink to the pastoral care of the Third Church in Plymouth. / By Charles Chauncy, D.D. Pastor of the First Church in Boston. ; [Four lines from Titus], Chauncy, Charles, 1705-1787., Church of the Pilgrimage (Plymouth, Mass.)..

Extent

45, [3] p. ; 22 cm. (8vo)

Printed by Rogers and Fowle, for S. Eliot in Cornhill.,. Boston, :: 1744.. (Half-title: Dr. Chauncy's sermon at the instalment of Mr. Thomas Frink.)

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